The Importance of Dogs Maintaining Their Ideal Weight

The Importance of Dogs Maintaining Their Ideal Weight

When your dog puts his or her head on your lap and gives you those wide, begging eyes, it can be hard to resist sneaking them that extra serving of food.

Unfortunately, we dog owners have a tendency to do this too often, and vets estimate that up to 40% of the world’s pet dogs are overweight or obese. While many owners realize it is unhealthy for their dog to be overweight, few realize when their own dog has become obese. That is because it can sometimes be hard to notice. According to pet nutrition experts, James Wellbeloved, the difference between a dog with a healthy weight and being overweight can be just a few pounds.

With so many dogs at an unhealthy weight, it is important owners not only know how to recognize if and when their dog has become overweight, but how to help them return to and maintain a normal, healthy size.

The dangers of being overweight

Just like in humans, being overweight can lead to short and long-term health problems in dogs. Hypertension and respiratory problems create more pressure on the heart and can lead to cardiac issues, while diabetes and liver disease can also impact quality and length of life. There is also an increased risk of cancer with obesity, while some problems, like osteoarthritis, can confound the problem by restricting movement, making it harder for your dog to exercise and return to their ideal weight.

Ways to check your dog’s weight

Before you can know if your dog is at their ideal weight, you need to know what that weight should be. There are a number of online weight charts which give estimates for how much a dog should weigh as an adult according to their breed and sex. However, for a more accurate weight range for your own dog, you should speak to your vet.

The Importance of Dogs Maintaining Their Ideal Weight

Once you know how heavy your dog should be, weigh them on scales once a month to keep track. Ensure you stay up to date on your dog’s health by scheduling a full health check with your vet twice a year.

Finally, if you don’t have any scales at home to weigh your dog, you can do a basic check just by looking and feeling. Generally, you should not be able to see your dog’s spine or ribs just by looking at them, but you should be able to easily feel them below a thin layer of muscle and fat. Equally, your dog’s waist should taper inwards slightly at the hips; if it doesn’t, they might be overweight.

How to maintain your dog’s ideal weight

The best way to maintain your dog’s weight and, therefore, their good health, is to balance the right amount of exercise with a consistent and suitable diet. Most dog food that can be purchased in a supermarket is purpose-made according to the size and age of the dog for which it is intended, and comes with recommended daily servings. Following these guidelines is the best way to ensure your dog gets all the food they need without eating to excess.

Balance the diet with at least two walks a day and plenty of play. Different breeds need different amounts of exercise to burn off their energy and food, so speak with your vet about what is right for your dog.

Once your dog has reached their ideal weight, weigh them regularly and keep a diary to keep from straying outside their perfect range. We understand it can be difficult to resist feeding your dog some occasional treats, but it is what is best for your dog’s health, and if you substitute snacks for play, we guarantee your dog will still show you lots of love.

CBD Oil Side Effects For Dogs and Cats: Risks You Should Know Before Buying

CBD Oil Side Effects For Dogs and Cats: Risks You Should Know Before Buying

Cannabidiol (CBD) is gaining more attraction as studies continue to show the effects it has in helping humans with different kinds of ailments. Pet Life Today says, “Because of the success rates in humans, pet owners have also been curious about how CBD might help their dogs and cats that are suffering from certain conditions. There has been published literature for CBD for dogs and cats, and research in this area continues.”

Before you buy CBD oil for your furry friends — or any kind of CBD Pet Treats — make sure that you know the details, such as the following considerations:

CBD Oil Side Effects For Dogs and Cats: Risks You Should Know Before Buying

1. The kind of oil you buy

As a pet owner with a dog or cat who is suffering from pain, depression, seizures, cancer, etc., you might be too eager to try CBD oil. CBD oil for dogs is available easily at rapidly spreading online markets. You have to make sure that you consult your veterinarian before you try it. At the same time, ensure you’re buying natural, organic oil, and that it is not too cheap. If you want a better purity and quality, the price will be higher than those of lower quality. For CBD oil that you can rely on, click here. You only want what is best for your pets and wouldn’t want to compromise their health because you weren’t careful in our choices.

2. Side effects

Several pieces of literature have claimed that using the best CBD oil for dogs and cats have few if any side effects at all. At the same time, there are also pet owners who have seen some side effects in their pets when giving them CBD. Make sure that you watch out for these signs and symptoms when you start introducing CBD oil to your dogs and cats. Here are some of the reported side effects:

— Drowsiness, lethargy or sedation: As CBD is used in treating anxiety, your cat or dog can appear to be more sluggish than usual, especially with high doses.
— Lower blood pressure: Although the drop hasn’t been seen to be significant, it can cause your pets to be a little more light-headed than usual.
— Dry mouth: Saliva production may be affected when using CBD oil.
— Interference with drug metabolism: If your pet is currently taking medications, it is best to consult your veterinarian. Liver enzymes may be inhibited with the use of CBD oil and interrupt drug metabolism.

You should have these ideas of what to expect when using CBD oil for your pets.

3. Overdose

We don’t know everything there is to know regarding the use of CBD oil with pets. While there may be recommended dosages for dogs and cats, there’s still a lack of resources that talk about safe amounts of CBD administered to animals. Make sure that you start with smaller doses first. Here are some signs of possible adverse effects due to too much CBD oil given to dogs and cats:

— Excessive sedation or lethargy: While more than usual drowsiness can be expected as a side effect of CBD, it is crucial to observe if your pet’s sedation is excessive.
— Ataxia, tremors, and excitement: These are involuntary movements that you can see in pets as an adverse effect.
— Heavy drooling: While lesser saliva production can be expected when using CBD oil, heavy drooling may indicate that something isn’t right.
— Unusual behavior, agitation: Signs that show your pet is uncomfortable and agitated could tell that they may have been given too much CBD oil.
— Vomiting: CBD oil has been seen to help aid in nausea in dogs, so stomach upsets that could lead to vomiting may indicate that a higher dose more than the dog or cat could handle had been given.
Urinary incontinence: Similar to tremors, this is involuntary, and your pet will not be able to control it.

CBD Oil Side Effects For Dogs and Cats: Risks You Should Know Before Buying

If your pet shows these signs, seek medical attention immediately and describe the details to your veterinarian as precisely as possible. Follow the recommended dosage guide according to your dog’s or cat’s size. Some CBD oil brands include dosage guidelines or literature with the product. There are also a few brands that carry different types of CBD oil.

Relevant animal studies have been done, and more research is ongoing for CBD for pets. Nonetheless, you should know the possible side effects and overdose symptoms dogs and cats may experience so that they can be given proper attention. It is also important to do the necessary research before buying CBD oil for your pets. Government agencies in your location may not have yet approved or released recommendations for CBD use for pets, so it is up to you to be diligent when deciding to opt for this as treatment to their ailments. You can learn more at Simply Pets Cannabis Oil.

Pet Tech: 5 Animal-Friendly Gadgets Your Cat and Dog Need

Pet Tech: 5 Animal-Friendly Gadgets Your Cat and Dog Need

Technology has accommodated interests ranging from humans to our furry friends. It has brought an aspect of equality, so let’s stop being selfish and buy some of these gadgets to our dogs and cats! These gadgets can help to keep your pets fit, entertained while you are away and monitor their location so they don’t get lost. These gadgets save you a lot of time and effort, too.

Most pets get lost because they sneak away from their homes due to boredom, trying to find ways to have fun outside. But sometimes they do not find their way back home. Unfortunately, sometimes it is that bad. So if you want your pet to consider you as the best person on Earth, don’t miss out on the following gadgets that we will address here in this article. Continue reading and find out more about them…

1. The App-Controlled Dog Bone

Sometimes you have to be away from home, which means you have to leave your pets at home. So is there anything that can entertain them and provide stimulation? Well, to ease your guilt and their loneliness, a controlled dog bone app has been developed to be a source of entertainment for your dog when you are away from home. This device ensures your furry friend stays active all day long without becoming bored.

This device learns your dog’s behavior according to their weight, breed, age and how they play. The software captures all this information to determine how long to keep your dog engaged. The fun begins after you place a treat inside the device. Your dog will do all kinds of things to get the treat, and it should give him or her a good workout.

2. Tagg GPS Pet Tracker

Tired of losing your cat or dog? Most pets, especially cats, can be clever escape artists. Some can wander away and find their way back home, but many get lost. To help there is a pet tracking device that comes with an adjustable collar, or you can attach it to your pet’s existing collar.

For your kitty a device like this should be lightweight and comfortable so that they don’t even notice it is there.

To that end, Tagg GPS pet tracker is a location tracking device that is attached to your pet’s collar so that you can track all its movements. If it happens that your pet wanders outside your designated zone, the device notifies you via email and text message, and it can locate your cat or dog using the free mobile and web app.

Tagg GPS tracker has been recently upgraded with new features such as the temperature sensor which can notify you if your pet is cold in freezing conditions, or if he or she is in danger of overheating on a hot day. It also monitors fitness levels to ensure your pet stays healthy and active all day long.

Pet Tech: 5 Animal-Friendly Gadgets Your Cat and Dog Need

3. Dog Camera by Furbo

The Furbo Dog camera is a pet-friendly gadget that you should have if you want a “smarter” home. Technically, it allows you to track all your pets activities irrespective of where you are. You can do it anywhere, anytime. The camera system has HD resolution for ultimate clarity, and you can track your pet even in the dark with its night vision feature. There is also live stream viewing which is built on a wide angle lens.

Features

— It has a Barking sensor which sends notifications via smartphone. Therefore, you can find out when and why your dog is barking when you are away.
— It is compatible with Alexa.
— “Threat toss” feature in case of excess and unreasonable barking.

You can also use Furbo to take snapshots and record videos of your dog activities and share them with your friends. That’s pretty cool, right?

4. Pet Hair Vacuum Cleaner

Many people already know that Roombas are the best robot vacuum cleaners for hard floors. However, the big question that pet owners ask is, “Which vacuum is the best for pet hair?” Not all are designed to pick up hair, but here below is the best Roomba for pet hair.

The Roomba 980 is the best model for this purpose. It is often referred to as an animated robot because it has advanced navigation systems that use a built-in camera. It cleans floors, carpets and pet hair effectively, and it has a carpet boost feature for better performance.

Additionally, it has HEPA filters which capture up to 99% of allergens. It has advanced dirt detection capabilities which are facilitated by the leading navigation system (iAdapt 2.0).

Roomba 980 is compatible with Alexa, and it supports WIFI connectivity. This device is reliable and has a longer battery life of up to two hours. Even if the battery runs out you don’t have to worry because it can self-recharge and auto-resume cleaning your floor.

Pet Tech: 5 Animal-Friendly Gadgets Your Cat and Dog Need

5. Pet Fountain

Hydration is important for your best friend, just like it is for you. It supports essential functions such as natural detoxification, and it keeps their bodies operating at an optimal level. An automatic pet fountain creates a flow to keep their water source fresh, thus encouraging your pets to drink plenty of water.

Petsafe Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain is great for both dogs and cats. It has a well-built reservoir which allows it to run for days without needing to be refilled. It has dual carbon and foam filtration systems that ensure the water stays fresh for a long time. It has a large capacity, and its plastic parts make for easy cleaning. Don’t let your pets get thirsty while you are away when you can get them a gadget like this to quench their thirst.

Final Summary

If you are looking for a way to pamper your pets with the best tech gadgets, then highlighted here are some of the best gadgets that are worth having. Technology has rapidly become a part of our daily lives and in some cases can make our lives at home easier and more enjoyable. And don’t forget to get one of these gadgets for your furry friend!

Click here to find out more about the best available dog hair trimmers >>

Dog Sitting 101: How to Become a Professional Dog Sitter

Dog Sitting 101: How to Become a Professional Dog Sitter

Do you love dogs and would gladly play, walk, or snuggle with them? Well, you might be interested in becoming a professional dog sitter. After all, spending on pets is up 90%, and owners are willingly paying money to have their pets kept happy while they are away.

A professional dog sitter is a type of pet sitter responsible for taking care of dogs when the owners can’t. Basically, you pick up the dogs from the owner’s house, walk them, feed them enough water and food, and keep them safe. Animal care and service workers such as dog walkers require few training and education prerequisites. You can learn a lot about animal-related careers on vocationaltraininghq.com. To get into the professional dog sitting business, you can work for a reputable dog sitting company such as Mad Paws Dog Sitting or start your own.

Here are the steps to become a professional dog sitter…

1. Obtain a high school diploma. There are no official educational requirements in becoming a professional dog walker, but animal care organizations prefer those with GED or a high school diploma. The animal science background from high school will prepare the applicants for this career opportunity. Other high school activities that involve responsibilities such as taking care of pets or animals will also help in forming a love for these creatures, which is an essential requirement for pet sitters.

2. Start classes. Various organizations provide training courses for aspiring pet caregivers and pet owners. Some colleges offer courses or certificate programs on animal care or dog sitting. These courses will usually cover topics in dog obedience, pet grooming, disease prevention, and animal behavior and nutrition.

Be certified! Some training programs include certification for dog sitters that will cover on-site training related to first aid, animal body language, leash training, and dog behavior. Certification may require passing an exam.

3. Gain experience. Aspiring professional dog sitters can also undergo on-the-job training offered by well-known dog sitting businesses. You can also opt to volunteer for dog sitting positions at various animal welfare organizations. Here, you will learn how to transport animals safely, feed them properly, correctly dispose of their wastes, and control leashed animals.

If you are planning to start a dog sitting business in the future, you can gain useful experience by working with professionals. Here, you can study how managers talk with clients, control finances, schedule dog walker shifts, and run promotional campaigns.

4. Consider business courses. This is important if you are planning to get into a professional dog sitting business of your own. Before establishing your own business, you may want to learn about the different business practices in this field, which you will obtain from taking up business courses. These courses are usually offered by organizations or universities that offer certificate programs that specialize in teaching skills related to the animal care industry. Expect to learn about getting insurance, establishing your business plan, setting fees, and promoting and operating an animal care business.

Dog Sitting 101: How to Become a Professional Dog Sitter

5. Obtain licensing. An employed professional dog sitter needs to know about the laws and licensing prerequisites in the animal care business. Some cities, for example, have restrictions on the number of dogs a sitter can walk at the same time. There are also other policies that a dog sitter should know. This includes reporting procedures for lost animals, dog waste disposal, animal transportation safety, and leash laws.

Self-employed professional dog sitters are also required to obtain business licenses with government agencies. They may also need permits for walking the dogs within city parks. Liability insurance will be helpful especially if something unexpected happens to the dog, dog sitter, or owner. Independent professional dog sitters also need to track vaccination history and record dog license numbers.

Professional dog sitters and business owners who transport animals should keep their business and drivers’ licenses consistent with local laws. Certified dog sitters are also required to renew their certifications. Renewal may require retaking exams, paying fees, or finishing education courses needed for animal care.

Summary…

For you to become a professional dog sitter, you should have at least a GED or high school diploma and take courses on animal care. You should also be comfortable around and sympathetic to dogs and their owners. To learn more about controlling dogs and specific policies related to the animal care business, becoming certified is an excellent option. Self-employed dog sitters or those who need to transport the animals by car must have their business and drivers’ licenses.

CBD Oil for Dogs: What to Expect Once Your Pet Uses It

CBD Oil for Dogs: What to Expect Once Your Pet Uses It

Using cannabidiol (CBD) oil for dogs isn’t yet a widely accepted medical option, but it should be. Just ask the thousands of pet owners who swear by the benefits of CBD oil for dogs.

Where traditional medicine fails, opportunities for alternative medication thrive. Studies show that CBD oil helps treat the following issues in humans:

— Arthritis
— Epilepsy
— Chronic pain
— Inflammation
— Irregular heart rate
— Damaged blood vessels
— High blood pressure
— Vomiting
— Nausea
— Motion sickness
— Separation anxiety
— Noise anxiety

Studies of CBD use for pets are few and far between due to the social stigma that all cannabis-derived products are toxic.

While veterinarians in the USA are still rallying for the legal right to study CBD oil for dogs, many pet owners have begun to raise awareness themselves about the benefits of CBD for their beloved pets. Thanks to them, we have a clear picture of what benefits and effects CBD has on dogs.

What is CBD oil?

CBD helps maintain and restore the body’s homeostasis by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). CBD oil is derived from the hemp strain of the cannabis plant. The hemp strain provides users with the medical benefits of marijuana — but without the psychoactive “high.”

Products made from the hemp strain of cannabis contain very low levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), often below 0.3%. THC is the substance that gives the users the “high” sensation. Marijuana has over 20% THC.

CBD Oil for Dogs: What to Expect Once Your Pet Uses It

Why won’t my vet recommend CBD oil?

That’s because they can’t. Studying and especially recommending CBD can cause legal complications for veterinarians because federal law still views marijuana as a dangerous substance.

“Clients are asking us, and it’s our obligation morally and ethically to address these cases,” Dr. Richard Sullivan of the AVMA told Congress in 2017. “We need the research, and we need our national association to represent us at [the] FDA and get things moving… we do need to be in the conversation.”

“Our clients come in almost daily asking us about the use of marijuana,” Dr. Diana Thome said. “Legally, I can’t tell them anything… other than to say I can’t advise them to use it.”

It doesn’t help that anything cannabis related has a bad reputation; people assume that hemp is harmful to both humans and pets.

What are the effects of CBD oil on dogs?

CBD oil for dogs has several benefits, but like all medication, they may come with side effects.

First, allow us to emphasize: CBD oil will not get your dog high.

Because of CBD’s low THC levels, it is improbable that your dog will get high unless you give them an extremely high dose of CBD oil.

As for side effects, cannabidiol oil has been observed to cause the following in humans:

— Lethargy
— Changes in weight
— Decreased or increased appetite
— Diarrhea

While there have been no reported side effects on dogs, pet owners should still be careful about giving CBD to their pets. Of course, like humans, different dogs have different reactions to CBD. Some may react better than others — and that’s okay.

To test your pet’s compatibility with CBD, do the following:

1. Start by giving the lowest recommended dose of CBD oil.
2. Observe your pet’s reactions, if any, to CBD.
3. Gradually increase the dosage until you reach the recommended dose.
4. Keep observing your dog for both negative and positive reactions or side effects.

CBD Oil for Dogs: What to Expect Once Your Pet Uses It

What if I give my dog too much CBD?

While pet owners always have good intentions, they sometimes make mistakes regarding dosage. If you suspect that your dog has overdosed on CBD, contact your vet immediately.

Here are the warning signs that your dog overdosed on CBD according to the Federal Drug Association:

— Lethargy
— Depression
— Heavy drooling
— Vomiting
— Agitation
— Tremors
— Unusual behavior

While CBD is made organically from plants, too much of a good thing always ends up being harmful. Like other medications, CBD should be administered in the correct dosage only.

CBD is an excellent option for pets’ medical issues that can’t be solved by traditional medication. With proper research and the right mindset about CBD, you can open the door to more medical possibilities than you would ever have thought possible.

To learn more about CBD oil for dogs, click here.

Is Your Air Conditioner Affecting Your Pet's Health?

Is Your Air Conditioner Affecting Your Pet’s Health?

If you are like most people, you love your pets and treat them like family. You feed and give them water each day, as well as spend time with them outside so that they get plenty of exercise, allowing them to stay in top shape. What you might not know is that your air conditioner can impact pet health in more ways than you realize.

Learning about the ways your air conditioner affects the health of your pets is vital if you would like to prevent them from getting sick when you least expect it. This guide explores the topic and gives you tips on how you can avoid common problems and ensure your furry friends stay happy and safe. You will have no trouble protecting your pet and optimizing your indoor air quality as long as you keep this advice in mind.

Indoor Air Pollutants

There are some common indoor air pollutants that can impact your pets:

— Tobacco Smoke
— Allergens
— Cleaning Chemicals
— Many More

If you or anyone in your home smokes inside, tobacco can build up in your home and expose your pets to secondhand smoke. Depending on where you live, the same allergens that give you unpleasant symptoms can also play a role in pet health that you don’t want to overlook if you care about your animals.

The lingering odor from standard cleaning chemicals can harm your pets if you don’t take proactive steps to protect them. While most people understand that indoor pollutants can hurt their own health, many forget that their pets are also at risk. Being aware of the threat is a powerful step in the right direction that improves your odds of keeping your pets healthy for years to come. You can follow a plan to reduce toxins in the air, and you and your pet will breathe a lot easier.

Is Your Air Conditioner Affecting Your Pet's Health?

What Good Indoor Air Quality Does for Your Pets

Poor indoor air quality can impact your pets in many ways, such as increasing their risk for respiratory diseases and causing discomfort. The good news is that you can prevent and reverse most of those issues by maintaining proper air quality. Doing so allows your pet to avoid a range of health hazards and stay in top shape for as long as possible. Maintaining the quality of your air can increase your pet’s life expectancy to give you years of wonderful memories.

Is Your Air Conditioner Running at Optimum Performance?

Now that you know the potential danger of poor air quality and how it might affect your pets, it’s time to consider how your air conditioner impacts the health of your pet. Your air conditioner’s filters remove many harmful toxins and pathogens from the air and enhance the quality of the air you breathe.

If you don’t ensure your system is running at its best, it won’t be effective at cleaning the air in your home. A new filter will collect dust and other undesirable things from the air and give you impressive results. If you want to enjoy the benefits and protect your pet, clean and change your filters regularly before they stop working. Having an air conditioner technician give your unit a tuneup each year is another smart move that will boost your air quality.

Final Thoughts

A well-maintained air conditioner will collect allergens, pathogens and other harmful substances from the air so that they don’t circulate throughout your home. Since your air conditioner won’t do its job if you don’t maintain it, ensure you change the filters and take other steps to keep your air conditioner running well. You and your pet will then enjoy enhanced air quality and a reduced risk for a range of diseases.

How To Clean Your Dog's Ears

How To Clean Your Dog’s Ears

Ear cleaning is just one of the essential responsibilities of being a dog owner. All dogs, regardless of shape, size, or age, should have their ears cleaned every now and then, but there are some dogs that require frequent cleaning, especially breeds that are prone to ear infections.

Before we dive in, there are three important things that you should know from the get-go about your dogs’ ears:

1. Dog ears are sensitive, just like humans’ ears are, and require regular maintenance to keep infections at bay.

2. Dogs generally won’t want to get their ears cleaned, so you’ll have to be patient and work with them — it’s best to make it an enjoyable and stress-free experience as much as possible.

3. You can cause serious physical damage to the ear canal if you aren’t extra careful and take the proper steps when cleaning out the gunk in their ears.

Dogs’ ears are sensitive, and periodic and regular at-home examinations and cleanings will allow you to detect any signs of ear infections or issues early-on. Neglecting the maintenance of healthy dog ears could lead to ear problems and infection, which could further transition into chronic disease or hearing loss.

How Can I Help Prevent Ear Infections?

Regular cleanings are a great and efficient way to help your dog or cat avoid painful discomfort or infections. Your safest bet is to use mild ear cleaners specifically designed for pets. It’s important that you check your dog’s ears at least once a week and perform routine cleaning and at-home examinations. Here’s a few tips you can follow to help prevent ear infections:

— Dry your pet’s ears after they take a bath or go out for a swim. Moisture is one of the key causes of ear infections that often goes overlooked.
— Remove excessive hair on your dog’s ears. This can be done by a groomer, or you can ask your veterinarian to demonstrate the proper technique for removing excess hair in the ears.
— Regularly clean your dog’s outer ear with a mild ear cleaner intended for use on pets. Dampen a cotton ball and gently clean the outer ear. Ensure that the outer ear is not soaking wet. Proper steps on how to clean your dog’s ears with an ear cleaner will be discussed later in this article.

How Do I Know If My Dog Has an Ear Infection?

Sometimes, it’s normal for our pets to exhibit signs of ear irritation, but how do we differentiate that with an ear infection? As your pet’s owner, initially keeping an eye on your dog’s everyday behavior and physical health will indicate when your dog begins to show signs of acting abnormally that may require a visit to the vet. Some symptoms of a possible ear infection include:

— Dark, smelly discharge from the ear
— Crust or scabs on the inside of the outer ear
— Ear redness and swelling
— Scratching, pawing, or rubbing at the ears or the surrounding area
— Head shaking or tilting of the head
— Hearing loss
— Foul odor emitting from the ears
— Sensitivity or pain around the ears

How To Clean Your Dog's Ears

Causes of Ear Infections

Ear infections in canines are often caused by bacteria. Unlike the human ear canal, which is horizontal, the ear canal of dogs’ ears are vertical, making it susceptible to foreign bodies such as debris and moisture to enter the ear canal and stay trapped, eventually accumulating and resulting in the build up of excessive ear wax. Aside from foreign bodies, one common cause of infection is the result of built-up moisture from bathing, grooming, or swimming, which can inhibit growth of microorganisms. According to the American Kennel Club, the most common factors that contribute to ear infections include:

— Allergies
— Bacteria
— Drug reactions
— Endocrine disorders
— Excessive cleaning
— Foreign bodies
— Injury
— Meningitis or encephalitis
— Mites (more common in puppies than in adults)
— Moisture
— Thyroid disorders
— Wax buildup

How To Clean Your Dog’s’ Ears

Like mentioned in the first part of this article, dogs generally won’t want to get their ears clean. As important as it is, it’s also equally important that you don’t get any potential gunk on you! It’s recommended that you clean your dog’s ears inside the bathroom, or somewhere that you wouldn’t mind a potential mess.

What Do I Need to Clean my Dog’s Ears?

When cleaning your dog’s ears at home, it is best advised not to use Q-tips, as they could push debris further down the ear canal or damage the sensitive parts of the ear, which could lead to further complications. All you need to clean your dog’s ears are a safe-grade and good quality ear cleaning solution, cotton balls or gauze, and treats to reward your furry friend to reinforce positive behavior.

You’ll also want to steer away from using alcohol. Alcohol can damage sensitive parts of the inner ear canal. Aside from that, any general application of alcohol to an open source will usually sting, and you can only imagine how painful and uncomfortable that would be for your pet!

Use mild ear cleaning solutions specifically designed for pet use. For instance, InnovetPet’s PurOtic Ear Cleaners are absolutely free from alcohol and sulfates and are made of natural extracts. Their line of products are the safest and most effective, suitable as both a general dog body and dog ear cleaning solution.

How To Clean Your Dog's Ears

Steps to cleaning your dog’s ears with an ear cleaner:

1. Have your dog sit in front of you on the floor, and position his rear between your legs to secure him. For large dogs, have him sit at the corner of the room. Doing this allows a secured position where you can control him, in case of any sudden jerking movements, which could cause severe damage and perforate the sensitive tissue in the ear.

2. Gently hold one ear flap up vertically, but firm enough to expose the inner ear and ear canal.

3. Squeeze enough ear cleaning solution into the ear so that it fills up the ear canal, but does not overflow. Do not allow the tip of the ear cleaning solution to get in contact with the ear. If this happens, wipe the tip with a cotton ball soaked in alcohol to prevent further spread of any bacteria or yeast.

4. Continue to firmly hold the ear flap up vertically and gently massage the base of the ear, just below the ear opening for 20-30 seconds. Doing this step allows the solution to move around in the horizontal inner part of the ear canal to soften up any residue and hardened ear wax buildup. You will know that the solution is properly working when you hear a squishing sound as you massage the base of the ear.

5. Wipe away any softened debris from the inner ear canal and the ear flap.

6. Allow your pet to shake his head to naturally remove any remaining solution and debris from the innermost ear canal.

7. Again, gently, but firmly, hold the ear flap up and wipe away any remaining solution and debris.

8. Repeat the steps above for the other ear.

Final Thoughts

Buying a quality ear cleaning solution and cleaning your dog’s ears at home can save you a lot rather than spending money on frequent trips to the groomer or veterinarian! Once you start cleaning your pet’s ears, you probably won’t want to go back.

However, you’ll want to make sure you don’t overwork it and clean your dog’s ears too frequently. Over-cleaning can also lead to ear infections. A cleaning of the ears once a week should be sufficient enough to keep them clean, but not overclean either.

More content…

Getting Rid of Pet Hair: 7 Tips for How to Clean Your Carpet

Getting Rid of Pet Hair: 7 Tips for How to Clean Your Carpet

For lots of people, their pets are not just animals but very real and favorite members of the family. We love and cherish them, and they give their love to us in return. But unfortunately both owners and pets have their fair share of problems. Just like people might leave their clothes lying around the house, our pets leave their “clothing” lying around in the form of shedding their hair. If you have your heart set on getting a dog or cat, then you will have to resign yourself to frequent cleaning, sweeping and vacuuming. These seven tips will help you keep your house clean and improve your relationship with your favorite four-legged companion.

Wet Rag or Broom

Admittedly, this is the first thing that comes to our minds when we think about cleaning up hair from a carpet. This tip is the easiest one. But despite its seeming obviousness and simplicity, this trick can be handy. All you need to do is take a rag that you use for cleaning, soak it with water, ring it out until the rag is damp, then very gently wipe the carpet while squeezing the rag. You can also use a wet broom. Wet the broom and then shake it to get rid of excess moisture, and then sweep the carpet. When your rag or broom gets dry, remove the collected hair, then repeat if necessary.

Adhesive Tape

This tip may seem strange at first, but it might be the most effective. Adhesive tape has about a million uses, and cleaning pet hair from carpet (and from clothing) is a true pro tip. Here is the instruction: take the tape, cut off a small piece, and simply put it on the carpet where you see hair. All the hair will stick to the tacky side. This trick is pretty handy, but it has a couple of disadvantages. First of all, you obviously can’t clean the entire carpet… just where an excess of hair is clearly visible. Secondly, you won’t be able to get to the hair that is set deep into the pile.

Getting Rid of Pet Hair: 7 Tips for How to Clean Your Carpet

Carpet Brush

One more easy and common method of carpet cleaning is using a thick-bristled brush with a handle. This common household tool can capture deeply set hairs and leave your carpet perfectly clean. You can use a dry brush or a wet one. This type of brush can be found in the housewares department of most grocery or department stores, and you choose from various kinds of bristle material and bristle thickness. The only disadvantage to keep in mind with a hard-bristled brush is that it can harm soft pile carpets.

Carpet Shampoo

This household chemical can be applied to carpet and rugs. The principle of action of using carpet shampoo involves the chemical interaction and wet cleaning of the pile with the further usage of brushes or a vacuum cleaner. Shampoos can prove to be very effective in removing hair and pet odors.

Pet Hair Remover Glove

If we use it to groom our cats and dogs, why can’t we clean the carpet with it? This kind of flexible glove allows you to brush the loose hair from your animal, as well as remove it from clothes, furniture, and carpets. On the palm side, the glove has rows of special soft rubber tips that catch every single hair. Simply put the glove on your hand and carefully brush the carpet with the rubber side. When you are finished brushing and all fur has been removed, you can peel the hair off the glove. This tip is quite similar to using a carpet brush, but the gloves are usually softer and will brush your carpet more gently. The pet hair remover gloves are available for purchase online.

Robot Vacuum Cleaner for Carpets and Rugs

A robot vacuum cleaner is another beautiful and useful way to keep your house clean. The vacuum cleaner is an effective tips which can guarantee you a perfect result. Moreover, you don’t even have to vacuum the carpet yourself anymore. Some models are equipped with special brushes that clean flat surfaces so that you can choose the best robot vacuum cleaner for carpets. Remote control will allow users to run the cleaner via smartphone. Modern models meet all standards of safety and quality and can be an indispensable assistant in housekeeping. There is one drawback: these robots can be rather expensive. But they are worth buying, and you will be pleasantly surprised by the result.

Getting Rid of Pet Hair: 7 Tips for How to Clean Your Carpet

Steam Generator

A steam cleaner is a device that cleans very similar to other cleaners, but without any harmful household chemicals. The power of steam is much greater than the power of these chemical agents. A steam generator is usually used in stain removal, bathroom cleaning, and carpet cleaning. It heats the water to steam and then produces steam under great pressure. Just like vacuum cleaners, some models are additionally equipped with special brushes and will filter out hair. The high temperature disinfects the treated surfaces and refreshes the air.

As you can see, with a proper budget it is easy to find the best tip for carpet cleaning (Best Home Carpet Cleaners for Pets : Review by Steamcleaning). But remember that pet hair around the house is not just an unwanted stain. It can be a serious source of allergens and respiratory problems. So if you have a pet, regular wet cleaning is vital for your health, especially for families with children. In addition to all the above-mentioned tips, you can also should try to treat excess shedding. Regular brushing and special vitamin supplements can help to reduce the quantity of shedding.

How to Keep Your Dog Happy While You're at Work

How to Keep Your Dog Happy While You’re at Work

If you’re a working dog parent, then you know that one of the toughest moments of each day is when you have to leave them in the morning to head to your job. To ease your mind, here are a few suggestions for how to keep your dog happy while you’re at work.

Provide lots of cozy spots for snoozing…

Dog owners can take assurance in the fact that for the majority of time while you’re at work, your dog is probably sleeping. On average, an adult dog sleeps for 12-14 hours per day! Older dogs sleep upwards of 16 hours per day, and puppies may need between 18-20 hours of sleep.

And a lot of that snoozing happens while you’re at work. Without their human around, your dog uses this time to nap and rev up for the moment when you do come home. So you can take comfort in knowing that, even if you were home, your dog would probably still be sleeping, same as when you are at work.

To make your dog as comfortable as possible for all this nap time, make sure they have a cozy place to sleep. Set up their dog bed with their favorite items – you can even include a shirt you’ve recently worn that smells like you for them to nuzzle up with.

Keep the TV on…

Not that your dog is actually going to be watching TV, but leaving the television on, or a radio with some soothing music, can help provide some background noise to put your pup at ease during the day while you’re gone. It will give them something to listen to, as well as distract them from any potentially stressful sounds outside that might cause them to bark, like the garbage truck or the delivery man.

Arrange for a walk while you’re out…

If you have a high-energy dog, if you have a puppy who needs extra attention (and potty breaks), or if you just don’t want your dog to be by themselves for a full day, then consider setting up a dog-walker visit while you’re at work. If your dog needs to be let out in the middle of the day, and you don’t work close enough to home to do it yourself, a dog walker is definitely the way to go.

There are so many easy-to-use and respected dog walking and dog care services available for dog owners to choose from today. For example, Trusty Tails Dog Walking provides professional dog walking and pet sitting – so whether your dog needs a 10-minute walk, or a two hour visit, they have something for every pet!

Many of these service providers put their handlers and walkers through rigorous training and background checks, so you can be sure that your pet is in the best possible hands. Many of these service providers also encourage their walkers to send you pictures and text updates, so you can see just how well your dog is doing while you’re at work.

Ruff Guide to a Dog Friendly Home

Ruff Guide to a Dog Friendly Home

Dogs are lovable for a reason. They’re full of positive vibes that they make us smile effortlessly. Their fur ball bodies and witty tail wags drive away stress. Even their silly grin and boisterous howls and skimps are enough to set us in the mood.

Yes, that’s the reason why they’re not just great house pets, but also make excellent buddies as well.

But it’s not a one-way street because we also need to do our part to make sure that our dogs lead a happy and healthy life. Bring back the favor to them by making your home a haven for your dogs.

Let your dogs roam freely inside your accident-proof home or backyard that’s conducive to their development. Give them easy access to necessities like food and water and a place for them to hygienically discharge. Let them play with some chew bones or perhaps a toy so that they won’t munch on your furniture.

Ensure the best standard of living for your dog.

It’s all about doing your best to be a responsible dog owner so that they stay healthy, live long, and in turn, will be ever-more loving to you. The examples shown above are some of the things you can do, but those are just a glimpse of what you really should do to make your canine buddy love you even more!

Feel compelled to learn more? Well, feel free to check out this informative and stunning AXA graphic.

Ruff Guide to a Dog Friendly Home