3 Dog Sitting Tips to Help You Care for a Friend’s Pet

It’s the season for vacations and weekend getaways. You might have a friend or a family member who has recently asked you to take care of his or her furry companion while they are away on a trip. While you may be thrilled at the prospect of having a dog around for a few days, there is a certain amount of care and attention that must go into taking care of a pet. Here are some tips on how to dog sit for your loved one and ensure that everything goes smoothly:
Learn the routine: Every pet owner will likely tell you that his or her dog is used to a certain routine when it comes to everything from eating to walking.

CesarsWay.com reports that routines are part of what makes dogs tick. That being said, it’s important that you familiarize yourself with your temporary pet’s routine before you bring him home. Doing so can help you make sure the dog is comfortable in his new surroundings.


Treat your pets for fleas: If you have a cat or a dog at home and you intend on bringing in a new animal, it’s a good idea to treat your pets for fleas and ticks before introducing the other dog to your home. Make sure the visiting pet is protected as well.

Bring home familiar toys and treats: To make sure your friend or family member’s pet has a good time while away on his own little vacation, bring along his toys and treats from home to create a familiar environment.


In the end, taking these tips into consideration can make sure that your dog sitting arrangement goes smoothly. What other tips would you add to this list?


For more information on Hartz flea Control products for cats and dogs, logon to http://www.hartzultraguard.com/

Source: http://blog.hartz.com/

Five Ways Dogs Can Benefit Your Health

What’s better than having an amazing friend who’s always excited to see you, doesn’t argue about what to watch on TV, and loves you unconditionally? That amazing friend also happens to be a health booster, and not just because he forces you to go for a walk twice a day. Over the ages studies have observed how pets help lower blood pressure, ease stress, and lessen anxiety in owners. According to WebMD, pets help lower blood pressure, lessen anxiety, boost immunity, and can even help you get dates! It may sound too good to be true, but it’s not. Consider these five great reasons why dogs in particular can help improve and maintain your good health.

1. Routine. Dogs provide their owners with a consistent friendly presence, but they also give regularity to our lives, from morning and evening walks to meals and grooming. Caring for a four-legged friend reinforces a kind of responsibility that engenders comfortable familiarity – the right kind of routine – in our lives. The stabilizing effect is cumulative and can help lower anxiety in everyone from children to the elderly.

2. Play. Games and fun are essential parts of human nature, though we tend to leave them behind as we grow older. Dogs are there to remind us of the importance of play. A game of catch, tag (your dog will probably win), or just a tussle on the floor can be a hugely rejuvenating experience. You won’t necessarily feel like a kid again, – you’ll just feel more like yourself.

3. Immunities boost. Medical studies have shown the potential boosts that growing up with dogs can give to children’s resistance to allergies and asthma. Dogs don’t keep clean the way humans do, so kids growing up in a pet-friendly environment will have harmless but important exposure to bacteria that they might not otherwise get, which might end up helping them somewhere down the line. According to ABC News, owning a dog may even lessen your kids’ chances of getting the common cold!

4. Love. To owners, this may seem like a given, but to potential owners, it cannot be stressed enough. Dogs provide love and devotion that is both unqualified and unconditional. That sort of appreciation is impossible to overestimate.

5. Relationships. Be it a question about breed or behavior, dogs can be a natural conversation starter and can help many people ease out of social isolation or shyness. Fellow animal lovers will be sure to notice you and your companion!
Picking the right dog is an important part of pet adoption. Those with busier schedules or limited capability for play and exercise will want smaller breeds, like Pugs, that require fewer walks. Folks fond of the outdoors will want a dog eager to climb, jump, and swim – like the Labrador retriever. Find the dog that’s best for you and start feeling great – it’ll take no time at all.

This content is provided by the pet wellness experts at Hartz. We know that adopting a dog or cat is a huge commitment, so we’re here to help you feel confident and become the best pet parent you can be.

For more information on Hartz flea Control products for cats and dogs, logon to http://www.hartzultraguard.com/

Choosing the Right Dog for Your Family and Lifestyle

When you’ve made the decision to adopt a dog, finding one isn’t just as simple as walking into your local animal shelter and picking out the cutest smiling face. While your first impression and the feeling that you get when you interact with a canine for the first time is very important, you may also want to consider a few points beforehand to make an informed decision. Here are a few tips to get started.

Use online resources. According to Petfinder.com, it’s extremely beneficial to research rescue groups and animal shelters in your area. Pay careful attention to the descriptions of the dogs themselves – if the facility tends to use the same language over and over again, it probably means that they don’t know much about the animal

Checking to see if they have a Facebook page can be helpful when searching for success stories from the facility in question. This is also a good time to look into return policies, pet adoption procedures and other important information that will factor into your decision

Consider your lifestyle. If you come from an extremely active family, a working dog like a Labrador or a Golden Retriever will likely perfectly fit into your humble abode. If you’re a bit more laid-back, a smaller dog or an older canine may be more akin to your speed of living

Whatever the case may be, don’t get tied up into preconceived notions about breeds until you see the dog in action. Keep an open mind when meeting canines to find the right energy level and temperament for your family. Kaboose.com has a quiz that could be helpful when trying to determine for the right kind of dog for your family

Think about the dog’s age. Choosing between a younger and a full-grown dog is another major decision. While puppies are incredibly cute and irresistible, they are also a much bigger undertaking compared to adult canines in terms of behavioral training, house-breaking and socialization, reports the American Kennel Club

Adopting an adult dog can prove to be a great alternative to raising a puppy. Many shelter and rescue dogs are well-trained and simply just need a home. Some also tend to have minor behavior problems and often require continued puppy education in adulthood. Others have more significant problems such as fearfulness which can require months and months of dedicated rehabilitation. Be honest with yourself and consider how much responsibility you want to take on beforehand. Each dog is unique

This content is provided by the pet wellness experts at Hartz. We know that adopting a dog or cat is a huge commitment, so we’re here to help you feel confident and become the best pet parent you can be
Did you go through a selection process when deciding which pet to give a forever home? What’s something you wish you knew before making the big decision?

For more information on Hartz flea Control products for cats and dogs, logon to http://www.hartzultraguard.com/

Health Reasons to Spay or Neuter Your Pet

The spaying and neutering campaigns have been a consistent force in American life for decades in an effort to reduce the pet population. However, one of the many side effects of avoiding this standard practice could possibly put your canine at risk for myriad health problems. If you’ve recently adopted a dog and have been mulling over your options in terms of spaying and neutering, the following health problems could convince you to bring your pet into the vet for the procedure.

Male dogs can begin to experience a wealth of potential problems relating to their reproductive systems. According to the Dayton Daily News, un-neutered dogs can develop enlarged prostates that can cause difficulty during bathroom trips. This can also lead to infections and potential cancers and tumors that could be mitigated with a neutering procedure. Worse yet, un-neutered dogs have a tendency to mark their territory often, and tend to be more aggressive than their neutered counterparts.

Female dogs are also far more susceptible to certain cancers if they are not spayed during their lifetimes. According to PetFinder.com, females also experience heat cycles where they can urinate more frequently and howl for a period of four to five days. Mammary tumors can develop if a canine is allowed to reach her first heat cycle, and these cancers can spread throughout the body if they are left unchecked. Un-spayed females can also develop an emergency condition called pyometra, a uterine infection that could be potentially deadly. This can lead to all sorts of problems around your home and can lead to its fair share of messes as well.

Ultimately, the sooner you bring your canine into the vet to get spayed or neutered, the sooner you can decrease your companion’s risk for numerous cancers and other potentially deadly disorders. It can help you avoid many of the messy problems that are associated with your canine’s regular reproductive cycles and help curb much of the aggression that is associated with them. A spaying and neutering procedure is actually quite easy, and your pet will be back in tip-top shape in a week or so. This is one of the best investments you can make to improve pet wellness, and you can prevent a variety of disorders that could cause your canine extreme discomfort down the road.

Fixatfour says roughly 50% of all animals born are accidents. Spaying or neutering your pet at 4 months can prevent those accidents and help save millions of dogs and cats being killed in shelters each year. Check out their great shareable posters and web banners that can help spread this important message.

Still not convinced or have a friend you just can’t get to budge on this matter? Then head over to the ASPCA’s website to see their top 10 persuasive reasons to spay or neuter. Worried about the cost? Most cities have a low-cost program you can take advantage of. The ASPCA also has a locater for these services in your area.

For more information on Hartz flea Control products for cats and dogs, logon to http://www.hartzultraguard.com/

Keeping Your Cat Indoors During Summer

While it may be tempting to let your feline roam in the great outdoors and enjoy everything the warm weather has to offer, you may be putting your feline at great risk. Traditionally, most cat owners would let their feline venture around the neighborhood during the day and let their feline in at night, but a majority of veterinarians and pet wellness experts believe this is doing your cat a disservice. If you don’t know which decision to make, the following reasons may convince you to keep your cat indoors where he’s safe and sound all year long


Parasites


While indoor cats are still susceptible to parasites like fleas, ticks and mosquitoes, they are far less likely to run into an infested animal or carry one of these insects inside when they are indoors 24/7, reports the AmericanHumane.org. Worse yet, your feline could also contract diseases like feline leukemia, infectious peritonitis, distemper and a variety of other potentially life-threatening ailments if he comes in contact with another animal


Safety concerns


While passing cars may seem like the most obvious threat to your feline, there are a variety of lesser-known concerns that you may not have thought of. If you live in a heavily-wooded area, large animals like coyotes, raccoons, foxes and badgers could cause your feline serious trouble. Even if you live in an urban area, the threat of loose dogs or less-than-friendly feral cats could be another potential danger for your feline


Outdoor toxins


The summer weather comes with its own share of concerns for dog and cat owners alike. Many homeowners are putting down fertilizers and other chemicals that could be potentially poisonous for your cat. Additionally, foreign substances like antifreeze, motor oil and other harsh substances could be ingested and could also prove to be fatal

When you really get down to it, there’s no real reason to let your feline roam around outside when he has everything he needs indoors. The Humane Society of the United States suggests starting young with your indoor cat and give him plenty of stimulating toys and furniture to help him get used to his new confines. Keeping your feline indoors is one of the best ways to ensure cat wellness throughout your feline’s life, and you may just be lengthening his life span in the process

For more information on Hartz flea Control products for cats and dogs, logon to http://hartzfleacontrol.blogspot.com

Seasonal Professional Grooming for Your Pet

As the seasons change, you’re probably looking into a wide range of dog wellness concerns to ensure that your canine is happy and healthy in the new season. One of the tasks that should be at the top of your list is bringing your furry friend into the groomer for a seasonal session. This holds innumerable pet care benefits for your canine and it can help him stay comfortable as the mercury rises over the coming months.

Here are a few reasons why you should make that appointment very soon:

On-the-spot health check 

Groomers see a multitude of dogs over the course of a month, so they’ve seen just about everything that relates to a canine’s health. The learned eye of a groomer will be able to spot out skin growths, dry patches and other skin issues that you may have missed during your regular brushing. Groomers will also take a close look at your canine’s ears and teeth and will let you know if they spot anything that requires a vet’s attention. Bathing will also eliminate germs and dirt that your pup acquired from outside playtime.

Take care of those tangles 

Tangled or matted fur can be a huge problem for some canines, no matter how intense your brushing regimen may be. Unless you’re trimming your dog’s coat yourself, some breeds’ coats are prone to excessive tangling and matting that can be increasingly uncomfortable. This can become extremely itchy and can get caught on objects in your home, so it’s best to get these taken care of for your pooch’s well-being. Some dog breeds can also shed dander, tiny or microscopic dead skin flakes, which can cause allergies in humans when inhaled.

A summer trim

While your companion will lose a majority of the thick undercoat he produces in winter during his spring shedding, a full trim will go a long way toward keeping him comfortable throughout the summer. When the mercury and humidity start to rise, he will be far more comfortable when venturing outdoors or simply lounging around the house. After all, a long winter can leave your canine looking less than stellar, and your pet can feel the difference when he’s back to being handsome. Keeping the hair short around the eyes for long-haired breeds will also give them a better view.

A nail trim while at the groomer is also advised to prevent germs from accumulating inside of them. Trimmed nails are also important to help keep you and your home furniture safe.

Regular grooming is as much of a necessity for a dog as food, water, vaccinations, de-worming, and walks. Your dog will not only be clean and healthy but also be very pleasing to look at. Remember, a clean dog is a happy dog!

What are some of your favorite things about a cleaned up pup? Is it how they feel or smell afterwards? Share a photo of your freshly groomed pooch with us!

For more information on Hartz flea Control products for cats and dogs, logon to http://hartzfleacontrol.com

How to Keep Pets in Their Cages

Lindzee, one of our favorite pet people, provides these simple tips below to help keep your small animals safe!

“When I was around 10-years-old, my 5th grade teacher gave me our class pet – a hamster named Toby – to babysit for the summer. About a week into the summer, Toby vanished from his cage! I’m still not sure how he escaped, but I think he must have eventually gotten hungry because he reappeared in his cage safe and sound!

Small pets like Toby have an uncanny ability to follow their curiosity to unknown places beyond the walls of their habitats. Using their wit and wile, they often find themselves wandering the halls of your house, exposed to all the dangers that come with that territory. To help prevent this dangerous situation, as well as a long and frustrating search and rescue for you and your family, you should make sure you know how to keep your small animal, be it a rat or mouse or hamster, in his cage.

After discovering Toby was an escape artist, I took extra precautions to keep his adventurous spirit in check. These tips should help you do the same!”
Make sure your pet has a proper cage.

Bar Spacing -If you’re keeping your small pet in a wire cage, you need to ensure that the cage has the proper amount of space between the wires. Anything too wide and your furry friend will be able to wriggle its way through! For mice and hamsters, the spacing should be no greater than ¼ inch. For rat cages, this number is ½ inch. Guinea pig, rabbit and ferret cages should not have more than 1 inch of spacing. Using a tank as your small pet’s habitat is one way to keep from worrying about bar spacing.

Keep a Lid On it! -Your small pets may surprise you; no matter how high the sides of their cage or tank are, they always seem to be able to get to the top. For this reason, your cage should always have a lid. But sometimes even this won’t be enough! Many crafty pets (like Toby) can figure ways to pop open a loose lid. You should make sure your lid is very secure and maybe even consider reinforcing it. Keeping a dictionary on top would weigh it down and ensure your pet’s safety.

Check Every Corner – Many small pet cages are complex and have lots of features (tubes, wheels, hideouts, etc.) that could be loose or not secured properly. They could be covering potential escape routes for your small pet. If you have a cage like this, or even have a very simple cage, make sure to check every nook and cranny for potential weaknesses. One common weakness is the door, which can provide an escape route if loose or improperly secured.
Feed your pet carefully! If your small pet’s habitat has a door that is placed at cage floor level, you need to be watchful when opening it for feeding (or any other reason!) Small pets can be very fast and may dart by your hand before you can react.

Keep your pet away from larger animals. If you have cats or dogs as well as small pets, you should be extra careful with your cage! Predators can see your small pets as prey and may try to break into their cages. Even if they don’t catch anything, they can damage the cage and create escape routes.

Educate your children. Kids, much like my ten-year-old self, are often the perfect accomplice to a small pet escape artist. Children wanting to play with a small pet may not understand how easily they can be set free! Be sure to educate your child on keeping your small pet safe inside his home.

For more information on Hartz flea Controlproducts for cats and dogs, logon to http://hartzfleacontrol.blogspot.com