Downsizing? Ways to Help Your Fur Kids with the Transition
Living with an animal isn’t always easy. And, if you’re moving into smaller accommodations than you – or they – are used to, there may be hurdles you haven’t thought about. However, don’t be shy about making a decision that’s best for you and your family, even if it means having less space to roam. Barking Dog Beer Bones shares a few tips to make your transition easier for you and your fur family.
Rentals Are Few and Far Between
First, it’s important to understand that renting a new home is a challenge for those that aren’t in the market to purchase just yet. However, with a thorough search of rental homes near Denver, you can find pet-friendly properties. It’s a great option if you aren’t sure what neighborhood will be the best fit, while you get your finances in order, or while you wait for your dream home to become available.
Buying Remains The Best Bet
For most of us, buying a house is the way to go, particularly if we have multiple pets. This may also be challenging for those who’ve never purchased before. If this is you, you should know that your debt-to-income ratio, as well as your credit score, matters when buying a house. If you don’t know your credit score, you’re entitled to a free copy every three months from the three major credit reporting agencies: Experian, Illion, and Equifax.
Going Smaller
Looking for a home when you have an animal means thinking about more than just the number of bedrooms and bathrooms available. Ideally, you’ll have plenty of room outdoors where you and your dog can exercise, even if there’s not much space on the inside of your new property. If you are moving to an area that does not have a private yard, Simple Life recommends getting your pet used to being with you when they're outdoors.
A few quick other tips to help you and your pet enjoy a seamless moving experience are:
Moving is a fact of life, but it is one that your pet may not see coming. However, following the tips above, you should have no problem renting, buying, and settling into the home of your dreams, even if it means sacrificing indoor or outdoor space. Remember, your animal loves you, and, together, you’ll make any house a home.
Barking Dog Beer Bones uses spent grains from Colorado Breweries and their treats are infused with only four ingredients, such as peanut butter, pumpkin, or carrots. Shop now!
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One destination built for you and your fur baby is an off-leash park. Before entering, familiarize yourself with the posted guidelines. Professional dog trainers recommend that pups be at least four months old before exploring these grassy paradises. On the flip side, older dogs are more susceptible to injury. Ask your vet if letting Fido run around unrestrained is a good idea. While you're chatting, discuss vaccinations, which are prerequisites for entering.
Where to go
There are plenty of dog-friendly bars throughout the country. Ahead of hitting the scene, do your research and learn the establishment's rules. Some places allow you to imbibe side-by-side; others have dedicated play areas where Fido must stay. Lots of chain restaurants make accommodations for dogs. Go ahead and share an appetizer, but stay away from trouble foods.
Other popular locales worth exploring include the beach and hiking trails. Avoid bringing hounds to crowded, noisy venues, such as parades, concerts, house parties, and sporting events. If you're going someplace exotic that requires flying, get your animal ready for the experience.
What to Bring
Prepare a kit with everything you could need away from home. A collar or harness and an extendable leash are musts. Also, pack a portable water bottle designed for dogs, as dehydration can be deadly. Take a selection of favorite toys, waste bags, and a snuggly blanket for comfort. Vitally, don't forget a selection of treats with which you can reinforce good behavior.
How to Deal With People
The more time you spend in public areas, the greater the likelihood of strangers wanting to pet your tail-wagger. Depending on your buddy's temperament, this can be more or less of a problem. Government health officials estimate there are 4.5 million dog bites each year. Owners with aggressive breeds might worry about an encounter ending badly. If you'd prefer that others stay away, there are strategies you can use.
If you do allow people to get close, monitor the situation closely. Insist that the individual approaching your pet observe recommended protocol. Do your best to remain calm. Any emotional discomfort you're feeling will heighten your pup's anxiety and increase the odds of an attack.
After arriving home from work, spend time together. Cuddle on the couch and play multiple rounds of fetch before exposing yourselves to a potentially volatile situation. Jobs generate a great deal of stress. Nerves are most likely to be frayed at the end of a long shift. Wind down with music first, as it positively influences both humans and canines.
When to Dress for Attention
If you're single, public interest in your hound could be welcome. Maybe you're looking to turn your pet into a social media star. Encouraging newcomers to say hello and take pictures facilitates this goal. Gain extra attention by dressing your pup in an adorable costume. Halloween is the ideal time for getting creative and making your own.
Taking your dog into public is a potentially rewarding experience, but it's also fraught with peril. Be responsible when accompanying your pooch places far and near.
Image via Pexels
Tips and Tricks to Care for Your Older, Wiser Furry Friend
If your dog or cat has reached senior citizen status, they’re probably showing signs of health changes. What this means for you is that your pet’s care and everyday life may need to change some, too. The good news for pet parents is that these changes can make a major difference in improving your pet’s health and quality of life.
Address Care Concerns
Our pets thrive from routine, but when you have an aging animal, it’s a good idea to consider whether your care routine needs to be shaken up. For example, your senior dog may need more frequent but shorter walks these days.
Finding the Right Care
Senior pets have special needs, which means more time and patience on your part. Anytime you have travel plans, or if you’re ever away from home longer than usual, you’ll need someone who can provide the same quality care you give your pets. There are some great online resources for finding pet sitters, but remember that not all sitters are created equal! These resources can connect you with excellent candidates. Then once you find someone, make sure you take the time to ask the right questions, check out their experience, and meet them in person to make sure you’ve found a good match.
Medications
Senior pets are also more likely to need regular medications. This means you need some good strategies to make giving medication easier for you both. If you have a pup who simply won’t tolerate a pill or a dropper, consider trying one of these medicine hacks from K9 of Mine. What kind of extra special treat does your pooch love most: sausage, fresh-cooked chicken, or yummy dog treats? As long as you don’t overdo it (which could lead to overeating and weight gain), don’t hesitate to spoil your pup with a tasty treat as a way to make giving medicine easier. Many of the same medicine tricks work for cats, too, especially if you have a food-loving kitty.
Vet Care
One thing to think about as your pet needs more medications and vet care is how you can keep the cost of quality care from busting your budget. For many senior pet parents, purchasing pet insurance is the best solution. There are some great companies offering pet insurance today, but keep in mind that coverage, limits, and costs vary from one company to another. For example, Trupanion is one reputable pet insurance company that doesn’t have restrictive age limits, pays your vet quickly, and covers a wide range of services. Other companies may not offer the same benefits, so make sure you know exactly what you’re getting before buying any policy.
Maximize Mobility and Comfort
One of the hardest parts about aging (for both pets and humans) is how mobility gets more challenging. Senior cats and dogs can develop arthritis, making it more difficult and painful to get around. Yet as the Humane Society explains, staying active is essential for keeping joints loose and reducing pain, not to mention keeping senior pets happier. Their recommended solution is to give your pet as much traction as possible so that movement is easier. If your home has hard floors, getting carpet runners is the perfect way to create more traction.
Besides making it easier for your pets to move around your home, you may also need to encourage active play. Since we all love to pamper our pets, don’t hesitate to spoil them with new toys that are perfectly suited for their age. Look for toys that are enticing so your pet will want to play, along with ones that are soft so they’re easy on the gums. For senior dogs, try toys that are squeaky or flavored, and for cats, wands with soft feathers are perfect.
Every pet parent wishes their four-legged family members could stay young and active forever. Since aging is unavoidable, the best thing you can do is give your senior citizen pet the best care and comfort possible. These tips will help make that easier, and they may even bring out the puppy (or kitty) that’s still inside.
Jessica Brody
Photo credit: Pexels
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If you've ever owned a pet, you already know how much fun and affection they can bring you. But did you know that pets also come with some powerful mental and physical health benefits? Dogs in particular can reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and ease loneliness. They also encourage exercise and playfulness, and even improve your cardiovascular health. Caring for a dog can help children grow up more secure and active. Also providing valuable companionship for older adults. Most importantly, a dog can add joy and unconditional love to your life.
For this reason, it is so Important that we can provide help to families in need with pets. Anything to relieve the stress of feeding another mouth.
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