The Mood-Boosting Benefits Of Dogs

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Dogs are some of the most amazing animals on the planet. Owned by tens of millions of people in the US alone, and countless more across the world, they’ve provided endless love, companionship, and joy to people of all ages and from all walks of life.

Man’s best friends are famed for their loyalty, their energetic characters, their amusing and unpredictable behavior, and that uncanny ability they have to brighten up our days and make us feel better.

And that feeling of joy we get from seeing our dogs after a long, hard day isn’t just in our minds. It’s a very real, scientifically proven benefit of dog ownership, with some studies even linking dog owners with longer life expectancies and happier lives overall. Here are just some of the mood-boosting benefits dogs have to offer…

Reduced Stress

One of the best and most obvious mental benefits of having a dog is that you should feel less stressed each day. Even if you’re going through a particularly tough time at work or at home, having a dog to greet you each evening and seeing a happy, wagging tail is always something that will lighten your mood and trigger the release of positive chemicals in the brain.

Many studies have shown that cuddling, petting, and playing with dogs helps people forget their worries and feel less stressed, and countless dog owners throughout history can testify to this. Dogs are able to provide the friendship and loyalty you need to feel happy with life, and this, in turn, can lead to higher levels of focus and a more positive mindset, with plenty more indirect advantages.

Additional Exercise

A big part of the responsibility of owning a dog is having to take it for a walk each day. Little and large dogs alike all benefit from daily walks, and their owners can find a lot of benefits in this activity too. It’s a great way for people of all ages to get into a routine of regular exercise, giving them an outlet for their energy and an opportunity to spend some quality time in the open air.

Experts have consistently linked exercise with reduced stress levels, so getting outdoors with your dog each day is a great way to forget your worries and feel more positive about work, your family, your relationships, and just life in general. What’s more, it’s great for your body too to get your muscles moving and burn off some calories, especially if you don’t do many exercises.

Dealing With Difficulties

Life can be unpredictable, throwing obstacles in our path and challenges our way and forcing us to deal with the consequences. It’s only natural for people to experience ups and downs throughout their lives, with difficult moments coming along now and then and bringing a lot of stress and anxiety along with them.

Dogs are able to help with this, providing love, companionship, and loyalty we need to feel less lonely in the world. It doesn’t really matter what you’re dealing with, whether it’s a simple bad day or something more serious like a relationship or career problem, dogs are always there to help out. It’s no surprise then that couples can find themselves in a dispute over who gets the pets after a divorce.

Better Sleep Quality

Even though a barking or whining dog definitely isn’t desirable when you’re trying to sleep, owning a dog will generally help you get better quality sleep overall, and this ties into all the other points listed above. Since dogs help to lower stress levels, they’ll make it easier for you to drift off each night without too many worries weighing you down or triggering bouts of insomnia.

What’s more, since dogs encourage you to get outside and exercise, you’ll be more tired out and find it easier to sleep. Plus, dogs have a way of providing some structure and routine to your days, which also helps in terms of sticking to a bedtime and having a solid sleep schedule. All of this helps people sleep more consistently and peacefully each night, waking up feeling refreshed and ready to face the day ahead.

Conclusion

Overall, it’s clear to see that dog ownership isn’t just able to provide fun benefits of having a furry friend to snuggle up with or a buddy to come along on your morning jogs; dogs can also provide a whole host of mental and emotional benefits too, improving people’s lives in a myriad of ways.

To Crate or Not To Crate?

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Crating dogs has been a common thing for many generations, but that does not mean that everyone has agreed with the confinement right from the beginning. There are many people who oppose crate or kennel-training, saying it is cruel to keep your pets confined. Regardless, there are lots of benefits to this practice. For one, a crate or kennel will give your dog a sense of security.

If you crate or kennel-train your dog correctly, it might be the most effective pet management system you could ever desire. When you use this method for appropriate periods, it can help you achieve other goals too. For instance, if you crate train your pet at the appropriate time, it can significantly impact house training, training on how to settle and relax, and preventing destructive behavior.

To Crate

When a dog is crate-trained, it learns to love the crate, beginning to see it as his own safe and private place. So when your dog does not want to be bothered, he can go to his private place to relax there. If he feels tired and in need of a nap, the crate comes to mind. The training serves to make them accept the gift because when they have accepted it and begin to love the crate, you will notice how he treats it as a home.

Besides benefiting the dog in the family, owners also get their fair share of benefits when crate training <https://spiritdogtraining.com/the-smart-way-to-crate-training-a-puppy/> their dogs. Perhaps the most crucial benefit for the owners is hygiene. A properly sized crate gives the dog enough space inside the crate to think. Such planning encourages the dog’s instincts not to litter or potty just anywhere within the crate. The adequately planned environment within the structure will teach your canine friend bladder and bowel control.

When a dog is crate-trained, they concurrently learn to stay away from trouble. Whether it is a puppy or a mature dog, you can use a crate to make them stay away from trouble or causing destruction whenever you are not around or not in a position to supervise directly. Besides, the fact that you cannot always be around makes such training very necessary. Moreover, if a dog is served with delicious treat whenever it is put in the crate, it begins to view the crate as a place to enjoy some downtime. Such activities also condition relaxed behavior.

How to Choose a Crate

There are many ways to choose the right crate for your dog or pup. They come in different types, sizes, and installation locations. There are plastic crates, wire crates, and fabric crates. Whichever you choose, you must set your priorities straight. Wire crates are the most common and are preferred more than the other types.

Besides being the most economical type, you can fold them flat for easy storage. Also, if your dog needs some privacy in his wire crate, all you have to do is throw a blanket over the crate to create a cover.

Plastic crates are sturdy, and dogs tend to feel better protected in them. But they are not sturdier than the metal crates, which are not as common though. If you need crates for small dogs to travel in, it would be better to go with the fabric models. The rigid plastic or metal crates are often preferred for stubborn dogs who like to run away.

You can be a little more creative with your dog crate choice. How about you take a crate that is fortified with strategically placed zip ties? Or one that matches your decor? There are lots of fashionable crate-furniture combos that you can also use as end tables.

Size is one of the most common factors to consider when choosing your crate. For instance, large crates are considered to give the dog a lot of room and give them a more relaxed feeling. If it is large enough, a small portion can serve as the dog’s toilet, which should be seen as a vital source of convenience. Bigger is always better, as long as you have a space large enough to accommodate it. A large-sized crate is more comfortable since it provides enough space for him to stand, stretch out, and turn.

Crate Training Tips

The training you give to your dog should create a positive impression. Your canine friend should see the crate as a positive place. To succeed at that, you need to introduce him to the crate gradually. Rushing things may make the dog feel endangered or nervous. If you are too fast, he may even see it as a punishment.

If it is a new dog or puppy, it will work best to acclimate him to his crate by tossing in a treat or something yummy. Leave the door open so that he can get in and out freely. Placing a comfortable mat inside the crate can attract the dog. If he has a favorite sleeping item, put it inside the kennel.

Another method involves the use of cue in and out. Whenever he goes in the crate willingly, you toss in a treat. That would encourage the dog to want to go in more. Similarly, learn to increase the duration that the door stays closed when the dog is inside. The period should increase gradually at an interval of a few days. If you start locking the dog in for too long by the first training phase, he may take it wrongly. Be patient and gradual with the training.

Although most dogs naturally take to a crate, some often whine, cry, bark, and make a fuss when locked in a crate. While opening the door and letting the dog out may seem the best thing to do when he makes such noise, you should not give in. The idea is not to let him learn that crying, barking, whining, and creating a fuss will get the crate open.

Final Words

As you can see, the benefits you and your dog can reap from crate training are strongly influenced by how properly you conduct it. You can also use it to administer discipline to the pup. Whenever he misbehaves, putting him in for a time out would help mold his behavior. So, to answer the question, “To crate or not to crate?” I would go with crating.

Taking A Look at The Best Raw Dog Food Delivery for Your Pet

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You may think that what you are feeding your furry family member is wholesome and nutritious because the label says so, but have you ever taken a closer look at the names of some of the ingredients on the back of the packaging and labels?

The ingredients are either unpronounceable, containing a minimum of 10 letters, or it is something you have never heard of that sounds like it is an ingredient from deep in the jungle where nobody goes. Either way, you have no idea.

Now that you are somewhat aware of the fact that there is no good explanation of the recipes that are used when it comes to certain animal foods, would you do the same when it comes to your own dietary needs? Perhaps not. We look for words like “organic” or “natural” and trust that the colorful stamp on the label is true to its word.

For a quick tip, check here https://www.henryford.com/blog/2016/12/easy-tips-to-understand-the-ingredient-list-on-food-labels for beginners guide on how to read and what to look out for when scanning the labels on your food items.

Because let’s be honest, not every single food manufacturer making their products is doing it by the book or has a team of chefs cooking night and day to ensure consistency and flavor, so let’s give the same courtesy to our pets.

Yes, it is true for many years the dry kibble and pellets we have given to our dogs has been working fine, but with supply and demand at an all-time high, the need to harvest, produce and manufacture certain products and items are tripled. Suppliers increase speed in production by any means they may know how, and this often leads to additives and preservatives.

Raw Versus Cooked

Essentially, understanding the difference between the two is pretty straight forward, but let’s take a brief look to clear up any confusion.

Cooked food is what it says on the tin (or so they say), a hot or cold meal that has had raw ingredients added together over a heat source and brought together with flavorings and or liquid.

If the food is being packaged into tins or boxes, preservatives are added to increase the life-span and longevity of the product so it can stand on the pantry shelf without being too concerned about if it has slipped your mind that you bought it in the first place.

These are not great additives when it comes to taking care of you and your family’s healthy lifestyle when it comes what you are ingesting. Knowing what you are eating and putting into your system is a must, the same goes for your furry pal.

Raw, on the other hand, does what the box states, there is nothing fancy or two ways around it, and what you see is what you get. The positives are plenty if referring to only raw food products, but with it does come a certain cost: the big question is, how can you put a price on a healthy life?

Some don’t think so, others swear by the method, see what they have to say in this link, and once hearing both sides of the conversation you can conclude from there. At the end of the day, it is your pet you have taken responsibility for, and thus the final decision lies with you.

Where Oh Where?

The big debate: where do we get these all-natural, mother nature approved products without remortgaging the house or needing a google maps assistant to navigate into the sticks out yonder in order to get it?

We all know the mainstream stores will have some form and variety of the items you want, but due to convenience they double the price and stare at you for gasping in disbelief at the price tag like you are the crazy one.

Thankfully, these days people are becoming more health-conscious and getting the whole family involved when it comes to nutrition and being active, and this includes their pets.

Thus, with the shift in food requirements, suppliers and shop owners are jumping on board, stocking items that are growing in popularity, and keeping an eye out for the next food item to “break out” on social media.

Saying this, hunting down these boutique shops is not something I look forward to any day of the week, and on the weekends all we want is to put our feet up with a carafe of wine and Bossa music playing in the background.

This is where my gratitude for delivery services comes into play… we have every takeout menu on the planet stuffed in the drawer by the front door. It is great to have your own grocery orders delivered, and even better to have your pets’ meal plans brought to your doorstep. You’d never have to leave the house. If only it was so simple. Well, now it is!

Life is busy as it is, so a quick phone call and a brown box with neatly packaged items could be waiting around the side of your house. Would you do it if all you need to do is click add to basket, and you’re good to go?

If this sounds like your kind of plan, then finding the Best Raw Dog Food Delivery near you is a must. That’s one less thing to worry about on our already full plates with vet check-ups, kids’ school runs, and somehow having dinner on the table each night to feed the starving masses.

We may not realize how simple it can all be. Raw foods for your pet could just be the answer you have been looking for. With all the health benefits and the positives in the quality of life you will be offering your pet, what have you got to lose?

It needn’t be complicated, and as the saying goes, “it’s better to shop less and rather shop well.” What’s greater than raw food that’s ready to eat?

We as pet owners have taken on the responsibility of a pet, made the decision to love and care for them to the best of our abilities. This runs through all aspects of their lives, including their nutrition and meal plans.

4 Advantages of Raw Food for Your Pet

— Digestion. This goes without saying. Without any added chemicals or copious amounts of sugar, your stomach can process and digest the foods much easier. Not needing vinegar to break down tough meat cuts or marinating for days just to be able to chew it.

— Appearance. Even pets can look shaggy and unkempt if something internally is off. They feel worse for wear and this translates into scruffy-looking skin and fur. With raw foods, the body naturally extracts the vitamins and required minerals, and soon your pet is owning the sidewalk with a shinier, healthier-looking coat.

— Weight. The same principle applies to humans. The fundamentals don’t change. If we put rubbish food into our bodies, they will “react” and let us know. It may be our jeans crying out for help as we jump to get into them, or a bloated, lump of fur that looks like your dog but you don’t recognize them.

There are plenty of benefits, of which you can see some here https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/raw-dog-food-dietary-concerns-benefits-and-risks#1, but the main objective is that not only have you been thinking about making a change, but that you are actively researching the methods to go about making it happen.

A step in the right direction, no matter how small, is still progress.

— Illness and allergies. The body adapts to survive. Without the need to break down, store, and produce certain hormones it can manage and maintain a regular functioning system, thus ruling out the risk of allergies occurring or flaring up. You feel and look better, your pets glow, and all is right with the world.

You don’t need to live a complicated life to enjoy it, small yet basic changes all add up in the long run. The kids are running around screaming with the dogs in the yard, the slobber is flying everywhere, and you wouldn’t change it for the world.

How to Properly Clean Up Pet Stains Off Your Floor

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There is a definite joy of having a pet around. They are cute, keep us happy, and it can be so much fun playing with these awesome animals. But sometimes they might make us temporarily unhappy for spoiling our carpets and shiny floors with urine, potty and sometimes vomit. But that’s okay… accidents do happen, and they are our cutie pies anyways, and they will get better after urine/potty training.

As responsible pet owners and homeowners, it is our job to look after our pets and make sure our floors stay clean and tidy. In this article, we will share useful ways to remove pet stains off your floor.

Cleaning Pet Stains From Your Carpet

If your kitty or dog has spoiled your living room carpet, then first clean and sanitize the affected area. It will make the stain removing process easier and help you get rid of the annoying odor. Follow the steps here below…

1. First, dry the carpet with a vacuum cleaner or dab a towel over it to get rid of excess moisture.

2. Pour vinegar solution over the stained area of the carpet and lightly scrub it. In case you don’t know, preparing vinegar solution is easy; all you have to do is mix one part each of vinegar, water and use it as you like.

3. If cleaning the stain didn’t remove the odor, sprinkle baking soda over the affected area. It will deodorize it.

4 Now take a container and mix one part each of hydrogen peroxide, water, and half part of detergent. Pour this solution over the baking soda that you just sprinkled and gently scrub the stain. Your stubborn pet stain will be gone by now. Just vacuum your carpet, and you should be good to go.

Cleaning Pet Stains from Hardwood Floors

Getting rid of pet stains from hardwood floors is even easier than carpets. Plus, you don’t need expensive detergent or cleaner; any of the following household ingredients will get the job done for you!

Baking Soda

Using baking soda is an easy way to get rid of pet stains and odor from the hardwood floors. Just sprinkle the baking soda on the stain, dab with hands to make a thick layer over it, and leave it for 40-50 minutes. Once the time is over, vacuum the affected area properly.

Hydrogen Peroxide

If your stain is too deep, try cleaning it with a saturated hydrogen peroxide solution. Soak a flannel raf in hydrogen peroxide and scrub the stain with it. Cover the stain with a towel for some time; you will find the stain gone after some time. Remember, hydrogen peroxide may cause slight discoloration on the hardwood floor, so don’t overuse it or you’ll have to refinish it after applying.

White Vinegar

White vinegar is a versatile and very useful household item. It is a natural disinfectant, smells great, and very useful in removing obstinate stains. For cleaning the pet stains on hardwood floors, prepare a cleaning solution by mixing one cup vinegar in warm water and scrub it gently on the stains. For better odor, add a few drops of grapefruit oil in the vinegar solution.

Cleaning Pet Stains on Laminated Floors

Unlike hardwood floors, laminated floors are easy to clean pet stains. The best thing is they don’t absorb stains and they offer incredible water resistance and durability. Here is how you can remove the stains easily from laminated floors…

Mop the Stain

Start cleaning the mess by mopping the stains. All you have to do is soak your mop in a cleaning solution, strain off the excess water, and mop the pet mess. If you do not have a mop, you can use a detergent solution-soaked cotton cloth or flannel rag to remove the stain.

Remove the Odor

Even if the disturbing pet mess smell stays after cleaning the stain, sprinkle baking soda over the affected area, let it rest there for an hour, and vacuum the floor. If for some reason baking soda is unavailable, you can make and use a vinegar solution by mixing one part of white vinegar in warm water. For better results, we recommend you scrub the stain with an enzymatic cleaner. The safe enzymes present in this cleaner will eat up the microorganisms responsible for the annoying smell and deodorize your laminated floor.

Great Gift Ideas For Your Pet

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Like most pet owners, you know that your furry friend is more than just a pet. They’re a family member. They love you unconditionally, support you when you’ve had a bad day, make you laugh with their silly antics, and sit nestled in your heart as your best friend. As pet owners, spoiling your extended family seems natural. After all, what better way to say how much you appreciate everything they do than getting them a fantastic gift they’re going to love?

Fantastic Gift Ideas for Your Furry Friend

Custom Pet Portrait

Whether it’s for Christmas, for their birthday, or for no formal occasion at all, a custom pet portrait is a wonderful way to showcase how important your pet is to your family. Depending on your style and design, creating this piece of art is an affordable gift that will last for generations. You’ll have a beautiful piece of art drawn exactly to their likeness to show off to friends and family. Although your pet may not personally use this item, it’ll bring a smile to your face every time you see it hanging in your home.

Upgraded Pet Bed

You wouldn’t want to sleep on a hard, cold floor, and neither should your pet. Upgrade your pet’s bed for the ultimate in comfort; perfect for aging dogs with body aches or playful kittens looking to curl into something soft. With memory foam, heated pads for cold winter nights, cooling sensors for humid summer afternoons, and a soft flannel exterior, don’t be surprised if you’re tempted to flop into their bed right along with them.

Grooming Tools and Accessories

As much as we love our pets, cleaning up pet hair that is floating across the floor seems to be a never-ending battle. Add allergy season to this for us humans, and it can be a recipe for disaster. Long nails can cause pain and discomfort to your pet. It puts pressure on the nail beds, instead of the base of the paw; by regularly maintaining the length, you’ll keep your pet in top physical shape. Shedding hair can become heavy and itchy against delicate skin, leaving your pet scratching and irritated. We all know about these various issues.

If you’re looking for a great way to show how much you care, consider investing in some high-quality grooming tools to help them stay in top shape physically. After all, the best way to show someone you care is by helping them feel their best, and that’s what regular grooming does.

Luxury Natural Treats

Sometimes a delicious treat can say more to a pet than words ever could, so why not grab a few new varieties to add to their snack bowl. With grain-free, whole food, natural options available, you’ll never have to question what your pet is eating (except when they get into the trash). Choose options that are specifically formulated for your pet (for example, dog treats for dogs) and have added dental or nutrient benefits too. High-protein options are a great lean option for pets wanting extra shine to their coat. With many freeze-dried or jerky options available for both cats and dogs, grabbing a few new treats for your pet is an inexpensive way to show them how much you care.

Add a Few Toy Options to Their Toy Bin

It doesn’t matter what kind of pet you own, mental stimulation is an important part of keeping them healthy and active, making toys a great gift your pet is going to love. Look for dog toys with the added benefit of mental stimulation when you purchase, or multi-play options. Quality toys will be built to last through the most vigorous play sessions, so check the manufacturing materials before you purchase. Opting for high-quality rubber, double or triple sewn seams, and natural products will last longer for your pet’s playtime.

Always make sure to monitor your pet when playing with their new toys and supervise any loose or moveable parts. Items like feathers, sewn-in eyes (or plastic eyes), and squeakers can pose choking risks if left unattended.

Spoiling Your Pet is the Best Part

It doesn’t matter what the reason is for buying your pet a gift; spoiling your pet is a fun way to return some of the love and affection they offer you every single day. Physically caring for them will help them lead long, healthy lives. Mentally stimulating them will encourage continued growth and development (and eliminate destructive, boredom-induced behaviors). Commemorating them with a portrait will always remind you of the special place they hold in your heart. The end goal of a gift isn’t necessarily the purpose in mind, but it doesn’t hurt to have one either.

While getting a gift for your dog, do not forget about yourself as well. Try these dog-themed comfy onesies for adults.

4 Dog Training Tips For Beginners

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Dogs are amazing creatures. Their playful and loyal nature truly make them man’s and woman’s best friend. Regardless of the breed of pet dog you have, once you make the decision to bring one home, the task of skilfully training them will be the first priority.

There are hundreds of ways you can train your dog: some that require previous experience of working with dogs, while others that are fit for beginners. The question then becomes: where should a beginning pet owner start? To comprehensively answer this question, we have prepared a basic guide for beginners that will give them workable ways to train their dog quickly.

Choose A Trainable Dog Name

This might sound a little hard to believe but the name of your dog can influence the effectiveness of training. You might be quick to give your pet dog a name as soon as you bring him or her home, but try not to pick one without first analyzing its impact on the training. Certain dog names are better for training. These usually have a strong consonant at the end, for example “Jack” or “Jasper” can be pronounced with an emphasis on the last letter.

When names are chosen by pet owners with a strong emphasis on the last consonant, it makes puppies more attentive, hence more likely to acknowledge the command they have received. Also, if your new pet is an older dog, they might already have a name they are accustomed to, although in this scenario starting off with a fresh name is not a terrible option. Many pet dogs that end up without a home again are rescued from abusive households, and so a new name can be a fresh start.

Setup House Rules From The First Day

Dogs are adaptable creatures and this quality should be leveraged to set up house rules from the first day you bring her home. Although we know that the first days are full of love and excitement, it is still essential to define boundaries. Is your furry pal allowed to access household furniture such as the bed or sofa? Should they poop inside, or outside? Are parts of the house off-limits? These rules need to be determined immediately, so it eliminates confusion for your pet.

Give Your Pet a Private Space

Like humans, dogs are creatures that require privacy and their own dedicated space. As soon as you get the dog home, make sure that you have set up a private den for them such as a basic kennel or crate that they can rightfully call theirs. This space serves numerous benefits: first, it will make them feel comfortable, hence they can focus more on their training without feeling agitated. Secondly, you can also serve there their favorite meals that you can for instance buy at a discount from Chewy Coupons and Promo Codes without fearing a mess inside your house.

Always Reward Good Behavior

Positive reinforcement is a potent tool when it comes to training. Years of research in this field has permeated the idea that whenever dogs are rewarded for their good behavior, they internalize the act that they performed before the treat and make sure they repeat it. On the other hand, scolding them gently for bad behavior is equally important so that a clear delineation between acceptable and unacceptable behavior can be carved out.

Learn more about dog training and boarding services at Delaware K9 Academy.

Five Tips for Getting Years of Use Out of the Best Large Dog Collar for Your Canine Companion

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You can buy a cheap collar at the pet store, but it isn’t going to last. That doesn’t mean you want to spend a bunch of money on a collar that ends up in the garbage long before it should either!

You can’t just clasp new dog collars around your dog’s neck and forget all about them, especially if you have a large breed that is hard on his collar. No matter what kind of collar you get for your pet, if you want it to last, you have to do these five things to maintain it.

Choose the Right Collar for Your Dog

The very first thing you should do is take your time choosing a collar for your dog. There are quite a few things to consider. A trusted pet review website recommends starting with “a collar that won’t irritate, but will keep him confined and safe on his leash.”

For large breeds, that usually means choosing a thicker collar that is made out of a sturdy material that won’t wear easily. That’s especially the case if your pet likes to pull on the leash, as it can put a lot of strain on his collar.

Your dog is also more likely to wear a collar for a long time that has features he will use. For example, dogs that go on walks at night would do well to have a collar that is made with reflective material, while country dogs would do well to wear a breakaway collar.

Make Sure It Fits Properly Over Time

Buying the wrong collar for your dog can be harmful to his health. Don’t assume that just because you purchased a collar that fit perfectly years ago that it still fits perfectly today.

It’s important to check the fit on your dog’s collar regularly. Puppies may need to transition to a larger collar as they get bigger, and a dog that has gained weight may need his collar loosened.

Not only does checking for fit ensure your dog is comfortable, it ensures no additional strain is put on the collar, enabling it to last longer.

Inspect It Regularly

Not only should you pay attention to how your dog’s collar fits around his neck, you should also take his collar off from time to time to inspect it up close.

It’s normal for collars to become worn over time, but by addressing small issues as they arise, you can keep your dog’s collar a lot longer. For example, stitching can easily become frayed. By learning a few basic stitches, you can replace the stitches that were lost and reinforce the collar at the same time.

Even if you aren’t much of a seamstress, you should trim loose strings, cut frayed edges, and use a small, sharp pair of scissors to clip away pills that are common on collars that are constructed out of fabric and other soft material.

Keep It Clean

Dogs get dirty, and so do their collars! You will be tempted to throw that collar away sooner than you should if it gets so dirty that it’s barely recognizable. Take the time to clean the collar every once in a while and it will look like new for years to come. Some collars are machine washable, while others may need to be washed by hand in the sink.

Don’t forget to condition your dog’s leather collar! Removing stains and using conditioner on a leather couch works just as well on your dog’s leather collar. By taking care of it, you can prevent it from cracking and ending up in the garbage.

Consider Different Collars for Different Purposes

You will replace your dog’s collar more often if he wears the same one day-in and day-out, regardless of the day’s activities. If you want your pet’s collar to last, consider using different dog collars for different reasons.

For example, use a…

— Reflective collar when walking your dog at night
— Waterproof collar for a day on the lake
— Breakaway collar when hiking with your dog in the woods
— Harness when teaching your dog how to walk on a leash
— Cloth collar or bandana when hanging around the house

It’s true that you will have to replace your dog’s collar eventually, but that doesn’t mean you want to toss it out earlier than you have to! The tips on this list will help you save money by making your pet’s collar last as long as possible.

The Latest Cannabis Craze? CBD for Dogs and Cats!

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It’s tricky to stay up to date with CBD and cannabis. It seems like regulations are changing every other week! Even in the CBD market, there are new products all the time, making it difficult to keep up with the latest trends.

But innovations in the CBD industry are no longer limited to humans. That’s right: your pets can now benefit from CBD!

Upon first hearing this, it’s logical to feel slightly concerned. Is CBD good for your pet? After all, we always want the best for our four-legged friends, and it’s no use giving them a cannabis derivative if it’s bad for them. Not only do we want to know for the sake of our dogs and cats, but CBD can also potentially be given to horses and can be really beneficial for them in many ways. You can easily find more info about this on the internet.

While research into CBD for pets is some way behind human studies, anecdotal reports are positive. More and more pet owners are finding success with a little CBD slipped into their pet’s diet. But what exactly is working? What do owners achieve by administering cannabidiol to their pets?

In this guide, we go over the basics of CBD for dogs and cats. Stay tuned to find out how CBD works, whether it’s safe, and where to buy CBD for pets.

Does CBD Work for Dogs and Cats?

Yes! CBD works for all mammals, and that includes your dogs and cats, as well as us humans. Let’s talk a little more about cannabidiol (CBD) and how it works.

Cannabidiol, usually shortened to CBD, is a cannabinoid. In other words, it’s an active chemical compound found in cannabis plants. Contrary to popular knowledge, cannabis is not always an intoxicating drug; hemp is a form of the hemp plant with very little of the psychoactive cannabinoid, THC.

CBD product manufacturers always use hemp, as per the law. They extract cannabinoids like CBD from dried plant matter, infusing it into various products that we can enjoy. When ingested, the CBD interacts with a biological system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

The ECS is intricately connected to numerous bodily functions. It plays a part in regulating many functions, including sleep, mood, and immune health. CBD can support the ECS and improve its function, meaning that CBD works as a positive daily supplement.

As it turns out, our mammalian pets also have an ECS. As a result, CBD works on dogs and cats in much the same way as it does humans.

Here are just a handful of the reasons why pet owners are giving CBD to their animals…

— Epilepsy: CBD may reduce seizure intensity and frequency.
— Anxiety: Dogs with separation anxiety may benefit from CBD’s calming effects.
— Pain: Older canines may experience joint pain as a result of arthritis. As an anti-inflammatory, CBD may help to make their days a little easier.
There are plenty of other reasons to give CBD to your pet. Make sure you do your research.

Is CBD Safe for Dogs and Cats?

The burning question on every pet owner’s mind is whether CBD is safe for animals. The answer, once again, is yes.

In general, CBD is well-tolerated in animals. As long as you purchase reputable CBD with no THC, Fido should be fine. Your pet won’t experience any intoxicating effects or get “high” from CBD.

However, you should be careful. Every animal reacts differently to CBD, and your dog may experience side effects. Please ensure that you look after your pet in case they feel anxious or dizzy, and keep an eye on them at all times. If you’re using the right dose, your pet should get by without side effects.

Speaking of dose, animals need much less CBD than humans. You should stick to CBD products designed specifically for pets, and use the amount of CBD that’s right for their weight.

CBD Pet Products: What’s Available?

Many CBD brands now sell CBD for pets. The options usually include products for dogs, cats, and horses. Often, brands divide the products by weight class, producing options for small, medium, and large breeds.

The current range is excellent. Owners can treat their pets to flavored CBD oils, with options such as fish and bacon. Your pet will love lapping up the tasty oil and won’t even know they’re taking CBD! Alternatively, there are plenty of CBD-infused pet treats to make training a breeze.

It’s vital to find a reputable brand. We recommend this well-reviewed CBD brand from Daily CBD Reviews and Premium Jane, where you can browse a variety of top CBD products, such as organic, CBD-infused dog treats. Lab reports are available with every purchase, with shipping throughout the US.

Is It Safe To Feed CBD Dog Treats To Puppies?

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CBD is popular nowadays as it shown a high efficacy rate not only for humans but also for pets, especially dogs. To better understand this, you should know that CBD or Cannabidiol is one of the chemical compounds of Cannabis sativa.

CBD is also being used for animals lately. It is now used to treat multiple ailments for dogs, such as joint pain, behavioral disorders, and heart and immunity problems. But the question remains: is it safe to give our dogs, most importantly our puppies, CBD dog treats to aid them with their ailments?

When your dog ingests CBD, it should quickly start taking effect, and you should notice a difference in your dog’s behavior within minutes. However according to Cannabislaw, the “ingesting” part might be a problem for some dog owners because CBD is known for its earthy, bitter taste and strong scent, and your pooch might not be eager to taste it. So, sometimes, you need to be a bit creative in CBD administration for dogs, which is where treats come in…

Understanding CBD Dog Treats

There are two categories of Cannabis sativa plants: marijuana and hemp. CBD mostly comes from hemp plants, and it usually consists of 0-0.3% of THC. THC is the chemical component in marijuana that makes it psychoactive.

CBD products, such as CBD dog treats and CBD oils, do not have THC. Instead, they only consist of the cannabidiol substance that does not make the consumer high. CBD will only have relaxing effects, especially for people who have mental conditions like depression and anxiety.

CBD can also help with joints and muscle pains and give relief to patients who suffer seizures. Today, CBD has been making a buzz in the pet world because it claims to help animals in addition to humans.

Cannabidiol can be given to our pets through different forms. It can be in the form of oils and even dog treats. CBD dog treats are the most common way to introduce CBD to your dogs. It is nothing but a simple dog treat infused with CBD to aid with your dog’s illness. Other pet owners opt for CBD oil or capsules to treat their dogs with joint pain or behavioral conditions.

A proper dosage of CBD oil has been widely proven to be beneficial in helping dogs deal with anxiety and/or even cancer as well. For in-depth reading, you can find out here. 

Is CBD Safe for Both Old and Young Dogs?

CBD is a safe medicine option for both old and young dogs who suffer from different health conditions. It is considered a safe supplement that rarely produces side effects, and if it does, it would most likely be only mild and light. The most common reported side effects are slight drowsiness or diarrhea.

CBD supplements are safe for children, which makes it safe for your puppies as well. This supplement can also provide benefits to its users — old or young, human or animal.

Here are conditions and symptoms that CBD can help your dog with:

— Anxiety
— Pain
— Convulsions and Epilepsy
— Nausea and Vomiting
— Appetite loss
— Cancer
— Cognitive loss
— Activity loss

Proper Method of Giving CBD to Your Puppy

Even if CBD is known as a suitable treatment for different conditions, you should still visit your vet before giving CBD supplements to your pups. It will be best if you do not give CBD at the very first sign of the mentioned conditions.

CBD is only recommended for severe conditions and extreme symptoms that cannot be treated with traditional training and lifestyle changes. Whenever you notice a behavioral change in your puppy, like aggressiveness towards other pets or animals, you must seek your vet’s advice right away to provide advice and a proper approach for your pet.

Although CBD is a highly recommended supplement and medication for dogs, it should not be your only solution to your dog’s condition. It is always best for your pets to consult a vet rather than medicate them with CBD products only.

Whenever your dog’s condition or symptoms worsen even after doing proper lifestyle change and behavioral training, that is the best time to consider giving CBD to your dogs. For instance, if your dog does not show improvement from their separation anxiety. When your vet prescribes anxiolytic, that would be when you start looking for CBD supplements and medication for your dog.

Five Best CBD Dog Treats

CBD Dog Treats Cheese Wraps by MediPets

The MediPets Cheese Wraps contain 3 mg of Cannabidiol per piece. It has a cheesy flavor that your dog will surely love. You can also choose other flavors for your dog to enjoy, such as beef, turkey, or sweet potato.

ManiPets dog treats are made with CBD oil from hemp plants in the US and are supported by laboratory testing. MediPets brand is also one of the most affordable CBD dogs treats on the market.

Canna-Biscuits Advanced MaxCBD by Canna-Pet

Canna-Biscuits by Canna-Pet has a maple bacon flavor and contains not only CBD but also terpenes. Terpenes are a natural ingredient that enhances the effect of the CBD.

Canna-Biscuits are locally baked in the United States and have organic and quality ingredients that can be good for your dog. The MaxCBD Canna-Biscuits consists of 8.4 mg of CBD per treat, which is a high amount compared to average CBD dog treats.

HolistaPet

HolistaPet has three kinds of treats: CBD dog treats for joint pain and mobility, for stress and anxiety, and for heart and immunity. HolistaPet started producing all-natural, allergen-free CBD dog treats in 2016.

This brand stands out from all the other CBD dog treats on the market. They are not only producing quality products, but they also practice good business ethics. Moreover, they have excellent and knowledgeable customer service.

Pet Hemp Company

Pet Hemp Company has a wide variety of CBD dog treats that are also affordable. This is another popular name in the CBD dog treat industry as they are well-known for their effective and all-natural products and excellent business practice.

Pet Hemp Company sets itself apart because they are using the actual hemp seed powder to make their dog treats and CBD extract. It gives your pet a full entourage effect when they consume it.

FAB CBD by FabPets

FAB CBD has a great product lineup for your pup that you can choose from. They have three different options of flavors and specific target areas, such as chicken for active immunity, salmon for the skin and coating, and peanut butter and apples for a calm attitude.

FAB CBD gives your pup 3 mg of CBD per treat. Hemp oil is also added to the dog treat to help your dog’s health and overall wellbeing. All of their pet products are allergen-free, and they used organic hemp that is local to Colorado.

Takeaways

CBD has grown in popularity due to its countless health benefits. Pet parents are still concerned about whether or not it is a good option for their fur babies; most are still skeptical about this alternative medicinal option. Indeed, the use of CBD for therapeutic purposes among humans is subject to laws and regulations. Learn which states allow CBD and what their stand on medicinal marijuana is. Due diligence remains key in considering CBD products for human and animal use. However, CBD usage with dogs is already a widespread practice all over the United States, which means that it is a safe and effective option for your dog.

Author’s bio: When it’s about pets, you’ll be sure that Courtney will be writing about it. Courtney John is a writer and self-confessed pet lover who loves sharing to the world her insights. When not writing, she loves spending time with her pets. Alternatively, you can also catch Courtney cooking for her fur babies.

The Unique Benefits Of An Emotional Support Animal

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Any animal lover will say that their furry friends bring a lot of joy into their lives, and countless studies have linked animal ownership with reduced stress levels, more positive moods and mindsets, and even a longer life expectancy, too.

It’s no surprise, then, that recent years have seen the rise of emotional support animals, able to provide companionship, support, and assistance to many people suffering from a range of mental health issues or other disorders.

Despite the fact that emotional support animals (ESAs) are seeing a real surge in popularity at the moment, the concept of using animals for therapy and support goes back many years, to the days of philosophy and psychology experts of the past, including Dr. Sigmund Freud.

Still, even with decades of research and countless cases of people benefiting from their ESA, there’s still a lot of confusion out there about what kinds of benefits an ESA can provide. Read on to find out more…

Helping With Fears Of Flying

Once an emotional support animal has been registered, it can come along on flights with you, helping to massively reduce stress and fear levels in those who have phobias of flying or worries about being in a confined space for an extended period of time. For some people, an ESA can be the difference-maker between flying and not being able to travel at all, allowing them to visit friends and family or make urgent trips when needed.

An Answer To Loneliness

Loneliness is a common symptom of various mental health issues, including depression, as well as sometimes being an issue for people who might feel different or left out, such as those on the autism spectrum. An ESA can massively help with this, providing non-stop love and companionship and ensuring that its owner never feels entirely alone. Developing a loving bond with an animal can also help people nurture stronger bonds with other humans too.

Dealing With Depression

One of the main reasons why someone might be prescribed or recommended an emotional support animal is because they’re suffering from feelings of depression or anxiety. An ESA can assist with depression by providing love and companionship, and this has been proven on a scientific level, with studies showing that pet interaction can lead to the production of positive chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, relieving depressing feelings and lifting one’s mood.

Dealing With Difficult Emotions

There are some mental health conditions that may lead to people experiencing severe or extreme emotions in short spans of time, such as unexpected bursts of panic, fear, agitation, or sadness. Having an emotional support animal can help out during these difficult moments, providing some peace and companionship, and since animals like cats and dogs tend to be relatively peaceful or content most of the time, without such severe emotional changes, it can be easier to relax around them.

Mood Management

Another big part of having an emotional support animal around is being able to keep your mood swings in check and feel more balanced and settled in day to day life. Lots of research has shown that the presence of a furry friend can help people cope with stress and anxiety, as well as feeling more positive and content in their day to day lives. Having a registered ESA can, therefore, have a real impact on how you feel in general.

Physical Activity

Another often overlooked benefit of emotional support animal ownership is the fact that they can encourage people to engage in more exercise and lead more physically active lifestyles. Playing with a cat or walking a dog is a profitable way to spend free time, not only helping you feel happier and distracting from negative emotions but also engaging your muscles and getting your body moving, which can also lead to plenty of positive effects for mental health patients.

Conclusion

Overall, it’s clear to see that owning an emotional support animal can come with some impressive, tangible benefits that really can make a verifiable difference in the lives of people who need these kinds of companions. What’s more, this list is far from exhaustive.

There are many other benefits that come along with owning an ESA that haven’t been listed here, and there are countless examples of these animals proving that they can bring peace, love, and happiness into the lives of those they meet, changing the world for the better and helping patients with a range of problems lead better lives.