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8 Tips to Help your Cat Overcome the Feeling of Hyper-Attachment

An invasive cat that constantly seeks physical and visual contact with its human, and constantly meows to attract his attention... These are some of the manifestations of hyper-attachment. What are the solutions to this problem? Cats are, of course, reputed to be independent and autonomous, but the fact remains that some of them can become excessively attached to their owners. They are often felines that are separated from their mother too early, insufficiently socialized or have suffered trauma. It is possible to remedy this behavioral disorder by adopting good practices in order to establish a healthy relationship that is conducive to the animal's well-being. Here are some tips and tricks to help your cat overcome the feeling of hyper-attachment. 1. Do Not Overly Brood the Kitten Fighting hyper-attachment in cats is first and foremost a preventive measure. In other words, we start adopting the right reflexes very early, when the cat is still a kitten. This is done first of all through feeding, especially if you have taken in a small orphaned feline and bottle-feed it. In this case, the best thing to do is not to delay the transition to solid food as soon as the young animal is ready. That is to say around 3 to 4 weeks. This will help it to become more independent. With the kitten, it is also advisable to avoid answering all his requests when he wants to be cuddled. Read the full article

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What to Do If Your Dog Loves to Chew

It’s no secret that dogs love to chew; it’s a natural instinct. Your dog can develop two types of chewing habits; good or bad. You can do a lot of things to encourage your dog to show good chewing behavior. Your dog will adopt good chewing habits when he is calm and gets enough attention and care, and has safe chew treats and objects available all the time whenever he needs them. On the other hand, bad or destructive chewing mostly occurs when your dog is scared, in extreme pain due to teething, overly hungry or extremely bored and full of energy. Here is how you can control your dog’s behavior and still let him do what he likes to do to – that is, chewing. Image by mattodell What Can You Do? Provide your dog with safe and tough items that can undergo intense wear and tear due to chewing. This means that the items should not break into harmful or small pieces or don’t splinter, which can be harmful to your dog if he swallows them. You need to make sure that your dog does not have access to an area of the house where you keep dangerous or valuable items. Allow your dog to get regular exercise by taking him for a walk once a day. Visit various environments while taking your dog for a walk, such as beaches, parks, woods, fields, and pavements. You should take extra care of puppies till they are completely protected with vaccination. Teach Read the full article

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How to Choose the Best Pet Boarding Facility

If you are like most people, you want to ensure your pets get the best possible care when you leave town to visit family or friends or attend to business. Fortunately, nowadays, there is no shortage of excellent pet boarding facilities you can entrust your furry babies to while you are away. Finding a Dependable Pet Boarding Facility Image credit: @commonboxturtle Leaving your pet at a boarding facility can be daunting. This is especially true if you have not been apart for an extended period. It's no wonder most pet owners search far and wide for the best pet boarding facility available. If you are like most people, you want to ensure your pets get the best possible care when you leave town to visit family or friends or attend to business. Fortunately, nowadays, there is no shortage of excellent pet boarding facilities you can entrust your furry babies to while you are away.If you are in the same boat, you can narrow down your search for the consummate pet boarding facility by asking yourself the following questions: What services are they offering? Services offered can vary from one pet boarding facility to another. Often, it will depend on the hours of operation and the size of the facility. Some pet boarding facilities are situated in animal clinics or hospitals where pets have time for play and exercise. Other facilities provide long-term boarding for those pets whose owners will be away for extended trips. Read the full article

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5 Helpful Tips for Introducing Your Dog to Your Baby

A bond between a baby and a dog is extremely special. The baby teaches dog to be responsible and dog, in return, showers the baby with an abundance of love. This will only come true when you properly introduce your newborn baby to your furry baby. There have been instances where the baby and dog didn’t go along well, or the dog hurt the baby, irrespective of the breed. And the main cause of this is lack of obedience training. Therefore, you need to be cautious when introducing your baby to the dog.  To all new parents, here we have compiled a list of helpful tips on how to introduce your baby to the dog. This Will Help Your Dog Adapt to The Change in A Positive Manner. 1. Establish Boundaries The first step to this new journey is establishing boundaries. Sure, your dog will be excited to meet the baby, but he must know that he needs to be gentle with it. Thus, taming the dog and teaching him to obey orders is a must. Moreover, let him know that certain places such as the baby’s stroller, nursery is off-limits, so he doesn’t unknowingly hurt the baby. The dog should be allowed in only with the supervision and should know to leave as soon as you give a command. This implies that you’re the leader and he must obey you and prevents and accidents. 2. Get the Dog Acquainted with Baby Items Before you bring your baby home, let your dog get acquainted with the toys and baby’s items. Keep in mind, only let the dog have a look at these things. Read the full article

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When Should You Vaccinate Your Puppy?

When it comes to getting a new puppy, there are lots of very fun things to consider. There are things to buy, of course — a leash, a collar, food, a dog bed, a crate. And there are things you must teach your puppy so that it grows up to be a well-behaved dog. That includes training them where to go to the bathroom and how to greet strangers, to name just two. But there’s one thing that all puppy parents should make sure to tackle during a dog’s first year and that’s vaccinations. It’s absolutely imperative to understand what vaccinations are required and when a dog needs them. Without those vaccinations, you’re putting your dog at risk for serious disease and possible death. What are those vaccinations and what are the side effects? And how can you understand what your vet will recommend and when to do those shots? These graphics offer some help. Thank you to PupBox for this useful information! Read the full article

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What to Know About CBD Oil for Dogs with Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a common affliction for our canine friends. In fact, it is thought that osteoarthritis can affect up to 1 in every 5 dogs. It is therefore important that we look for any methods that might help to manage the pain that this condition causes so that we can give our furry friends the best possible experience, even with arthritis. What is osteoarthritis? Canine osteoarthritis is the most common cause of chronic pain in dogs. It is a progressive disease, meaning it gets worse over time, and it significantly affects mobility. Like the arthritis that affects humans, it begins with degeneration in the joints, causing them to become painful and stiff, and it can vary in severity. Over time, the surrounding muscles, ligaments and tendons can become weak due to reduced use of the affected limbs. In more severe cases, the dog’s quality of life can be significantly impaired. Management of the condition will depend on the individual dog. Arthritis is unfortunately not curable, but it is possible to ease the pain and symptoms. Typical approaches include weight management, modified exercise routines, specialized diet plans, physical therapies, anti-inflammatory medication, and perhaps other medical interventions. What is CBD oil? CBD, also known as cannabidiol, is one of the cannabinoids present in plants in the Cannabis sativa family. Read the full article

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Staying On Top Of Keeping A Dog Loving House Clean

If you’ve recently rescued a dog, it’s time to focus on how you’re going to keep the house clean whilst you provide a loving and safe home for them to settle into. You’ve taught the kids how to be responsible pet owners, and you can’t wait for the dog to grow up with them, and now you need to work out a cleaning rota.   Because puppies can be very messy, and adult dogs can be too, so it’s good to get into the habit right now! So, without further ado, here are some ideas to keep in mind about house cleanliness, and just how easy it can be to maintain once you’ve become a dog-loving household.  Get Your Hands on a Good Stain Remover Dogs, especially puppies, can leave a lot of stains behind them. Puppies are getting to know their surroundings and learning what it means to be a dog, and that means they’re going to track all sorts indoors when they head outside.  An adult dog has a bit more spacial awareness, but they can still get overly excited when they are taken for walks or out into the garden, and might still step in that patch of mud or bit of fox poo you were hoping they’d avoid!  So you’re going to need a good stain remover in the cupboard, to apply to any sections of carpet, bedsheets, or sofa covering when you spot a patch of something. Make sure it’s enzyme-based, to make sure it really soaks in and also eliminates any associated smells too. Most pet stores carry these types of cleaners, so get to know the hygiene section the next time you go shopping. Read the full article

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Pet Screening Guide & Tips

Are you moving into a new apartment with your pet soon? Many properties allow animals of all sizes and breeds, but landlords and property managers will request a pet screening to ensure your pet is a great fit for the rental. A pet screening is a background check for your pet that gives a landlord more information about your pet’s health, personality, and behavior. This process usually provides your landlord with more knowledge about your pet than meeting face to face. If you start off with a good first impression, it will make your landlord feel more at ease with accepting you and your pet into their rentals. Pet Screenings: What to Expect Now that you’ve chosen your dream apartment, you have to convince your landlord that your pet is a good match too. For a pet screening, you and your pet will have an in-person meet and greet with your potential landlord. Most times, the first step in the pet screening process includes the landlord going over basic commands with your pet like “sit” and “stay.” This will allow them to better understand how your pet will interact and respond to commands coming from other tenants or people around the property. As a tip, train your pup ahead of time so their skills are nice and fresh! Then, you may be asked to walk around the property with your pet to see how they feel in that environment and if they’re aggressive on the leash or not. Read the full article

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3 Immediate Steps to Take When Your Pet Has Flea Allergy

It’s amazing when you come home from a long stressful day at work and your pet greets you by showering lots of love. It’s meditative as it releases the entire day’s stress in minutes. But it can be heartbreaking to see your beloved pal in pain. One day you come home from work and you see that your companion is busy scratching and biting his/her body. One of the reasons for this can be Flea Allergy Dermatitis (FAD). Flea Allergy Dermatitis is an allergic reaction that some pets are prone to develop. It is a very common skin allergy in pets in the US nowadays. FAD cases swell in summer as fleas prefer a warmer environment. Not all pets are prone to this disease but don’t take it lightly as any pet can develop this allergy. Fleas release saliva while feeding on your pet to prevent coagulation of blood. And allergens present in the saliva are the cause of allergic skin reactions which causes itching and irritation. It is always recommended to keep an eye on your dog’s behavior during flea season. Hair loss starting from the middle of the back which then goes to the tail end and then rear legs along with itching can be clinical signs of flea allergy. Flea allergy itching is worse than a normal flea bite itching. And itching can lead to skin break which eventually can lead to some severe infections and other skin and blood-related diseases. It is better to take your pet to a vet as soon as you see them scratching their body in the first place. Read the full article

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How To Train Aggressive Dogs

While dogs are not naturally aggressive, situations in their life can make them so. Abuse, past trauma, or even poor training can turn a naturally friendly dog into a nightmare. The good news? Most times, aggression can be dealt with at home, but that requires you to know exactly what to do and not scare your dog even more. In general, dogs are aggressive because they are scared, possessive, hurt or simply protective. There are some common signs you will see in an aggressive dog, and it’s important to learn and recognize them. Even though their intention is not to hurt you, sometimes their reactions won’t be pleasant. A scared dog may growl, stand rigid, show his teeth, snarl, light biting or trying to snap someone. Some of these signs can also mean playfulness, and it doesn’t necessarily mean that the dog wants to attack you, but you will definitely see more than one in an aggressive dog. For that reason, even play biting should be discouraged. Consider this, a German Shepherd puppy biting during play may be adorable, but that puppy grows up into a powerful dog. His biting becomes anything but cute. How to Train an Aggressive Dog The first step into training aggressive dogs is to see what makes him aggressive. Is he aggressive in general, or towards specific people or animals? Or maybe he is getting aggressive when someone gets near his food or toys. See what makes him behave this way, and work from there. Read the full article

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How to Teach Kids to be Responsible Dog Owners

The number of dog adoptions across the country has skyrocketed as families continue to stay indoors and look for furry friends to reduce loneliness and add a bit of excitement to the daily routine.  If your kids have been “dogging” you to bring home a puppy — and you’ve been on the fence about whether it’s the right thing for your family — you might want to start by asking your kids to show you that they can be responsible dog owners.  As you know, dogs require a lot of time, responsibility, and financial resources. Help your kids understand this responsibility by providing them with a “doggy” bank. Like a piggy bank but for dogs, ask them to shade in the coins when they complete various chores. You can also add in your own chores for them to complete on the blank coins.  When they’ve shaded in all of the coins (and shown you that they’re willing to put in the work), you can bring home your new friend. 

Download Doggy Bank Dogs can be expensive, from the healthcare costs to the food, supply, and training costs. The ASPCA estimates that small dogs cost about $1,500 in the first year (excluding the initial purchase or adoption costs), and large dogs cost more than $2,000.  If a dog is outside of your family’s budget, try another pet that costs less. This budget tracker gives kids an idea of how much different pets cost, from ferrets and guinea pigs on the lower end of the scale to cats and dogs on the higher end.  Help them understand how much money your family has to work with, draw that out on the tracker and give them an idea of what companion is right for the family. 

Download Budget Tracker Download these printables to help your kids understand the costs and responsibility of owning a dog, and also check out the provided new dog owner checklist if you’ve decided that you’re ready to become a dog family.  Read the full article

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Cat Gestation Period

A cat, just like other animals, has a specific time during which they conceive and are ready to give birth. During this time, her physical appearances, needs, and even behavior will change greatly. At this point in time, we all want to know how to care for a pregnant cat. It can be challenging but with the right information, you will find it very easy. There are a few things you need to know to be able to care well for your cat. Every cat owner knows how exciting it is to have kitten. It’s one of the most exciting things for you and your cat. However, before you find fur at almost every corner of your house, you need to prepare in advance. So how long are cats pregnant?  How do I know my cat is pregnant and how should I care for my pregnant cat? If you have any of those questions in your mind, read on.

Is she pregnant?

I know you are wondering whether your cat is pregnant right now or you just want to get some information about her pregnancy. If you are not very active, you will not notice when she gets pregnant. However, there are some signs that will accrue later on giving you some insights. You don’t have to assume your cat is pregnant because of some little signs. There are several other things that can cause the same signs. This means that you should do something to be very sure the signs are as a result of pregnancy.

How long is a cat pregnant?

Cat pregnancy lasts for about 63 days. However, cats can be pregnant for as long as 67 days. This means that it’s tough to know the specific time when the cat is likely to give birth. As a matter of fact, gestation period for cats can vary greatly from 61 days to 72 days. For the first few days, you will not be able to notice any signs that your cat is pregnant. I am trying to mean that if you want to confirm this fast enough, then you should talk to your vet.

How to tell if your cat is pregnant week-by-week: Time gestation timeline caring for your pregnant queen.

There are several signs that can inform your guess when you are wondering whether your cat is pregnant. After some weeks of a cat’s pregnancy, you will notice that her nipples are red and enlarged. This is what is known as ‘pinking-up’. The cats just like human beings can experience morning sicknesses. The cat may go through a stage of vomiting and show other signs of morning sickness including tiredness and laziness. In this case, you are supposed to be very observant and notice when her sickness is worsening. If you notice anything serious, then you should contact your vet immediately. Check the tummy and you will notice that her tummy is swelling. You shouldn’t touch or press her tummy because you can hurt the unborn kittens or the queen. Though, there are several other reasons behind a swelling cat belly. This means that you should be very observant and also monitor the cat closely for any signs or symptoms of a serious condition. During pregnancy, the cat will also gain weight. In most cases, the queen is likely to gain 1-2 kgs which depends on the number of kittens she has. You will also notice an increase in appetite which is the main reason why she added some weight. However, there are several other reasons why the cat would want to eat more. So, check for signs of worms or illnesses through her poop and vomit. As the days elapse, the cat will start acting more maternal which includes purring and seeking more attention from the caregiver. If the signs are confusing, you can contact your vet. Most vets can diagnose a cat’s pregnancy at a early stage using Ultrasound. They can actually notice it anywhere from 21 days. The vet will also advise you on how to care for the cat and give you the number of kitten to expect.

Tips to prepare for the big day

Now that you are sure your cat is pregnant, there are several things you should do as preparations for the big day. At this point in time, we are going to list all the things that you should do as first steps of waiting for your kitten.

Prepare a space

Immediately you notice that your cat is pregnant and she is approaching her last days, you should prepare a space for her. Make sure that the space is comfortable and safe for her little kittens.

Check for signs of impending labor

After confirming your cat is pregnant, you should always be on the lookout for any signs of impending labor. Check to notice whether there are any changes on her behavior. If the cat refuses to eat food and looks for a private area, it could be that she’s in labor. Your cat’s temperature dropping significantly within 12 hours.

Be ready

Being ready for her labor is also very imperative. This means that you should remain calm and be ready for all the things. The cat will be in pain during labor and will start meowing and yowling in labor. So you ought to know how to help her.

Later stages of cat pregnancy

The last stages of a cat’s pregnancy are very clear. As a matter of fact, the cat will find a nesting spot or get to the place you have already prepared. The second stage is that the contractions will begin and the kitten will be pushed out. After that, the placenta will be expelled.

Frequently asked Questions

At what age can a cat get pregnant? Cats from the age of 4 months can get pregnant. This is only when she’s not being spayed to prevent pregnancy. What time of the year is my cat in heat? Cats that are not spayed to prevent pregnancy are likely to get in heat seasonally but mostly somewhere between February and October. How do veterinarians confirm if my cat is pregnant? There are several tests that a vet can conduct to confirm a cat’s pregnancy. These methods include Ultrasound, palpation, X-rays, and Feline Pregnancy tests. Which kitten food is the best for pregnant cats? Although there are many foods you can feed your pregnant queen. You should start as soon as you discover your cat is pregnant. Read the full article

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Tips on Modifying Your House for a Dog Using a Wheelchair

Dogs are one of the most popular pet choices around the world; the fact that about 47% of American households have a dog, and about 63% of Australian households own one proves that. We love these furry little creatures, and we often consider them to be our best friends. They protect us and our homes from intruders, they are loyal to us, and they enjoy spending time with us. Having a dog means that we never feel lonely, and we always have someone to cheer us up. The vast majority of people keep their dogs inside their homes, and that usually doesn’t imply some big changes to the indoor environment. However, if you have a dog that has been injured or that has a disability, you need to prepare your home for a dog using a wheelchair.

Include pet ramps around your home

As using a dog wheelchair makes moving around difficult for your beloved dog, you should consider including pet ramps around your home to make its life easier. This is one of the first things you should think about. Otherwise, your dog will have trouble moving around, and it might even be in danger of another injury. You can include a pet ramp on the entrance to your home and to all the places you know your dog will need help in climbing or reaching it. For example, if your dog is allowed on the furniture, make sure you purchase a stair-ramp combo to make the access easier. You can move this ramp around to any place you need it in. Additionally, if you often travel with your dog, you should consider buying a mobile car ramp.

Consider the flooring options

When you own a dog using a wheelchair, you also need to consider the flooring options. Not all types of floors enable a dog to use a wheelchair to move around. The ideal flooring for this situation would be a non-slippery floor. It is safe for your pet and also easy to navigate with a wheelchair. When it comes to pets with special needs, many pet owners around the world have opted for installing pet-friendly timber flooring in Sydney as well as in other cities worldwide such as London and New York. The reason for such popularity is easy maintenance and the fact that it is also water-resistant. Not only this, but it is also quite attractive and adds a touch of elegance to the room. It is an investment well worth the money, as it is also one of the most sustainable natural flooring options.

Make necessary changes to places where you and your dog spend most of the time

Consider the rooms in your home where you and your dog spend much of the time and the necessary changes you need to make. Think about a feeding station. Now that your dog is using a wheelchair, perhaps it will require some special food and water bowls at a certain height. For many people, the room where they spend most of their time in the kitchen, so they consider adapting this room particularly. Don’t forget to include a comfy and soft bed where your pet can take a rest. If necessary, you can also install some retractable gates wherever needed. They will prevent your dog from falling down the stairs or leaving a certain area.

Adjust the outdoor area to be wheelchair-friendly

What you mustn’t overlook is the outdoor area. Even though with a disability, your dog still needs some physical activity outside. However, its special condition will require you to make some modifications to your garden or yard. First of all, the area must be a safe spot for your dog, where it can run and exercise its agility, to whatever extent it can. It must stay active and healthy. Find some ways to play with it. Engage in some activities, and it will appreciate it for sure. You can also consider installing foam agility mats or artificial turfs. These will make the terrain extra soft for their gentle paws as well as a safe playing environment. As you probably adore your dog, you will surely do everything you can to make its life more comfortable. These are some general tips and pointers, but it wouldn’t hurt to take into consideration specifics such as the dog breed you have, its size, the type of injury or disability and the layout of your home as well as the outdoors when thinking about modifications of your home.

Author Bio Mia Ackerson is a Melbourne-based writer. She loves writing about pets and sharing her knowledge with other enthusiastic pet owners. She’s also interested in reading books, movies, music, baking, gardening, and home decorations. You can follow her on Twitter. Read the full article