Caring for Your Mini Goldendoodle: Health Tips for First-Time Owners
Photo by Jacob Fletcher on Unsplash
Introducing a new puppy into your family is always a wonderful feeling, especially a mini Goldendoodle. This sociable, intelligent, and energetic breed, which is a mix of a golden retriever and a Miniature Poodle, is an excellent choice. First-time owners are most likely excited and want to offer the best care to the new addition to the family.
You may have bought your new companion from a mini goldendoodle for sale or are still in the process of getting ready to welcome your new friend. Either way, you must learn to care for your Goldendoodle's health. As you would expect, there are numerous factors that go into the proper care and well-being of your mini goldendoodle.
Factors That Affect the Health of Mini Goldendoodles
Mini Goldendoodles are relatively healthy dogs but have specific needs you must be prepared to meet. This information can assist you in establishing a proper care regime that will contribute to your pet's longevity and overall health.
The Mini Goldendoodle is known to be sensitive to health problems inherited from its Poodle lineage, including hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, and heart problems. Therefore, it is recommended that you take your dog for check-ups from the vet as often as needed to evaluate its health. A prevention-focused approach to healthcare can detect issues that may arise in the future and ensure that they get the correct treatment.
Furthermore, mini Goldendoodles are intelligent dogs with lots of energy and love to play, so physical activity is essential. Their muscles are exercised to ensure that they are well-developed and avoid the development of destructive behaviors due to boredom. It is recommended that an individual provide at least half an hour of physical activity a day, which can be walking, playing, or even doing some agility training.
Exercise is great, but it is also very important to avoid your Mini Goldendoodle playing too much or running around during hot weather. These dogs have heavy coats that may make them prone to heat stress. For instance, they should take their walks in the morning or in the evening when the sun is not scorching, and they should always make sure that they have water to drink.
Nutrition: The Basics of Your Mini Goldendoodle’s Health
Similar to the fact that food is essential for human beings, diet also plays a paramount role in the health of your mini Goldendoodle. The first strategy is to select a good-quality dog food that can adequately feed the dogs. Mini Goldendoodles are active dogs, and they feed on foods rich in proteins and healthy fats to cater to the energy required in their daily activities.
First-time owners should avoid feeding their dogs too many treats or allowing them to eat off the table. Dogs that are fed many treats or foods rich in fats have a high chance of gaining weight, which is not good for their joints. When choosing treats, ensure they are healthy, have low calories, and are not toxic to dogs, like chocolates, grapes, and onions.
Also, such meals must be portioned appropriately to ensure that one only consumes a little food at a given time. Like all dogs, Mini Goldendoodles can eat a lot if allowed. It is advisable to consult your veterinarian or the dog food manufacturer for the feeding schedule and feed your dog according to the size, age, and activity level. If you need more clarification about the portion size to feed your Mini Goldendoodle, your veterinarian will advise you on this matter, depending on the size and age of your pet.
Another interesting factor noted is that they drink a lot of water during their diet plan. Make sure that your Mini Goldendoodle always has fresh, clean water to drink. This is especially important after working out or during hot weather when it would be easy to lose fluids and become dehydrated.
Grooming and Preventative Health Care
Bathing or washing your Mini Goldendoodle is crucial in the overall maintenance of the breed. Their coats are usually wavy to curly and, therefore, demand grooming to avoid being matted or tangled. Brushing daily or at least three times a week will go a long way in ensuring that their skin coat is healthy and free from any form of debris. If not controlled, the coat could develop a tangled mess that can cause skin rashes and infections, which would need a vet's attention.
Besides brushing, you should bathe them periodically, usually once in a few weeks, depending on their activity level and time spent outside. Using a dog-friendly shampoo will also ensure that the dog's skin and fur are always healthy. Take care not to harm their ears as well. Mini Goldendoodles, particularly the ones with a curled coat, are predisposed to developing ear infections. It is recommended that dogs have their ears checked and cleaned at least once a week to ensure no bacteria formation may lead to infections.
Preventative health care is not limited to grooming. Your dog will also need vaccinations, heartworm prevention, flea and tick prevention, and other vaccines as necessary. Your dog may get fleas, ticks, and heartworms; therefore, consult your vet to get a plan to prevent your dog from getting these diseases all year round.
Last but not least, dental care is one area that is often neglected but critical for your dog's health. Daily brushing of the teeth and dental visits are essential to avoid gum diseases, foul smells, and cavities, which are prevalent in many breeds, including Mini Goldendoodles.
Conclusion
While adopting a Mini Goldendoodle for the first time, it may be challenging to manage the pet initially, but managing their health requires a proper care plan. Daily exercise, a healthy diet, proper hygiene, and health check-ups are some things your Mini Goldendoodle expects from you to give it the best quality of life it deserves. You will have an excellent companion, loyal friend, and a source of happiness for several years by sharing your Mini Goldendoodle with the attention and love it needs.
Read MoreCat & Dog Worming – All You Need To Know To Prevent Worms
Whilst your pets happily go about their business enjoying life and the world around them, there are unfortunately health issues they can pick up. One of them is the problem of worms and parasites, with infestations in pets more than just an unpleasant nuisance. If left undetected and untreated, they can be a serious health concern for both cats and dogs, so what can you do about it?
Fortunately, there is a way to prevent this, with regular worming essential to keep your furry friends healthy and to avoid further spread of infection. You may need to find some clever ways to give your dog or cat this type of medication, such as mixing tablets in food or confidently administering them directly into their mouth with a bit of patience, but this effort is worth it for a healthy pet.
Whether you're a new pet owner or just want to be more aware of the dangers of untreated worms, the below information can help you investigate further and keep your cat or dog worm-free.
What Kinds of Worms Can My Pet Catch?
There are a few types of worms that can affect your pets, each with its own unique unpleasantness. According to The People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), the most common worms in cats and dogs include roundworms, tapeworms, lungworms, threadworms and whipworms.
Roundworms – they live in the intestines and can cause serious health issues for puppies. They can grow up to 15cm long and look similar to spaghetti or noodles.
Tapeworms – these live in the small intestine and are recognisable by the small, flat rice-like segments that can grow up to 50cm long. Cats may pick these up from fleas.
Lungworm – found in dogs, these are carried by snails and slugs, causing serious health issues. This has become more common across the UK from dogs eating these when outside, and can even be picked from the grass or stagnant water.
Threadworm and Whipworm – these also affect dogs but are rare in the UK. They live in the large intestine and can reach 2-3 inches in length.
Symptoms of your cat and dog having worms may include diarrhea, weight loss, a dull coat, and in more severe cases, respiratory distress, but sometimes there may not be symptoms as obvious as this. It’s important to not self-diagnose, so contact your vet if you notice any symptoms. Regular vet check-ups will help you catch these signs early and get the recommended worming treatment.
According to statistics from the CATS Report UK 2023 from Cats Protection, 16% of cat owners treat their cat for worms only when they think they are present when asked how often they tend to give their cat a worming treatment – however, cats do not show outward signs of worms when infected, so many cases are missed. For dog owners, almost 10% are unaware worming treatment should be given monthly to protect against nasties like lungworm according to a national survey of pet owners and vets by Elanco, with just 1 in 3 aware that lungworm can be found across the UK.
How To Prevent Your Pet From Catching Worms
So, now you know why they are a problem, how can you prevent your furry friend from catching worms in the first place? It does require a proactive approach, combining regular treatment with managing the environment they find themselves in. Here’s how you can keep your pets as worm-free as possible:
Regular Deworming – You’ll need a regular deworming schedule for your pets. According to Dr Lily Richards BSc writing for pet insurance provider Petsure, puppies should be wormed every two weeks until they are 12 weeks old, then monthly up to 6 months old. Adult dogs should be wormed every 3 months at least, and more often if your vet recommends. With cats, this is the same, with your kitten wormed every 2 weeks until they are 12 weeks old, then once a month up to 6 months old. In adult cats, this should be at least every 3 months or more often if higher risk, such as if they are an outdoor cat.
Flea Control – Fleas can carry tapeworms, so controlling fleas is essential in preventing tapeworm infections. Use regular flea treatments as prescribed by your vet, and maintain a clean environment to reduce flea populations.
Environmental Hygiene – Dispose of pet poop quickly and regularly, especially in gardens and public areas where pets play. This will reduce the risk of your pets picking up an infection from eating the worms’ larvae.
Clean Feeding Areas – Regularly clean and disinfect your pet's feeding area including food and water bowls. Empty cat litter trays and clean them too.
Regular Vet Checks – Routine check-ups with your vet can catch infestations early before they become a major health problem. Discuss your pet’s lifestyle with your vet to tailor the worming schedule to their specific needs, such as if you have an indoor or outdoor cat or if you have a puppy or older dog.
Most of the time it’s about ensuring a good clean environment both indoors and in the garden to help create worm-free areas and being vigilant when taking your dog for a walk so that they don’t eat anything unusual. Regular worming treatment is still required to ensure the best prevention.
What is the Right Worming Treatment?
Having an effective worming treatment is crucial to protect your pets from parasites. With a variety of treatments available, including tablets and spot-on formulations, it’s best to speak to your vet for their recommendations and get a prescription worming treatment.
Pet's Age and Health – Puppies and kittens will require different formulations than adults based on age and weight. Also, the vet will need to assess your pet’s current health to ensure the right treatment is used too.
Lifestyle and Exposure – Outdoor pets or those who are frequently in contact with other animals might need more frequent or robust treatments compared to indoor-only pets.
Different Methods To Treat – Consider how easy it is to administer the treatment. If you struggle to give pills to your pet, a spot-on treatment or an injectable administered by a vet might be a more practical choice.
Treatment Effectiveness – Some products target only specific types of worms, while others offer broad-spectrum protection. Your vet can help prescribe based on the types of worms that are a risk for your pets and the area you live in.
Always consult your vet before starting any new medication. Ideally, you should avoid buying off-the-shelf worming treatments as the PDSA doesn’t recommend these. It’s best to book an appointment with your vet and get the right treatment prescribed the first time.
Minimize the Risk of Worms & Get Your Pet Regularly Treated
Overall, if you want to ensure your pet stays free from the horrors of worm infestation, avoid trying to do this yourself and self-diagnosing, or worse, ignoring the problem altogether. It’s all about staying vigilant about environmental hygiene both indoors and outdoors.
Early detection through regular vet check-ups is the best way to prevent serious health issues and keep your beloved cats and dogs healthy with worming treatment. Fingers crossed your dog or cat can enjoy many worm-free days ahead, keeping them at bay for as long as possible. If they do catch them, have peace of mind you can get the right treatment quickly from your vet for efficient removal.
Read MoreSeasonal Grooming in Dogs: Dos and Don’ts
Photo by Hayffield L on Unsplash
Grooming your dog is essential, but did you know that how you groom them can change with the seasons? Just like us, dogs have different needs depending on the weather. As the seasons shift from warm to cold and back again, adjusting your dog’s grooming routine can keep them comfortable, healthy, and looking their best year-round. Whether you’ve got a fluffy Husky or a sleek Greyhound, here’s a handy guide on what to do (and what to avoid) when it comes to seasonal grooming.
Spring Grooming: Shedding and Allergies
Ah, springtime—flowers bloom, the sun comes out, and... dog hair is everywhere. As the weather warms up, many dogs start shedding their winter coats, which means it’s time to step up your grooming game.
Dos:
Brush, Brush, Brush: Spring is the shedding season for most dogs. Brushing your dog regularly during this time helps remove loose hair and prevents it from ending up all over your house. It also keeps their skin healthy by distributing natural oils. For double-coated breeds, consider using an undercoat rake or de-shedding tool.
Bathe Appropriately: Give your dog a good bath to help get rid of the excess fur and any dirt or pollen that might be sticking to their coat. Use a gentle shampoo that won’t irritate their skin, especially if they suffer from allergies.
Check for Allergies: Spring can be tough on dogs with allergies. If your dog starts scratching more than usual, check for signs of irritation and consult your vet if necessary. Regular visits to a trusted clinic like Bond Vet Westport can ensure your pet gets the proper care they need. Regularly wiping down their paws and coat after walks can help reduce exposure to allergens.
Don’ts:
Don’t Shave Double-Coated Breeds: It might be tempting to shave your dog to help them cool down, but for double-coated breeds like Golden Retrievers or Pomeranians, this can do more harm than good. Their coat acts as insulation, keeping them cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Shaving can disrupt this balance and lead to skin issues.
Don’t Forget Flea and Tick Prevention: Warmer weather means more fleas and ticks. Make sure your dog is on a vet-approved flea and tick prevention program, and check their coat regularly for any signs of these pests.
Summer Grooming: Keeping Cool and Safe
Summer heat can be tough on our furry friends, but with the right grooming, you can help your dog stay cool and comfortable all season long.
Dos:
Keep the Coat Clean and Matt-Free: Regular brushing in the summer is crucial, especially for long-haired breeds. Mats can trap heat and cause skin irritation, so keep that coat smooth and free of tangles.
Trim, Don’t Shave: For most dogs, a light trim can help keep them cool, but avoid shaving them completely unless recommended by your vet. A dog’s coat also protects them from sunburn.
Hydrate and Moisturize: The summer sun can dry out your dog’s skin. Make sure they have plenty of water to stay hydrated and consider using a pet-safe moisturizer or conditioner to keep their skin from getting dry and flaky.
Protect Paws: Hot pavement can burn your dog’s paws. Keep their nails trimmed and consider using a paw balm or boots if you’re walking on hot surfaces.
Don’ts:
Don’t Over-Bathe: While it’s important to keep your dog clean, over-bathing can strip their coat of natural oils, leading to dry, irritated skin. Stick to a regular bathing schedule, but don’t overdo it.
Don’t Leave Your Dog in the Sun Too Long: If your dog has light-colored or thin fur, they’re at risk of sunburn. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, and if necessary, use a pet-safe sunscreen on vulnerable areas like the nose and ears.
Fall Grooming: Preparing for Winter
As the temperatures drop, your dog’s grooming needs will shift again. Fall is all about preparing for the colder months ahead.
Dos:
Increase Brushing: As your dog starts growing their winter coat, regular brushing helps manage shedding and keeps the new coat healthy. For breeds with a thick undercoat, brushing is especially important to prevent mats from forming.
Check Their Skin and Coat: The change in weather can sometimes lead to dry skin. Pay attention to any flakiness or irritation, and adjust your grooming products if necessary. Using a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner can help.
Trim Hair Around Paws: As fall brings wet and muddy weather, keep the hair around your dog’s paws trimmed to avoid dirt and debris getting trapped, which can lead to matting and infections.
Don’ts:
Don’t Forget About Ears and Eyes: With more time spent outdoors in cool, breezy weather, dirt and debris can accumulate around your dog’s ears and eyes. Clean them regularly to prevent infections.
Don’t Ignore Diet: A healthy coat starts with a healthy diet. As the seasons change, make sure your dog’s diet is rich in omega fatty acids and other nutrients that support skin and coat health.
Winter Grooming: Staying Warm and Comfortable
Winter brings its own set of challenges, especially when it comes to grooming. Cold weather, dry air, and snow can all take a toll on your dog’s coat and skin.
Dos:
Keep Up with Regular Grooming: It’s easy to let grooming slide when it’s cold outside, but it’s important to maintain a regular routine. Brushing helps distribute natural oils and keeps the coat healthy.
Moisturize: Winter air can be very drying, so consider adding a moisturizing rinse or conditioner to your dog’s grooming routine. You can also use a humidifier at home to help keep their skin from getting too dry.
Protect Their Paws: Salt and chemicals used on icy sidewalks can irritate your dog’s paws. Rinse their feet after walks, and consider using a paw balm or booties to protect them.
Trim Nails Regularly: Dogs tend to exercise less in the winter, which means their nails might not wear down as quickly. Keep an eye on their nails and trim them as needed.
Don’ts:
Don’t Overbathe: Just like in the summer, over-bathing in winter can strip your dog’s skin of essential oils, leading to dryness. Stick to a moderate bathing schedule and use moisturizing products.
Don’t Neglect Outdoor Time: While it’s important to keep your dog warm, they still need regular exercise. Make sure they’re bundled up if necessary, but don’t skip those walks—they’re vital for both physical and mental health.
Conclusion
Grooming isn’t just about keeping your dog looking good—it’s about their overall health and well-being. By adjusting your dog’s grooming routine with the seasons, you can help them stay comfortable, healthy, and happy all year round. From extra brushing in the spring to protecting their paws in the winter, these seasonal grooming tips will ensure that your furry friend is ready to take on whatever the weather throws their way.
So, grab your brushes, trimmers, and a cozy blanket—because your dog deserves the best care, no matter the season!
Read MoreToy MaltiPoo Puppies; Adorable Companions with Big Personalities
Photo by noelle on Unsplash
The Toy MaltiPoo is the hybrid breed that originates from the Toy Poodle and Maltese dog, these dogs are cute, very playful, and generally friendly. The small size of this breed is linked with the verdict of the pug while the intelligent and friendly character with the standard of the beagle. In this article there is a detailed information about Toy MaltiPoo puppies for sale and their overall traits, grooming, health issues and why they are so appealing to be adopted.
About Toy MaltiPoo puppies
Characteristics and Temperament
It is relatively a small to a medium-sized breed and usually ranges from 5 to 10 pounds and 8 to 10 inches tall. They acquire soft, wavy or curly hair from the coat of the Poodle and most of its variant have low shedding hair coats hence it is suitable for individuals with allergies. The coat of the dog can be of any color that one can think of starting from white, cream, and apricot to black. These puppies are friendly dogs that love to be around people and be petted by them. They are social animals which require the company of men and they are associated with high level family attachment. Toy MaltiPoos being small and intelligent dogs, they are very playful and as such, they are friendly to kids and all age persons. They are intelligent, which they got from the Poodle side, and this endowments makes them easy to train.
Health aspects
Toy MaltiPoos are a breed with the potential of developing some known genetic and hereditary health problems. Like any other mixed breed, they will be susceptible to diseases of each parent breed hence the need to be watchful on such diseases.
Patellar Luxation: Also, small breeds of dogs develop this condition in which the kneecap of the dog becomes dislocated from the usual position. It results in pain and affects the mobility of the affected area, in extreme cases may necessitate surgery.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): PRA is a congenital hereditary disorder that causes progressive degeneration of the retina and at times it can cause blindness. This condition can be identified, if eye check-ups are conducted often.
Dental Issues: The small breeds of the dogs are always affected by the dental problems mainly because of their small size of their mouth. Proper brushing and dental examination should be undertaken to eradicate periodontal disease and resultant tooth loss.
Hypoglycemia: A potential problem with low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) may arise and this will probably be more of a problem in very young puppies. Signs are for example dullness, stiff, and fits. This should be responded to through feeding and monitoring frequently so that the condition does not escalates.
Care and Maintenance
Just like any other toy dog breeds, MaltiPOOs need to groom often to ensure that their coat is not tangled. Different coat types require different grooming and some may require brushing few times a week, and professional grooming every few months. They need to have their ears cleaned and trimmed regularly for the avoidance of the development of ear infection while the nails should be cut every now and then when they grow long.
These puppies are to be fed balanced diet because they are small breed and they need to be fed with special type of diet that they require. The consumption of lesser portions is helpful in avoiding the menace of obesity that in turns causes other related complications. The physical activity is important for Toy MaltiPoos to keep the body and the mind in good shape. They love to play, short surrounding strolls, and their toys that provide a good solution in their heads. Although they are small, they are moderately active and require exercise to be happy and healthy.
Training and Socialization
Toy MaltiPoos are quick learners and have a willingness to obey which makes them excellent when it comes to being trained. It is recommended to use positive enforcement encouraging treats, praises, and plays during the exercises. It is equally very crucial since it determines how well socialized dogs they will be in their childhood. It is recommended that they be taken round to other people, places, and other animals so that they can overcome shyness or anxiety if any.
Naming the Toy MaltiPoo Puppies
The official names of this breed’s puppies reflect the breed mixture, Maltese and Poodle. This name is a combination of the words ‘Maltese’ and ‘Poodle’, in a combination to the holistic characteristic of the breed. This nomenclature is typical for designer breeds since it allows a person to know the breed’s origins and learn about the traits that they can expect in the puppy at the first mention of the breed. The MaltiPoo is a crossbreed that inherits characteristics from both of its parents; thus, it is a small, smart, and sociable dog created for companionship purposes.
Parent Breeds
Maltese
The Maltese is one of the oldest toy breeds characterized by an impressive white flowing coat and friendly temperament. A breed of dog that can trace its roots back to the Mediterranean area, this breed has been man’s best friend for many years now, being valued for its cuteness as well as friendly personalities.
Poodle
They are intelligent, hypoallergenic coated, and are very versatile. Poodles are frequently involved in the hybrids to blend the useful qualities, such as minimal shedding and easy trainable ones, with those of other breeds.
Purpose of the Crossbreed
The MaltiPoo was bred to combine the best qualities of the Maltese and the Poodle.
Hypoallergenic Coat: The Maltese as well as the Poodle are recognized to be hypoallergenic breeds meaning they do not shed hair, this is why this breed is normally chosen by people who have an allergic problem.
Intelligence and Trainability: Based on the research, poodles are appreciated to be intelligent to train and the same case applies to the Maltese. Such temperaments are usual in the MaltiPoo and make it intelligent besides being good company.
Affectionate Nature: The two parent breeds are friendly dogs that enjoyed being in the presence of people. Loving, amicable, outgoing, and leisured and tagged as a family and kid-friendly breed, friendly with other animals as well.
Popularity and Recognition
In relation to the specific breed of Poodles, the MaltiPoo has emerged as a breed over the years due to the favorable dispositions inherited from both the Maltese and the Poodle. The MaltiPoo is not accepted by most of the famous kennel clubs including the AKC; however, they are accepted by the designer dog registries and are rather popular among the community.
MaltiPoo puppies for sale
To get a healthy and well-socialized Toy MaltiPoo puppy from a responsible and authentic breeder avoid making some mistakes at that time while searching Toy MaltiPoo puppies for sale. Here are some options and tips for finding Toy MaltiPoo puppies.
Finding a Reputable Breeder
In choosing Toy MaltiPoo puppy for sale, it is highly important to select a reliable breeder so that the buyer will get a healthy and good socialized puppy. It’s good to expect your breeder to perpetrate health warranties, perform lineage testing, and inform you about your puppy’s ancestry and treatment. It is advisable to visit the breeder and see the parents of the puppy since this will help to understand the environment in which the puppies are bred and probable future health conditions of the puppy.
Research and Referrals: Start with the determination of the producers that produce MaltiPoos or some other breed of designer dogs. Ideally you should find the breeders with a good reputation and these should also have reviews from their previous clients, they should also be members of breed clubs or any other organizations. Consult other vets, professional dog trainers, other persons having some experience in choosing the right breed of MaltiPoo.
Visit the Breeder: Potentially the owners should visit how the puppies are kept and the parents too ideally.
Conclusion
‘MaltiPoo’ crossbreed is appreciated for his slick coat that does not shed, and his high intelligence, train ability and friendly temperament. Thus, the MaltiPoo is a perfect choice for people who dreamed of getting a small, affectionate, and intelligent dog from the Maltese and the Poodle dogs. Toy MaltiPoo puppies are fantastic animals which are loved by all members of the household. They are friendly, intelligent, and do not shed much, thus they are ideal for being around with families, individual working people or even the elderly. Some of the factors which cutter know about include the care needs of Toy MaltiPoo, their health concerns, as well as training needs in order to guarantee their well-being. It can be because of their cute behavior, cute looks or the fact that they are hypoallergenic; a Toy MaltiPoo is the perfect addition to any family.
Read MoreCreating a Pet-Friendly Home: Tips for a Safe and Happy Environment
We sure love our pets, don’t we? How could we not? They offer us love unconditionally and an endless supply of licks and cuddles when we need it the most—and even when we don’t. So, if our pets are so important to us, why wouldn’t we pull out all the stops to create a pet-friendly home?
If you’re like most pet owners, your love for your pet extends beyond adorning your living room with custom pet portraits. You want them always to be safe and secure, even when you’re not looking.
So, in this article, we’ll give you the scoop on what you can do to create a safe and happy environment for your pet.
5 Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe at Home
Here’s the thing. When it comes to creating a safe space for our pets, we need to think about safety from two perspectives. What can your pet get into during waking hours? And, what can they get into when you are deep in sleep, snoring away?
The truth is that while many of us have pets that slumber away next to us or stay deep asleep when we’re sleeping, some pets might wake up and decide to wander the house. After all, everyone needs some me time now and again.
This means that you need to think about what they can get into when you’re not looking. Pets have an instinct to hide their pain and illness. So, if they get hurt in the night, they might not cry out with a bark or a loud meow to let you know.
With all this said, here are five tips on how to keep your pet safe, day and night.
Choose Pet-Safe Fabrics
Okay, we know that this sounds like it is more for you than your pet, and there is some truth to that. But choosing pet-safe fabric can keep your pet safe, too. Some pets like to scratch, and even those that don’t can create inadvertent damage when their nails get too long.
Plus, pets are far more likely to cause damage to soft upholstery. And as soon as that first hole appears, you know what your pet will do—chew and consume that fabric without thinking twice. So, sticking to thicker options like synthetic fabrics, leather, and distressed leather is often the best choice.
Block Off Balconies
Many homes today are designed with open banisters and balconies, which can be extremely dangerous for pets, even if your cat has nine lives remaining. If your home has a balcony or slatted banister, consider whether or not your pet can squeeze through. If they can, well, let’s not get too specific about what can happen.
The best solution here is to block an open banister with a piece of furniture. Just make sure the furniture is not designed so that your pet can hop on board for easier access to leap. Another option is to block the banister by weaving thick fabric or mesh between the slats. Plenty of colors are available online or at your local fabric or hardware store to keep this option from being an eyesore.
Helpful hint: Consider outdoor decks, railings, and balconies, too, and make sure those areas are safe for your pet as well.
Provide a Safe Pet-Only Space
While many pets like to follow us wherever we go, no matter what we’re doing—gone are the days of bathroom privacy—make sure your pet has a space just their own. This gives them a retreat when they are overstimulated, tired, or need non-human time. Adorn it with a pet bed, favorite pet-appropriate toys or scratching posts, and perhaps a water dish if the area permits.
Remember that your pet might want to retreat to their privacy space at night time, so make sure there is nothing in the space that could cause injury.
Accessible Food and Water Stations
While your pet may show you some strong hints that they are thirsty or hungry, they can’t get their own food and water when the dishes run dry. And just as it is for humans, your pet always needs access to water. They also need access to food when meal time comes or at all times if you practice open feeding.
Consider the design of your home to decide the best place to place feeding stations. Depending on where you and your family—and pet—spend their time, you may need more than one. Popular places include the back entrance of the home, near the kitchen. You may also want to consider food and water dishes in the master bathroom. This might sound odd, but it can be super convenient to let your pet get in their morning or evening meal while you are grabbing a quick shower. We’re all about saving time, plus you can keep an eye on them at the same time!
Finally, consider using elevated feeders for larger dogs to help with digestion and reduce the strain on their necks and joints. For smaller pets or those with special needs, choose bowls that are easy to reach and can't be tipped over. Remember to change the water regularly to keep it fresh and clean. Adding a pet fountain can also encourage hydration by providing a constant water flow.
Secure Hazardous Areas
While we often pet-proof the obvious areas, it's easy to overlook certain spaces that can pose risks to our pets. We already talked about balconies and banisters, but also be sure to secure any hazardous areas, such as the kitchen, garage, and laundry room.
Keep cleaning supplies, chemicals, and small objects that can be swallowed out of reach just as you would for kids. Install baby gates or use closed doors to block off these areas when you're not around to supervise. Additionally, keep trash cans covered or stored away, as pets are naturally curious and might dig through the garbage for a tasty (but potentially dangerous) snack. Note: You may need to add a pet lock to your garbage can if your furry friend is especially adept at trickery.
A little extra effort in securing these areas can go a long way in preventing accidents and keeping your pet safe.
A Safe Pet is a Healthy Pet
It’s our job as our pet’s human to keep them safe and healthy. Following the five tips we shared above can set you on the right track to do just that. And remember, pet safety is not a one-and-done initiative. Check your home frequently for safety issues that could cause them harm. The more you do for your pet, the safer and healthier they’ll be.
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