Life Over 50 » Pets

Vacationing with your Pet

Shirley Price — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 02:26:46 +0000

For many people, a vacation is more fun and enjoyable with their pets in tow, since they can be great companions. Often times, they will make you feel secure along the way and will bring some smiles, even during unexpected moments. In this light, it is also necessary for you to keep them safe during the journey and your stay-wherever it may be. Since you will be visiting new places- some far from your home- you need to take special care of your pets. You should consider what they will need and the things that will make them more comfortable. This is important since pets will often be scared in new surroundings and may feel insecure. A new place means a new experience, so you have to keep your pets in mind.

If you are going to stay in a hotel ask them about their rules or policies regarding pets in the building. There are some hotels that only allow pets up to the weight of 25 kg, so it’s good to check on this. You may have to pay extra if your pet weighs more, but this rarely happens since most of hotels just let your pets be, as long that they are well behaved and don’t cause any damage. There are also hotels which only let those pets in that are ‘registered,’ so you want to have this taken care of from the beginning of your trip. It will be a really disappointing and stressful experience if you get to your destination and hotel, but cannot find accommodation because they won’t take your pet. Some hotels may have extra services for your pets; some even have spas especially for dogs. Never try to hide your pets while checking in, they need to know, this way the hotel will be able to give you enough room for your pets and maybe supply you with grooming kits or any other extras that they have for pets if available.

Keep in mind that it is a not a good idea to leave your pets in the hotel room alone. They will often feel abandoned, can experience anxiety & panic, and feel insecure when owners leave them behind in unknown surroundings. It’s possible they may try to break free, which could lead to accidents. Sometimes people leave their cats or dogs in the hotel room alone with the windows open; you can probably guess what may happen then. To avoid any tragic events, you should either take your pet with you or make other arrangements for your precious pets. You may find a nearby pet care service, this way your pet will feel comfortable and safe. Since you will probably be far from home, make sure that you take what you need for your pet as you cannot just pop back home to pick up something that you happen to have left behind. Most pets have a tendency to eat their meals from their own dishes, etc. and this is why you should take them with you when going on a vacation. Always give them enough food and water during the entire trip and remember to bring a pooper scooper. They will want to make stops along the way so that they can relieve themselves while you are traveling. You may want to consider investing in the Potty Park which is perfect and safe system for your pets to relieve themselves. This is an ideal product for home and for traveling with your pets.

Having your pets with you while on a vacation will probably make you happier as you won’t be worried about them being left in a kennel. Also your pet will be happier to! Take all precautionary and essential measures needed, so that you will both get the best out of the trip.

Related Blogs

Aging Pets – Caring for your Senior Pets

Shirley Price — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 08:02:36 +0000

Pets need extra care when they are getting old.

They lose their ability to do many of the things they used to do so easily. And often times they cannot digest the kinds of food they have always had; they also need more rest as they age. There are a number of other things you should be concerned about as your pets get older. Depending on what your pet is, there are varieties of things that can help make their lives a bit easier.

Unconditional Love

When you think about it your pets have spent their whole life trying to please you, giving you unconditional love. There have probably been times when your pet was there for you when nobody else was. around, times when you really needed the company? Now it’s your turn to give them the added attention they may require. It’s your job to keep your pets healthy and happy into old age for as long as possible.

Expected Life span

Different pets have different expected life spans so what is considered- old. A dog would be considered pretty old if it reached around seventeen as the average age of a dog is around twelve and a half years. So much depends on the type of breed and even where you are in the world. The same applies to all animals, while some cats are old at ten years they can often get a lot older. My daughter’s cat was around 18 years old when she passed away. My daughter had found her when she was around 3 weeks old. Way too young to have left her mother but she had been abandoned.

Ask your vet

If you don’t know for sure it’s a good idea to try to find out how old your pet is. If you had your pet as an adult pet then you may not know its age until you start seeing changes in their behaviour. Your vet should be able to give you a good idea of age. There are certain signs of aging or maybe illness, such as becoming weaker and slower in movement. As these pets grow old, they will need fewer calories as they become less active.

Your pets mental health

The psychological effects on your pets as they age are also a concern. Their ability to see and hear things can be reduced. The place they have lived in for maybe most of their life may seem unfamiliar to them. This could make them feel more insecure and anxious as well. Some pets, especially dogs, may react a bit more aggressively to the new situation. You should avoid doing anything that will frustrate your pet. When they are confused and upset it can cause them to react out of character and unexpected situations can arise. Your pet needs to be reassured that you still need them.

Different breeds can mean different ailments

Various breeds of dogs are prone to different types of ailments or problems. They also have issues with their teeth, so you should check for any bad teeth or infections in the gums. It is best if your pets does not have to experience any type of infections at any time but especially as they age. Also, try to make softer food for them to eat, since chewing really becomes difficult for them when they are given hard foods to eat. It’s a good idea to maintain regular check-ups with your vet.

In the dog house

If your dog is used to a dog house you should try to keep their space warm and easily accessible. As they grow old, it becomes harder for them to produce body heat and especially the larger dogs they will not be able to go through low and narrow doors as easily anymore.

Don’t leave your old pets alone for too long

Keep in mind that it’s not a good idea to leave your pet alone for long periods of time. Pay attention to them more often since they will want to feel your tender care during their older years. Even though your pets maybe slower, they will still need some exercise. They will probably still be somewhat playful. Cats can often stay playful well into old age. If you have a dog, then take him out for a walk during the day. These activities will help them stay alert and active and will make them feeling that they are still wanted and loved.

Keep them comfortable

Some of the items you may need to help keep your pet mobile and comfortable:
If your pet is having difficulty with stairs or getting in and out of the back of your vehicle you may want to get a ramp.
Many old dogs lose the use of their back legs and become immobile. There are ways to help them get around.
You may want to consider an orthopaedic or heated dog bed for your pet.
If your pet is used to climbing up on the couch or bed and now unable to do so, you may consider getting pet stairs to assist them. It will help them to maintain some independence.

Your pets have been your faithful friends and companion many for a very long time. They have been there for you, so do your best to take good care of them.

Training a Puppy- 10 tips

Shirley Price — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 08:32:25 +0000

Here are simple tips and tricks to puppy training and avoiding some pet mess in your home. The most important thing you need to know about behaviour training for your pet is that you should be patient and make an extra effort in every step you take. It is so easy to forget the work that is required to house train a puppy. When you first set eyes on a puppy the first thing on your

Going through the puppy stage

mind is how adorable and we tend to see things through rose coloured glasses. The extra work in the beginning, especially with housebreaking puppy will have huge pay offs in the long run. When training your dog consistency is Key! As with anything to create a habit takes time and practice.

1. The first thing you should do is to create a teacher-learner relationship in the early puppy stage. Let your pets know that you are the teacher and they are the follower, and you should respond to your pet’s response by way of petting as a reward. Usually, puppy training starts with the sit and stand command. You can put your hand above their nose while giving the command (your dog’s name), sit. Then move your hand to the back of their ears as you command. So that they will look up, lower their back end and sit. Repeat saying “good sit” until he/she follows.

2. Don’t forget to praise your pup. Pet them after they accomplish the command by rubbing their throat and chest while saying “OK” this will let them know that they’ve done a good job. If you don’t succeed right away, repeat it until they obey. Repeating this procedure over and over in the beginning will soon become a natural reaction to your command. Always make sure that everyone that will spend time with your pet will carry out the same procedure. Petting your dog is the best praise you can give. Always observe your pet and praise after every successful command.

3. Schedule meal times for your puppy. They will get used to this very quickly and it will help you and them to develop their bathroom habits so that you will know when they need to go outside. This will also prevent overloading their body systems; you should feed them 3 times a day a day up to the age of 6 months then reduce it to twice daily. This will let their systems adjust and at the same time let them follow their usual bathroom rituals which will usually follow not long after they eat.

4. When you are away for home. If you are out all day and worry about not being able to give them their regular 3 meal times, you can leave the food down but this method does have its draw-backs. You won’t be able to monitor exactly how much they are eating. Plus it is much more difficult to house train them as the regular scheduling is not there.

5. Puppy’s bathroom area.You will probably want them to use one area of your garden as a bathroom and not be doing their business everywhere, so after they do eat, follow them to the area where they relieve themselves and let them sniff for a right spot but don’t force them. If they find the right spot, crouch down and direct your finger to the fecal matter or urine where you want them to do their business. Don’t look at them, look straight at the stuff and if they sniff it then that’s the time you say “good dog” and don’t forget to execute the pet and praise rule.

6. Teach your dog what you expect from them. Before you decide to let your dog sleep on your bed or even in the bedroom where you sleep, consider the consequences 6 months or so down the road when they may not be this little cute and cuddly bundle any longer. Also keep in mind that they will go through their teething stage and can also cause some damage during that time. Many dog owners have complained about their puppy peeing on their bed. It may be a better idea to get them their own dog bed while they are still young and in the learning stage. If you really want to spoil them there’s certainly no shortage of accessories that you can get them in order to make their life even more comfortable.

So-where are you sleeping?

7. There will be times that you have to go out and can’t take your pup with you. Make sure that when you leave your house that you put your puppy in an enclosed safe area of your home where they are comfortable and cannot cause damage. If you put them in the same place each time you leave them they will soon get used to it. Make sure there is an area where they can go to the bathroom, if they are ready for it you can get a dog potty like the potty park or put lots of paper down on the floor. Leave everything that he needs in that room, toys, food and water. By the time you return home, don’t expect that this area is still going to look the same. This will be another job for you to get used to in the early stage of puppies; they will play with papers, chew them and drag them all over the place. Expect that there will probably be a mess that you’ll have to clean up. Many find that having a crate or carrier to put them in works well.

8. Be Patient . Puppies like us humans, do make mistakes so, be patient with your puppy. Never punish your puppy for mistakes or accidents they have made because they will not understand and you will feel guilty later. It will take time for your puppy to learn how to be a well behaved dog and be trained the way that you would like them to be.

9. Expect that most dogs will bark, whine or howl. Try not to let this irritate you because this is so natural for dogs, you shouldn’t expect them to never bark because it’s a way for them to express themselves, but you can control it by letting them know it’s not acceptable. Again you have to be consistent with your training. Any dog that is left alone for long periods of time could become a barker because there’s no one there to correct them. When they are alone they could have a tendency to bark, they may feel lonely, frustrated, and bored. I’m sure we have all experienced when a neighbour has gone out and left their dog outside that barks incessantly. Often the only one that is not aware of the barking is the owner himself who comes home and the dog immediately goes quiet. You will not be popular in your neighbourhood if you let this happen. If you do leave your dog outside anytime when you go out, drive around the block or hang around for a while to check your pet’s reaction to being left.

10. Make sure you spend adequate time with your dog. Spend time playing and exercising him. If you are going to be gone away from home for a while it’s especially important that they get some activity before you confine him in a puppy-proofed room. When you arrive home they will need the attention and activity again so do the same thing when you return.
Spending time with your dog will make him a happy dog and you will gain the dog’s respect and love too. Having a well trained dog or any pet is important, especially if you want someone else to take care of your pet while you are away.

Remember if you are going to give your puppy a shoe to chew, he will probably not know the difference between the one you gave him and your best Gucci shoes or someone else’s. Do use common sense. There are certain things you should not blame anyone but yourself for.

Take it from me, puppy training can be fun and not that difficult. Love what you do.

By Mei and Shirley

Gift Giving for your Dog

Shirley Price — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:24:23 +0000

By Shirley Price

Pampering our pooch with a special pet gift at Christmas and other occasions is something that has become more and more popular over the years. At one time a dog gift was a

Gift Giving for your Dog

stocking filled with dog treats and a rubber bone to chew on. How times have changed.

Your four legged friend is someone that’s always there for you no matter what. Whatever mood you are in they never judge you or expect anything from you, but are over the moon when you make a fuss of them. So why wouldn’t you want to spoil them?

In recent years many more singles and couples have opted to have a pet as many are choosing not to have or are physically unable to have children. By having a pet they still have someone to care for, love and come home to.

Like people dogs are living longer and need extra special care at times. Like us they have their health problems. Many dogs suffer with arthritis, ear infections from wax build up, and they can have annoying itching and a number of other problems that make them uncomfortable.

As much as we love our dogs there are times when they are smelly. They can have smelly breath, and sometimes a strong dog odour that can permeate into our homes and cars.
The good news is there are products available for among other things arthritis and joint pain that will help to comfort your dog. There is also anti itch spray, deodorizing spray, breath sprays and calming aromatherapy spritzers.

Most of us enjoy being pampered and where better to be pampered than at a spa. So why not pamper your dog with home pet spa products. You can even save money by doing your own grooming if you usually take you pooch to a groomer.

The modern dog has many products available for their comfort but they rely on you to provide them for them. Besides making your dog feel good with spa products another way to enhance their comfort is with a good dog bed. There are many to choose from depending on the size of your dog and their needs. There are heated beds for those that may be old and suffering with joint problems. There are trendy beds and orthopaedic beds.

While you are thinking about a gift for your pets think comfort to! Make their life and your more pleasant.

House Training For Dogs Made Easy With Potty Park

Shirley Price — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:38:03 +0000

By Jason Black

Your four-legged doggy friend is an important part of your household, so you want the best for both your dog and your home. Potty Park is a revolutionary new product made especially for

Potty Taining your pup

dogs, and their unique bathroom needs.””

The Potty Park is essentially a litter box for dogs. It has a synthetic grass mat which covers a reservoir. It comes in two sizes, which are ideal for training your new puppy, smaller dogs and toy breeds as well as medium-sized dogs (or dogs that need more space). People that live in apartments or condos find a Potty Park especially useful, as it is not always easy nor practical to take their dogs outside for a potty break. The Potty Park allows the dog to go to the bathroom either inside the house, or out on the deck, wherever you wish to place it.Party Park is also an excellent option for travel purposes. Anyone who has driven an RV down a busy highway, with an anxious dog who needs to go to the bathroom will understand the amazing benefits the Potty Park can provide. It is also helpful for dogs that are traveling in unfamiliar settings and sleeping in unfamiliar surroundings. You can even bring a Potty Park along when you are out on a boat. The common element they will recognize is the Potty Park. This greatly reduces the chance of accidents, makes for more relaxed dogs, and happier stress-free dog owners.

This product it is also very helpful for dogs who are either sick or injured, or who are older. You can place the Potty Park nearby, so they don’t have to worry about making it all the way outside when nature calls. Veterinary offices and kennels can also find a great use for Potty Park. These items can be placed in the back of the kennel for dogs, who are making overnight stays. In addition, if your dog is going to stay with a friend or family member while you are away, the Potty Park makes it easier on the dog and the people looking after your dog.The Potty Park has many additional uses, such as in extreme weather conditions, when your dog may not want to go outside, or be able to stay outside long enough to do their business, as well as for people who don’t want their lawns and gardens damaged by pets going to the bathroom on them. You can avoid unsightly dead patches on your otherwise lush green lawn, by training your dog to use the Potty Park. It looks and feels similar to the real thing, which is what allows dogs to take to it naturally.

People who work in offices can bring their dogs to work, if they use a Potty Park. This product brings a part of the dog’s natural environment into any location, so they feel comfortable going to the bathroom there. Dogs can easily recognize the Potty Park, and know it’s a safe place for them to use.

The Potty Park is very easy to clean, the urine drains into the reservoir which can be emptied often, while fecal matter stays on top for easy removal. Even people with a multi-animal household, such as cats, rabbits, and dogs can train all of these animals to use the Potty Park.

The Potty Park is made from a high-density polythene that is antimicrobial. The USDA has approved the Potty Park for direct human contact. It is not intended to be used as a substitute for exercise.

You can rest easy knowing that the Potty Park is durable, and resistant to urine acidity and the accompanying smells. This product can give both you and your dog peace of mind by having a regular bathroom available for your dog regardless of travel, age, health, or alternate accommodations.

The Potty Park doesn’t require any assembly. It comes with a five-year limited warranty, and you can try it risk-free for 30 days. If you aren’t totally satisfied with the product you can return it for a full refund, less shipping and handling. Click here to order yours today. Both you and your four-legged friend deserve the best.

Jason Black

Retiring-Is It Time For A Pet Or Not?

Shirley Price — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 07:34:01 +0000

Time for a pet?

Certainly, any pet you may have won’t replace your children. Yet, they can do wonders when it comes to filling some of the void that’s left once your children have struck out on their own.

From the moment we heard our baby’s first cry we have dedicated our lives to working for, and tending to the needs of our children. We’ve given them more of ourselves than we’ve kept. When they cried we comforted them. When they were afraid, we reassured them, and when they were disappointed we encouraged them. We have been their cook, chauffeur, mentor, teacher, counselor, coach, and most of all, their loving parent.

Therefore, it shouldn’t be a surprise that when they grow and leave, we are left with a huge hole. We are suddenly at a loss as to what to do with our time, our energy, and our thoughts. We are faced with the fact that we aren’t needed in the same ways we have been for so many years, and it hurts.It’s at this time in our lives that we can face some of our greatest challenges. It’s also a time when we can enjoy the wonderful company of sharing our lives with a beloved pet. The first choice for most is to purchase a dog. If you already own a dog, take him for walks, teach him tricks, let him ride with you to run errands, and let him curl up at your feet when watching a late night movie.

If you’re only considering getting a dog, there are some things you should think about first. If you get a puppy you’ll need lots of time and a great deal of patience to do the puppy potty training. Then too, the size of any dog you have should agree with the space you live in. You won’t want to own a Great Dane if he’s going to be cooped up in a small apartment all day.

If you work outside your home, who will care for your dog while you’re away? Is it fair to get a dog to be your companion and then leave him alone for long periods of time? What about when you want to visit others, go on vacation, or need to move? Can you take him with you?

There’s also an expense with owning a dog. He needs food, shots, trips to the vet, and maybe an occasional stay at a kennel. Puppies can also be destructive when they’re teething if there’s no one there to watch and train them.

The best thing you can do before even getting a dog is to do the research. Learn about different breeds. Find out if they’re notorious barkers, if their coat sheds heavily, if their temperament is easily excitable, and if they have any genetic health problems you should know about.

If after you’ve done your homework and you decide you can give a dog a good, long term home, then by all means, choose wisely when selecting your furry companion. You will find you’re definitely needed, wanted, and loved. Your new friend may not look like your children, but he’ll gladly accept all the doting affection your children received when they were young. The best part is … he’ll return it, too!