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Your dog is your best friend. You care about them tremendously and don’t want them to get hurt. It’s important to pay special attention to your pet in the summer when the temperatures are hot. As the pet owner, you know best and need to take care of your dog since they can’t always take care of themselves.

Understand the repercussions for not ensuring your dog is cool in warm weather. This will motivate you to take it seriously and not mess around. Be responsible, and read up on the best ways to avoid overheating and take action right away to protect your dog. See tips for keeping your dog cool in the summer.

Shelter

If you’re outside a lot in the summer, get an underground dog house to protect your pet. There are cooling vents installed in the structure and they’re very safe. It’s great for all weather patterns and keeps your dog dry in the rain. It’s perfect shelter away from the heat and sun in the summertime. Dogs love being outside, so avoid banishing them to the indoors if you don’t have to. They want to be in nature and are excellent watchdogs for detecting danger in the neighborhood. The dog house will allow your pet to be where they like it best, outdoors, without any concerns to their safety.

Ice Cubes

Give your dog ice cubes or cold treats when they’re feeling overheated. This is a great way to reward and cool them off at the same time. Make a game of it once they’re not overheated and throw the ice cubes so they have to fetch them. They love this because they know it’s edible and gives them a chance to get some water. Ice cubes are a budget-friendly way to make your pet happy and cooled off in an instant. They love them and won’t want to stop nibbling on them once they have the ice cubes in their possession.

Hose

Use your hose to cool off your dog. Be kind and gentle with them, but spray them down and have them roll around in the water. It’s easy and works like a charm. Turn the hose to different spray patterns and watch them splash around as they quickly cool off. Keep a hose in your backyard for those times you don’t want to run inside to get water. Use it to fill their water dish and cool down their fur.

Water Dish

Always make sure you bring a water dish outside and with you wherever you go with your pet in the summertime. If you go hiking, bring your own water and dish with you so you can stop and provide your pet with water as soon as they need it. This goes for wherever you may travel with them during the warm months. Always have a water dish in and around your home too. Buy multiple dishes so you can set a few around the house and have others for when you travel. Allow your dog access to water at their leisure. Make it as easy as possible for them to get to fresh water whenever you’re with them. They’ll start panting and can quickly overheat, which is exactly why you want to have water available at all times.

Pet Pool

Every dog needs a pet pool. Get a blowup pool for your backyard in the summer. They’ll play in it and run in and out of it to happily cool off. If you have multiple dogs or a dog friend, it’s fun to watch them play and splash around as they chase each other. A pet pool is great because it’s nice for cooling off their fur and they can also drink out of it. Little pools aren’t just for kids anymore. You’ll be surprised at how often they’ll jump in and out of it throughout the course of an afternoon. This way you can have them outside for longer periods of time without having to worry about hydration.

Keep your Home Cool

Turn your air conditioner on and cool off your pet in the summertime. You’ll also enjoy the lower temperatures as you move around your house. It’s important that their space is cool and comfortable. You don’t want them sweating and panting in the house. Get them a cooler spot to sleep in the summertime and put away any warm blankets.

Remove them from the Car

Never keep dogs in the car for extended periods of time when you’re not in it. This is unsafe and dangerous to their health. You risk the dog overheating and not being able to bring itself to a sustainable temperature. A car can quickly soar in temperature on the inside, even when it’s not that hot outside. Take the dog with you when you leave the car or don’t bring them with in the first place. Signs of overheating include a rapid heartrate, heavy drooling and panting. Visit your vet right away if you notice these indicators.

Exercise Smart

Be careful when you’re exercising with your pet. Even though you want to take them running and hiking, be mindful if it’s safe for them to go with you. Try exercising outside in the morning or evening when the temperatures are more mild. Don’t assume that just because you don’t think it’s that hot out, that your pet will be fine. Be smart and put safety first. Walk if you have to and get your pet to shelter right away if you see any signs of overheating. Limit how much you do when it’s hot and humid. Be careful of your dog’s paws on the hot concrete and let them walk on the grass.

Sprinkler

When you’re outside, set out a sprinkler for your dog to run around in. If you have kids, they’ll all be able to join in the fun. It’s also nice for you because you can water your grass at the same time you entertain your pet and kids and keep them safe.

Conclusion

Summer is a fun season with lots of great outdoor activities, but it also gets very hot. Watch out for the safety of your pet and pay attention to their needs. These are tips for keeping your dog cool in the summer.

Owning a dog is one thing but owning a big dog is an entirely different challenge. Not all canines are created equally and the largest dogs require a level of care that many owners find surprising and even a little intimidating.

Big Dogs Need Large Spaces

This tip seems like a no-brainer, but many owners underestimate the space required to raise a large breed dog. You don’t need a ten-acre farm, but a ten by ten patio is not going to cut it.  Big dogs need room to roam, or at least be able to run for short distances. Most are not the most graceful of athletes, especially when young, so make sure they have plenty of runway to get up to speed.

Many owners successfully raise large dogs in smaller spaces by taking advantage of public areas such as parks to make sure their pet gets the exercise it needs. Dog parks are the best option as they provide an off-leash environment and plenty of opportunity for socialization.

Size matters when raising a large dog. Everything for your dog should be appropriately sized. Otherwise, you won’t necessarily get the intended results. This includes dog beds, toys, leashes, and other accessories. It is especially important to properly size training aids such as dog muzzles to ensure your pet can learn new behaviors safely.

Large Dogs Respond Well to Positive Reinforcement Training

One mistake many owners make with large breeds is assuming their training must be more physical due to the size of the animal. This is not true. Large breeds tend to be very sensitive and may develop resentment when the trainer is too firm. A gentle touch and positive reinforcement will reap far greater rewards.

The most important component to training large breeds is early familiarity. When your dog is still a puppy, spend time just playfully wrestling and touching your pet’s paws, belly, and face. Acclimating your dog to being touched in these areas will make veterinarian and grooming visits much more pleasant for years to come.

Walking a large breed dog who pulls hard on the leash is not fun. Start your leash training early and be consistent in your expectations. Most dogs can be taught to heel by eighteen months if worked with on a weekly basis. Incorporate other basic skills into your regimen such as sitting and staying on command.  The result will be a much more pleasant and controlled experience when your dog is in public or confronting visitors to your home.

Health Concerns Specific to Large Breeds

Although they appear robust and powerful, many large breeds produce fragile animals with significant health problems. Most issues can be addressed through proper diet and exercise, but some contribute to the lack of longevity which plagues many of the largest types of dogs.

Bloat can occur in any breed, but it is more common with larger dogs. Bloat is an internal build-up of gas resulting in a distended stomach and abdomen.  Bloat is serious. It has been known to be fatal and strikes rapidly.

Bloat is caused by:

• Overeating
• Eating too fast and swallowing air
• Strenuous exercise soon after eating

Most dogs that suffer from bloat are deep chested, more than seven years old, and have a history of bloat in their family. Bloat triggers also include anxiety and poor coping skills, poor diet, and reactions to certain medications.

Joint health is a major concern with large dogs.  Most big breeds are susceptible to issues with their joints including hip dysplasia. To prevent such problems from occurring, care must be taken with large breed dogs from the time they are puppies to prevent injury. Do not exercise your larger dog on hard surfaces until fully mature and do not encourage leaping from heights such as tables or pickup beds.

Big dogs also suffer from more instances of heart disease than smaller breeds. It is thought that almost 10% of all large dogs die from heart failure, particularly Canine Congestive Heart Failure. This is why it is of particular importance that large breeds remain at a healthy weight and exercise regularly.

What to Feed a Large Dog

A large breed dog is different than an obese dog. If you allow your large breed dog to become overweight, you are taking years off your pet’s life. Large breed dogs are susceptible to joint disease and heart problems.  Neither of these things is helped by obesity.

When a large breed dog is young, it will require a lot of calories. Large dogs grow quickly and eat massive amounts of food. But, soon enough this intake slows as the dog stops growing and becomes less active. Monitoring this change in metabolism is critical to maintaining the health of your dog.  Often owners fail to notice when their pet slows down and do not adjust their portions accordingly.

Once your dog is mature, the number of calories consumed will depend heavily on activity level. But, the quality of the food should not change. Dogs do best with food composed of natural protein sources with little filler. Once a dog begins to age, many quality dog foods carry a line designed specifically for older dogs which include supplements to promote continued joint health.

Exercise and Activity Will Keep Your Large Dog Healthy

Many large breed dogs do not receive enough exercise; as a result the quality and length of their life suffers. Large dogs need daily exercise to thrive.

As puppies, large dogs have a tremendous amount of energy. They will require several short walks every day. As your dog grows older, these needs will change. Walking once each day will suffice for exercise.  Elderly large dogs still benefit from daily exercise, despite their low activity levels. Even a short walk at a slow pace is better than no exercise.

Large dogs are amazing to own. They are capable of fierce loyalty and can be incredible companions.  But as with all breeds, large dogs have special needs due to their size and breeding history. Knowing what to expect and what to will arm you with the information you need to raise a healthy large dog you can enjoy for years to come.

Author Bio:

Anna Smith resides in beautiful Santa Monica, CA, where she works as a Pet Nutrition Expert in a leading retail pet store. She is responsible for nutritional strategies for different breeds and development of new products on the market in compliance with Association of American Feed Control Officials. Anna’s passions are education about proven methods and best practices in the industry and her dog Max, who is always well-fed. She also helps curate contents for DogsAholic.com.

 

Much like having a child, deciding to have pets brings with it a lot of responsibility. No longer are you only responsible for your own well-being. Now, you also have another creature to look after. And, the work you have to put into them will often get in the way of other things that you love. But, it’s well worth it. The love and affection you will receive from your pet will be all they have to give. They will treat you like the greatest thing in their life. But, to get this sort of response from an animal, you have to give them the same thing back. To help you with this, this post will be going through some of the areas pet owners seldom consider. And, how you can use them to make your pet’s life better.

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Imagine eating the same food for each and every meal. When you wake up, it’s the same thing as you had for dinner. And, your lunch is equally as boring. This is the life of a lot of pets. Unfortunately, a lot of pet owners don’t consider their pet’s need for variety in their food. Bigger pets, like cats and dogs, will get bored of their food very quickly. Of course, it can be hard to give them a different type of food for each meal. But, you can make some smaller steps towards bigger change. Finding cat and dog treats made locally is a great way to get healthy and tasty treats for your pets. Giving them a couple of treats each day will give them a lot more variety in their good. And, it gives you something to give them when they’re well behaved.

Along with their need for good food, your pets will also need some different kinds of attention. Most animals are much more emotional than you would expect. Cats, for instance, will often become depressed or frustrated when they are ignored too much. When you choose to have a pet, you also choose to dedicate a certain amount of your time to them. People often wonder why their pets are anti-social or hard to deal with. But, it’s often the case that the owner themselves is causing the issues, by not giving their pet what they need.

Finally, but, probably the most important issue to consider is your pet’s medical care. In a lot of cases, pet owners will miss the signs that their pets are sick or uncomfortable. But, this can lead to issues become much larger than they have to. Instead, you should be taking your pet to the vet for checkups on a regular basis. This sort of service will cost a little bit of money, but it’s worth it. Often, medical conditions will only get worse when they’re left unchecked. And, as your pets can’t tell you that they’re in pain or discomfort, it could be a very long time before you notice the issue.

Hopefully, this post will inspire you to start putting more effort into the time you give your pets. A lot of pet owners lose interest in their furry friends as they get older. But, this is unfair, as they still have to live with you. And, their need for these different things will stay the same.

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We are a nation of animal lovers. More and more people are getting pets as new additions to their family. But if you haven’t had any pets before, things can be a little daunting. How do you choose the right one for you? How do you go about getting one? Do they have special requirements while they grow up? What do they eat? Where do they sleep? The list goes on and on. But not to worry. We have all the information necessary for new pet owners. Just read on!

Which Pet Should I Go For?

The kind of animal you opt for will depend entirely on how well equipped you are to care for an animal. All animals require a lot of love and attention, but some are definitely more high maintenance than others. If you find that you have a busy work schedule and are out of the house for hours most days, a dog won’t be the pet for you. You might be better suited to a cat, which is much more independent and can let them in and out of the house via a cat flap. Or perhaps a hamster, as these creatures are nocturnal and will sleep or keep themselves occupied while you’re out of the house. Reptiles such as snakes and lizards are low maintenance in terms of handling (they generally prefer to be left alone) but are more high maintenance in terms of ensuring that their living environment is suitable (you will have to adjust tank temperatures throughout the day and keep the atmosphere humid with water spray bottles). Before getting any pet, research their requirements for a healthy, happy life and ensure that you are able to meet or exceed them.

Where do I get them?

It’s always tempting to head out to get an animal from as young an age as possible. But you should definitely consider adopting! There are so many animals out there in need of a loving home and you could provide one for them. Visit your local animal shelter and meet some of its occupants. Chances are you’ll fall in love before you leave. If you have small children, bear in mind that all rescue animals may not be appropriate, as some may be shy or anxious. Make sure you have a thorough understanding of any animal and their temperament before committing to taking them on.

What Professional Care Will They Need?

With every animal comes great responsibility. You need to make sure that their every need is met. The first step towards this is ensuring that you have a good vet on hand for an emergency and nonemergency cases. The day of the week doesn’t matter when it comes to emergencies and if the worst is to happen you don’t want to be frantically searching last minute for vets open Sunday near me. Know beforehand and make sure your pet is registered!

What Home Care Will They Need?

Never settle for the basics. Make sure that your pet’s every want and need is catered for. Ensure that they have a constant supply of food and water, regular exercise and toys to stimulate them and keep them occupied throughout the day.

 

 

As a dog owner, it’s only natural that you want to look after your dog and treat it. Showing your pet love is an important part of being an owner, and it’s not something that you should ignore. But you also want to ensure that you buy your dog things that are going to help them stay in good shape and healthy at all times.

If you’re struggling for ideas, here are some of the things that you should definitely think about purchasing for your pet. Each of them offers something unique and interesting that will help your dog in some way. Read on if you want to learn more.

A Bike Tow Leash

Want to take up cycling? Then why not take your dog with you? These days, you can buy bike tow leashes that allow your dog to run alongside you as you ride your bike. It’s a great way of giving your dog a more intense workout, and that has to be a good thing. It’s something that you should definitely look into and keep in mind if you want to cycle more or just want to give your dog more exercise. They’re cheap to buy and easy to fit in place, so it could be the perfect treat for your dog.

A FroBo Bowl

It can often happen that you put out a bowl of water for your dog in the morning then it’s warm when you get home in the evening. This is common during the summer. But you can solve the problem by buying a FroBo bowl for your dog. These bowls keep the water cool throughout the day. That’s a definite positive for your dog, and it will help them to stay hydrated because they will be more likely to want to drink the water if it’s cool.

Paw Protectors

If you are the kind of dog owner that likes to go on lots of adventurous walks, you need to think about what kind of impact this has on your dog. It could be the case that their paws get hurt if they are walking on harsh terrain. You could fix this problem by purchasing some paw protectors for your dog. They will help to keep their paws in good condition, and they won’t suffer any cuts or problems that sometimes arise. You just slip them onto your dog’s paws as if they were shoes. It couldn’t be simpler.

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An iFetch

iFetch toys allow you to get your dog active without you having to do anything. If you’re a busy person and you don’t always have time to play with your dog every often, this is the ideal solution for you. You can find iFetch interactive dog toys reviewed on Fast Dogs if you want to learn more before you go ahead with the purchase. There are many similar electronic toys that you can make the most of. They’re great for keeping your dog occupies when you have other things that you really need to take care of.

A Feeder Toy

Feeder toys are great because they encourage your dog to use their brains and think for themselves. This is essential because you want your dog to be mentally contented as well as physically. And when they do manage to solve the puzzle of how to get to the food inside, they get a pleasant outcome, so it works as a treat for them too. There are plenty of these available, so get one and put it to use. It’s something that your dog could have a lot of fun with. And they don’t cost much to buy either.

A Glow Collar

Do you wish you could take your dog out for late walks after the sun’s gone down but are scared of him or her running off and becoming impossible to find? Well, you can address that worry by purchasing a glow collar for your dog to wear. As soon as they put one of these on, it will be simple to see where your dog is at all times. It won’t matter how dark it is or whether they run from you, you will be able to keep sight of them. That’s something that can be really important as an owner, so give it a try.

As you can see for yourself, there are so many cool and interesting ways for you to treat your dog with new things while also keeping them happy and healthy. Make the most of these ideas next time you want to treat your pet.

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If you are a dog owner or dog lover, you will know that you can’t say the “w” word around a four-legged friend without having to take them for a long walk. They’ll be grabbing their leash and pawing at the door until you give in and take them. After all, walk time is most pup’s favorite time of day! Dog walking is a basic activity that most people can do. But there are a couple of things that you should always make sure that you take with you to make the experience safe, fun and simple. Here’s a little checklist to help you on your way.

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A Leash

Your dog may be well trained, have a good temperament and be great with other pooches and kids. But you still need to ensure that they are on a leash while they’re out in public. Why? Well, there are a few reasons. Firstly, you never know how other people’s dogs will react to your pup. They may have issues with other dogs and attack. You don’t want your best bud getting hurt now, do you? Secondly, there are lots of distractions out there. Most dogs will chase cats or smaller critters like squirrels. You never know where the chased animal may run and you don’t want your pooch chasing one out into the road or another hazardous area. There are all sorts of potential threats out there, so protect your dog in all ways. Being on a leash doesn’t necessarily mean that they have to be at your heel either. You can get stretchy leashes that extend. This gives you control over how far your dog can roam.

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A Harness

As your dog is going to be on a leash, it’s important to make this as comfortable as possible for them. Get them a harness rather than attaching the leash directly to their collar. Leashes on collars can cause respiratory problems, as dogs often pull and the pressure exerted in this situation is mainly on their neck. Harnesses spread the pressure of pulling and are also more difficult for your pup to slip out of. They are by far the safest option for most pooches.

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Doggie Bags

Your dog is likely to do their business while they’re out on their walk, so make sure you have something on hand to clear it up. You don’t want others to accidentally step in your dog’s mess and places, where you walk, are likely to be frequented by children who can become sick if they come into contact with it. Most public spaces have penalties and fines for left dog mess too, so avoid having to fork out by always clearing up. Always have biodegradable doggie bags at hand. These allow you to clear the mess in a quick, safe and clean manner.

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Water and Water Bowl

Walking is thirsty business and you want to keep your pet hydrated at all times. This is why it’s so important to take a drink along for them. Especially during summer months when temperatures soar and dehydration is more common. Not to worry though, there are handy products out there to make carrying drinks more simple. Invest in a flexible water bowl that can be squashed down for easy carrying. Many come with hooks to attach to your belt loop or bag strap for simple portability. They are easily popped out and filled with water from your own bottle. Alternatively, there are bottles with trays attached. These allow you to filter the amount of water that your dog drinks, allowing it to last throughout the entire walk.

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Night Time Safety Accessories

Some of us prefer to walk our dogs at night. Perhaps you work long shifts in the day and have more time for a stroll after hours. Maybe your dog is nervous and is more comfortable walking at times when there are fewer other dogs around. Regardless of your reasons, walking your dog at night is fine. However, there are a few extra things that you need to ensure your pup’s safety in the dark. The main concern is visibility. You need to make sure that your dog is visible to other pedestrians, cyclists and road traffic. There are a few accessories that can help you with this. You can invest in collars and leashes with reflective surfaces. These will glow up in the headlights if a car is passing or when you and your pooch are crossing the road. You can also get flashing lights which can clip onto collars or fitted LED hoops for around your dog’s neck while they walk.

Costs are one of the major considerations when getting a pet. Can you afford the start-up costs? How much would food be? Pets can become a significant drain on savings if you let them. As such, potential pet owners outline every cost before they get started. They calculate, then calculate again, how much their furry friend might set them back.

But, there’s one thing you can’t consider when thinking about costs; vet bills. Veterinary treatment is never cheap. Worse, it’s impossible to foresee. It’s often what leaves pet owners most out of pocket. Worse than spending your savings is the possibility that you won’t be able to afford treatment. That’s a reality no one wants to face. While there’s nothing any of us can do to get rid of vets bills altogether, there are steps you can take to ensure your pet is as healthy as possible. Here are a few worth considering.

EXERCISE

No matter what pet you have, exercise should be a staple part of their routine. If you have a rabbit, provide them with a run in which to stretch their legs. If you have a dog, take them for long enough walks each day. Without exercise, pets go stir-crazy. Worse, they could develop health issues. As humans, we have to move to keep our limbs limber. Animals are no different. If you don’t allow your pets exercise, their joints will become stiff, and movement will be hard. In extreme cases, lack of exercise can lead to conditions like arthritis. A long-term problem like this can lead to major veterinary bills. So, make sure to do your research about the exercise your chosen pet needs. And, make sure you provide it!

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MAINTENANCE

Any pet needs health maintenance. Dog owners need to find out about the best flea and tick medicine for dogs. Treatment like this is a small expense in the grand scheme of things and will keep pests at bay. Alternatives should be found for any animal that spends time out of the house. Maintenance also includes vaccinations and deworming treatments. Though you may not have considered them, simple steps like grooming and nail clipping also count here. Failure to take any of the steps mentioned above could cost you in a big way if you aren’t careful.

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DIET

This list wouldn’t be complete without mention of diet. Dietary problems are a major issue, and one vets see time and again. As an owner, it’s your responsibility to provide your pet with any nutrition they need. Again, research can help here. It’s also important to note that buying a cheaper food could cost you more in the long-run. There’s often a reason why selections are more affordable. It may be that they’re substandard and don’t contain everything necessary. Don’t cut corners here. If you need proof of how important diet is for health, look at your eating habits. The chances are that you ensure you get everything you need. Extend that courtesy to your pets, too!