نویسنده: Ali Bina

  • Homeward Pet | Help other pets like Kaia get the care they deserve

    Homeward Pet | Help other pets like Kaia get the care they deserve


    Help other pets like Kaia get the care they deserve

    In 2018, Kaia arrived at Homeward Pet Adoption Center, and it didn’t take long before she found a loving home. However, when a new baby joined the family, Kaia struggled to adjust. Having a young child in the house proved stressful for Kaia. She became withdrawn, and her reactivity grew as her stress did.

    Her loving owners reached out to Homeward Pet. For five years, Homeward Pet Adoption Support provided behavior training, guidance, and support to try to help her thrive with her growing family.

    Despite everyone’s best efforts, and although her family loved her deeply, they ultimately made the difficult decision to return her to Homeward Pet. They wanted the best for this sweet girl and hoped Kaia could find a quieter, more predictable home, better suited to her sensitive needs.

    Upon Kaia’s return to the shelter, our team worked patiently to match her with a foster home that could gift her with an environment to help her decompress from years of stress. We introduced her to her potential foster family multiple times to ensure a smooth transition.

    Unfortunately, the first night in her foster home, Kaia suffered what can only be described as a panic attack. She was so terrified of her new surroundings she tried to escape by throwing herself at walls and out of windows. At midnight, our team received a call from her foster family, who rushed to bring her safely back to the shelter.

    After allowing time to settle back into life in the shelter, Kaia underwent a sedated physical exam and extensive testing. The results revealed she was hypothyroid – a condition that can heighten anxiety. With new medication and a treatment plan in place, Kaia miraculously began to seem less stressed.

    To ensure she could feel safe and happy in a home again, our team went the extra mile. After a few months of care in the shelter, staff members were able to secure an AirBNB for an overnight to see how Kaia would do in a home environment.

    Kaia had a blast – she curled up on the couch with staff, cozied in, and took a peaceful nap. In fact, she felt so at home, she even stole a piece of pizza when she woke from her nap!

    Because of your incredible generosity, Homeward Pet was able to provide Kaia with the specialized veterinary and behavioral support she desperately needed to treat and ease her anxiety. Today, Kaia is ready to find her forever family.

    Your GiveBIG gift isn’t just a donation. It’s a lifeline for pets like Kaia and so many others still waiting for a second chance.

    Take advantage of our match pool and DOUBLE your gift, today! Thank you for being a part of our mission, and for giving animals like Kaia the care they deserve.

    Give now. Give hope. GiveBIG.



    Source link

  • Tips for Traveling Safely With Your Pet on a Plane


    Travel can be a big deal for your pets, especially when it involves air travel.  It’s essential to plan ahead so you and your pet will be prepared for the entire process, from booking the flight to arriving at your …

    The post Tips for Traveling Safely With Your Pet on a Plane first appeared on People Loving Animals.



    Source link

  • How I Saved My Dog from a Shed

    How I Saved My Dog from a Shed


    A small shed of white corrugated aluminum sits in a grassy yard. It is sits on concrete blocks, resulting in space underneath the shed. There is fencing blocking access to the space by larger animals.

    I may have saved Clara’s life when I finally fenced off a shed in my backyard.

    It’s one of those modular sheds, and set up on concrete blocks. Lots of people around here have them, and plenty of wild critters learn to hide or nest in the crawl space. Even the wrens take their fledglings there as a way station after they first leave the nest.

    Some dogs figure out how to crawl around under there.

    With my gang, Zani started it. She made the area under the shed her playground. She not only tracked critters under there, but she had a couple little dug-out snoozing areas. If I couldn’t find Zani in the yard, I knew where to look: a 12-inch space under a shed with bare nails poking down through the floor. I made plans to block the shed off with garden fencing. I just had to figure out how to do that and still be able to open the door.

    In the meantime, Clara watched Zani scooting around under the shed for a few days and decided that looked fun. But Zani was 19 pounds; Clara was 44. As her person, I told her she was Too Big, but she didn’t agree. When I wasn’t paying attention, she would sometimes dive under there, too.

    I’m so glad I took this one video. As you watch, notice that I didn’t say anything as I was looking under the side of the shed where the dust was poofing out. I didn’t want her trying to come that way, because she couldn’t get out on that side. There was only one place where she could exit, and she had to fling her body sideways to do it.

    You can hear the stress in my voice during the video. I was so worried that she’d get trapped or injured. And that was before the main terrifying event.

    The Winter Night I Thought I Would Lose Clara

    It was February, and we had had unusually cold weather coinciding with a heavy-for-us snow. The temperature was in the teens and there were 10–12 inches of snow on the ground.

    I took Clara out late one night, and she immediately disappeared somewhere in the yard. I had a sinking feeling as I suspected where she’d gone. I waded over to the shed. Yes, she was under there. In the freezing cold, in pitch dark. The path she needed to take to come out would not have been visible to her because of the snow cover. But I could hear her scrabbling around. The terrifying thoughts flooded in. The city was shut down; I couldn’t get help. If she got stuck or couldn’t find her way out, she could freeze to death. She wore a breakaway collar but could still get caught or trapped. It would take a forklift to raise the shed. But that would be horribly dangerous with her under there, and it would be the next day at the soonest. Would she survive the night? Could I throw hot water bottles and hand warmers under there? I was grasping at straws.

    The bottom of a wall of the white corrugated aluminum shed with snow up to the edge of it
    The snow coming up to the bottom edges of the shed

    Maybe we could dig her out that night? We’d have to clear a bunch of snow first if we were to dig a place for her to get out. Was the ground frozen? My neighbors are dog lovers; could I hit them up in this weather in the middle of the night? But Clara, of course, would be scared of them.

    The snow was up to the bottom of the shed, completely enclosing the space. I had rarely in my life felt such dread.

    All this was going through my head before I even knew whether she was in trouble.

    I carefully made my move. I dug out the snow in the normal exit area and turned on the light on my phone, pointing it straight down so it wouldn’t be in her eyes. I called her. She came out. My darling, my baby dog thrust herself happily out from under the shed.

    That’s when I promised myself I would enclose that space.

    Ex Pen to the Rescue

    For those who aren’t familiar, “ex pen” is short for the oddly named “exercise pen,” a length of hinged fencing panels that can be configured into an enclosure for dogs. It turned out to be the missing piece, the thing that allowed me to safely enclose the shed.

    I had planned for years to put garden fencing around the bottom of the shed. The spacing of the wire can allow access to squirrels, chipmunks, and rabbits, but not dogs. (Note: a determined digger could loosen or move this kind of fence. Luckily I haven’t had one of those for a while.)

    Wire garden fencing along a wall of a shed, blocking access to the crawl space for animals larger than squirrels and rabbits.
    The stakes of the fencing are 16 inches tall, with about 4 inches pounded into the ground

    But I couldn’t put the fence around the front of the shed, because it would block the door. And I couldn’t just skip the door area because then I would have a worse situation: an entrance to the crawlspace and no exit. I mulled this over for a while. A row of concrete blocks, maybe, filling in the gap under the front? Shorter fencing? My dad would have brought the fencing neatly around the corners and across the front to the edges of the door, then attached something to the bottom of the door that fit perfectly. I’m sure there are many handy people out there who would have figured out something elegant. But I like my solution. I pounded two pieces of 4-foot steel rebar into the ground near the ends of the garden fencing. I placed a length of ex pen around the front, overlapping the fence on the sides. I attached the ex pen to the rebar with carabiners. It’s easy to remove a carabiner and move the ex pen enough to open the shed door. And it looks tidier than a lot of my projects.

    Some dogs will jump an ex pen. I’ve seen Zani jump out of a 4-foot pen from a standing start, and this one is 3 feet. But I knew Clara wouldn’t jump it, especially into such a small space, and I learned that Lewis is even less of a jumper than she was. Phew!

    Maybe She Would Have Been OK?

    Lewis, a white hound mix with brown ears and ticking, looks longingly under the shed from the outside of the ex pen.
    Lewis knows that bunnies hide under the shed at times

    As I think about it, a couple years after that panicked night, it occurs to me for the first time that the snow itself could have insulated the space enough for Clara to keep warm enough overnight. I think now, probably so. But the only reason she would have had to stay there was if she had been stuck, which was a deadly problem itself. There was no easy solution for that, even in the daytime, even if there had been no snow.

    Clara is gone now, but the fence and ex pen are fulfilling their function: preventing the next varmint dog from the siren song of the shed crawl space.

    Related Post

    Copyright 2025 Eileen Anderson



    Source link

  • Why is My Dog Coughing?


    Coughing in dogs can start for a variety of reasons.  As upsetting as it can be for the dog’s owner, keep in mind that the cough often sounds worse than it is.  Your dog’s coughing might resolve itself without medical …

    The post Why is My Dog Coughing? first appeared on People Loving Animals.



    Source link

  • Fun Activities to Do With Your Pets


    Spending quality time with your pet is one of the best ways to build a strong, lasting bond—and it’s also a whole lot of fun! Whether you have a playful pup or a curious cat, there are endless activities you …

    The post Fun Activities to Do With Your Pets first appeared on People Loving Animals.



    Source link

  • Smalls Cat Food Review


    Smalls Cat Food has carved a niche in the bustling world of pet nutrition. Known for its focus on quality ingredients and tailored nutrition, Smalls is gaining popularity among cat parents who prioritize their cat’s health.

    In this review, we’ll …

    The post Smalls Cat Food Review first appeared on People Loving Animals.



    Source link

  • Do Huskies Shed? Everything You Need To Know

    Do Huskies Shed? Everything You Need To Know


    Huskies, often known as the “Siberian husky” because of its origin in Siberia are the most loved dog breeds. You can easily identify them because of their thick double-coated fur, pointed ears, bushy tails and their sociable and loyal nature.

    They are also playful and powerful, therefore a good choice for active dog owners especially those with kids. Just like any other dog breed, huskies too shed fur. This guide covers everything you would like to know about huskies shedding. Let’s dive in!

    Do Huskies Shed?

    do huskies shed

    So, you have got this beautiful friendly dog but one of the questions you would like to know is that “Do huskies shed?”

    But first, we need to understand what shedding is. Well, this is when animals lose dead or damaged fur to make room for new and healthy fur to grow.

    Back to our question, the answer is yes, just like other dogs, huskies do shed off their coat that protects them from the cold, also known as blowing their coat.

    The unique thing about these breeds is that they shed once or twice a year only compared to other breeds that do it throughout the year because of seasonal changes.

    It has been proven that most huskies will shed twice a year although some will only do it once a year, especially during spring as the weather gets warmer. It is therefore normal for the husky to shed, but it becomes a nightmare if your husky sheds off unusually.

    So, if you are thinking of getting this stunning steady dog breed, you need to know what causes these beautiful dogs to excessively shed their coat abnormally.

    Why Do Huskies Shed Too Much?

    Why Do Huskies Shed Too Much

    One thing you should be aware of before owning a husky is the fact that it is a thick double coated animal. This means that it has two layers of hair comprising an undercoat and a topcoat.

    The undercoat is made of a layer of fine soft hair used for insulation during winter when they regrow and used for cooling during summer when they blow off or shed off while the top coat is harsh, wiry, and waterproof and obviously, protects the body of the husky from harsh environment and water.

    For this reason, as the weather changes from hot to cold or the other way around expect the hair to fall off too much to fit the stipulated weather condition surrounding the husky.

    They either have to shed and grow thinner undercoats during summer seasons or grow thicker, denser overcoats during winter when the weather is cold.

    In other words, it is Mother Nature that determines when it is time for the husky to lose some hair or to grow it. But for some reason, the husky may shed off excessively which is frustrating and these could be the reasons why.

    Causes of Abnormal Excessive Shedding in Huskies

    Causes of Abnormal Excessive Shedding in Huskies

    So we are very aware that it is normal for huskies to shed to fit the seasonal change of their environment. However, abnormal shedding can take place.

    These are some of the reasons why there may be excessive abnormal shedding in huskies.

    1. Nutritional imbalance

    This is caused by feeding the dog an imbalanced diet especially when the food lacks protein which is essential for skin and hair growth.

    2. Certain diseases

    Some diseases may affect the husky’s skin and fur. Excessive hair loss in dogs could be an indicator of an underlying illness so you need to take it to the vet to find out the disease in time.

    3. Skin parasite like flea and ticks

    Parasites which irritate the dog’s skin force them to over-scratch, ending up losing its beautiful coat abnormally.

    4. Skin allergies

    Skin allergies may cause rashes, itching, and other skin reactions affecting the hair. It also makes the dog over-scratch.

    5. Using the wrong shampoo

    Some shampoos sold on the market are not good for either the skin of the dog or the hair itself. It may irritate the skin forcing the dog to over-scratch or break the hair hence over-shedding.

    6. Stress at home

    Biologically, it has been proven that animals lose hair when they are stressed and this is very true with a husky. According to Mayo Clinic, stress possibly causes the body’s immune system to attack hair follicles where the hair is rooted thus causing hair loss.

    How to Stop Your Husky From Shedding

    It is good that every problem has a solution, and these are some of the solutions to excessive shedding in huskies.

    Vet visits: Regularly take your dog to the vet to check on its health especially when it feels irritated or it is over scratching to save both time and money.

    Feed the dog a balanced diet: When you go out shopping for dog food, make sure to shop for food rich in protein especially chicken or fish. This is good for the skin and fur.

    Introduce food supplements with Omega-3 oil: This has been proven to be very good for the skin of the dog. When the skin is fine, expect the dog to have good hair which will not abnormally break off.

    Avoid using the wrong shampoo: Use deshedding shampoo that contains natural ingredients and avoid the ones that will burn the skin and the hair of the dog. Not all shampoos are good.

    Don’t ever shave the hair from a dog: Instead, brush it regularly on a schedule. It is advisable to do this 2 to 3 times a week to reduce the dead skin on the dog.

    Much as you are advised to brush your dog, take into consideration the type of brush you are to use when brushing your dog. Use an undercoat rake and slicker brush which don’t damage the hair of the husky.

    Avoid over bathing: This is because it will risk drying the dog’s skin which will turn out not to be good for the hair conditioning of the dog.

    Exercise the dog: This will keep the dog in shape and remember when you are in shape; it makes your body system work normally, and also works well for the dog. So go have fun walking your dog.

    How to Maintain a Healthy Coat for Your Husky

    How to Maintain a Healthy Coat for Your Husky

    Much as you don’t want your husky shedding off abnormally, wouldn’t you want to see its coat healthy and shiny? Well, here is how to maintain the cool coat of our husky.

    a) Emphasize on protein diet

    Always look out for food rich in protein as a primary ingredient. It is advisable to feed them lamb and chicken since they are rich in protein and make the hair glow.

    b) Give the husky an Omega-rich diet and supplements

    This has been proven to reduce dry skin and general irritation making our husky soft and beautiful. Give the husky some seafood, especially fish.

    c) You are also advised to massage the coat with coconut oil

    According to Jessica Smith, coconut oil is one of the best remedies for nourishing dehydrated skin and hair as well as preventing skin infection making the husky’s coat glow.

    d) Bath, groom and brush your husky regularly

    Use organic shampoo with natural ingredients to preserve the beautiful dog coat.

    e) Pay attention to the environment in which your dog will stay or play

    Make sure it is always clean. Also, make sure that the place your dog stays or plays is not infested with a parasite that will make its body itch.

    f) Make sure to see the vet to check on the health of the dog to prevent diseases

    Sometimes it is good to do a medical checkup on the dog to find out the problem that could affect its health, in this way you will be able to maintain a beautiful coat on your husky.

    You may also like to read: Husky Lifespan – How Long Do Huskies Live

    Frequently Asked Question

    How long does a husky shed?

    It normally takes 2 to 3 weeks for huskies to shed. However, some huskies may shed quickly or longer depending on the climate. As soon as your dog sheds, you need to observe to make sure it’s okay

    When do huskies shed?

    Huskies shed twice a year and this normally occurs during spring as the weather is getting warmer, and again in fall to make way for the growth of new undercoats for the cold weather ahead.

    How much does a husky shed?

    Huskies can shed a lot but there are times when they can shed excessively. This could be because of several factors but mostly because of health concerns.

    Do huskies have hypoallergenic hair?

    Huskies are not hypoallergenic. They shed all year round so it is not good for people with allergies.

    Conclusion

    Having a husky as a pet is great because of its loyalty, strong with a lot of stamina, and playfulness. They enjoy outdoor activities but are also independent so be rest assured of personal space just when you need it from your husky.

    I hope this guide has given you a deeper understanding on huskies shedding and how to know abnormal shedding. You have also learned some tips on how to maintain a healthy coat for your husky.



    Source link

  • Pet Guardians: Is Your Pet Protected?

    Pet Guardians: Is Your Pet Protected?


    A lot of us don’t want to think of being separated from our pets in any way, shape, or form, but unfortunately, it can happen. If the worst should happen to you, is your pet protected? How do you know that your beloved pet is going to end up with someone you can trust or that they are going to be properly looked after?

    In this guide, we explore the options that you have to make sure your pet is looked after long after you have died and still lives the full and happy life you intended.

    Including a pet clause in your last will and testament

    When you work with an estate planning attorney to plan for your passing, there are a lot of different clauses and stipulations you can put into your will. A pet clause will outline who you want to look after your pet and turns this into a legal guideline to protect your pet when you die.

    Choosing a pet guardian

    Choosing a pet guardian

    Who will be your pet guardian? It isn’t easy to choose, and you will want to make sure that you have discussed with anyone you want to name as a guardian and see if they are happy for you to do so.

    Pet guardians should:

    • Be in a good state of health themselves and therefore in a good position to look after animals.
    • Like animals. It is essential that they don’t have any phobias and that they actually want to look after animals in the event of your death.
    • Have space for the animal and suitable facilities. For instance, if they live in a high-rise apartment block it may be harder for them to look after pets, as they don’t have a garden or outside space easily accessible.

    Leaving money to pets in a will

    It is a good idea to leave some money to pets. Of course, they can’t spend this money themselves, but it is for things that may crop up throughout their lives. Pets need food and care including veterinary attention from time to time. Leaving some money for this removes the burden from your potential guardian.

    Instructions for your pet guardian

    You can create a separate document that can go to the guardian in the event of your death. This can outline things like veterinary details, medical records, and other important documentation regarding your dog. It can also show what they like and the sort of things they are not keen on or even scared of.

    It is normal for a pet guardian to feel a bit overwhelmed in the case of needing to inherit and care for a pet, even if they love animals. This means that the more instructions and help you can provide, the better.

    Setting up a pet trust

    A pet trust is a way to ensure that you fund your pet’s care even after you have gone. Working with an estate planning attorney, you can complete the relevant documents to ensure that you have outlined what money is going to be put in this trust, as well as the trustees. The trustee/s will be able to access the money after you have passed and they are responsible for sticking to your instructions.

    What happens to your pet when you die?

    It is a real fear for many of us. What is going to happen when we die, and what will happen to our loved ones? This includes pets, of course.

    Luckily, by creating a will and a pet trust, you should be able to ensure that your pet has the kind of care they need. In your will, you can outline who you would like to leave your pet to, just make sure you have asked them if they are happy to take on the guardianship of your pet. It helps if you have left behind financial backing, of course.

    Conclusion

    We all love our pets and want to know that they are in good hands, even after we have passed away. Your will can give you the peace of mind you need, knowing that someone you can trust will be given your pet if you pass away and can no longer take care of them.



    Source link

  • Can dogs eat chick fil nuggets?

    Can dogs eat chick fil nuggets?


    If you’re a dog owner and you’ve ever been tempted to feed your four-legged BFF their very own Chick-fil-A nugget, you should think about it. Can dogs eat chick fil nuggets? Well, dogs are not biologically designed to eat fresh chicken or bones. The dog’s digestive tract isn’t equipped to handle the food like humans. 

    The main reason that dogs can eat raw meat is that they have a shorter, more limited stomach and they can quickly break down the meat into smaller and more manageable pieces. 

    With this in mind, you should treat your furry companions with caution when feeding them anything from a chicken nugget off your plate to table scraps or leftovers from dinner. Let’s know what type of chick-fil-A food your dog can eat!

    Can Dogs Eat Chick Fil A Nuggets?

    Can Dogs Eat Chick Fil A Nuggets

    No, Chick-Fil-A’s nuggets are not safe for your dog to eat as they contain chicken that has been processed in a way that may cause problems, such as liver damage. The ingredients are water, chicken breast, flour, salt, crude palm oil, wheat flour, and natural flavorings. Besides, Chick-fil-A nuggets are deeply fried, which makes them high in calories and fat. So it is not the best for your pup.

    In fact, there are plenty of other fast food options for your dog that will be more delicious and more nutritious. We recommend turkey sandwiches from Subway or salads from Wendy’s for a low-fat alternative.

    Lots of dogs love to snack on the nuggets that come in chicken flavor. The best way to determine if your dog can eat Chick-Fil-A Nuggets is to check the ingredients. Chick-Fil-A uses chicken, water, and salt as ingredients. 

    The only potential problem with the nuggets is if they have been salted heavily, but this is not likely because the nuggets are served cold and you are advised not to eat them at room temperature.

    What are Chicken nuggets made of?

    Chick-fil-A Chicken nuggets come from quality white meat chicken breasts that are rinsed and cooked in one of five levels of heat. Quality chicken is cooked at a high temperature so that the juices and flavor come out without overcooking the meat. The nuggets are vacuum-sealed and then frozen to keep them fresh.

    They are also made using a special coating, which is designed to ensure that they remain juicy. This coating creates a barrier around the meat that keeps out air, which prevents freezer burn, off-flavor, and freezer burn on the outside of the chicken.

    Are Chicken nuggets bad for your dogs?

    Chick-fil-A nuggets are nutritious for us. But, to help reduce the risk of foodborne illness in your dog, you should always select chicken products that contain no added ingredients, have no artificial colors or flavors, and conform to a minimum quality level (MQL).

    When cooked to the right temperature and at the right time, chicken is a safe treat for dogs. You should never feed your dog anything else if you want him or her to remain healthy. If you think your dog might have eaten something bad, take him or her to see a veterinarian right away.

    You may also read: Can Dogs Eat McDonald’s Chicken Nuggets

    Do Chicken nuggets provide nutritional benefits for your dog?

    Chicken nuggets are a tasty way to give your dog a nutritious meal or treat if prepared correctly. A 3.5-ounce serving of chicken nuggets contains:

    • Chicken is a great source of selenium, phosphorus, vitamin B6, and protein.
    • Potassium helps to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance in your dog’s body so he can avoid dehydration.
    • Phosphorus helps with the formation of bones and teeth by combining with calcium in the body, which supports strong bones and teeth. The protein in your dog’s diet will also help to keep his muscles strong.
    • The fats that are present in chicken nuggets are good for your dog’s skin, coat, and nails.

    Can dogs eat chick fil sauce?

    There are two primary sauces at Chick-Fil-A and neither one of them should be given to your dog in large quantities. The Polynesian sauce contains soy and sugar, which are both harmful if eaten in excess, so you need to watch how much of it you give your dog. The BBQ sauce contains vinegar as its primary ingredient, so try not to use this very often.

    Can dogs eat a Chick-fil-A sandwich?

    Chicken and waffles are one of the most popular items on the menu. 

    If you’re wondering if your dog can enjoy this meal, the answer is yes! Just make sure to remove the fries before giving them to your pet. 

    Be careful not to give your dog too much because that would be bad for its health. These sandwiches tend to dry out dogs’ stomachs so be cautious when feeding them to them. But if your dog likes to eat chicken sandwiches, you can give it this meal. Just remember that a healthy portion will do the trick.

    Can my dog eat Chick-fil-A Cool Wrap?

    A few people have asked whether they can feed their dog a Chick-fil-A Cool Wrap. As I’m not the vet, according to my research I can say, that your dog can eat chick-fil-A cool wrap. 

    It seems that there really isn’t a consensus on what you should or shouldn’t let your dog eat.  And Chick-fil-A Cool Wrap contains some very questionable ingredients, such as cheese and mayonnaise. 

    It also has some good ingredients like chicken and vegetables. So my advice would be to skip any unnecessary calorie intake from the cool wrap in order to avoid any tummy problems for you or your dog in the future.

    You may also read: Can Cats Eat Corned Beef

    Conclusion

    Dogs can eat lots of things, but that doesn’t mean they should! If you are confused about whether can dogs eat chick fil nuggets or not, read the entire post carefully. Because Chick-fil-A nuggets aren’t complete meals and should not be the only food you feed your dog. It’s best to ask a veterinarian if you have any questions about feeding your dog something new.

    Chick-fil-A nuggets are not made for dogs, so it’s best not to let them eat them as treats or snacks usually. If you have any questions about if your dog can eat Chick-Fil-A Nuggets, just ask your vet before giving him or her any of the chicken nuggets from Chick-Fil-A.



    Source link

  • 6 Signs You’re Ready to Adopt Your First Pet

    6 Signs You’re Ready to Adopt Your First Pet


    According to the 2023–2024 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA), the number of pet-owning families in the United States has now reached 86.9 million. That’s approximately 66 percent of all US households. Are you thinking of adding to that number and opening up your home to a canine or feline companion? 

    A lot of people took the plunge in the previous years and have since discovered the many joys and benefits of becoming pet owners. These pets provide their owners with comfort and companionship, and their presence can even encourage people to adopt a healthier and more active lifestyle. But as much as pet ownership has its benefits, it’s also a big responsibility. If you’re considering becoming a pet parent for the very first time, it’s something that you should unreservedly want and be thoroughly prepared for. This is especially important if you intend to adopt a pet who’s gone through several obstacles in life before reaching their fur-ever home.

    Are you truly ready to adopt your first pet? Here are some signs that the answer is a resounding yes. 

    You’ve Done Your Fair Share of Research

    There are a lot of things you should look deeply into before adopting your first pet. First, you need to understand the implications of welcoming a certain species into your home, Next, you’ll need to narrow down the breed and know what its care requirements are.

    Cats and dogs have different needs, for instance, and the experience of owning a Bichon Frisé is wildly different compared to owning a Belgian Malinois. One dog might be completely content with being a couch potato, while another cannot stand inactivity and utter boredom. If your idea of pet ownership is collecting custom dog collars and dressing up your pet for walks and events, there are breeds that will suit your desired lifestyle more than others, and you need to do your research on which type of pet is the best fit.  

    You Have the Time and Space to Care for a Pet

    You Have the Time and Space to Care for a Pet

    Making time for your pet is a must. You’re not the only one longing for companionship—your pet wants the same thing from you. If you’re in a single-person household, then your pet may have no one to interact with when you’re out all the time. You also have to make time in your schedule for walks, feeding, bathroom breaks, grooming, trips to the vet, and other activities that will help ensure your pet’s health and well-being.

    Your living arrangement is also an important consideration when owning a pet. If you rent or live with others, you should be given the green light by your landlord to house them in your space, and it must not cause health issues for your housemates. It’s also a must to have a dedicated place where your pet can pee and poop even when you’re not around. 

    You’ve Accounted for the Cost of Pet Ownership

    It’s no secret that owning a pet can cost a fair bit of money. You have to buy items and supplies that will make your pets feel right at home, such as beds, food, toys, and bowls. Vaccinations, vet visits, spaying and neutering, and grooming services also cost money, and these are essential to ensure your pet’s good health.

    The same can be said of the other services that your pet might need in your absence, such as dog walkers, doggy daycares, and pet boarding. In some places, pet owners are even required to get licenses for certain types of pets, which is another expense you should consider. 

    You’re Ready to Make a Lifetime Commitment

    Pets are a lifetime commitment, and a cat or dog’s lifetime can last anywhere from 8 to 15 years. As a pet owner, you have to train your pet, provide them with the best possible quality of life, address any behavioral problems that they might have, and advocate for them when they have medical issues. While pet ownership can bring a lot of joy, it also has its dark days, and you should be there with your animal companion as they go through all of these. 

    You’re Prepared to Sacrifice Some Sleep

    Cats and dogs are crepuscular, meaning that they are most active during dusk and dawn. This can mean early wake-up calls for food, walks, and bathroom breaks for dogs.

    Cats, on the other hand, can get the so-called “zoomies” in the middle of the night. Both types of pets also tend to be more attentive and reactive to strange noises during these times.

    It’s possible to get them used to a diurnal schedule by sticking to a consistent routine. However, there will still be a period of adjustment in which you’ll have to deal with each other’s schedules and times of high activity. You should only say yes to adopting a pet if you’re willing to work through these growing pains with them.

    Your Home Has Been Thoroughly Pet-Proofed

    It’s ideal to keep cats indoors so that they are less likely to hunt other animals, get into fights or accidents, get lost, or eat things that they shouldn’t.

    This means that you should keep your doors and windows closed or screened. For either a dog or cat, you should also watch out for potential dangers inside your home.

    Curiosity can get the best of your animal companion, and they’re at risk of getting poisoned if they stick their noses where they shouldn’t. Keep your detergents, cleaners, medicines, and even food supplies behind closed doors and locked cabinets if you know that they could endanger your pet.

    If you have agile pets like cats and birds, clear your counters and shelves of things that they can damage. You should also check if all the plants that are accessible to your pets are actually safe for them. Plus, be ready to quickly clean up and disinfect your home in case your pet makes a mess anywhere they’re not supposed to. 

    Save both you and your pet from either troublesome or even heartbreaking events by ensuring that the space is fully pet-proofed before they make it their home.

    If you’ve said yes to all of these signs, then you might just be ready to adopt your first pet. Prep your heart and your home for the arrival of your new pet, and soon enough, you’ll discover why more and more households in the US count pets as beloved members of their families. 



    Source link