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Category: Homemade Pet Treats

How to Start an Ethical Pet Store

If you have a passion for pets, but mourn the lack of reputable or ethical pet stores in your area, starting a pet store may be a fulfilling venture. The current pet retail industry is full of controversies involving the mistreatment of pets offered for sale, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t make a difference through example. And you wouldn’t be alone, either. As concerns have been voiced, more and more pet shops have risen to the challenge of becoming more ethical in their business practices. As an ethical pet store owner, your goal will be to take on greater responsibility and accountability for your animals so that potential pet owners can bring home a healthy, happy pet.

Get a Location

If you want to start an ethical pet store, one of the first steps is to gather information such as market research, location possibilities, and legal and accounting requirements. Once you determine that your business idea will be in demand in a specific location, the next step is to decide if you want to start a new business from scratch or if you choose to buy a franchise. According to Franchise Gator, some examples of ethical franchises include Earthwise, The Healthy Animal, and Scales N’ Tails. New businesses are a blank slate with ultimate flexibility, but franchises offer the security net of structure, which can be particularly helpful if you’ve never run a business before.

Be Choosy About How You Source Animals

There is a rising concern about the way animals are treated before they show up in a store to be sold. As an ethical pet store, it is important to source animals ethically. Many pets at large, chain pet stores actually come from pet mills. Pet mills are facilities that mass breed pets who are then kept in overcrowded, unsanitary cages until they are sold to a retailer. Many times pet retailers may not be able to give their customers any specifics of a pet’s health if the pet came from a mill. Aside from mills, many exotic pets are imported from the wild, putting strain on wild populations. Plus, according to ReptiFiles, some wild-caught exotics are actually illegal exports from their countries of origin. When you choose not to stock your store with wild-caught animals, you discourage illegal collection and take strain off wild populations.

Instead of supporting pet mills and importers, an ethical pet store should source pets from small breeders, animal rescues, and local pet shelters. However, be careful with breeders, too. According to Ethos Veterinary Health, a trustworthy breeder should seek veterinary advice, makes sure that all animals are happy and clean, and has good breeding practices.

Provide Basic Care Information

Ethical pet store owners should make an effort to make sure that their customers receive basic care information for the animals being sold in the store. Pet care can vary greatly from animal to animal. The care of a hamster is vastly different than the care of a golden retriever. And exotic pets like reptiles, fish, and amphibians, need very specific care and equipment that replicates their natural environment. While animal lovers can understand the excitement of bringing home a new pet, having accurate care information on hand to give to customers may prevent buyer’s remorse or, worse, a dead pet.

One of the best ways you can help insure the welfare of the animals you sell is to be careful about which ones you sell. For example, reptiles are gaining popularity in the pet world, but not all reptiles make good pets. Some reptiles, like reticulated pythons and green iguanas, require advanced care and should not be sold in pet stores where they can be easily purchased by people who aren’t ready for that responsibility. It’s better to offer reptiles with easier care, like crested geckos and corn snakes, instead.

Take Sick Animals to the Vet

Proper care of sick animals is essential to a pet store’s reputation. When pets are observed to display symptoms of unhappiness, pain or discomfort, it is important to not offer them up for sale. Instead, it is extremely important to take sick animals to the vet for an examination. According to Animal Health Services of Cave Creek, general signs to look for include dulled eyes, changes in activity level, hiding/isolation, or appetite changes. Since there are many other symptoms that could be involved, it is best to make sure that employees are trained to notice abnormalities and take pets to the vet as needed. It can also be very helpful to have a vet visit your store on a monthly basis and do a general check of all the animals in your inventory.
Read this next: 5 Things To Consider When Shopping For A Dog

Tips for Safe and Easy Holiday Traveling With Your Dog

The holiday season is a time of merriment and joy for all, and getting to spend it with your furry best friend enriches every moment. Having a travel plan ahead of time makes the journey for you and your dog safe and effortless no matter what mode of transportation you choose. Here are three good tips to ensure that travels with your pooch go safely and smoothly.

Car

Before you hit the road, make sure your dog is comfortable riding in the car. Long-distance trips can be more stressful. Providing your dog with items that make them feel safe increases their level of security during travel. In order to protect your dog while riding in the car, it’s best to use a harness and seat belt to restrain your dog and to never let them sit in the front seat. Having your dog ride in the back seat helps them to relax while you stay focused on driving.

Airplane

Prior to your departure, familiarize your dog with its travel crate or carrier. Getting used to being confined for a period of time similar to your scheduled time in flight prepares your dog for remaining in its enclosure. Doing this in advance gives them ample time to adjust. Provide them with a couple of their favorite toys and some clothing with your scent. These things will help to calm your buddy down while you’re in the air or walking through a busy airport. Creating positive feelings about their mobile home ensures that your pup will remain relaxed throughout the trip.

Train or Bus

Trains and buses make traveling with your pup easy and safe by allowing smaller dogs to stay with their owners in pet-safe carriers under the seat in front of them. Keep your dog calm en route by providing them with some of the creature comforts of home. A snugly blanket will not only keep your dog cozy but also provide reassurance. The motion of these modes of transportation is similar to a car, so if your dog already loves to go for a ride, traveling by bus or train should be a breeze.

Bringing your dog with you wherever your holiday travels take you allows both of you to enjoy the change. Whether you’re making the journey by car, plane, bus or train, you’ll always be in good company with your most loyal friend along for the ride. If you know what to expect and you prepare your dog for travel, your trip should be a pleasant and relaxing adventure.
If you’d rather leave your pooch at home while you travel, contact us to schedule pet sitting!

Sit, Stay, Come: Why Promoting Good Behavior Is So Vital for Your Dog

We all love our canine family members and want to be able to go out on adventures with them without having to worry about common problems, such as aggression and disobedience. In order to make the most of your relationship with your dog, check out these great tips on how and why to promote good behavior.

Teaching Simple Commands

Basic commands such as sit, stay and come aren’t just fun to work with, but they also build the foundation for a strong relationship with your dog as well. Teaching the basic commands helps dogs understand the expected behavior and allows a bond of trust to be developed. If you don’t have a strong bond of trust with your dog, he’ll be less likely to listen to you in stressful situations. You don’t want to skimp out on basic trust-building exercises only to have bigger behavioral problems to deal with later on in the future.

Give Them Love

Don’t forget that another key way to reinforce good canine behavior is to shower your dog with love and affection. This positive behavior will strengthen the bond that you’ve built through basic training and show your dog that he’s cared for. Dogs crave interaction and attention, and if they don’t get enough, then they’ll be more likely to solicit it through bad behavior and defiance.

Be Cautious Around Other People

No matter how thoroughly you train your dog and work with him to prepare for a variety of different scenarios, life is bound to throw you a curveball every once in a while. For this reason, it’s crucial for you to keep a watchful eye on your dog while he is interacting with others. Whenever you’re around new people or dogs, stay relaxed and always watch your pooch for signs of stress or tension. The best approach you can take to conflicts is to prevent them before they occur by exiting the situation before things get out of hand.

Provide Plenty of Enrichment

Dogs will often become frustrated once they get bored and will act out in an attempt to shake up the monotony. Regularly providing your dog with plenty of physical and mental exercise will help keep your pet from getting antsy as a result of pent-up energy. Alongside taking regular walks, make sure your four-legged friend gets to engage in activities like agility mazes and puzzles that stimulate their mind.

Promoting good behavior to your dog can help him build a stronger bond with you and achieve a greater sense of fulfillment from his daily life. It can also make interactions with others far smoother. Take the time to reinforce basic training with your dog, give him lots of love and enrichment and always be watchful for signs of stress around other people for the best results.

Looking for more behavioral advice? Here’s another article you might enjoy:
A Guide for Introducing Your New Baby to Your Canine Companion

Spring Cleaning Tips for Pet Lovers

Pets are wonderful creatures, but between their toys and pet hair, your house may become a bit messy. Here are 3 useful tips for Spring cleaning your home whilst having a pet.

Get a Pet Sitter

Finding a pet sitter is an excellent way to help you find time to clean if your fur baby is prone to getting in the way. Animals tend to follow wherever their human goes, which can get tricky when you are organizing your closet of shoes or cleaning with chemicals. There are many ways to get a break for a few hours. Hire a family member, a friend, or take advantage of our animal daycare for when you need some extra help. Plan to clean and organize the parts of your home that are the most difficult to do when your pet is home. This will make the most of your time and give you a great sense of accomplishment when you finally pick up your pet from their sitter.

Donate Extra Pet Toys

As you are spring cleaning, you may find you have some pet toys that you or your pet don’t use. If that is the case, donate them to certain nonprofits to help declutter your home. Doing this will not only clear your home of unused items, but it will also help benefit someone else’s pet and make you feel happy. Donating toys is also a sustainable and eco-friendly way of showing care to the earth. Most likely, your animals will not miss the toys that they never played with in the first place.

Deep Clean and Refresh Your Home

Spring cleaning season is a great time to rid your home of all the pet dander and hair that accumulates in your carpet and furniture over the winter months. Take time to open up the windows to let some fresh air in and get the dander out. It is wise to also plan a day when you are free to shake out, wash, or vacuum any pillows, blankets, and dog beds that your sweet pet frequently lays on. Most importantly, Spring is the best time to deep clean your carpets. Carpets tend to hold onto dirt, pollen, mold spores, and other outdoor pollutants, so a thorough cleaning can create a healthier home for you and your pet. Having a fresh and clean home is a wonderful way to kick off the spring season.

Pets are wonderful companions that make life worth living a little bit more. But housing a pet comes with its challenges. Hire a pet sitter to get more cleaning accomplished, donate unwanted pet toys, and deep clean your upholstery and carpets for the ultimate spring cleaning list. You will feel clean and fresh while you cuddle your fur baby.

The Benefits of Milk Thistle for Senior Dogs

As dogs begin to age, they often encounter health issues similar to those that humans deal with as they get older. There are supplements available that are specifically designed for dogs to help with many of these health issues. Milk Thistle is one type of supplement that can be helpful in promoting health and well-being for your senior dog.

What is Milk Thistle?

Milk thistle is a flowering plant that belongs to the Aster family. The plant is native to Europe and has long been used for medicinal purposes. While traditional medicine tends to discourage the use of homeopathic remedies, Whole Dog Journal says milk thistle is actually one of the few herbal treatments that has been accepted by the medical community as a way to treat diabetes, liver issues, and other health concerns in humans and dogs.

What it Does

According to Erbology, milk thistle seeds contain high levels of silymarin, raw flavonolignans that can positively affect the regeneration of liver cells and protect them from the damage caused by free radicals. The active ingredient in this flowering herb has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties which makes it ideal for older dogs who may be dealing with inflammation. The plant also has antioxidant properties and detoxifying actions to help promote cell regeneration. Milk thistle may have some mild side effects like loose stools or digestive upset.

How Can You Give Milk Thistle to Your Dog?

This herb has been shown to be safe for use in dogs when the recommended dosage is followed. Some studies have shown that it’s more effective to give the supplement in 3 or 4 smaller doses throughout the day rather than one large dose at one time. VCA Hospitals explains that milk thistle comes in several forms including capsule, extract, or tincture. You don’t need a prescription to buy this supplement for your dog, but it’s important to purchase from a reliable source that uses quality ingredients in their products. The supplement is palatable to most dogs and can be mixed into their food or given with a syringe.

Much like humans, dogs can suffer from many health issues as they age and they require attentive care for these conditions. Herbal treatments for conditions related to liver health, diabetes, and inflammation can be beneficial for senior dogs. Milk thistle is a supplement that’s safe for dogs, has little side effects, and is easy to administer through their regular food or the use of a syringe.

Does your senior pet need some care while you are away? We would be happy to help watch your pet!

30 Minute Treat Recipes Your Dog Will Love

Although treats for dogs in stores are inexpensive and are enjoyed by many types of dogs, they might have ingredients that you can’t pronounce or know little about. A fun way to interact with your dog is to make treats at home, or if anything help make the lives of guests and pet sitters easier when you provide them with something to share with your furry friend. There are numerous recipes available, and you can often change a few of the ingredients to suit a dog that might be picky or that might have allergies to certain foods.

Peanut Butter Balls or Bones

Dogs can eat just about any kind of peanut butter and will love them in a ball with other great ingredients. Combine two cups of flour, half a cup of peanut butter, and two eggs in a bowl. Blend everything together until a dough is formed. You can add coconut oil or even a small amount of canned pumpkin for more flavor, just be sure that the oil you buy is cold-pressed, as it will have preserved a lot more nutrients than when pressed otherwise . Roll the dough to cut out shapes that look like a bone, or form the dough into small balls for your dog to enjoy.

Treats with Baby Food

Most baby foods are safe for your dog, especially those that are made with fruits or vegetables and you can make very interesting treats with it. This is an easy recipe if you are unsure of exactly how to make dog treats at home or if you don’t have a lot of time. Combine two cups of organic flour and two jars of baby food. The pureed kind works best with this recipe because it will be easier for your dog to eat. Blueberry and sweet potato are good options to start with. Make small treats to give your dog, or put the mixture in an ice cube tray for a frozen treat in the summer.

Fun Fries

If you’re eating fries, then we bet your dog will likely be sitting beside you wanting one or two. Fix your dog a few fries of his own to enjoy using sweet potatoes. Slice sweet potatoes so that they look like fries. Sprinkle cinnamon on them and a drizzle of coconut oil. Bake them for about 30 minutes. These are a delicious treat for dogs that will also allow them to get some of the vitamins and nutrients that they might not get from the dog food they eat.

CBD Treats

Did you know that CBD has the same regulatory benefits for dogs as it does for humans? This is because dogs and humans both have an endocannabinoid system for regulating homeostasis, and according to Kats Botanicals, most vets agree that CBD oil is beneficial for dogs. If you want to make some, here’s the recipe:

  • 1 teaspoon CBD oil
  • 2/3 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

Bake at 350 degrees for 14-16 minutes and let cool until hard.

Cheese Treats

Most dogs enjoy cheese of all kinds, so why not make treats using this healthy food? This recipe does call for four cups of flour and two cups of shredded cheese, but you can cut the amount in half if you don’t want to make this much. Add enough water and oil to make dough. Roll the dough out before cutting into bone shapes, baking on a low setting for about an hour or until they are slightly crisp. However, note that the American Kennel Club cautions that some dogs are allergic to or intolerant of cheese.

Dogs enjoy eating some of the things that people eat. While you should avoid giving your dog table scraps, some recipes are using healthy ingredients that make delicious treats any time of the year. After making the treats, you can store them in plastic bags or in an airtight container so that they will last for a few days.

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