Top 5 Dogs For Apartment Dwellers

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Many people believe that dogs need a lot of space to run around in order to be happy. But is that really true? Can dogs be happy living in apartments, or do they need their own yard to play in?

In this post, we’ll take a closer look apartment living with dogs and the types of dogs that typically do well in an apartment. So whether you live in an apartment and are considering getting a dog or you already have one, this post is for you!

Can A Dog Be Happy In An Apartment?

While a sprawling backyard may be the ideal setting for a dog, it is certainly not a prerequisite for canine happiness. In fact, there are many benefits to living in an apartment with a dog. For one thing, apartment living can help to foster a closer bond between owner and pet.

Without the distractions of other pets and people, dogs in apartments are more likely to form close attachments to their owners. The key to having a happy dog is exercise.

As long as your dog is mentally and physically stimulated each day, any dog can be happy in a small space.

Here are the Top 5 Dogs For Apartment Dwellers…

Toy Poodles and Doodle Crosses

Poodles and the small Doodle crosses like the Cavapoo and Maltipoo are often considered to be ideal apartment dogs. They are small, relatively low-maintenance, and quiet. However, some people worry that Poodles will be unhappy in an apartment because they need a lot of exercise.

While it is true that Poodles need to stay active, they can be perfectly happy in an apartment as long as they get a daily walk or run. Poodles are also very intelligent dogs and can be easily trained to use a designated potty area. With a little bit of planning, Poodles and small Doodle crosses can be wonderful apartment dogs.

However, the larger, more energetic Doodle crosses like the Labradoodle and the Goldendoodle might require more space. Retrievers are larger sporting dogs that tend to have higher energy levels.

Maltese

Maltese are small, gentle dogs that make great companions. They are known for their affectionate nature and love of people. Despite their small size, Maltese are active dogs that need plenty of exercise.

A daily walk is essential, and they also enjoy playing fetch and going for runs. While Maltese do well in apartments, they need plenty of stimulation to stay happy and healthy. This can be provided through interactive toys, such as Kongs filled with treats, and by ensuring they have regular opportunities to socialize with other dogs. With the right environment, Maltese can thrive in apartments and make wonderful companions.

Great Dane

Despite their imposing size, Great Danes are actually quite adaptable with low to moderate energy levels and can be perfectly content in a smaller space, as long as they get plenty of exercise. The key to keeping a Great Dane happy in an apartment is to provide them with plenty of opportunities to run and play.

This can be done by taking them for regular walks or runs, or by playing fetch in a park or backyard. As long as they are given the chance to burn off excess energy, Great Danes can be happy and healthy in any type of home and will be content being couch potatoes for the rest of the day.

Greyhound

Another larger dog, Greyhounds may be fast, but they certainly don’t have the exercise requirements of a say, Siberian Husky or Border Collie.

While Greyhounds are historically known as racing dogs, they actually make excellent apartment pets. These dogs are gentle and loving, and they can be content with minimal exercise.

Greyhounds are also relatively quiet, so they won’t disturb your neighbors. In addition, their short coats are easy to maintain, and they don’t require a lot of grooming.

Cocker Spaniel

While all dogs need some space to run and play, a Cocker Spaniel can be happy in a smaller space as long as its needs are met.

A good daily walk or run will help to keep your dog healthy and happy. In addition, Cocker Spaniels need plenty of mental stimulation to avoid boredom. Interactive toys and games, such as hide-and-seek or fetch, are a great way to keep your dog’s mind active.

Finally, Cocker Spaniels thrive on human companionship and need plenty of attention and affection. As long as you are prepared to meet your dog’s needs, you’ll have a loyal and loving companion in any home.

Final Thoughts

Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you can’t have a dog – it just means doing your research to find the best breed for your lifestyle. Every dog is different, so be honest about what you’re willing to deal with and what kind of personality you’re looking for in a pet.

With a little patience and some homework, you’ll be able to find the perfect four-legged friend for your next home.

Mobile Pet Grooming in Miami is Just the Treat Your Furbaby Needs!

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People who don’t have dogs don’t understand just how important they are. The cliche is that they’re our furry little kids, our constant and most faithful companions. I don’t have to tell you that dogs are the only creatures on the planet that instinctively love you more than they love themselves. They’re so eager to help us with whatever we need.

Whether hunting, helping the blind get around, or even just providing much needed emotional support and companionship, they fill our lives with the kind of joy that we frankly don’t deserve. Their love for us is so complete and unconditional that it’s impossible not to love them in return.

Every single fiber in my being wants to make my dog’s life a great one. I want every ounce of love he feels for me to be returned a thousand times over. It’s not enough just to keep our fuzzy friends alive… it falls to us to make sure they live happily. Walks, good food (including scraps snuck from the table), toys and belly rubs are a great start, but there’s something else I do that really shows my little buddy how much he means to me: pampering! When it comes time to make my puppy (he is two years old and will always be a puppy) feel like the most handsome little man in the world, I take him to the groomers.

A professional grooming experience is just as great for dogs as it is for us. They love the pampering and the attention! The first time mine had a special day at a groomer he was a nervous, anxious little ball of whimpers – for about twenty minutes. Since then, he’s been happy to go ever since. In this article we’ll explore some of the benefits of giving your best friend the spa treatment they deserve.

It’s Good for Your Pet

Let’s get the most important thing out of the way right off the bat: grooming is important for your pet’s wellbeing and can contribute to a richer, healthier life. Taking your fuzzy buddy to a salon does more than just make them look and feel their best. It can help them live their best, too. Your friendly professional groomer works with dogs every day, and has learned how to help identify problems before they become problems. Everything from skin conditions to ear infections and circulation problems can hide underneath the fur.

Matted hair, for example, is a danger to long-haired dogs, and can cause skin trouble and be a good hiding spot for ticks, fleas, and other pests. A good session in a salon can detect these problems and remove the underlying causes before they create a gigantic vet bill.

As you can see here, that opinion isn’t just mine. The American Kennel Club recommends getting your dog groomed once every six weeks specifically for the potential health benefits. While they note that some grooming can be done at home – indeed, this is also a great way to increase the bond between the two of you – there’s no substitute for putting the job into the hands of folks who know what they’re doing a lot better than you. While you can take care of things like daily hair brushings and occasional nail trimming at home, most of the things that actually help maintain your dog’s health are best handled by your friendly neighborhood professionals.

But let’s be real here: that’s not the main reason to give your dog the experience. The health benefits, while excellent, aren’t why most people take their pets to the salon. It’s because they want to let their pets experience top-notch indulgence. Not only will they look better than ever, complete with a clean coat of perfectly styled fur and immaculately trimmed nails, but the actual grooming experience itself will be something that your pet loves. Warm baths, massages, and positive attention (usually with treats) will be the highlight of your pet’s week.

Finding the Right Groomer

Fortunately, getting the right groomer is pretty easy these days, especially in a major metropolitan area like Miami. There are plenty of salons to choose from, and it can be a little overwhelming trying to sift through which ones are worthy of your time. You want your baby to have the best, after all. You might want to forego a trip altogether, and there are options for that, too. If you want them to come to you, Miami Mobile Dog Groomers are also worth consideration. There are major benefits to booking with a mobile option, as they can come to pamper your pet in a location where your fur baby is most comfortable. This also avoids the problem of transporting your dog, which can be a hassle if they have issues with a trip in the car.

There are a few things you want to look for when selecting where you’ll go. For one, you want to look for a wide array of services. You shouldn’t settle for a simple wash and blow dry; your faithful pooch deserves more than just that. You want to make sure the services provided are cosmetic, indulgent, and in the interest of your pet’s health. Looking at reviews will be your best bet for this; there are few people more critical of a service than pet owners reporting on how their pets have been treated.

At the end of the day, there are no downsides to calling on the services of a trustworthy groomer to take care of your dog. I’ve been taking mine faithfully once every few months since he was old enough to go out into public, and he absolutely loves it. He looks great, he feels great, and he’s always happy to get spoiled. You owe it to your faithful fiend to give them something special. I knew that it would make my own dog happy. What I didn’t expect was how happy it would make me.

The Top 5 Healthiest Human Foods for Dogs

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When it comes to sharing food with your canine companion, there seems to be a common misconception that “dogs shouldn’t have table scraps.” While you shouldn’t be tossing them pieces of everything that you eat, some human foods are great for dogs. With that said, here are the top five healthiest human foods for dogs…

1. Peanut Butter

That’s right, it just so happens that the favorite treat your dog loves to have in their kong is one of the healthiest for them as well. It’s rich in good fats, protein, and vitamins B and E. Plus, it helps to keep their jaws and mouth in good shape because just swallowing it is quite a workout for a dog.

2. Carrots

The beta-carotene and vitamin A in carrots will keep your dog’s coat, nails, and eyesight in great shape. While most dogs aren’t huge fans of raw carrots, you can steam or boil them at a low temperature until they’re soft and mix them in with other foods for a nutritional boost. Dogs that do like raw carrots can have them as great edible fetch sticks.

3. Yogurt

Yogurt is an easily digestible, high-protein food that can help your dog gain lean muscle mass and stay in shape. However, try to avoid flavored yogurts or those that are high in sugar and opt instead for plain and/or unsweetened kinds. If your dog is overweight, it might be best to avoid giving them too much of any form of dairy. If they’ve recently undergone a course of antibiotics or dealt with some form of gastrointestinal illness, you can feed them kefir and other probiotic yogurts to help restore their gut microbe balance.

4. Cheese

Cheese can be a filling and nutritious snack for you to share with your dog, as long as he’s not lactose intolerant! If you’ve never given them cheese before, make sure you start with small servings and monitor them for allergic reactions. In terms of what kind of cheeses to feed them, it’s usually best to avoid exotic and rare cheeses and opt instead for cheddar, mozzarella, or cottage cheese.

5. Chicken (or Salmon)

Both of these are great for dogs because they’re high in proteins and healthy fats, but it’s important to make sure you’re not feeding them any small bones, as they are a choking hazard.

Combine Healthy Snacks with Quality Dog Food

Top-quality dog foods from brands like Applaws only use the best ingredients. Always feed snacks in moderation, as treats alongside a healthy diet. If you have a fussy dog, tempt his appetite with Toppers added to dry food. Applaws bone broth is 100% natural.

Although all of the above human foods are great in moderation, some of them contain lots of calories or sugars, neither of which are good for your dog. Thus, it’s always best to base their diet around a solid dog food and use the above list as a rough guideline of what you should try to share with your dog on occasion.

Allergies in Dogs: Understanding and Treating Them

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Dogs are prone to allergies just like people are. In fact, according to the American Kennel Club, allergies are one of the most common health problems in dogs. Allergies can cause a variety of symptoms in dogs, including itchiness, red eyes, runny nose, and sneezing. They can also cause skin problems, such as hot spots, hair loss, and rashes.

There are three main types of allergies that affect dogs: food allergies, inhalant allergies, and contact allergies.

Food allergies are caused by an immune reaction to a food protein. They are the second most common type of allergy in dogs, after inhalant allergies. The most common signs of food allergies in dogs are itchy skin and ear infections. Other signs can include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Most dogs with food allergies are allergic to proteins found in beef, dairy, wheat, chicken, lamb, or soy. Some dogs may be allergic to multiple proteins. Irritated skin may lead to excessive shedding in your dog, and if this is the case, we recommend protecting the interior of your vehicle with a custom cargo liner like Ruff Rugs to protect from their hair sticking to the carpet.

Inhalant allergies, also called atopic dermatitis, are the most common type of allergy in dogs. They are caused by an immune reaction to airborne allergens, such as pollen, mold, dust, or dander. The most common signs of inhalant allergies in dogs are itchy skin and ear infections. Other signs can include sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. Dogs with inhalant allergies are often allergic to multiple airborne allergens. The most common allergens include pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds; mold; and dust mites.

Contact allergies are caused by an immune reaction to a substance that comes into contact with the skin. The most common substances that cause contact allergies in dogs are flea collars, shampoos, and topical medications. The most common signs of contact allergies in dogs are itchy skin and rashes. Other signs can include hair loss and skin infections.

How Are Allergies Diagnosed?

If you think your dog has allergies, the first step is to make an appointment with your veterinarian. They will ask you about your dog’s symptoms and medical history. They will also perform a physical examination. Your veterinarian may recommend allergy testing to determine what your dog is allergic to. Allergy testing can be done with a blood test or a skin test. Blood tests are more expensive but are less invasive than skin tests. Once the allergies are diagnosed, your veterinarian will work with you to develop a treatment plan.

If the symptoms and sickness have come up rapidly, consider connecting the vet chat online. It’s fast and very useful for urgent situations which can’t wait for the in-person vet appointment. If your doggo is prone to allergies and you know how often something dramatic in this regard might happen, an emergency pet fund might come into use. Use it to consult with the vet online and receive the emergency health case refund.

How Are Allergies Treated?

The goal of treatment is to control the symptoms and make your dog comfortable. There is no cure for allergies, but the symptoms can be managed. The most common treatment for allergies is allergy shots. Allergy shots are given over a period of time and help to reduce the symptoms.

Other treatments for allergies include antihistamines, steroids, and immunotherapy. Antihistamines can help to relieve the symptoms but may cause side effects, such as drowsiness. Steroids can also help to relieve the symptoms, but should only be used for a short period of time. Immunotherapy is a long-term treatment that helps to reduce the symptoms over time.

You can also take steps at home to help your dog with its allergies. These steps include:

— Bathing your dog regularly with a hypoallergenic shampoo
— Keeping your dog’s environment clean and free of allergens
— Wiping your dog’s feet after they go outside
— Purchasing an air purifier for your home
— Give your dog a daily supplement of omega-3 fatty acids

What Breed of Dog Should I Get?

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There are hundreds of dog breeds in the world, with different breeds recognized by different organizations. Choosing which breed to get is one of the biggest questions dog owners will have to answer. With so many different breeds, it’s possible to get stuck in option paralysis.

Whether you’re considering a purebred such as a French Bulldog or a hybrid, knowing the different factors to take into consideration is important when choosing the breed you’re going to bring home. Dogs are adaptable animals, but ideally, your dog should fit with your personality and your lifestyle from the start.

How to Pick a Dog Breed

You have to start with an evaluation of your lifestyle and living situation. Getting a dog is a lifetime commitment, so you have to know whether you can fulfill all of the dog’s needs and wants.

Keep the following factors in mind, and be honest about them:

1. Your housing and available space

Some dogs require more space than others. As a general rule, bigger dogs will have more energy and need more open areas in which to exercise. Dogs that can’t expend their energy productively tend to become depressed and moody, which isn’t fun for the dog or their owner.

Some dogs are fine with living in an apartment, while others prefer a big yard or even acres of farmland. Are you thinking of moving or are you open to the idea of moving so that you can get the dog breed that you want?

2. Funds for the dog

Dogs aren’t the most expensive animal to keep, but they do require food, entertainment, medicines if needed when they get older, and all sorts of other accessories. A dog is a lifetime companion and they can easily live 10 years or longer. Think of how much you’ll spend each year on feeding the dog, vet visits, toys and bedding, and any other miscellaneous expense.

For most dog owners, that’s around $2000 per year times the average lifespan of a dog. You can easily spend $20,000 to $30,000 over the course of your dog’s lifetime. That’s not even counting travelling with the dog, or emergency medical care, which can be very expensive depending on the procedure.

3. Your free time

How much time can you spend with your dog every day? All dogs are social animals and need attention and care from their owners. Mental and physical stimulation are a must, and your dog won’t get much of them when they’re alone, even with the increasingly smart dog toys being produced these days.

If you have a demanding job or other responsibilities that require you to be out of the house for most of the time, it may be best to choose a breed that is more independent and doesn’t require much exercise. There is also the option of hiring a dog walker to take your dog out a couple of times a day.

4. Family and other household members

How many other people share your house? If you have a big family and lots of young children, a calmer breed that does well with kids might be what you need. Large dogs have the potential to injure children even when they’re just playing, so they will need to be trained to play nicely. Weigh this against your ability to train a dog and the time commitment that requires.

If you have other pets, you’ll also have to take their wellbeing into consideration. Small animals such as birds and rodents are prey animals to dogs, so hunting dogs may not be the best choice if you have a pet budgie. Cats are known for being the dog’s natural adversary, but with some training and the right introduction, they can learn to love your new pooch. In both these situations, the key is to get a dog with the right temperament for a multi-animal household.

5. Cleanliness and grooming

If you need or want a spotlessly clean house due to allergies or other medical conditions, then it may be best to choose a dog that doesn’t shed or is hypoallergenic. Maybe a black Cavoodle would be best to match your minimalist interior design without getting fur everywhere.

Just keep in mind that all dogs, no matter the breed, shed some fur. All dogs will also drool a little bit, especially when they’re excited or tired. Some breeds simply do it less than others.

6. Training ability

Are you an experienced dog trainer or a first-timer? Some breeds are easy to train while others are more challenging. Do you have the patience and the consistency needed to bring a more self-assured and independent dog into line? There is the option of hiring a trainer to work with you, but that’s another cost you’ll have to pay. And good trainers are in high demand, making them even more expensive.

Breed Traits

Now that you have a better idea of what kind of traits you need your dog to have, you can narrow it down even further. There are lots of online quizzes to help you select the right breed, or you can browse breed lists and pick out which traits will be right for you.

The main things to think about when choosing a dog breed are:

— Breed size
— Energy levels
— Sensitivity
— Intelligence and trainability
— Grooming requirements

How to Deal With a Dog That’s a Fussy Eater

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One of the most common issues that loving owners have with their dogs is fussy eating. Some dogs can be picky, while others are simply stubborn and refuse to eat. It’s important to remember that there could be several reasons behind your dog’s unwillingness to eat when you want them to. Changing your dog food is just one thing that you can try to help your dog eat. Let’s take a closer look at a few ways that you can deal with a fussy dog…

Is It Fussiness or Something Else?

The first thing that owners should determine is if their dog is simply being fussy over their food or if there is another reason behind their habits. An unhealthy dog may not feel well enough to eat when you want them to. It’s important to determine if there is a medical reason behind their lack of appetite.

Your vet will be able to determine if your dog has any health issues like digestive problems that are causing them to be fussy. Your vet will also check your dog’s teeth to ensure that they don’t have any dental problems that make eating uncomfortable.

A Hungry Dog Will Eat

Many owners overestimate the amount of food that their dogs need to be satisfied. There are millions of pets in the U.S. that are considered to be overweight. This is primarily from regular overfeeding. Smaller breed dogs are often fed too much. When you account for the treats and snacks that your dog gets through the day, they may not be as hungry as you think when it’s feeding time.

If your dog is healthy, they will eat when they are hungry. For fussy dogs, this can still be a bit of a challenge. Your dog can be stubborn if they don’t want to eat. Try putting down their meal at the regular time and if they don’t eat it after 20 minutes, remove the portion. After an hour, place the same meal back down. Repeat this process until they are hungry enough to eat.

Slow Transitions

If your dog simply refuses to eat a certain food, you may want to try a different brand. When you present your dog with a different option, they are likely to eat it up quickly, at first. Once they get a taste for the new food, they may go back to their old habits. Making a slower transition from one food to another can help your dog to adjust.

You can start your transition by adding a small amount of the new food to their regular meal. Over time, change the proportions of new to old foods until they are eating a completely new diet.

Remove Distractions

If you are trying to feed your dog in your busy kitchen, there may be too many distractions. Choose a place in your home that is private and quiet for your dog to eat without being bothered. Always feed your dog before you start preparing your own meal so they won’t be distracted by the sounds of your food preparation.

As a dog owner, you want to provide the happiest and healthiest home for your furry best friend. If you are dealing with a fussy eater, try these tips to help them get back on track.

6 Best Home Flooring If You Have a Dog

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If you have a dog at home, you know just how quickly they can destroy things. From nibbling on the couch cushions to scratching up your flooring and filling every little space with hair, there’s a lot to contend with.

When it comes to dogs and flooring, you want to make sure that your flooring is water-resistant and scratch-resistant. No matter how well trained your dog is, accidents can sometimes still happen. Not to mention when they drink water, it gets everywhere! And even though you may do your best to keep their nails short, they can still scratch up your floors.

But just because you have a dog doesn’t mean you can’t have beautiful floors. When having new flooring installed, pick a type that will endure the inevitable wear and tear it’s about to receive. Look for the best flooring services to get the best suggestions on the preferred flooring type you need. Not sure which flooring option is the best for dogs? We have six flooring options that would all be fantastic choices for dog owners…

1. Cork Flooring

Cork flooring is not only attractive, but it’s also a great option if you have dogs at home. One of the main benefits of cork flooring is that it’s microbial. If your new puppy or senior dog has an accident all over your flooring, it’s much less likely to develop bacteria, mould, and other allergens. This is a great option if you have young children who are crawling all over the floor.

Another benefit of cork flooring for dog owners is that it effectively absorbs sound. This means that it will dull down the sound your dog makes as he navigates around your home. Cork flooring is also scratch-resistant, so you don’t need to worry as much about your dog scratching it up. However, it’s still a good idea to keep your dog’s nails short.

2. Luxury Vinyl Flooring

Another great flooring option if you have a dog is luxury vinyl flooring. Not only is this flooring option made to look like natural stone, hardwood, or tile, but it’s also quite durable. This means you can have the look you’re going for while still going with something that can stand up to the wear and tear that comes with a dog.

You can have peace of mind once this flooring is installed since it won’t scratch or tear and is water-resistant. Even if you have an active dog that runs and slobbers all over everything, this floor can hold its own. Luxury vinyl flooring is also easy to clean and maintain, so you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged if you’re not able to clean up mud and water right away.

3. Tile and Stone Flooring

One of the benefits of tile and stone flooring is that it’s so durable. Not only is it water-resistant, but it’s also stain-resistant and easy to clean. So, if your dog decides to come running into the house covered in mud, or your new puppy does his business all over the floor, it’ll be easy to clean. There will be no evidence that anything even happened!

If you forget to take your dog in for his nail trim, you can rest assured that his nails won’t scuff up your flooring. Both tile flooring and stone flooring are so forgiving, making them both a great flooring option if you have a dog.

4. Engineered Harwood Flooring

We know that hardwood flooring is not optimal for pets. However, you sometimes want that hardwood look and don’t want to sacrifice it because you have a dog. If this sounds like you, opt for engineered hardwood flooring. Some viable options are white oak or Brazilian cherry.

Be sure the flooring option you decide to go with has a durable, scratch-resistant finish applied to it to cut down on the potential for damage from pets. For more ideas, browse store catalogues like Relative Space to find the most suitable type of engineered hardwood flooring.

5. Waterproof Laminate

While laminate flooring isn’t the best option if you have a dog, if you opt for waterproof laminate, it has a better chance of standing up to wear and tear. If you go with this option, be sure to keep your dog’s nails short and clean up spills as quickly as possible to ensure your flooring doesn’t get damaged.

6. Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo flooring gives the same appearance as natural wood-like flooring while being stain-resistant, scratch-resistant, and extremely durable. Since bamboo flooring comes in different styles, you will want to make sure that you choose one that has a high rating for hardness.

This type of bamboo flooring will hold up the best when it comes to pets. A bonus of bamboo flooring is that it’s easy to clean and maintain, so you don’t need to fret when your dog tracks in mud, dirt, and who knows what else!

What’s Causing That Itch? Common Skin Conditions In Dogs

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Acne. Itchy spots. Rashes. Irritation. You may be shocked to learn that humans are not the only ones who suffer from skin ailments. In fact, dogs are particularly prone to a range of skin conditions, most of which may not improve without proper care. Here’s a closer look at some of the most common skin conditions your furry friend may develop and how you can treat them.

How can you tell if your dog has a skin condition? Most of the time, licking is one of the first symptoms. Your dog may lick the same part of its body repeatedly in an effort to soothe irritation or itching. Other symptoms include redness, rashes, skin flakes, lumps and bumps, and patches of hair loss.

Dandruff, or flaky skin, can also affect your dog. Some dogs are simply more susceptible to having dry skin, especially during winter. In other cases, dandruff can be a symptom of an infection. For more information on how to treat these common skin conditions, check out the accompanying resource created by Banixx.

Ways To Help Deal With the Loss of Your Pet

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Pet loss can mean various things for different people. Some feel like their world will never be the same again, while others are able to go on with life without that much difficulty at all. The reactions that you can expect are anger, sadness, depression and anxiety.

Understandably, there is a vast range of emotions that pet owners go through when they lose a pet, which means there is no right or wrong way to feel about your pet loss.
To help you deal with the grief, here are some ways to help yourself come to terms with your loss.

Be open and talk to people.

This is often the biggest problem for many people in dealing with the loss of a pet. It is crucial that you find someone who will listen to you without being judgmental or critical about your feelings. Maybe you have a friend or relative whom you feel comfortable opening up to — or perhaps seek the help of a professional such as your doctor or psychologist.

If not, there are online communities that can provide an opportunity for you to share your feelings with other pet owners who are going through similar experiences.

Keep your pet’s spirit alive.

Although it might not always be possible for you to visit your pet’s gravesite, there are other ways that will allow you to keep their memories alive. You could write your pet a letter which tells them all about what has happened since they had passed, or call a family member to talk about them over dinner.

You could also take a few of their favorite objects, such as some of their toys or special blankets, and have them nearby when you are home. These activities will help you feel that your pet is still very much with you even though they are not physically present anymore.

Let yourself cry.

Crying is how your body and emotions deal with the sadness, anger, or other negative feelings you are going through. Letting yourself cry might not be easy, but it is important that you do. If you feel like crying, release all the feelings that build up inside you.

Sometimes pet owners say that they didn’t want to cry when their pet died because they thought it would mean giving up hope. However, this isn’t how it works. Crying isn’t only for when people die, it can be cathartic as well and a good way for us to help understand our feelings.

Give your pet a tribute or memorial.

Remembering your pet through a memorial of some sort is another way you can pay your respects to them. You might have heard pet owners talk about how they had bought a memorial stone or pet urn to put on their pet’s gravesite, which is an excellent way of valuing their memory.

After pet cremation, you could also hold a funeral to allow yourself, your friends and family to say goodbye properly. It is better to do something meaningful rather than waiting for grief to pass.

Take care of yourself.

Your pet doesn’t want you to suffer and get sick. When mourning, do not forget to eat and get enough sleep. Remember, pet loss is an emotional experience that can be demanding on your mind and body, so you need to look after yourself if you want to continue living life as before.

Find new activities to do.

If you have lost your pet recently or are still dealing with pet grief, one way to move on is by doing something new in your life. It could be a hobby you want to explore more of, such as painting or even learning a foreign language. It could also be taking up regular exercise, joining a club or volunteering in animal shelters.

Like our family, pets are a significant part of our lives and losing them is never easy, no matter how long or short the time we shared with them. When dealing with the loss, pet owners should take each day at a time, be kind and patient with themselves, talk to others about how they feel, and cherish all the fun times they shared with their pets.

Will Leaving My Dog at a Pet Hotel Be Stressful for Them?

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If you’ve planned a holiday or business trip, or any other trip, boarding your dog may have been your first thought. Some dogs cope with being left alone pretty well, and others don’t. If you’re thinking about leaving them at a pet hotel, you need to evaluate the facility very thoroughly in advance. Leave a number for emergencies and information about any medication your dog is taking. Discuss any behavior issues upfront.

Choosing the Right Pet Hotel or Kennel

Do some research to make sure your dog experiences as little stress as possible at the new place. You can ask your vet, a friend, or a relative about what to look out for and if they can recommend any places. If you decide on a kennel, make sure it’s a membrer of the American Boarding Kennels Association. In addition, check that it’s licensed and look for a certificate proving it complies with the highest industry standards. You can also use a site like PetHotels.com to search for the best hotels near you.

Take the time to visit several different boarding facilities before deciding on one. Look at whether the place is clean and well-organized. You can’t expect it to smell like daisies — dogs are dogs after all — but it certainly shouldn’t reek. The individual kennels must be safe, escape-proof, and large enough to house a dog and their food and water adequately. They shouldn’t be housed outdoors the entire time, leaving the animals to the mercy of the elements.

Usually, people bring their own dog beds to kennels and hotels. You shouldn’t rely on the staff providing each and every dog with a comfortable bed. Options like chew-proof and anti-anxiety beds are available to buy.

Questions to Ask Before Choosing

Ask your facility of choice if the dogs are exercised regularly, what they are fed with, how they are fed, and whether you can leave your own food. Also, ask if they offer training, vet care, grooming, and any other services your dog will or might need. They should let you know what they will need for boarding. Typically, this includes items like a bed, toys, and medical information.

If your pet has special exercise needs, do let them know. Many facilities only let the dogs out for several minutes at a time. This works for some breeds, but not others. You need as much information as possible about what kind of exercise the dogs get.

It’s a good idea to get your dog a few chew toys to keep them distracted when they’re alone at the hotel without you.

Paying a bit extra for the staff to give your dog his or her regular food is recommended. In a kennel, all dogs are usually fed the same food. They get stressed by this sudden change. Their health might suffer as a result. Emphasize the significance of any special diet they’re on. If dogs can play together, ask what the facility does to stop dogs from fighting or escaping. Large dog breeds should never play or exercise with small ones. They should always be in separate groups.

Finally, ask about their policy on canines with behavior issues. Are they supervised or separated? Typically, individual exercise is part of this.

How Will They Feel?

Leaving your dog at a pet hotel has pluses and minuses. The hotel staff can monitor your pet closely and pick up on potential health problems. In the event of an emergency, they can act quickly. If you hire a sitter or get a friend or relative to take care of them, your dog may be unsupervised most of the time.

On the other hand, leaving them at home with someone you know to come over will save them the stress of traveling by car or plane. If you’re flying somewhere and you take them with you, they’ll have to fly in the cargo unless they’re very small. It’s noisy and cold, and they’re not going to love it. Traveling by car is the other option. Many dogs suffer from car sickness or simply can’t bear being in a car for a long time. The best option is booking a pet hotel near your home.