Are Paint Fumes Bad for Pets?

If you’re going to paint at home, it’s important to know how paint fumes can affect your pets. Even though dogs and cats may be able to move away from a smell they don’t like easily, other pets, such as ferrets and guinea pigs, are contained to where you leave them.

Paint Fumes Can Be Very Bad for Pets

Any kind of house paint can be dangerous for pets. You may open a gallon of paint inside of a room with the intention of going to get supplies. Animals are naturally curious, and that can get them into trouble, especially free-roaming pets like cats and dogs. These pets may sniff or even lick an open can of paint, which can make them very sick. Be sure that you keep pets out of the room when you’re painting, if at all possible. Otherwise, place the paint higher than they can reach.

Paint can be extremely toxic. How much is too much is dependent on the size and weight of the pet. This means that smaller animals, such as reptiles and hamsters, can be affected by even a tiny amount of paint.

As for paint fumes, these, too, can be toxic. Fumes are not only bad for dogs and cats, but they can be lethal for birds, hamsters and other small animals. Snakes and other reptiles only have one lung, making them considerably more vulnerable to fumes, too. Remember that just because you can’t smell the paint fumes any more doesn’t mean that your pet can’t still get sick from inhaling them.

What You Can Do

There are a lot of ways that you can protect your pets when you decide to take on a painting project in the house. The first thing to do is to use non-VOC paints. Low and zero VOC paints will promote a healthier indoor air quality when you’re painting. The fumes will be minimal.

It’s also important to offer a significant amount of ventilation. Open all of the windows in the area that you’re working in. Turn on fans so that the air continually circulates while you paint.

Curious free-roaming pets and smaller animals may need to be boarded as a precaution. Removing them from the house while you paint can make it easier for you to get the work done without wondering if your pets are staying safe.

You can be a good pet parent by knowing about the dangers of pet fumes. If you decide to paint while your pets are in the home, be sure that you take the necessary precautions. That way, you can make sure that they’re kept safe throughout your home renovation project.

Sometimes life gets busy, and it can be tough to keep up with the needs of your pets. That’s where Paternal Pet Care comes in! Get in contact with us, and see how we can help!

Read This Before You Sneak Your Pup That Snack!

It might seem harmless to share food with your pet, but feeding your pup even a small amount of treats from your dinner table is not the way to go. Sharing food will encourage begging behaviors, and possibly cause them to gain unhealthy weight. Table food is generally too fatty for your pets digestive system. Foods high in fat could lead to severe stomach upset and danger to your pet’s overall health. There are many human foods and ingredients like garlic, milk, and chocolate that are toxic and trigger severe reactions in your pet.  

Why Avoid Feeding Table Scraps

Oily and fatty foods that humans tend to consume frequently can cause diarrhea, pancreatitis, and vomiting in your dog. Pets who are fed table scraps tend to become dependent on them. Dogs that eat them will likely refuse their food. If you must include them in your family dinner time, remember these critical considerations. Never feed your dog junk food including pizza, candy, potato chips, and French fries. Only offer them healthier options like plain rice, small amounts of fully cooked chicken, baked potatoes, or finely chopped vegetables. Calories matter with dogs the same as with people. Moderation is essential, and if you’re feeding them table food, you’ll need to feed them less of their regular dog food. Avoid foods that are poisonous to animals including onions, raisins, cooked bones, grapes, walnuts, and fruit pits.

What Is Animal Biome?

Good and bad bacteria are within all of our bodies including our pets. The majority of the bacteria is harmless and even helpful. Scientists are discovering that bacteria play critical roles in many aspects of our health. All animals have a unique collection of microbes which are fungi, viruses, and bacteria in their digestive tracts. The microbiome inside your pet can get upset by the food they eat. Bacteria in the microbiome is crucial for your dog to obtain nutrients from the food they eat. When this bacteria becomes out of balance, your pet could experience inflammatory bowel disease. Unhealthy gut bacteria will have an impact on your dog’s allergies, depression, diabetes, and anxiety.

Digestion is a process that begins in the mouth and ends in the intestine. Bacteria found in the gut microbiome are in the large intestine to help your dog break down and digest food. This bacteria also produce vitamin B, K, and other vital nutrients. Your dog’s immune system is significant in preventing them from infection. Pets that are raised in sterile environments with an underactive immune system and no gut bacteria will have poorly developed organs vital to their immune system. They also have fewer white blood cells making them more susceptible to disease. However, when their immune system is over-reactive, it could trigger inflammation at inappropriate times. Same as humans, the long-term inflammation when left unchecked, will lead to chronic disorders including asthma, cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease.

Gut bacteria can also affect your dog’s mental health. Microbiomes affect over half of the serotonin in animals bodies. The Lactobacillus rhamnosus bacteria found in yogurt has an anti-anxiety effect. Most bacteria found in your dog’s microbiome came from its mother after birth. Other bacteria came from other animals and environments they were exposed to as a puppy. Your dog’s different bacteria microbiome and how you take care of them will have a powerful impact on their overall health.

Surprising Foods That Are Dangerous to Your Pet

There is a long list of foods that could kill your pet. Some seem common sense while others may surprise you. The following are human foods that are not only horrible for your dog’s weight, but they’re downright dangerous such as:

Xylitol

Sweetened foods such as candy, baked goods, gum, and even toothpaste can cause your dog’s blood sugar to drop and liver failure. Early symptoms are lethargy, vomiting, and seizures.

Avocados

Avocados contain persin which in large amounts, can be fatal in dogs. Persin is found in the bark, seed, leaves, and the fruit. Also, the pit is small enough for bigger dogs to swallow it and choke accidentally. If you grow an avocado tree at home, keep an obstruction or fence around it to prevent your pet access to harmful avocados. Even consumption in small amounts will lead to excessive diarrhea and vomiting.

Onions And Garlic

Garlic and onions whether it be raw, cooked, powdered, or dehydrated, should always be kept away from your dog. They cause anemia by killing red blood cells. Eating large amounts in one dose could cause fatal poisoning. Vomiting, weakness, and respiratory problems are signs your pet may have had too much garlic or onions.

Grapes

According to veterinarians, grapes and raisins cause acute kidney failure with lack of urine production in dogs. Dogs of any breed, gender, or age can be affected. Grape and raisin poisoning will cause dogs to develop some of these symptoms such as dehydration, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, tremors, and oral ulcers. Even when ingested in small amounts, grapes or raisins are toxic due to the flesh of the fruit.

Milk

Stick to strictly cold water when it comes to giving your dog liquids. Milk and other dairy products cause many pets to have digestive problems and diarrhea. Some may only experience slight GI problems or gas. Milk can also trigger food allergies causing skin irritation and itching.

Chocolate

Chocolate isn’t much of a surprise as many pet owners know that chocolate is a forbidden dog food. Milk chocolate, dark chocolate, and white chocolate contain theobromine that causes dogs to have heart problems, diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, and death.

Dog lovers consider their pet as a part of the family. It’s hard for most to leave them out during dinner time. There are ways to include your pet without compromising their health. Cooking homemade meals for them is an excellent way to incorporate healthy human foods into their diet. Certain table scraps that won’t cause them harm are cheese, peanut butter, chicken, rice, green beans, cooked eggs, carrots, bananas, and seedless watermelon. This list of foods is doubly important if you’re leaving your dog alone for any amount of time at home while these foods are presents. To prevent any accidental consumption of this food, be sure to either hire a knowledgeable pet sitter or store the food in areas where you dog absolutely cannot reach.

Fleas: What to Do, What Not to Do

Fleas are an annoying parasite that will bite both humans and their pets. They can be found in the grass and will jump onto cats or dogs while they’re spending time outdoors. Once your pet has fleas, it doesn’t take long for the problem to spread to other pets or even to areas of your home. Flea infestations can be very difficult to deal with. It’s important to take care of the flea problem early as this can make it much easier to control it before it gets out of hand. The following do’s and don’ts can help you take care of flea problems early and deal with infestations.

Do Protect Your Pets

Many vets recommended keeping your pets on flea prevention medication year-round, especially if you live in a mild climate. You should make sure that if you use pesticides in your yard or garden that they are pet safe. Some other flea preventative measures include: collars, topical skin treatments, and oral medications. You can find these treatments through your vet’s office, online, or in a pet supply store.

Don’t Wait

The time to take action is when you see that first flea. If your pets are bringing in fleas from your yard, you will need to get rid of the beginning of the problem. A useful tip for areas that commonly have flea issues is to flood the yard with water every so often. Flea experts explain, “this disrupts the fleas life cycle since larvae and eggs can’t survive it. Be sure to flood the whole area, especially around trees, fences, and garden furniture.” If that doesn’t help you may need to call a professional exterminator. They can find the areas where fleas live and breed to eradicate them quickly and efficiently.

Do Vacuum Frequently

When fleas start to infest your house, they will hide in carpets, cracks, furniture, and nearly any small space. According to pest control experts, “it is essential to have peace of mind in your home, and sharing your space with any type of pest, especially one that is actively harming your family members, doesn’t allow for that peace of mind. Even more so when that pest can go anywhere in your home like your bed, clothes, and closets.” Vacuuming daily will help remove the adult fleas from your floors and can also pick up the eggs, larvae, and pupae. Empty your vacuum after each use into a bag you can seal to prevent fleas from re-infesting your space.

Don’t Forget to Wash Bedding

Be sure to frequently wash your pet’s bedding during the flea removal process. Use hot water and dry on high heat. You may also need to clean your own bedding if your pets spend time on your bed.

When fleas infest your yard it can prove difficult to keep them off your pets. These parasites will get on any dog or cat while they spend time outdoors in your yard. It should be your first priority to help and protect your pet and home. You can do this by using preventative measures on your pets. Fleas can easily be spread from dog to dog. A cheap vinyl fence can easily be set up in a day and provides protection for your dog from strays.You can also call in a professional pest removal service to remove fleas from your yard or home. Taking care of the problem sooner, rather than later, will help your yard, pets, and house remain flea-free.

How to Cope with Unexpected Vet Bills

Many pet owners are keenly aware of the pain of having a sick or injured pet is in need of veterinary care. There is obviously the fear and worry for the well-being of a beloved family member, but there is also anxiety related to paying for unexpected (and often large) bills. Veterinary care for pets is not inexpensive. When these costs arrive unexpectedly, it can be disheartening. Pet owners faced with paying for unexpected bills for veterinary services can benefit from the following tips.

Sign Up for an Installment Plan

Many veterinarians are willing to establish payment plans for their patients and their owners. This will involve making regular payments for treatment rendered to the pet. It is important to note that there is no typical industry standard for these installment plans. Terms that are negotiated between customers and veterinarians are on a case-by-case basis, so these may vary widely.

Use a Credit Card

Many pet owners will finance the services of a veterinarian with credit cards like CareCredit. Pet owners should realize that this option does not have the fixed repayment terms that are present with installment plans. This means that credit card debt can be carried over a longer period of time and the resulting interest could cost the debt to become more expensive. Pet owners that use credit cards to pay for veterinarian services should impose payment deadlines for themselves to avoid excess interest.

Source: https://www.carecredit.com/vetmed

Take Out a Personal Loan

Personal loans can be another option to pay for pet care. Pet owners with good credit histories may be able to get better terms on a personal loan than they would repay if using credit cards. Pet owners that consider the use of personal loans to pay for veterinary services should pay close attention to fees that could raise the overall cost of the loan.

Source: https://www.powerfinancetexas.com/loans/short-term

Look For Help

Some animal shelters provide loans and grants to pay for veterinary services. Also, many schools for veterinarians provide low-cost care for animals. There are also clinics for pets in many areas that operate as nonprofits. These clinics offer low-cost treatment options. Pet owners should examine these options when faced with paying unexpected costs for veterinary services.

Don’t Panic

An injured or sick pet can be the source of much fear and anxiety in the minds of pet owners. These pets are a beloved part of many families that are emotionally invested in the well-being of the pet. The cost of suddenly paying veterinary bills for pets can become an additional cause of stress for the pet owner. The four tips above can make the cost of pet care more affordable for pet owners.

Paternal Pet Care wants the absolute best for your pets in terms of health and safety. Safety is always of the utmost importance. Michael always wants to bring the best to his clients and ensures that their pets are being taken care of by a professional, educated pet sitter!

The #1 Pest That Annoys Your Dog Most

Pests such as fleas, mosquitos, and ticks often bite dogs. This can lead to itching, scratching, infections and disease. Keeping dogs safe from these pests is an important aspect of owning a dog. Some of the best ways to accomplish this are described below.

Flea Treatments

Fleas are very small and will hide in the coats of dogs. There are several ways to get rid of these pests, with the most common being a flea and tick shampoo. This kills fleas on contact and stops the dog from scratching themselves. The shampoo must be lathered into the coat of the dog then rinsed well. Repeat treatments may be necessary.

A veterinarian can recommend a flea treatment for dogs to be used monthly. These products can be purchased from the vet, pet supply stores, online and retail locations. When the instructions are followed, any fleas on the dog will be killed. Using the treatment monthly helps ensure the fleas will not return.

A flea collar is a good way to help prevent fleas. It is important to get a recommendation from the vet because some collars have toxic and harmful ingredients and can disrupt the nervous system of the dog.

Natural oils are another way to protect a dog from fleas. The best sprays contain citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, lemongrass, or cedar. This will naturally repel the fleas and can be purchased at health or natural food stores.

Professional Pest Control

When pests invade the home, pest control can be an all-in-one solution. Exterminators rid the home of pests effectively and efficiently. The exterminator will explain how to prepare the home such as removing the contents from cupboards, pantries and under the sinks.

You need to keep your dog safe while the exterminator is working. The dog should be kept in a carrier, at a kennel, at the home of a friend or family member, or in a room in the home that can be closed off and is not scheduled for treatment. There may be special preparation necessary for the dog for a period of time after the treatment for safety.  

Caring for the Lawn

To help prevent outdoor pests, gardens should be well maintained, and the lawns should be cut short. This will help eliminate the breeding grounds for pests. Tall grass is often the home for fleas and ticks.

Most people with dogs consider them members of the family. By following the tips above, they can be kept safe, happy and pest free.

For more helpful dog tips, check out more articles from our blog.

5 Things You Never Knew About Military Dogs

The canine heroes of the military are trained to keep U.S. soldiers safe. Military dogs in the modern undergo vigorous training to be able to find bombs, various substances, track humans, and attack in emergencies. Here are five things you may have never known about the brave military dogs that help keep our country safe.

Military Dogs Have a Long History

The official use of military dogs dates back to the Civil War. Dogs have been seen in combat in some of the earliest battles of the United States. According to Low VA Loan Rates, “military dogs were used in the Seminole War, Civil War, Spanish-American War, and both World Wars.” Canine soldiers were first used to send messages efficiently and effectively. Due to their intelligence and keen tracking abilities, dogs were a perfect way to easily carry information. Today, dogs have even more advanced training to perform specific tasks.

Crunching the Numbers on Military Dogs

You may have known about the United States using canines to help troops overseas, but you might not know just how many dogs the nation currently used. There are approximately 2,500 dogs serving in the U.S. military today, according to National Geographic. At any time, 700 dogs can be found serving in destinations abroad.

Honoring Military Dogs

Military war dogs and the canine heroes of the military can receive honors just like our human military heroes. A decorated war dog named Chips was used in World War II to serve as a sentry dog. Inside Edition explains, his heroism was honored with a Purple Heart and Silver Star among other honors. Chips saw combat all over Europe and even visited North Africa.

A Home For Every Hero

In the event a military war dog has reached the age of retirement, they are often offered to be adopted by their handler. If a handler isn’t able to adopt their canine hero, the Department of Defense has a program designed to find a suitable home. 1,312 canine heroes have been awarded for their service by finding loving homes. 252 dogs went on to have another career with the police after their service in the military.

Not Everyone Makes The Cut

The military has a rigorous selection process for its human troops. Dogs must undergo a similar selection process. CertaPet explains that only about 50% of dogs make it through the training. In order to be a military dog, a canine must be able to perform a variety of different tasks. They also must have a very acute sense of smell and be able to take direction well. Dogs must be able to handle stress well and be able to take orders. One of the nice things about adopting a dog that didn’t make the cut is that not only are they house trained and taught other basic commands, but they are usually fully trained in a list of helpful activities including: noticing when something is wrong, reacting to dangerous situation like fires or natural disasters, and protecting your family.

Not only can adopting a dog help the dog feel loved and welcomed into your home, but it can be a wonderful companion for you and your family! For more great articles like this one, check out our blog!

Mange Management: What it Is, Where it Comes From, and How to Treat It

Animals with mange don’t look like any documented animal. That is because mange is observable. If a pet ends up with mange, it will begin scratching, losing its hair, and form scabs and lesions. This might even be the case if you’ve just adopted a dog. Once noticed, this can be a daunting time for families, especially if they consider their pet to be one of the family. This article is a short guide to managing and preventing mange.

What is Mange?

Mange is a skin disease that is caused by microscopic mites that live on hair follicles of animals. Mange is often associated with scabies. For example, in dogs mange is known as Canine scabies and in humans this is known as just scabies. It should be noted that many pets have mites living in their hair, but either not the species of mite or not to the degree that causes constant itching to the point of scabbing and forming lesions. While both humans and other animals can get mange, mange can’t be passed from animal to human. This is because only certain species of mites affect certain species of animals. While the symptoms seem like torture, they usually show themselves about two to six weeks after infection.

What Causes Mange?

Mites that cause mange can be picked up from anywhere. Mange can be contracted by being present in dirty areas with low sanitation. This may include visiting developing countries, camping in wooded area or contracting mange from other animals or humans that have mange. The most common form of the spread of mange in humans is caused by the sharing of clothes and beds.  

How is Mange Treated?

Mange in humans and other animals is typically treated using a scabicide that is applied to the skin via a lotion. Unfortunately, there isn’t an effective over the counter scabicide and must be prescribed. Other home remedies include covering the body in coconut oil, mixing apple cider vinegar with borax, soaking the skin in cool water, taking antihistamines, and applying other lotions. Treatment can take up to several months.

Hopefully this article served as a guide to preventing or managing mange. This article should help to identify, treat, and protect pets and family members from contracting mange. While the symptoms of mange seem like torture and the treatment involves covering the body in lotion for multiple weeks, there is a an effective treatment.

Have more questions about caring for your dog? Check out our blog here!

References & Resources:

Can Humans Have Mange?

Mange in Dogs

Coconut Oil

Apple Cider Vinegar

Borax

Why Checking Your Dog for Ticks Is More Important Than You Think

You love your dog, and you want them to stay happy and healthy all year round. This is possible with a little work on your part. Pests present a very real danger to your dog. What’s worse, they can get into your home and continue causing problems. Here’s a closer look at a few of the problems these pests can create, how they get into your home, and what you can do to prevent it.

Wood Ticks: A Common Pest

When you think of pests and your dog, one or two main types probably come to mind—fleas and ticks. Ticks can cause a lot of damage and problems for your do, despite only being active for part of the year.

Sooner or later, it’s likely that every dog owner will deal with wood ticks. You can find these pests practically everywhere in the world. They thrive in the warm summer months. Wood ticks usually hatch early on in the spring and stick around until the frost comes in during the fall months.

Ticks have a life cycle that ranges from three months up to two years. Ticks can’t jump, so they’ll typically climb up blades of grass and wait for you or your dog to walk by. When you do, they’ll latch on to your skin, clothing, or onto your dog’s fur. Next, they’ll look for a warmer place on your body and burrow in. This is how ticks get into your home. They hitch a ride on your clothing or on your dog’s coat.

Ticks feed on blood, and they can feed for several days unless you find them and remove them. They’ll eventually get so engorged with blood that they drop off. This is also the point when the adult lays eggs and dies. Ticks lay thousands of eggs during their life cycle, and they can carry diseases.

The Dangers of Wood Ticks

Wood ticks are particularly worrisome for dog owners because they carry several diseases that they can transfer to your dog. If you’re not careful, these diseases can cause severe health problems for your dog that lasts the rest of their life.

Lyme Disease

The tick transmits this disease to your dog after they’ve been feeding off of them for two or three days. It’s one of the most common tick-borne diseases in the world, but only 5 to 10 percent of dogs affected by it show symptoms. The symptoms can have a slow onset, and this makes it more difficult to diagnose a Lyme Disease infection. These symptoms include:

• Stiff joints for two or three days in a row
• Lack of appetite
• Stiff walk with an arched back
• Vomiting or fatigue
• Touch sensitivity

If you don’t catch this disease early on, it can lead to kidney problems, heart disease, and several central nervous system disorders that can be fatal. Your veterinarian may want to run a blood panel to check for the disease. They may also request a sample of your dog’s fecal matter, fluid from their joints, or Lyme-specific screenings. They do have to rule out other problems as well, so this testing can be exhaustive. Antibiotics are the recommended treatment option in this case.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Another common tick-borne disease is Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Like Lyme disease, this can affect humans as well as dogs. Purebred dogs and German Shepherds are more likely to develop Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever than other dogs.

If your dog is bitten by a tick carrying this disease, then they’ll usually start to show symptoms within five days. Some of the more common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Lethargy
• Blood in their urine
• Staggering or difficulty walking
• Leg swelling
• Nose bleeds
• Swelling or discharge from their eyes

Testing for Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is also very exhaustive because the symptoms of this disease mimic several other diseases. Your veterinarian will ask you about your pet’s history. They may request several different blood tests to check your dog for an infection. Skin biopsies are also common.

Once they find the cause of your dog’s illness, they can start to treat it. This is an aggressive disease so your vet can recommend that your dog is admitted to stay at the vet. They’ll give them antibiotics and monitor them until they improve.

Keeping Your Dog Healthy

These common tick-borne diseases can be fatal for your dog unless you intervene quickly. As with most diseases, prevention is better than treatment. Checking your dog each day for ticks and removing them is key. Also, consider using a flea prevention treatment that gives your dog year-round protection. Taking steps to prevent disease can help to keep your dog happy and healthy throughout their life.

Part of caring for your canine companion is ensuring that they have everything they need—even when you’re not around. Reach out to us at Paternal Pet Care to book pet sitting services today.

Resources and References:

All About the Wood Tick | petMD

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever | Pet Health Network

Tick Bite Prevention and Removal | Dr. Jay Davidson

Symptoms of Lyme Disease in Dog | Whole Dog Journal

 

What to Expect When You’re Adopting a Pet

Adopting a pet can be a worthwhile investment to your home and family. In recent years, it has even become somewhat trendy to adopt an animal from a shelter or pet adoption agency instead of simply making a purchase from a pet store. If you are thinking about adopting a pet, here are several adoption expenses and additional steps to keep in mind as you plan.

The Application

Adoption agencies like to see that the animal will be going to a good home. Normally, those interested in adopting have to fill out an application and complete an interview process as well as visitation in order to ensure that they are a good fit for the animal(s) in question. Applications ask for confirmation of identity, living situation (housemates and children), address and contact information. In addition, they ask for references, an evaluation of your outdoor space, including fencing, your history of pet ownership. In some cases, these applications can contain some short-response questions about pet ownership and the kind of pet that you are searching for. After completing an application, your answers are carefully reviewed and you will be contacted by the agency for a follow up. Remember, adopting a dog is a big responsibility, and a good agency will make sure you are going to take care of the dog properly.

Application Follow Ups and Visitation

Follow up conversations by the pet adoption agency often require a phone interview in addition to a meeting in person. Some agencies will invite the person interested in adopting the pet to their adoption center or to the household of a foster parent for their animals. In other cases, the agencies will send photographs of potential good fits for pets, and the adoption agency will schedule a home visitation with the desired animal to see how the animal reacts being both inside your home and your outdoor space. This “meet and greet” of the animal also allows for the agency to follow up and more carefully confirm the information that you supplied both in your application and during the interview process. The pet adoption agent or the foster parent will address any concerns that he or she may have with the intention of helping the applicant best prepare his or her home.

Typically, after a visitation, the agency will follow up via telephone regarding whether or not the applicant is a good match for the animal. If any further requirements need to be met, the agency may schedule an additional appointment to investigate the changes to the home space. As long as the applicant has addressed the concerns appropriately, the agency should at that point allow for the individual to sign the adoption papers. In many cases, these papers will stipulate an additional visitation or two by the adoption agency within the first month to ensure that the pet has made a happy transition to his or her new home.

Fees and Expenses

Although animal shelters usually cover the initial veterinary examination, more exclusive adoption agencies may expect the aspiring pet owner to cover these costs with their own vet. During the initial veterinary examination, additional fees can be expected, including the cost of spaying and neutering, heartworm or leukemia tests, flea and tick treatments, deworming, and a collar and identification tag.

Having a pet shouldn’t be a burden, but when you first adopt an animal, you can expect a few initial expenses. When the initial output is a problem, some pet owners choose to cover any medical expenses with short-term loans. The costs from animal shelters and pet adoption agencies can range from $400-$1000 for these initial health checks and necessities. In addition to healthcare costs, you may need an extra $500-$1000 on hand for modifications to your home or backyard to best accommodate your new pet.

 

A Guide for Introducing Your New Baby to Your Canine Companion

Helping your dog adjust to a new member of the family can be a daunting task. Everyone loves their pet like family- why else would we call them fur babies? Introducing a baby to the mix is a big deal. Although there are many factors to consider before bringing home a newborn, there are many ways to help make the change easier for everyone.

Try setting boundaries on the dog’s behavior. It is ideal to start working with your pet for a few weeks or even months before bringing home your child. The nursery is a great place to start. Make the nursery off-limits to the dog. This creates a space where the baby will be able to sleep peacefully, and the dog will understand that it is not another room to play in. This is also a great opportunity to teach your pup a new command- “out”. If the dog is taught to leave in a positive way, just like any other command they have learned getting space between them and the baby will be easy. Teaching an “out” or “away” command will reduce the chance that someone will have to yell at the dog when it’s time to have space between them and the baby. This command is also helpful when helping your dog adjust to having less attention. Gradually spending less time with the dog will help avoid shock when more of your time must be devoted to children. Of course, that doesn’t mean your dog should be spending all of their time alone, maybe invest in some sitting services to help compensate for the lack of attention they’ll be getting.

New people aren’t the only things your dog will need help getting used to. New equipment like car seats and strollers will be totally unfamiliar, possibly frightening, to your furry friend. If possible, try slowly introducing your dog to these contraptions slowly. If a baby swing will sit in the living room, put it there a few weeks in advance and turn it on occasionally. Bring the stroller along on walks. Helping your dog adjust to the new items before there is precious cargo inside is important.

Before bringing the baby home, it is a great idea to have someone bring home one of the baby’s outfits or toys to introduce the new scent. Leashing your pet for their first visit is also recommended. Should the dog get over excited, a leash serves as a reminder of limitations and a physical barrier between the dog and the baby. If needed, you might even have to have your dog spend some time away from home when the baby is most vulnerable. Bringing in someone to help regardless will have to come into play, as you might need to consider this when you’re at the hospital when you’ll need have someone help you walk and sit your dog. But hopefully, with enough preparation and care, your pooch will be as happy about the baby as you are.