Separation anxiety in pets can be a real curveball for both pets and their owners. This condition is where your pet freaks out when you’re not around. It’s like they’ve got their own kind of homesickness, but you’re the home.…
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I have been recommending a dog training website called, The Online Dog Trainer for more than 10 years because the training is easy-to-follow, super effective and inexpensive. They offer the best online dog training at the best price. The site …
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Recognizing the subtle hints in your pet’s facial expressions and body language can unlock a whole new world of understanding. With dogs, for example, a relaxed, open mouth might signal contentment, while a tightly closed mouth can indicate discomfort or …
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As dogs get older, they don’t need as much physical activity. Unlike puppies or younger dogs, they don’t have a ton of energy they need to burn off every day.
Senior dogs are usually content to sleep a lot and …
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Buying a kitten is a lot different than buying an older cat. Before you rush out and buy or take the first kitten that is offered to you, there are a few things that you should know.
As with any animal, there are certain things that you should look for to make sure that the kitten is healthy. By paying attention and looking for these different things, you might be able to save yourself and your family from picking a kitten that is going to be quite sickly or even die.
Here is a list of things that you need to look for in any kittens that you are considering buying:
Next comes the asking of the pet shop or breeder who is trying to sell you the kitten. You need to ask them certain questions that they should have no problems answering. If they try to avoid you or put your off it might be a good sign that you need to move onto a different pet shop or breeder:
If the pet shop or breeder is reputable they should not have a problem answering any of these questions or letting you take the kitten to your own veterinarian for a checkup. Just remember that you can always find another pet shop or breeder that has the kitten you are looking for if something doesn’t seem quite right.
Are you new to the kitty world? You must educate yourself in order to choose the right cat for you. Here you go: Owning A Domestic Cat 101: Selecting A New Cat Or Kitten
If you are choosing to buy or get a kitten there will be quite a bit of training to do, just like with a baby, the kitten has to learn. The first lesson that will make life a lot easier for you and your kitten is litter box training. This really shouldn’t be too hard of a lesson for either of you since most kittens take to the litter box quite naturally.
What is important to note is not to be in your kittens face while he or she is trying to do their thing. Patience is the key to any type of training, and this is not different. Of course, there are a few things that you can do in order to help this be an easy experience for your kitten:
You might have heard your friends or family talk about baby proofing their home when their child began to be mobile, if you plan on getting a kitten you will find yourself doing the same thing. A kitten is in essence a baby, but of the feline persuasion, as such they are just as curious as any other type of baby. You need to take the time and look at your home from a kitten’s perspective, find possible hazardous items, and remove them accordingly.
You aren’t going to be able to anticipate everything, but it is quite advantageous to the health and well being of your kitten to take some precautions:
If you have children or other animals in the house you will need to make sure that your kitten is introduced to them slowly and properly. Older children are not as much of a concern as small children are. You need to make sure that they understand the proper way to treat their new kitten. You need to teach them how to hold it properly and not to pull on its legs, face, tail, or ears.
Young children must learn that the kitten is a living thing that they need to treat with love, care, and respect. You can help you kitten feel a little safer by getting down to his or her level when it comes to play time. This will make you not seem quite so huge and scary to the kitten.
You also need to pay close attention how other pets in the house treat the new kitten. It is not a good idea to simply leave a new kitten with an older cat or dog. Take the time to introduce them to one another while being attentive to their reactions to each other. Normally older cats will be tolerant of the new kitten and even tend to it after they are comfortable with one another.
Dogs may take a little longer to get used to the situation of a new kitten in the house. Just remember to be patient and to make sure your other animals in the house gets the love and attention that they need, make them feel just as special as the new kitten. Here are a few tips that might help you with this process:
After doing some of these steps for a while, everyone should begin to get along with little disturbance in the house.
Anytime you choose to get a new pet, you need to make sure that you have everything you will need to take care of that pet with. Cats need certain things so before you get your cat or kitten, you might want to make sure they have everything they need before they come to your home.
Although these seem like simple items, if you have never owned a cat there are certain things to consider before you go out and buy the most expensive of everything.
The food and water bowl does not have to cost you a fortune. You do not have to go out and buy one with your pet’s name on it unless you want to. Mainly they just need to be easy to clean and heavy so they won’t tip over easily. Because it is possible that your cat might be allergic to plastic, it might be a good precautionary note to opt for the stainless steel bowls. You also need to make sure that your cat has food and water in their bowls as well.
Unless you plan on teaching your cat how to use the toilet like in a popular movie, you will need to purchase a litter box and everything that goes in it. This involves the litter box, the scoop, and the litter. If you have a kitten it is important that the litter box is not so big that they cannot get into it, but on the other hand you need to get a litter box that is big enough for a full grown cat.
What many cat owners may not know is that the litter boxes that have hoods or covers may actually trap foul smelling odors and make your cat unwilling to further use the litter box, so it may be a good idea to avoid these altogether.
Another helpful tip is to keep some sort of garbage container next to the litter box so that it will make it easier to scoop the box on a regular basis, just make sure that the container you choose will keep the odor inside the container and out of your room. The last item is of course to find litter that works best for you and your cat. There are many varieties that have odor control and clump better, what you choose is up to your own preferences.
Keep in mind that you must always think in what is best for your pets, for that reason you need to take care of what they eat. Take a look at this: The Best Homemade Pet Food According To Our Pet Food Advisor
Your pet needs a place in which they can lay down, sleep, and take a nap. A cat bed will also help keep your cat from taking its naps on your bed or couch. A good choice is a bed that your cat will be able to snuggle in. You can choose from nesting beds, mats, or perches.
Your choice will depend on your cat’s sleeping habits and what will fit best in your home. Also, don’t be irritated if your cat doesn’t take to its new sleeping domain right away, it might take time or your cat might not adapt to it at all. A good tip is to find a bed that is washable so that any messes are easy to clean. It’s also a good idea to put the bed wherever your cat likes to sleep or in a quiet area.
Cats need to stretch and exercise their arms and legs, just like humans do. Unfortunately they choose to do this by scratching things since no one has invented a gym for cats. In order to avoid having them scratch up all of your furniture, it might be a good idea to invest in a cat scratching post, and the sooner the better. A scratching post will help your cat realize that they have their own piece of furniture to claw up and to leave yours alone.
When buying a scratching post for your cat, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. First, you need to make sure that the scratching post is actually tall enough for your cat to be able to get the full effect. This is so they can completely stretch their body out and still have room to spare. Next make sure that it won’t fall over as soon as it has something leaning against it or your cat will be tipping it over all of the time.
If your cat already has a few bad habits such as scratching furniture and such, you might need to train your cat to use the post instead. This might take a little time and patience, but if you make sure your cat is playing with it whenever you are around, they will begin to get the idea, and it also helps if it is in an accessible area to your cat.
If want want to give your cat the very best, we have exactly what you need.
Since you may have realized that trying to transport your cat or anyone else’s for that matter is no easy task, it is smart to invest in a cat carrier. A cat carrier is great for a cat or a kitten. It will enable you to transport your cat from point A to point B with little to no damage or injury. Plus you will not have to worry about your cat plunking around in your car or attaching itself to you with its claws while you are driving.
A cat carrier is the best choice all around and will help your cat feel secure as well. Since there are a variety of different cat carriers to choose from, again it will depend largely on your preference and how much you want to spend. It’s a good idea to make sure that the carrier is big enough to fit your cat and allow them to move around while in it.
Fortunately you don’t have to spend a fortune on toys for your feline friend. This is largely due to the fact that they will play with whatever it is you have handy. Whether it is a string, a leaf, wrapping paper, or a ball, they will be completely content swatting it, biting it, and tearing it apart. Of course, many of these items that you have lying around your house are not the safest for kittens and cats, nor do you want them thinking that it’s ok to chew on whatever they want, this is why it’s important that they have some of their own toys.
You can choose to go through your house and find toys that will be safe for your cat or to go to the store and purchase a few cat designated toys. Some toys that are safe to give your cat that you find around the house are:
Items around the house that you should not give your cat or kitten for health and safety reasons:
You can find many fun and colorful cat toys at your local supermarket or pet store. The key is to use your judgment before you buy any of them. Carefully look them over and make sure they won’t become hazardous to your cat as he plays with them. It’s smart and cost effective to start out with a few toys so that you can see what your cat chooses to play with and what they do not. Also it’s important to note that some cat toys should only be used when you are there playing with your cat or kitten.
A collar is a very important thing if you have a cat who enjoys both the indoors as well as the outdoors. An important thing to keep in mind when buying a collar for your cat is that if they are quite active and curious, you will need to find a collar that can break away. Although a breakaway collar seems kind of strange, it is really in the best interest for your cat and their safety.
If you cat is outdoors or even inside and their collar gets caught on something you do not want them to choke, that is why it’s important to look for a breakaway collar. You should have your kitten or cat begins wearing their collar as soon as possible so that they become accustomed to it.
Also make sure that your cat has some sort of identification on their collar if they get lost or find themselves out of your house. You can also choose to purchase a leash and a harness if you wish to take your cat or kitten out for a walk. If you have the opportunity to train them how to walk with a leash when they are young they will adapt to it much better.
Not all cats like the leash around their neck which is why it might be necessary to purchase a harness which will be more comfortable for the cat and give you more control as well.
Grooming is a big part of having a cat, especially if you have a long haired cat so you will need to have the proper grooming tools, even if you have a short haired cat. Mainly you will just need to have a flea comb and a brush, but the tools that you will need depend largely on what type of fur your cat has. Grooming is important in order to prevent hairballs and it will also help to cut down on how much cat hair will be on your furniture.
Please feel encouraged to say hello – we’ll be happy to help with any questions you might have, and if you’d like to comment on our site, products or service, we’d love to hear from you!
Does your dog drive you CRAZY pulling on the leash? Do you have a dog or puppy who makes going for a walk a total nightmare?
Is your dog DRAGGING you down the street, PULLING your arm out of its …
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On a past entry we talked about getting a new cat (Owning A Domestic Cat 101: Selecting A New Cat Or Kitten), and we also made an entire series on how to own a new puppy; but we never mentioned how to pick the perfect dog for you. That’s why we are here today to share our best tips for adopting a new puppy or dog.
When you are planning to adopt a dog, there are some very important points to keep in mind to make sure that you are delighted with your new dog. They can mean the difference between regretting your decision and having a wonderful new friend whom you will enjoy and cherish.
Adopting a new dog can be a great experience. Owning a dog can greatly enhance your life. When you do some research and apply common sense, you are taking the first step toward acquiring and enjoying a brand-new friend.
One mistake to avoid is buying a dog on the spur of the moment. You may see a dog in a pet shop, or read an ad in the newspaper, and decide that you absolutely must have that dog. A hasty decision in purchasing a new dog is never a good idea. Instead, you should read through this book, learn all there is to know about the breed of dog you are thinking about, and decide if he will fit well into your life and your home.
A second mistake is to underestimate the cost of a new dog. Whether you choose an expensive purebred or a mixed breed, buying a dog is far from being the only cost involved. Your dog will need food and other supplies, and regular visits to the veterinarian. As you want your dog to always be in the fine condition as when you first bought him, you need to know that you can afford his upkeep.
Another factor in disappointment is trying to recreate a relationship you had with a dog in your childhood or youth. You may be tempted to think that all dogs of this particular breed are exactly the same. You can avoid disappointment by realizing that every dog is an individual, just like people. Your new dog’s personality and needs may be much different from the dog you had before, even if they are the same breed.
You will see how different a dog is from another once you train them, it won’t only teach you this, but it also help you connect with your little buddy on a different level of confidence and love: Puppy 101: A beautiful journey through dog training
You should also avoid getting a dog solely because a member of your family wants one. Regardless of which person is actually in charge of the dog’s daily upkeep and maintenance, when a dog lives with a family they are a part of the family. Only if you know that they will be welcomed by everyone should you purchase it and bring it home.
If you have never owned a dog before, your first dog can be a pleasure. It does mean, however, that you need to do your research well in advance of making your final decision. You must know what to expect, and that you are ready to become a dog owner.
When you think about comparing breeds of dogs, their size and appearance may be the first things to come to mind. There are many other factors involved in choosing the breed of dog that is right for you.
Comparing breeds involves considering your family’s needs as well as your prospective pet’s. For example, some breeds are generally good with small children while others are not. If there are children in your household, choosing a breed of dog which is known for gentleness and playfulness is wiser than choosing one that is tougher or aloof. It is much better to make a wise decision about a breed than to expect your new dog to conform to your household.
As breeds of dogs have their own personality traits and characteristics, you should choose the best match for yourself and your family. You may be thinking of a pet who will be a good guard dog, one that will be your companion, or one who loves to frolic and play. When you make note of your expectations, it will be easier to find the breed best matched to you.
Another important point to consider when comparing breeds are health issues. As many purebreds are much more susceptible to developing various types of health problems, knowing which issues pertain to the breed you are considering can help you to avoid heartache and costly veterinarian expenses. You should know what to expect from the particular breed before you make your final decision.
Some breeds require more upkeep than others. Whether it is a matter of frequent shedding, or bathing more regularly than others, you can narrow your choices down to the breeds which best match your ability to take care of a new dog. It is also a good idea to consider how much food and other supplies he will need on a regular basis. We have an extended talk about this last part in Healthy Dog: The Raw Dog Diet, Food Allergies And Vitamins
When you have taken all of these points into consideration, there is an additional factor which will also help you to choose the breed that is best for you: you want a dog that you will love, and enjoy spending time with for many years to come. You may have a particular breed in mind, or you may be waiting to find the right one. When you keep in mind that you and your new dog will establish a mutually-beneficial relationship, you will find the ideal breed of dog to invite into your life.
Whether you have your heart set on a particular breed of dog or are waiting to find one which seems appealing, there is another option for you to consider. A mixed breed may be exactly the kind of dog you want.
Contrary to common opinion, there is nothing substandard about mixed breed dogs. Not only do they make ideal pets, they are also quality animals. If you have not yet made up your mind about a specific breed, or are open to other possibilities, you might want to think about adopting a mixed breed dog.
There are some important benefits to mixed breeds. First, logically, a mixed breed dog will almost always be much less expensive than its purebred counterpart. If you want a delightful pet which does not break your budget, a mixed breed dog may be a good option for you.
Second, mixed breed dogs do not generally have the health complications often associated with many purebred dogs. If you choose a mixed breed, it is more likely that he will remain healthier, long into his older years.
There are a number of places where you can acquire a mixed breed dog. If you have not yet reached a decision about the kind of dog you want, you can also look around to see what is available. You can find advertisements for mixed breed dogs in nearly any newspaper, or you can visit your local animal shelter. Many people advertise dogs free-of-charge or at low prices when they are moving, or for other reasons. Animal shelters have a surplus of mixed breed dogs. Many animal shelters include spaying or neutering, deworming, and canine immunizations for dogs who are adopted.
The most important reason to get a mixed breed of dog: As people tend to prefer purebred dogs, there are large numbers of mixed breed dogs who need homes. When you consider adopting a mixed breed dog, you can give a wonderful dog a new home of his own. In return, your mixed breed pet will be the light of your life and a source of joy.
A successful adoption means being reasonable about your own expectations, and about what you can offer to your new pet. You will have the best results if you consider these expectations before you make your final decision about adopting a dog.
First, you should think about what you expect from the dog you want to adopt. The role he will play in your life is one factor. Are you looking for a dog who will guard your home and family, one who will be your buddy, or a dog who will get along well with your children and other pets in your home? When you have the answers to these kinds of questions, it will help you to decide on the dog that is best for you.
You also need to know the expectations you have regarding your new pet’s personality, temperament, and character. You may be looking for a dog who has a boisterous personality and is very active, or a dog who is calm and quiet. These factors also influence the kind of dog you should adopt.
As expectations are a two-way street, you also need to think about what you can offer to your new pet. You may have an abundance of free time to spend with your dog, or a busy schedule where the amount of time you can devote to your dog will be rather limited. Although all dogs need their owners’ time, some are more demanding than others. This includes play time, and time which you must put into your dog’s upkeep. The dog you choose should fit into your lifestyle without many adjustments on either his part or yours.
The lifestyle factor is relevant to your family, also. Which person will be taking care of the dog on a regular basis is one example. Whether he will be a family dog, or primarily one person’s special pet, the responsibilities for his care should be discussed and agreed upon before you adopt him. In some families, giving a new pet to a child is often seen as a good way for youngsters to learn about responsibility. However, whether your child is a toddler or a teen, it is probably unwise to give them full responsibility for this new pet.
Although developing a sense of responsibility, and developing a relationship with a dog can both be good experiences for children, too much emphasis on responsibility may lead to them resenting their dog and not taking proper care of it. It is important to be reasonable with how much you can expect from the child.
The best way to raise a puppy is with positive dog training. Develop a beautiful bond with your animal partner and learn how to build your relationship on confidence and love: Time for puppy preschool: Get the basics for positive dog training
If your family frequently takes family vacations, or if you often go away on business trips, these factors need to be considered. Whether you plan to take your dog with you on vacation, or must leave him behind when you travel, making decisions in advance about how he will fit into your lifestyle can save time, confusion, and even money, later on.
The financial obligations of a dog are important factors. Veterinarian bills, dog food, and other routine parts of dog maintenance should be thought through well in advance of adopting a dog. The upkeep and maintenance of some dogs is more costly than that of others. You must know that you can easily afford him. You would not want a high-maintenance dog if you are on a limited budget, nor would you want unforeseen expenses after you have adopted him and brought him home.
A successful adoption includes being reasonable about your expectations. You need to know what you expect from him, and what he can reasonably expect from you. When you put a little time into thinking about these factors before you adopt a dog, you will be more likely to be completely satisfied with the dog you choose.
If your new pet will be living with your entire family, devoting some time into discussing these subjects with your family will be beneficial to everyone concerned. It will reduce the chance of unforeseen surprises, and result in the adoption being a positive experience for your new pet and every member of your household. He will truly be a welcome addition to your family.
You may not have thought of networking as being an important part of adopting a dog. There are a number of reasons why networking can make the adoption more successful. It can help you in choosing the right dog, and enhance the experience of being a dog owner.
Before you actually adopt a dog, you can learn a lot about the breed by networking with people who already own one. While there are many good ways to learn about dogs, nothing beats the first-hand experience of a dog owner. You can network with owners, either in person or online, and get very positive results. Most dog owners will love to share information with you, as well as personal stories about life with their pet. You can gain a wealth of valuable information and input from dog owners, and you may even make some new friends.
Networking is also good after you have adopted your new dog and taken him home. In many instances, the best place to get advice and the answers to questions is from people who have owned a dog for a long time. They can be the ideal source of information, as well as friendships based on your common interest.
No matter what kind of dog you are considering, it is likely that you can find online forums and clubs devoted to your particular breed of dog and their owners. In some regions, you may even be able to find clubs in person not far from where you live.
Whether you have already adopted a dog, or are still considering all of the possibilities, the firsthand information you receive by networking with other dog owners will be beyond compare. It should definitely be in your plans when you are adopting a new pet.
A concerned dog owner would want to be sure their pet is healthy, take a look at this: Dog food for puppies: Why is it so important to get the best food for dogs
The more you know about the dog you adopt, the happier you will be about your decision. Getting the facts by researching the breed you have chosen is an essential step in being satisfied with your new pet. There are some key points which you should look for when you are researching a breed.
If you have decided to adopt a purebred dog, you may have much or little interest in his pedigree. However, even if you do not consider it to be an important factor, you should still gain all of the information. You can request a copy of the dog’s pedigree papers, which should include all of the details about his parentage and bloodline. As many breeders of purebred dogs own the parents of the puppies they have for sale, visiting your new dog’s parents can be a positive experience.
It is a good idea to be wary of breeders or individual dog owners who state that their dog is a purebred but do not have papers as proof of this. While they may be completely honest, the possibility that they are not is something to keep in mind before you agree to adopt the dog.
When you are researching the breed you have chosen, the main points are to help you in deciding if this is the right breed for you, and what to expect from owning your new pet. You can research on the internet, by talking to owners and breeders, and by visiting the section about dogs in your local library.
Learning about the history of your breed can be an enlightening experience. Whether you have interest in such factors as where the breed originated or not, there is valuable information to be found in the breed’s history. One example is the breed that has been bred for a specific purpose. Not only will you find this interesting, it will also help you to understand your dog’s temperament, attitude, and personality.
What can you find in the history of a breed? The facts you come up with may be astounding! The dog you adopt may be the descendant of dogs owned by royalty, dogs which were primarily used as work animals, or dogs which were chosen as guardians of their masters. The more you know about where your breed came from, the more you will understand how the pet you choose fits into your life today.
Researching a breed includes learning about the standards for this particular breed. Even if you are thinking no further than gaining a good companion, you may want the very best example of your breed. A little research will provide information on the factors which constitute top standards in color and markings, size, body tone, and other physical characteristics. The highest quality dog will meet these standards.
As you have already read in brief, purebred dogs can come with a variety of health issues. Before you adopt a purebred, researching the health issues commonly associated with your breed can help you to decide if you want to take this risk, and to be prepared in advance. You need to know whether your breed is prone to developing health conditions from bone problems to cancer, and how you will deal with such conditions if they do occur.
You want the experience of owning a dog to be positive for both yourself and your new pet. When you do a little research ahead of time, the experience can be a good one indeed! You can gain a better understanding of your dog before he becomes a part of your family. When you have all of this important knowledge in advance, you can focus on enjoying many years together with your new pet.
Depending on your dog’s breed, they will be easier or harder to train. You might want to take a look at this too: Time for puppy preschool Part 2: Training Your New Puppy
No matter how much time you put into learning about the breed you have chosen, there is an additional point which you should consider: while there are many factors common to a particular breed, each dog is still an individual. You can gain a fair amount of understanding of what the breed is like, but getting to know your own dog means going a little further.
The best way to get to know your dog is with in-person visits before you make your final decision to adopt him. If the breeder you have chosen lives fairly close to you, or if you are able to travel, the time you put into this will be invaluable. When you can meet, visit, and spend time with a dog, you will be able to determine if he is the right “fit” for you.
Spending just a small amount of time in your dog’s company will help you to see what his personality and behavior are like. You may find that you both are a good match immediately, that you grow to adore each other, or that there are clashes which prod you to decide that this is not the right dog for you. If you have the opportunity to do so, meeting and spending time with the dog before you adopt will be very beneficial to you both.
Please feel encouraged to say hello – we’ll be happy to help with any questions you might have, and if you’d like to comment on our site, products or service, we’d love to hear from you!
First can I say how fortunate your pet is to have an owner who loves them so much that they’re actually celebrating their birthday? It warms my heart so much when I see people loving their pets and going out …
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Keeping your fur baby healthy means fewer visits to the vet. Deworming is crucial if you want to keep your puppy parasite-free.
Fortunately, deworming is a relatively hassle-free process that can be accomplished with just a few steps.
Once you have dewormed your puppy, you’ll probably want to know how long your dog will continue to poop worms. Puppies will typically poop worms for 2-3 days after they have been dewormed.
OUR EXPERIENCE: Linus had worms when we brought him home. I can confirm that he stopped pooping worms about 2-3 days after taking deworming medication.
However, you may still find some worms in your puppy’s excrement up to a week after deworming. This is completely normal and should not alarm you.
Worms are a common problem for dogs at any stage of life. As a pet parent, it’s important to understand just how to deal with these pesky parasites. To find out everything you need to know about deworming your puppy, keep reading!
Please contact your veterinarian if your puppy has worms or if you plan on deworming your puppy. This site is for entertainment purposes only and you should consult with your veterinarian if you have any health-related concerns about your dog or puppy.
Puppies are not just adorable, they are also curious. This means there are plenty of ways in which your fur baby can become infected with worms.
It is fairly common for worms to be transmitted from mothers to their puppies. Parasites like roundworms can be transmitted while puppies are still in utero.
They can also be transmitted through a mother’s milk to her puppies. While your puppy is nursing, it can easily contract worms if its mother is infected.
Puppies like to taste and lick everything. This is just how dogs explore the world around them. Unfortunately, this also means they ingest plenty of dirt.
Grass, soil, and debris are all possible carriers of worm eggs and larvae. When an infected animal poops, it can leave parasite eggs on various surfaces.
QUICK TIP: This is just one reason why it’s so important to pick up your pup’s poop (lessen the spread of parasites). If you’re looking for good poop bags our favorite are the Earth Rated Poop bags.
Once your puppy comes into contact with these surfaces, it may ingest the worm larvae or eggs and become infected.
Parasites spread easily from one animal to the next. If you have multiple pets in your household, it is important to ensure all of them are dewormed regularly.
Worm eggs can spread from one pet to another through feces, contaminated food, or contaminated surfaces. It is important to keep your pup from ingesting excrement from other animals. This is the easiest way your dog can become infected.
Fleas can carry worm larvae. This means that if your puppy gets infested with fleas, they are also at risk for a worm infestation.
Keep a lookout for fleas and have a regular grooming schedule to ensure that your puppy is protected against these pests.
QUICK TIP: All of our guide dog puppies are on flea medication. We’ve used topical and ingestible flea meds. We currently give our pups Nexgard Chewables to keep the fleas and ticks away.
Puppies like to groom themselves. However, in the process of licking their fur, they may ingest parasite eggs.
As long as your puppy is interacting with the environment, they are bound to come into contact with dirt. It’s therefore important to keep your pooch bathed and clean. This will minimize the risk of your pup carrying worm eggs or larvae on their coat.
QUICK RECOMMENDATION: We bathe our puppies about once a month using Burt’s Bees Puppy Shampoo.
Catching a worm infestation early on can save you lots of trouble down the road. Untreated infections can lead to health complications so it is vital to keep a lookout for the following warning signs.
When your puppy has worms, you are likely to see them in her excrement. When parasites accumulate in the intestines, some of them will be passed when your dog has a bowel movement.
It is also not uncommon to find worms in your puppy’s vomit if they are infected. Pooping or vomiting worms is one of the key indicators that your puppy is infected. However, not all parasites are visible to the naked eye.
Bloating is a common symptom found in puppies infected with worms. Bloating is especially common in nursing puppies that have contracted parasites from their mother.
Weight loss and stunted growth are symptoms that could point to a parasitic infection. If your puppy is not growing as expected or suddenly starts to lose weight, it’s important to have them checked for worms.
Parasites will interfere with your pup’s ability to absorb nutrients from their food, resulting in weight loss.
Puppies are naturally playful and curious. If you notice that your pooch seems lethargic and weak, you may need to have them checked for worms.
If your pup does not seem to get full, there may be more to it than a voracious appetite. Dogs with worm infestations are constantly hungry and they will eat more than usual.
Despite this increased appetite, you will notice that your puppy does not put on weight as expected. This is another warning sign that your pup may need deworming.
Not all worm infestations will manifest themselves obviously. Your pup may be completely asymptomatic and still have parasites.
This is why it’s important to stick to a regular deworming schedule as recommended by your vet, regardless of whether you see symptoms of infection or not.
Different types of worms could infest your puppy. Some of these parasites can be fatal, so it is important to understand the different types of parasitic worms.
Roundworms are common in puppies. This type of worm is transmitted from mother to puppy in the womb or during nursing.
Some common signs that your puppy has a roundworm infestation are bloating, weight loss, and diarrhea.
Hookworms are small parasites that can nonetheless cause a lot of damage to your puppy’s health. These parasites attach to your puppy’s small intestine and absorb blood and nutrients from the body.
Hookworms can cause anemia, weakness, and loss of appetite. In severe cases, hookworm infestation can be fatal, so early treatment is essential.
Fleas are the most common transmitters of tapeworms. In most cases, a tapeworm infection will be asymptomatic. However, you may notice this type of worm in your dog’s poop.
Whipworms are small, threadlike parasites. They typically infest the large intestines. If your puppy has whipworms, some of the symptoms include malnutrition and anemia. You may also notice that your dog’s poop is bloody.
Whipworms can only be detected microscopically so your vet will need stool samples to diagnose this type of worm. If left untreated, whipworms can be fatal, so speedy treatment is important.
Coccidia worms are common in puppies from puppy mills and pet stores. They rarely affect adult dogs so this type of parasite is mostly a problem for puppies.
Symptoms of coccidia infestations include dehydration and bloody diarrhea.
We brought Linus home from the animal shelter at around 8-10 weeks old. He was lethargic, dehydrated, and anemic. Among other ailments, he was also diagnosed with Coccidia.
There is no need to fret if you find that your puppy’s poo has worms or if your dog is exhibiting other symptoms of worm infestation.
There are plenty of medications available for deworming, and your vet will recommend the best medication for your puppy.
Most dewormers come in the form of tasty tablets to make it easy for your puppy to take them. However, if you have trouble getting your puppy to take the tablet, you can hide it in their treats or food.
Deworming medications are typically broad-spectrum and will be effective against different types of parasitic worms. However, the appropriate dosage for your dog will depend on their body weight, so always consult your vet.
It is recommended that you deworm from the age of two weeks, and every two weeks after that until your dog is three months old.
At this point, you can scale back to deworming monthly until your puppy the six-month mark. After six months, it is recommended that you continue deworming your dog every three months.
Since parasites can be transmitted from mother to puppy, always ensure that you deworm the mother as well. This will ensure that your pup does not get infected through nursing or contact with its mother.
Always remember that deworming only gets rid of existing worms and does not prevent reinfection.
Most deworming treatments work in two to six hours after administration. Some medications will dissolve the worms while some will paralyze them.
Paralyzed worms pass through the intestinal tract and are passed out in your puppy’s poop. This is why you will notice that your puppy poops worms after deworming. This may continue for three days or even longer.
Be careful to dispose of your dog’s excrement properly to get rid of any worm eggs and larvae. Always wash your hands thoroughly after cleaning up dog poop.
Side Effects Of Deworming Your Puppy
Most deworming medications are safe for your puppy. However, your pooch may experience some side effects after deworming.
If your puppy has bloody stool after deworming, this condition is no cause for alarm. This often happens as the worms detach from the intestines. However, if the condition persists for more than three days, consult your vet.
Puppies may experience diarrhea after deworming. This is a result of the inflammation caused by worms unlatching from the intestines. As long as diarrhea doesn’t last for more than a couple of days, your pup should be just fine.
Your pooch may not be its usual playful self after deworming. This is due to the discomfort caused by diarrhea. Make sure you give your pup plenty of water during this time to prevent dehydration.
Worms are part of the doggy experience and at some point, your pup is going to pick up these parasites. However, there are still measures you can take to minimize the risk of infection.
Your puppy will pass worms with their poo after deworming. This happens for up to 3 days after the deworming process.
If you do not dispose of the excrement properly, the eggs in the poop can cause reinfection if your pup comes into contact with them.
Picking up after your dog is not just good for the environment, but it will also help minimize the risk of reinfection.
Dog poo is the biggest carrier of worms and worm eggs, so disposing of it properly is crucial. Potty training your pup will also ensure that dog excrement does not end up in the wrong place.
QUICK RECOMMENDATION: When we’re out and about we use Earth Rated Dog Poop Bags. When we’re at home we use our handy dandy pooper scooper to scoop the poop.
Your puppy can carry parasite eggs in its fur. If you handle your pets and then prepare their food without washing your hands in between, the food can become contaminated. This will lead to constant worm reinfections for your puppy.
Clean hands mean a lower risk of worm eggs getting into your fur baby’s food.
Fleas carry worm eggs and larvae and can easily cause parasitic infections. To keep your puppy safe, make sure you treat your pup and any other pets in the house for fleas.
Regular flea treatments ensure that your puppy will not get infected by worms that are spread by fleas. Also, keep a household flea spray handy to get rid of any fleas in your home.
We’ve used several flea medications to keep our home free of fleas including:
Dogs ingest worms from contaminated food and water. Clean your puppy’s food and water bowls regularly. Any raw foods such as vegetables should be thoroughly washed before being fed to your pup.
QUICK TIP: It’s important to keep your dog bowls clean. We recommend stainless steel dog bowls as they are easiest to keep clean.
Sticking to a regular deworming schedule is important in keeping your puppy healthy. Don’t forget to deworm other pets in the house as well to prevent cross-infection.
Parasites can easily spread from one animal to another, so it is important to have a routine deworming schedule for all of your pets.
After deworming your puppy, expect your puppy to poop worms. This is because the deworming medication paralyzes the worms, which then pass from the intestines into the feces.
You should expect your dog to experience some diarrhea after deworming. This should last for a day or two as the worms get passed out in poop.
A dewormer will start to work between two and six hours after administration. Deworming medications work in different ways, depending on the type you purchase. Some dewormers will dissolve the worms while others will paralyze them.
When the worms are paralyzed, they need to be passed out of the body, so they will be excreted in your puppy’s poop. This is normal.
Tapeworms will be gone within 24 hours after deworming. You may choose a tablet or injectable dewormer. After the process is complete, tapeworms are typically dissolved in the intestines so you will not see any in your puppy’s poop.
Tapeworms are mostly spread by fleas. It is important to keep your puppy free of fleas to minimize the risk of tapeworm infections.
Yes, it is safe to deworm a puppy twice. Puppies are especially vulnerable to parasitic infections. This means that they need to be dewormed frequently to keep them healthy.
You should deworm your puppy at two-week intervals starting from the age of two weeks. Once the puppy is three months old, you should deworm it once a month until the puppy gets to six months of age. After this point, it is recommended that you deworm your dog every three months moving forward.
Yes, after deworming your puppy can eat as usual. There are no particular dietary restrictions required after deworming. However, you may notice that your dog may have a reduced appetite. This is normal after deworming.
Make sure your puppy eats some food and gets sufficient water to prevent dehydration.
QUICK RECOMMENDATION: We currently feed our guide dog puppies Purina Pro Plan Puppy Large Breed.
Yes, deworming a puppy is necessary. Puppies are at high risk for worm infestations. Puppies can contract worms from the mother while in the womb or nursing. This means that even newborn puppies may have worms.
It is important to start deworming your puppy from the age of two weeks and follow up with a regular deworming schedule. Parasites can cause serious health complications in puppies and some cases may even be fatal.
Yes, you can get worms from your puppy. Worms that infect puppies can also infect humans. This means that you need to be careful about hygiene and disposing of your pup’s poop. Worm eggs and larvae in dog poop can stay on grass and soil for extended periods.
Eating contaminated food or water can also lead to infection. It is especially important to keep small children from ingesting anything that may be contaminated with a dog’s fecal matter.
Puppies are adorable, cute, and a joy to have around. However, your pup is at its most delicate when young, so this means it needs extra care. Deworming is one way to make sure that your pup stays happy and healthy.
With the right medication and deworming schedule, worms will not pose a serious health risk for your pooch. Be sure to consult your vet for the appropriate dosage and deworming schedule for your dog.
Has your puppy ever had worms?
Did you have to get him dewormed?
Tell us about your experiences in the comment section below.
UPDATE: This post was originally published on June 22nd, 2021. We periodically update blog posts with new experiences and information to keep them as relevant as possible.
Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist.
Dogs can bark for appropriate and good reasons, such as when strangers approach our house, they hear an odd noise, or they are herding sheep. Most of us want our dogs to be “watch dogs” and alert us to anything unusual.
Humanity in its ways blended with the canine family more than anything in the animal kingdom. History of the two could be traced as early as men first walked the earth. They have been each other’s constant companion. Throughout the years, men and dogs could almost be associated with everything and recently this relationship has come over to an entirely new level.
Dogs are treated as more than just pets. They are treated just like family members. When we welcome them into our family, we have to see to it that we welcome them and make their 1st few days not as shocking as possible.
Bear in mind that these are our pets. They have needs but they cannot tell us what it is as they could not speak our language. The most they could do is to bark or whimper to let us know what they feel at the moment.
Do not mistake howling and barking as signs of discontentment on their part. Perhaps there are other factors at play like the environment and other dogs. By carefully listening to every action and whimper and bark they have, it would enable us to know and understand their present situation.
Over the years, dogs barking at our neighborhood are a constant bother to us. Thus, the need for us, pet owners to take measures, to ensure that our dog will not be as bothersome, as most other dogs are. Sometimes nuisance dogs are the cause of trouble among neighbors and some even reach the courts to settle the issue. Now that is something we don’t want happening to us. The more we try to spend time and understanding with them, the more we will be able to get their trust and obedience.
To fully understand them, try to know as much as you can about the present situation. Expand your knowledge so as to be able to know what to do or what could be the cause of your dog’s endless barking. Remember, things happen for a reason and some things could not be answered just by guessing.
The more you learn about dogs, the better your relationship will be. As the higher species, it is our best interest that we show them that we understand them despite the language barrier.
If you wish to know more about god training, we have the perfect entry for you: Puppy 101: A beautiful journey through dog training.
Oftentimes, we all ask why dogs bark? We all know that dogs descend from the wolves and that being their descendants; we also know why dogs howl. But why do they bark? One answer would be “because they can”. It’s pretty much like asking why people talk! Dogs however bark more often than wolves do. Wolves are more known for their howling, the kind that gives us the creep whenever we hear one.
Dogs bark to communicate just like us. They have these different pitches and sounds that convey different thoughts and emotions to another dog. We should not be surprised if our dogs bark but we should worry if they don’t. Barking is one way of letting us know as well of how they feel and how they think. It’s pretty much like wagging their tail when we arrive to show that they are happy.
The bark has evolved into a complicated means of communication between dogs and, potentially, between dogs and people.
There are also long lists of reasons why they bark. We pet owners have an indirect effect on their barking and the different nature of the barking. It has been suggested that the reason for the difference lies in the dog’s domestication by humans. An increased tendency to bark could have been useful to humans in providing an early warning system. Domestication has altered the physical appearance of dogs. Individual dogs bark for a variety of reasons. They may bark to attract attention, to communicate a message, or to express excitement.
Some people tend to shout or hurt their dogs when they bark. This is a no no! The most we could do is to train them or discipline them in a firm but gentle manner. Make the experience as positive as you can. Do not overreact to our dogs when they bark as this is their nature. It is natural for them to bark at things they don’t know or they think is a threat. The more we try to silence them, the more they will bark.
There comes a time when our dogs can’t seem to stop barking. Since barking is one of the many vocal communications for dogs, it’s understandable why they bark when they see other dogs and this also pleases us because it alerts us when people approach or when they want something or something bad is happening.
But there are cases when their barking can be excessive. It’s very important to identify its cause and your dog’s motivation as barking serves a variety of functions before you start considering it as a barking problem. Every type of barking serves a distinct function for a dog, and when he is repeatedly rewarded for his barking, which means, if he gets what he wants-he learns to use barking to his benefit. For example, dogs who successfully bark for attention often go on to bark for other things, like food, play and walks. For this reason, it’s important to train your dog to be quiet on cue so that you can stop his attention-related barking and teach him to do another behavior instead-like sit or down-to get what he wants.
Now barking that is a behavior problem may result from one of several different issues. The key is to first identify the cause of the barking and then to change your dog’s triggers. As a pet owner, you have to know or identify why your dog is barking just by its specific bark. For instance, a dog’s bark sounds different when he wants to play as compared to when he wants to come in from the yard.
It’s crucial to determine why your dog is barking. It will take some time to teach your dog to bark less. Unfortunately, it’s just not realistic to quick fix or to expect that your dog will stop barking altogether. It’s extremely impossible that this would happen. It’s pretty much like a person. A person can’t stop talking suddenly! Not unless it’s traumatized or dead. Now we don’t want that. Our goal should be to decrease, rather than eliminate, the amount of barking. Bear in mind that some dogs are more prone to barking than others.
Our tolerance to dog barking varies with each person. Some can tolerate extreme levels of barking while others cannot. Canine barking however can be a nuisance to neighbors, and is a common problem dog owners or their neighbors may face. Thus we have to consider our neighbors’ tolerance as well. Different kinds of barking often require different kinds of approach to reduction.
Positive training is always the best way to train your dog, that’s why we made an article about it: Time for puppy preschool: Get the basics for positive dog training
We cannot deny the fact that excessive barking can be troublesome for us. It can even be dangerous for us and for our pooch. Excessive barking must be kept at bay.
Intruders can also hurt our pets. A dog may bark to threaten intruders. This is usually a more menacing bark and may be accompanied by growling. Depending upon the situation, you may need to move the dog to a more secure location or quietly reassure him. Otherwise, the intruder might silence your dog for good. A dog will also bark to warn other dogs or people of danger. The barking generally continues until the source of danger is removed or the dog is taken to safety.
There are times when we are sleeping so comfortably and soundly when our beloved dog suddenly releases that long, hair raising howl followed by an entire night of barking!
Now this is troublesome for us but it’s worse for our neighbors. Some people tend to get violent when they’re disturbed especially at night when they are resting after a long day from work. At first they will air out their complaints to us and then when the barking continues, some take matters into their own hands.
What about chronic barking? This can pose physical threat if not damage to the dog. Do you know that exercise often stops your dog’s chronic barking? Well, barking is sometimes a sign of boredom and frustration. Therefore, you may actually be harming your dog by not exercising him! That’s because a bored dog is far more likely to bark than an active dog. So it’s up to you to make the time necessary to keep your dog active and stimulated.
If you want to stop your dog’s chronic barking then you should try increasing the amount of exercise that he or she gets every day. This will tire your dog out while also providing much needed stimulation. And both of these factors will work together to reduce or even stop your dogs chronic barking.
Dog barking has several explanations. Yes, it’s not threatening and can certainly be useful. But too loud, too often is annoying. Left as it is, barking leads to some problems. The most common problem would come from neighbors complaining. Nothing beats knowing what the problem is. We cannot find solutions to our problems if we don’t have enough knowledge on the matter.
The key to controlling any problem is understanding, what could trigger the behavior and how to deal with it. This holds true to any problems and thus could be used to deal with the dog barking. Below are helpful ways to deal with your dog’s barking problem:
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