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Pet Hair Care Rules: What You Can and Can’t Do

If you have a pet, you should know the main grooming dos and don’ts to provide your fluffy friend with proper care and required living conditions.

Pet Hair Care Rules: What You Can and Can’t Do

Every person who reflects on getting a pet should understand that such a decision involves a high responsibility level. You will have to take care of their eating schedule and entertainment if you want to see a happy four-legged companion. Besides, you will have to develop pet grooming skills and become its hairdresser. Indeed, your pet’s fur doesn’t just help it look charming and protect from cold, but it is a kind of indicator of its health and immunity. An experienced veterinarian can determine the presence of chronic diseases and even your pet’s age based on its fur condition. And if you want your pet to stay healthy and look beautiful, you shouldn’t turn a blind eye to the main hair care rules. Besides, it will not be superfluous to examine cat and dog food reviews to provide your pet with proper nutrition. A comprehensive approach will guarantee that your furry friend gets everything necessary to live a happy life. So, what are the key dos and don’ts you should pay attention to?

1. Bathe

Back in the days, people believed that it is enough to bathe a dog twice a year, while a cat can do everything itself. However, it has turned out that you should wash your dog every third month or oftener, depending on its breed and health issues. The same goes for cats. If you have an exhibition animal, you should bath it a week before the show. And if your dog is an owner of cute wrinkles or loose facial skin, you should clean their folds with a wet cotton cloth and carefully dry these areas, especially when it’s damp and dirty outside. Otherwise, your pet may start suffering from irritation caused by dirt and germs.

Don’t use your shampoo to wash your pet. Your pet’s skin is practically devoid of sweat and sebaceous glands, so your acid balances (pH) do not coincide. It is the main reason you should not wash your pet even with the highest quality and most expensive human shampoos. Of course, after a couple of such procedures, the hair of your furry friend will not disappear and may even retain its original shine and fluffiness. However, the process of regression of hair follicles has already started, and you will see how your pet’s hair worsens after a couple of months of such bathing. Pet cosmetics are ideal for their skin and fur, and such products contain special components that contribute to hair regeneration. You can find a shampoo for a specific breed in any pet store.

Do not let water get into your pet’s ears. After bathing, you can dry the fur with a hairdryer, but make sure to keep it at a distance.

2. Brush

When it comes to hair care, you cannot do without grooming. Choose a suitable brush or comb based on your pet’s breed and the length of its hair. Thus, a regular comb or a rubber glove may be enough for short-haired pets, but if you are an owner of a long-haired breed, you may need a massage brush and even a slicker brush, not to mention a tooth comb. If you make grooming a part of your daily routine, you will avoid tangles.

Well, of course, the intensity and regularity of grooming depend on your pet’s hair. Thus, dogs with short, smooth fur require brushing once a week. However, if your pet has long, gorgeous hair, daily brushing is a must. Otherwise, you will face a huge problem in the form of numerous tangles in a week.

Besides, bear in mind that you should help your old-aged cat clean its hair since it can hardly do everything so accurately as it did before. The best prevention of mats is timely bathing and brushing. In autumn and winter, you can use sprays and shampoos that soften the fur’s structure and reduce static electricity. And if you have noticed some skin problems, be sure to revise the pet’s diet and study unbiased cat food reviews since its nutrition plays a crucial role here, and the lack of vitamins and minerals lead to the deterioration in hair state.

Don’t forget that you should groom your pet’s tail too. And if you have to clip the hair, stay away from its skin not to hurt the animal.

3. Trim

It can be a great idea to trim your furry friend’s hair slightly but don’t shave it under any pretext if there is no medical need. If you decide to cut some hair, trim only dry and clean fur around its face, feet, and tail if necessary. One should be triple careful when trimming the hair around the face and ears. If you cannot make your pet stand still for a while, it is better to postpone this procedure.

During this period, a pet should get used to scissors in your hand. Thus, you can pretend to cut its hair while treating the pet with its favorite goodies. It is easier to trim small and large animals while they are standing.

Before you decide to trim your pet in a hot season, you should know that many long-haired breeds are protected from overheating and sunburn by a thick undercoat. There is a risk that after trimming, the animal may get a burn.

You should pay special attention to the paws of wire-haired and long-haired dog breeds. Hair that gets matted between the fingers can bring painful sensations. 

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How To Maintain Medium-Sized Dogs Healthy at Every Life Stage – Nutritional Needs

If you are a dog owner, then you probably only want the best for your pup so that it can live a long and healthy life. However, keeping your four-legged friend healthy at every life stage can be difficult if you don’t do any research.

Depending on the size, your dog might have different nutritional needs – for instance, large breeds need a higher calorie intake than small and medium-sized dogs. In this article, we will focus on medium-sized dogs. We will go through every life stage and explain what is needed to keep the pup healthy.

It is worth mentioning that, if you have enough time, you should consider using one of the homemade dog food crockpot recipes to make your pup’s meal, especially since feeding your furry friend with food made at home has several benefits, including healthier coat and skin, increased energy, decreased number of vet visits and longer life, as well as a firmer stool and less to clean up.

Here’s everything you need to know:

Medium-Sized Dogs

Medium-sized dogs usually weigh between 20 and 60 pounds. Although there are plenty of breeds that are considered to be medium-sized, here are some of the most widely known:

• American Pit Bull Terrier
• Beagle
• Bulldog
• Dalmatian
• Siberian Husky
• Standard Poodle

Medium-Sized Puppy: 0-12 Months

When you have a puppy, you need to make sure that your house is puppy-proof, meaning that all the small objects that could be swallowed by it are hidden, and the access to steps or pools is restricted with a dog gate.

Nutritional Needs

When it comes to the nutritional needs of a medium-sized puppy, they begin with the mother’s milk or a puppy milk replacer fed to the puppy with a bottle.

When they are around four weeks of age, they are gradually weaned and transitioned to a well-balanced puppy diet. In the beginning, the puppies should receive three servings per day. Once they reach ten weeks old, you can reduce it to two servings per day.

Pro tip: Keep in mind that the transition process is an individual one, which means that one puppy may take a lot longer than the other. The important thing is to be patient.

Some Other Tips

• Take your pup to the vet once you adopt it, or soon after it is born, as they will be able to determine the puppy’s health condition.
• Your puppy should take a series of vaccinations from when it is 6-8 weeks old until 16 weeks of age.
• The teething happens during the first six months of your puppy’s life.

Adult Medium-Sized Dogs – 12 months – 8 years

Keeping your dog healthy once it reaches adulthood is actually relatively easy once you establish a routine.

Nutritional Needs

Once your pup reaches one year of age, it is no longer growing, meaning that it is now considered an adult. What does it mean for their nutritional needs? Well, to put it simply, they don’t need puppy food anymore and can eat regular dog food.

However, just like milk and puppy food, the transition from puppy food to adult dog food should happen gradually. Mix a little bit of the puppy food with the adult dog food daily, and increase the amount every day until the puppy food is completely replaced (should take around a week).

You should feed your four-legged friend the adult dog food until it is 7-8 years old. Once it reaches this age, you’ll need to transition it to a senior diet.

Some Other Tips

• Take your dog to the vet annually to perform any necessary tests and exams.
• Tell the vet about any change you notice in your four-legged friend.
• Keep in mind that dogs who have not been spayed or neutered will experience some hormonal effects – males will become more territorial and want to wander around to find a female to breed with; females will come into heat every six months unless bred or fixed.

Senior Medium-Sized Dogs – 8 – 16 years

Recognizing that your adult dog has undergone the transition to a senior dog might be hard, as the process may go unnoticed. However, here are some things that indicate that you no longer have an adult dog, but a senior dog instead:

• its eyes might be clouded
• the color of its coat on its face or muzzle might have turned white or grey
• it might not hear you as well as it used to
• its teeth may fall out or become more sensitive, meaning that eating will be more difficult
• it may have a lack of concentration

Nutritional Needs

When it comes to the nutritional requirements, your senior dog’s diet should include fewer calories than the adult dog diet had, more fiber, as well as a moderate amount of protein.

Again – remember that the transition should be done gradually.

Some Other Tips

• You should take your senior dog to the vet at least once a year – however, some vets recommend visiting the clinic every six months. If you want to take care of your senior dog at home without a vet  at their end of life cycle, then you need to know How? 
• Regular walks will help keep the muscles toned, while swimming is a great activity that doesn’t put a strain on the dog’s joints, which might be painful at its age.
• Treat-dispensing toys will keep your senior dog mentally sharp while providing entertainment at the same time.

The Bottom Line

If you own a dog, you probably want to give it the world. That includes proper care so that your four-legged friend can live a long and healthy life by your side. However, providing it without proper research can be quite hard – especially since small, medium, and large breeds have different needs.

Although in this article, we mostly covered the nutritional needs of medium-sized dogs, there’s a lot more that goes into their care. Vaccinations, mental, and physical stimulation -all this plays a vital role in the right development of your pup.

If you are not sure how to achieve that, you can always ask your veterinarian – remember they care for your pup as much as you do and will do everything in their power to make sure it is healthy.

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Five Out of the Box Ideas to Surprise Your Pets With

Our furry friends have been our companions for millennia and it is no wonder we love to cherish them and treat them accordingly. Finding unique gifts for your pet or your friend’s pet is not an easy task as most likely they are tired of the classics like bones or toy mice. If you are looking for something original for your furry one, here are five amazing ideas that will delight both the owner and their pet.

A Custom Pet Portrait

A portrait of your loved one that will be displayed on your wall will not only impress your pet but anybody who will come visit you will be able to see how much you care about your four-legged friend. We all know how vain cats are and a cat portrait hanging on your wall will surely impress your feline …. Or maybe not. However, a portrait of your cat will surely intrigue her.

A Tattoo of Your Pet

Do you think that a custom portrait of your pet just doesn’t make it? Do you want to show your love for your dog will last a lifetime? Are you one who isn’t afraid to do wild things once in a while? Then getting a dog tattoo on your body is right for you! 

Alternatively, you can tattoo his paws prints on your arm or leg. You only need to ink his paws and place them on a piece of paper. You can take that piece of paper to your local tattoo artist and (s)he will do the rest of the work for you. 

A Weighted Jacket

Dogs especially are very nervous when they get separated from you. A weighted jacket helps them keep calm in the hours you are out working. Weighted blankets offer gentle pressure on your dog and it helps diminish their anxiety levels. It not only works when you two are separated but it works wonders on dogs that are generally more anxious and stressed.

Custom Dog Bandanas

Do you want to give your pet a distinct look? You can try getting a custom dog bandana and design it in your own unique way. You can print your dog’s face on the bandana or his/her name. Or its favorite treat! Your imagination can run wild as possibilities are endless. Not only will your dog be fashionable but it will also have a one of a kind piece of clothing that will set him apart from the rest.

Cat Cave Bed

Cats love boxes for the same reasons dogs love weighted jackets. It was found that cats that had a box had at home had overall lower stress levels than cats without a box. Cats also love a comfortable and warm place to sleep. A cocoon bed provides a cat both things; it is both a place your furry one will love to nap as well as a box-like enclosed space that will provide it some privacy and a space to feel safe and calm.

We just love the Feltcave cat cave – it’s handmade from quality Merino wool and helps cats regulate their own temperature, keeping them cool in summer and cosy in winter. Plus it comes in a huge range of colors to suit any living room decor. Check it out on Amazon.

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The Top Benefits of Going on a Dog Friendly Holiday

Dogs are extremely loyal and affectionate animals, earning them the unofficial title of man’s best friend. They have been at our side for over 15,000 years, guarding our safety and alleviating our anxieties without fail. 

During this time of the global pandemic, your fur baby is all the more important to your overall well-being. It can be a great source of comfort for you and your family amid all the uncertainty that the virus brings.  

However, just as you need the occasional break, so does your pet. It is not meant to be cooped up indoors, helpless against the stresses of health protocols and social distancing. A dog friendly holiday will do wonders for you and your four-legged friend today and may just be what you need to recharge. 

Spend a Carefree Time as a Family

As the world learns to live with the virus, governments are starting to relax health protocols and allow travelling. At this point, nothing can revitalise your family better than a trip or a holiday. 

To those who cannot relate to devoted pet owners, the term “family” in this situation includes the ever-loyal dog. 

With every family member present, you will have the best time possible, reminding your family of better days and giving you hope that things will be back to normal soon. At a time when mental, emotional, and physical health is very vulnerable, this is very important.  

Help Your Pet Stay in Shape

Dogs need time outdoors for exercise and recreation, and it is something that a dog friendly holiday can give. A simple trip to the beach where your pet can run freely and stretch those long-confined legs would be highly appreciated. 

Besides the physical exercise, going on a pet-friendly holiday destination can help your dog release all its pent-up energy accumulated over several months’ quarantine. As an added bonus, running alongside your dog would also be a good chance for you to get your own exercise. It is good for your health and your pet’s and can be a great bonding experience.

More Motivation to Explore

Dogs can get restless sometimes, especially if they see a new place or meet someone new. While this may sound like a problem to others, this could be viewed as added motivation to get you up and about, exploring the environment with your family and making the most of your trip. 

If you are tempted to sit back and get lazy, remember that you would most likely be doing the same at home once the trip is over. For now, the best thing to do is have your dog by your side and enjoy the fresh outdoor air. 

No Worries About Who Will Take Care of Your Dog

If you do not bring your pet along for a trip or vacation, being apart for days can be challenging in and of itself. Having to worry about who will take care of it is another source of concern. It is difficult for pet parents to find someone else who will be equally devoted to their fur babies and prove to be up to the task of caring for them and keeping them safe. This is one less thing to worry about if you take your pet along on a dog-friendly vacation.   

It Is More Fun

It is easier to enjoy your vacation if you do not have to worry about your pet’s safety back home or at a dog hotel. As most pet owners would agree, worrying about your pet is something that could not be helped. But with your pet at your side during the trip, it will leave you free to enjoy the moment and just have fun with your family. 

What is more, your pet being there with you at a dog friendly holiday destination would make the experience more fun. Dogs are extremely friendly and can be a conversation starter as you meet new people during your trip. This is important as social interaction is an essential component of a good quality of life. Of course, you would have to observe a safe distance as you interact with others to reduce the risk of infection. 

On the flip side, being with you and your kids would be beneficial to your pet also. Dogs are extremely devoted to their owners, such that being apart for even a short time could be a stressful experience for them. Ultimately, it will be healthier for your pet’s emotional and physical well-being to be with you during the trip. 

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How To Select The Best Rug For Cats

If you have a cat or a pet in general, it’s evident that everyday rugs won’t suit you. You’ll need to consider buying a carpet considering all points. Finding the perfect rug for cats comes with many dilemmas, though.

Finding the perfect rug for your cats comes with the points of considering the size, weight, and how well it can handle all the additional shedding from your cat. You’ll also want to look for anti-staining properties, durability as well as resistance.

Hence, to know more about knowing how to find the perfect rug for cats, keep reading our article!

Difference between standard rugs and rugs for cats:

An average rug that you can consider doesn’t hold special abilities. However, in terms of rugs for cats, the mighty carpet has to have the ability to maintain an animal of its own. 

Not only should your furry friend be able to cuddle up over your specifically chosen cat rugs, but the rug should also be able to hold all the cat mess!

If you skip having a cat rug for yourself, your standard rugs will decay over time. Whereas thinking it through and buying the perfect cat rug at the very beginning will benefit you in the long run. 

Hence, let’s get into the points you can consider while choosing the best cat rugs for yourself without further ado!

Points To Consider

Pattern Scale

The bigger the pattern on your rugs, the clearer you can see the fabric design or pet fur on a person’s everyday tufted rugs. Smaller level patterns will conceal a few imperfections easier than larger-scale ways.

A wide size pattern rug like this conceals all of the pet’s hair or stained imperfections. It can clearly be shown that both white and black hair can be present on this rug.

If you selected a larger patterned rug, it wouldn’t be good. Cats who are bound to get these rugs will dig and dig. 

A deplorable condition is where your furry friends feel that “going” to the bathroom will be a long time to wait for and do their jobs over the rugs. 

Unlike clothing, the carpets are no longer baggy and need much more care, and are much more demanding to manage. It’s not nice because you got a cheap shag rug that no longer holds the hair on it, but now you’ll have to pick up the hair on it as well. 

As long as the cat fur may be absolutely concealed behind the rug, the cat hair would not be a significant problem.

If you use a cheap rug, you’ll also need to be changing your rug pad ever so often. Hand-woven rugs and their fibers will easily get destroyed by your cat claws if not managed properly.

Try using low pile carpeting instead. Beautiful yet at the same moment, they trap soil and pet hair and may quickly appear filthy. 

You can go for beige oriental or geometric hand-woven rug pads. We wouldn’t recommend a braided Moroccan woven rug, though.

Wool

Thinking of wool as a pet-friendly material is “durable” because of its natural fibers. It does cleaning and maintaining the item easier because of its natural anti-bacterial properties. Yet wool rugs are more costly.

Indoor and Outdoor Rugs

Many great patterns of indoor rugs that you can use in your indoor environments can be found nowadays. Since it is so durable, it can easily withstand pet play and is very easy to clean. 

You can also use them as an outdoor rug. There is a great variety of rugs, so you should evaluate rugs by their materials. 

Color

If you have a black cat, a white rug is not a reasonable option for you. Patterned shades will conceal most pet hair better than a solid hue, which blends with your pet’s coat. Please remember which color you can pick before continuing.

Kilim rugs are also a great alternative for your cat rugs. They provide the perfect combination of warmth from the handmade natural-fiber with durability. 

Rugs and Carpeting to Avoid

As a pet owner, natural fibers aren’t recommended for you. Cats are probably not going to like the look of a wool rug since they are much more interested in mats that will provide them with a lot of fun and entertainment. 

Nonetheless, we do not recommend either sisal or jute rugs.

If Shag carpets are used, they are challenging to maintain because they hide dirt from getting out. Berber rugs, however, can be a difficult choice to support.

Please take care when you are cutting the cords, as animals may have their claws get caught.

Area rugs are better because they can be cleaned by family members; for the inexperienced or stubborn stains, hire a professional cleaning service.

Cleaning and Caring 

To help the rugs look good, you should remove litter and spot clean stains once a week.

 If your pet has an accident, you can employ preventative methods: thoroughly pick up the mess, blot it with a clean, dry white rag to absorb any moisture, and then use a little water to see if you can get rid of the stain. 

If nothing works, try a pet stain cleaning product, such as soap and water or just vinegar. Ensure you also protect the pad with a moisture barrier to protect the rug from your pets’ accidents.

 If your furry friend urinates on the carpet, you will be stuck with a lingering smell, and your pet will return to the area again and again to leave her scent.

It can be argued that what frequency should one hire a professional cleaning service. Sometimes a pro cleaner will be required to clean the rug in just a visible stain or mild smell.

Conclusion

Rugs are expensive, so be careful when choosing a carpet. Avoid falling for the first item of clothing that you stumble upon. This comes down to personal preference and very little about pet care.

It is best to get a rug that you like and can afford. Know your pets too. If your cat loves to tear up yarns, use soft pile yarn. Take steps to train your pet to use the toilet properly. We hope by now you know everything about how to choose the best rug for cats!

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Top 7 Popular Dog Training Methods

Here’s the truth, dogs can be trained to do simple commands, fun tricks, and habits that’ll fit perfectly into your home. But your furry buddy isn’t going to learn anything on their own. They need you to put in the time and effort, too. Thus, it’s a joint project where both of you get to know more about each other’s learning and teaching styles, and coming to a middle ground that works for you and your dog. 

Think of it this way, people learn in different ways–some are visual learners, while others might be auditory learners. The same goes with dog training, some dogs might respond to one method better than others, so it’s best to find the right combination of method that works well for your dog.

Here are seven popular methods to train your dog:

1. Getting A Trainer

You might have heard of Obedience Classes for dogs. It’s not only great for learning tricks and basic commands, you and your pet can also benefit from the socialization with other dogs and their owners. 

There are also other services such as getting a private trainer. Depending on the trainer and their scope, your dog might be able to learn basic to advanced tricks, commands, and even correct problematic behavior. 

But the important thing to remember when finding a trainer is to research and don’t forget to check the feedback on their services just to make sure your dog is in safe hands. There are many companies, such as H&H Dog Training and Delaware K9 Academy, that can provide one-on-one training or you can opt for residential training where they train your dog in their home for a minimum stay of three weeks.

2. Positive Reinforcement

This is one of the most popular training styles. Also, plenty of trainers and pet owners use this style because of how easy it is. It’s pretty simple: reward good behavior. For bad behaviors, the treat, reward, or a favorite toy can be taken away. 

Rewards need to be given immediately. For instance, you’re training a puppy to use potty pads. After the puppy successfully uses potty pads, you can reward them with a treat and praise. If the puppy doesn’t use the potty pads, you don’t need to punish or reprimand harshly. The key is to focus on the correct behavior. 

Keep in mind that your dog will need some time to get a hang of it, so be patient. Most importantly, be consistent. So, it would be good for all family members or housemates to remember to reward the dog for good behavior. In this way, even if you aren’t around, the dog recognizes that their actions will be rewarded. 

Remember, when giving them treats, make sure that you give very small portions to avoid overfeeding them.

3. Alpha Dog

In a way, this is a biological trait for dogs. In a pack, the alpha dog leads, and the others follow. So, when training your dog, you need to be the alpha.  

Here’s how you can show dominance to your dog:

• When serving food, have them wait before they eat.
• Command your dog to sit before going out for a walk. 
• Don’t allow your dog on the furniture, including your bed. 
• Don’t get down to your dog’s eye level.

4. Clicker Training

Clicker training is very similar to positive reinforcement. Sometimes, it’s used simultaneously with positive reinforcement. 

In this method, the trainer uses a whistle or a clicker to make a sharp noise. This noise, which is a signal for a reward, is made when the dog is able to do a command. So, step one is to help your dog remember that when they hear the clicker, a reward is coming. 

To do this, use the clicker and reward them several times. After they’re accustomed to it, you can now add the commands. If they successfully do the command, use the clicker, and then provide the reward. 

This is a fantastic method for learning new tricks but it isn’t the best for fixing problematic behavior. 

5. Electric Collar

Before deciding to use an electric collar, it’s important to note that this is best used by professional trainers. If you want to use it, you should talk to a professional first as it can cause unnecessary pain or stress to your dog.

Basically, an electric collar will spray or shock your dog if they misbehave or fail to do a command. Usually, an electric collar is used when you’re training a dog at a distance and you aren’t using a leash.

But this method is limited because it can help your dog learn what not to do but it doesn’t teach them what they should do instead. Many owners also find this method to be problematic as it can stress out the dog and cause anxiety. 

6. Mirror Training

Mirror training is also known as the model-rival method. To do this, the trainer must have another human being to act out the commands. The trainer will reward the other for any completed commands, and then reprimand them for bad behavior. When the dog sees the process, they can easily recognize what they should and shouldn’t do.

In rival training, the same human acting out the commands will act as a rival to the dog. The person has to compete with the dog and try to get the command done faster, in order to get the treat. 

7. Relationship-based training

This method should be used alongside other methods that work well for you and your dog. No one else knows their dog better than their owners, and dogs definitely know their owners very well, too. Using this bond will help your dog because they know how you behave. For example, when you’re cross or when you’re pleased, they’ll be familiar with the change of the tone in your voice. 

In addition, as a dog owner, you’ll also know the body language of your dog, as well as what motivates them and what they don’t like. But along the way, you’ll find out more about your pet. For instance, there might be an area in your garden that your dog just loves to dig up, you can find out more about why they do this and what you can do to stop it.

Conclusion

Overall, training dogs is a task that requires patience. When doing so, you can always use a combination of training methods that works for you and your pet. But remember to always ask for professional advice or take advantage of the resources that are available to you.

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Five ways to ensure your home screams stylish pet lover

Creating a stylish home can be a challenging endeavor. Firstly, working out what the definition of the word stylish is to you as an individual can be a lifelong struggle. However, for us, we believe that it simply means developing your home into a space you are content with, and that looks good to you. Finally, we throw in a curveball as you now need to incorporate your love for your pets into the décor. Continue reading for five ways in which you can do just that. 

1. Storage

Although you want people to realize that you love your pets, your home still needs to be organized. Storage for the pet food and accessories is imperative. One of our favorites on the market is a bone-shaped basket in which you can keep balls and other toys for your pets. Not only is it quirky in appearance, but it is also functional.

2. Artwork

Plain walls are easy to keep dust free but rather tedious to look at 24 hours a day. Try incorporating a bit of pet-themed artwork to add some interest to your home instead. You can create your own personalized artwork over at Animalist.art with over 150 breeds of cats and dogs available to choose from. Place the poster in a vibrant frame and we guarantee it would be a talking point for all your guests. Alternatively, you may prefer to choose a well-taken image of your pet or pets, displaying that somewhere prominent instead. Another possibility is a pen line drawing of your favorite pets on top of antique or faded pages from an old book, such as a dictionary. 

3. Hooks

We don’t know about you, but we can never find the leash when we need it most unless we hang it in the same place every single time. Unfortunately, many of the hooks you can buy in shops tend to be dull and uninspiring. We adore this DIY dog leash hanger, especially the upside-down heart to replicate the pad of the dog’s foot. You could choose whatever color you wanted to in order to get it to suit your unique style. What’s more, you can even add some extra hooks onto the bottom to hang up your keys, ensuring you don’t misplace them again either.

4. Bowl stand

Dinner time is always messy, whether you have pets or children. Investing in a food and drink bowl stand can limit the disruption. If rustic is the look you are going for, try a bespoke wooden one with your pet’s name on it. Alternatively, you could buy one straight off the shelf in a shade to coordinate with your color scheme. 

5. Lighting

The type of the lighting in your home can be the make-or-break feature when it comes to style. Bedside lamps with bases in the shape of animals can be cute or quirky. We have also come across some stunning paw print solar lights to brighten up your garden on a darker evening while entertaining guests.

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Benefits of Proper Nutrition for Your Dog

Like humans, the proper balance of nutrients is essential for your dog’s well-being. Animals need a certain combination of all the key nutrients- proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, water, vitamins, and fats to perform all the metabolic functions. This is why food manufacturers work hard to develop the exact formula that will provide your dog with all the nutrients daily. Every nutrient has a purpose for your dog. Without proper nutrition, your dog will be malnourished, they won’t be able to maintain muscle tone, repair muscles, and perform normally.

Below are the benefits of proper nutrition for your dog.

Skin and hair coat health

Healthy dogs have a rich shiny hair coat. This is because dogs with the right balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids intake have healthy skin which produces a nice sheen of hair. Dry skin leads to hair that splits, breaks, and falls out easily. Feeds with omega-3 fatty acids have an anti-inflammatory effect which reduces itching and other irritations caused by low humidity levels or any other allergen making your dog skin to be smooth and fair.

Muscle tone and body condition

Protein is the building block of almost every single cell of the body. Protein is essential in building skin, hair, organs, and other tissues. Protein is vital in the repair of damaged and worn-out cells and the making of new cells. Pregnant and growing dogs need to promote growth. Protein in your dog’s diet ensures the building and maintaining of strong muscles. That is why one of the key ingredients in bell and bone feed is a protein source. Carbohydrates supply your dog with a source of quick energy that gives your dog the ability to be active and energetic. Active dogs exercise a lot, and this helps in muscle development and growth.

Digestion and elimination

Carbohydrates are useful in providing fiber that helps in digestion and elimination. Dog foods are manufactured and formulated such that the needed nutrients are readily absorbed. 

Digestibility is essential to ensure that your dog uses all the nutrients available in the food and easily gets rid of waste products. Your dog’s food should have all the necessary nutrients that your dog requires which is maximally absorbed by the body to produce minimum stool as the result.

Immunity and prevention of disease

All nutrients contained in dog food, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals, work together to maintain your dogs’ immune system and other metabolic functions. Vitamins reduce the damage of body cells, nerve conduction, and prevention of diseases. Minerals promote the normal functions of the cell thus maintaining health. 

Without adequate nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, your dog will eventually become ill.

Conclusion

Better nutrition provides a boost in the immune system and improved health for your dog. The quality of the food that you feed your dog makes a difference in your pet’s health and mood. Better quality bell and bone foods made with better quality ingredients have a better quality of life for your dog. Make sure to read the food label to know the nutrients contained in the food.

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The Good and Not-So-Good Traits of Chihuahua Terrier Mix Breeds

The Chihuahua Terrier Mix breed is a mixture of a Chihuahua and a Terrier. Although it’s the cross-breeding of a Chihuahua with each Terrier breed. Including Rat, Jack Russell, Fox, and Yorkshire Terrier.

So each Chihuahua Terrier Mix breed is the characteristics of different Terriers. This depends upon their physical traits, temperament, and other qualities. The book of crossbreeds when it comes to the Chihuahua Terrier Mix breed is varied.

Today, I will be walking you through the different Chihuahua Terrier Mix breeds. What’s so fascinating about them? And what are the pros and cons of owning and bringing home a Chihuahua Terrier Mix breed?

If you’re at all interested in knowing more about this dog breed. You’ll want to read every bit of what I’m about to tell you.

Chihuahua Terrier Mix Breed

Breeders pair a Chihuahua with different Terrier breeds. I’ve already mentioned the names of each Terrier breed above. But there is something more that you should know.

Even though Chihuahua Terrier Mix breeds are a mixture of AKC-recognized Terriers. They are not officially recognized by the American Kennel Club as a dog breed. The primary reason for that is because Chihuahua Terrier Mix Breeds are crossbreeds.

There are other certifications like the International Designer Canine Registry that recognize Chihuahua Terrier Mix breeds. But that you won’t find for all the crossbreeds.

To understand the good and not-so-good traits of this mixed breed. Let’s look at where each dog breed comes from.

Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are named after a Mexican state called Chihuahua. They are feisty and tiny creatures. With a graceful, light, and quick gait. Physically, a Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed in the world – recognized by the AKC. Temperamentally, they are friendly and energetic.

Training a Chihuahua, if you have one, should be your number-one priority. They can be quite dominating and demanding if they are ill-trained. If you treat them with respect and compassion, they can make excellent companions.

Terrier

Terrier is a group of dogs belonging to the Terrier breed. They are primarily hunter dog breeds of rats, foxes, moles, and other such creatures. The name ‘terrier’ actually means ‘earth’ so this dog breed is grounded and primitive.

Physically, you will find many Terrier sizes. But what really sets them apart is their temperament. They are intelligent, quick, attentive, and energetic creatures. If you train and raise them well, they stay loyal and caring for you and your family.

The most common Terrier breeds in the world are Jack Russell Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier, Australian Terrier, and American Staffordshire Terrier.

Chihuahua Terrier Mix Breeds

The commonly selected Terrier breeds for a Chihuahua Terrier Mix breed are as follows:

• Chihuahua – Rat Terrier Mix
• Chihuahua – Jack Russell Terrier Mix
• Chihuahua – Fox Terrier Mix
• Chihuahua – Bull Terrier Mix
• Chihuahua – Yorkshire Terrier Mix

Here are the common characteristics of the Chihuahua Terrier Mix…

Physical Characteristics

A Chihuahua Terrier Mix can be one of the healthiest crossbreeds. And they can live up to 15 to 17 years. Even though Chihuahuas are small breeds since they are cross-bred with Terriers. This makes them more energetic and athletic.

If you’re buying this crossbreed, make sure you pick a healthy one. They are known for their agility but a breeder can easily fool you into buying a sick or delicate pup.

By appearance, the height of a Chihuahua Terrier Mix is 10 to 28 inches. And by weight, they are somewhere between 6 to 25 lbs.

Their coat depends on the type of crossbreed you select. Short or medium-long. Smooth-coated or wire-coated. White, black, brown, or tan. Or you can also select a tri-colored or a bi-colored Chihuahua Terrier mix.

The appearance of a Chihuahua Terrier Mix breed is a good indication of health. When you buy a dog from a reputable breeder, such breeds look expensive. Healthy, well-fed, well-groomed. These are the top physical characteristics of a Chihuahua Terrier Mix breed.

Behavioral Characteristics

This dog breed is known for its energy, agility, and friendliness. They are intelligent dogs that won’t show aggression or bite or make too much noise. They have a composed temperament unless provoked or rattled.

Simply put, if you love them, they will love you.

Having said that, Chihuahua Terrier Mix breeds do require consistent and proper training. From a younger age, no less. If you have children at home, this should be even more important. Because history suggests that not all Chihuahuas or Terriers are friendly with children.

In fact, in some cases, they are best kept away from homes with children. As they are only disciplined and friendly with adults.

Beyond that, it’s easy to keep this dog breed occupied. They are intelligent and curious creatures. So playing clever tricks with them is one way of keeping them happy. Another being taking them for long walks, regular exercise, and smart training.

Chihuahua Rat Terrier

Friendly and easy to please dogs, the Chihuahua Rat Terrier has a strong prey drive. He or she can hunt and kill rats and are great at catching small things.

Chihuahua Jack Russell Terrier

Stubborn, mild-tempered, and not-so-intelligent, Chihuahua Jack Russell Terriers are loyal. They are more family-oriented with or without children. With proper training, some of them can also become very cuddly and devoted to any one or a few family members.

Chihuahua Fox Terrier

Loyal, friendly, and devoted, the Chihuahua Fox Terrier can be your best friend. And only yours if you are the sole caretaker of him or her. He or she will remain loyal and loving to you while enjoying the company of others. But their commitment is only to you.

Chihuahua Yorkshire Terrier

These dogs pack a punch. They are energetic, quick, and demanding. It’s best to buy a Chihuahua Yorkshire Terrier in a house with no kids around. They can be quite competitive and dominating. But they are devoted creatures with a strong work ethic.

Chihuahua Bull Terrier

Lastly, the Chihuahua Bull Terriers are companionable and energetic. They are dominating, but at the same time, they are devoted and hearty creatures.

Because in the past Bull Terriers were bred and trained for competitive fighting. They have a bad reputation in the dog industry. Having said that, with proper training and attention, they can be loyal and humble dogs.

Training a Chihuahua Terrier Mix Breed

The good traits of a Chihuahua Terrier Mix breed are enough reasons to buy one right now. You can train this dog breed easily with the help of these mindful tips.

This dog will listen to your commands and follow them correctly with positive reinforcements. No yelling or physical abuse of any kind is permissible. Do not punish or torture your dog if he or she refuses to listen to your command.

It’s important to maintain your dog’s mental and physical health. Shouting of any kind for not obeying orders can lead to aggression and other severe problems.

This one study proves the negative effects of yelling at dogs. It can traumatize your puppy beyond help. One result shows that excessive yelling can cause high-stress levels and depression in dogs.

The best way to train your dog is with treats, rewards, and a pat on the head. Positive reinforcements go a long way – so be patient and kind.

Chihuahuas are stubborn dogs. Everybody knows that. But Terriers, on the other hand, are attentive and have a solid work ethic. Thankfully, you have a dog that’s a combination of both traits.

So it’s easier to override the stubbornness of a Chihuahua Terrier Mix breed than you think.

One thing that doesn’t work with smaller dog breeds like a Chihuahua is extra-coddling. You’re not supposed to treat them like they are tiny and cute dogs. They develop a condition known as ‘small dog syndrome’. It’s when a Chihuahua gets away with all bad behavior by yapping or showing aggression.

They compensate for their tiny size by showing aggression. This syndrome gets them to act the way big dogs do to seem threatening to their owners.

To avoid this kind of behavior, it’s really important to train your dog from a younger age. Simple commands like sit, quiet, no, get down, etc. are necessary.

If you have children at home, training them to properly behave around strangers and other kids is also important.

With proper training and care, you can sidestep the not-so-good traits of a Chihuahua Terrier Mix breed.

Teaching A Chihuahua Terrier Mix to Socialize

This is the not-so-good trait of Chihuahua Terrier Mix breeds. They are often very cagey and edgy around strangers and other people. This may include one or two of your own family members. Especially if you’re living in a large family.

Although proper training can help avoid this becoming a nuisance. You need to control and regulate the way your dog behaves around others. This means training your dog to behave well at home, for a walk, and in a dog park.

One of the most annoying things that Chihuahuas do is yap, yap, yap. Yapping and barking at somebody or something is a way to get your attention. This will continue to do so, for hours even, until they get what they want.

Chihuahuas have a barking issue that needs proper rehabilitation. This may be because of fear, dominance, aggression, or territorial issues. If you have more than one dog at home, that is how they mark their territories.

The best way to sort this out is by teaching your dog to socialize. Socialization in dogs is a long process but a very rewarding one. You can start it as soon as you bring your pup home.

Start by introducing your dog to new objects that your dog is not familiar with. Such as toys, big pillows, objects that make a noise like a washing machine, etc.

If your dog is nervous around lots of people, introduce your family members one at a time. Make sure you do not yell to or force your dog to interact with anyone. Give him or her space and time to grow accustomed to new situations.

If your dog barks when you’re not around, invest in a dog bed or crate. Chihuahua Terriers love to burrow so creating a cave-like den for them is the best idea. That can be their safe space while you’re away. Introduce stimulating toys and treats for them to stay occupied with.

Here Are Some Quick Tips to Stop Your Dog from Barking…

• Remove the trigger that’s causing the bark. If your dog is barking or yapping at birds or people walking outside, close the curtains. Or you can even take your dog into another room.
• Do not yell at or hit your dog to stop the barking. This will agitate them even further. Rather distract your dog with a positive training tactic. Do this consistently and you’ll notice a difference in the way your dog reacts to triggers.
• If you can, ignore the barking, and as soon as the barking stops, reward your dog with a treat. Do this each time your dog barks at something or somebody. Keeping your dog in the cage or crate as soon as he barks and ignoring him until he quiets down is also a good tactic.

Conclusion

Chihuahua Terriers are trust-worthy and energetic dogs. You can expect to pay around 400 to 1000 dollars for a well-bred and high-quality Chihuahua Terrier Mix Breed. They are intelligent, friendly, and attractive dogs.

Their only ‘not-so-good’ trait is that they may bark a lot. But there’s always a reason for that. Proper training, grooming, and physical exercise is essential. They are friendly with adults and children if you train them well. And even though they are small dogs, they need an active lifestyle.

I’m sure that after reading all this, you must be convinced that a Chihuahua Terrier is the dog breed for you. Healthy and high-quality Chihuahua Terriers live up to 17 years. And as they are not aggressive when properly trained, they are devoted and loyal to have around!

If you’re looking for a small-sized but moderately-intelligent dog breed. Go for any one of the Chihuahua Terrier Mix breeds that we’ve spoken about today. They have tons of personality and stamina, which will be perfect for you!

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The True Purpose of Ear Cropping In Pitbulls and Its Pros and Cons

Ear cropping in Pitbulls is a common practice among pet owners who want to showcase their dogs in competitions or dog shows. It is not a mandatory practice and even if it’s done – it is a cosmetic surgery performed by a professional vet.

Another similar surgical procedure is tail-docking in Pitbulls. Both these procedures are done in Pitbulls when they puppies. These surgeries should not be performed on adult Pitbulls. The proper age for carrying out ear cropping and tail-docking is between 9 to 12 weeks of age.

So what exactly is ear cropping? And what do you need to know about it to avoid doing it if you’re considering it? Though it’s totally unnecessary to perform this surgery, it’s best to know all the pros and cons before you make any decision.

History of Ear Cropping In Pitbulls

As the name suggests, ear cropping is when a doctor surgically removes the external flap of the dog’s ear. It’s commonly done in Pitbulls, Dobermans, Great Danes, Boxers, and Cane Corsos.

Unless your dog has a nasty ear infection or any birth defect, this is done for dog shows and competitions. As there is no medical advantage of ear cropping. Also, it is considered an unethical and cruel practice among many established veterinarians. This surgery is, in fact, banned in many countries around the world.

The history of this practice goes back to 2000. Amputating a dog’s ears in order to make them look more “fierce” in dog fights, shows, and competitions.

A flapping ear is an easy target in dog fights. So the ears are cropped to avoid the opposing dog to grab or tear the other dog’s ears.

Medically speaking, ear cropping was a surgical treatment for ear diseases such as ear infections and/or hematomas.

Right now though, both dog-fighting and ear cropping are banned and illegal in many countries.

Why Pitbulls?

Pitbulls are a fierce and dominating dog breed. Their ancestral line is full of aggressive and hunting dogs. Dogs that are loyal to their owners but can be thoroughly trained to fight, defend, or attack other dogs or humans.

Their intelligence, agility, and strength put them at the top of the list. And, not to forget, their muscular and broad build. They are a small to medium-sized dog breed. With a trimmed and short coat and an affectionate and sharp temperament.

Most Pitbulls have dangling ears. Traditionally speaking, long, dangling ears are more prone to ear infections than short, trimmed ears. Ear cropping in Pitbulls is also done to improve the dog’s hearing abilities. Erect and trimmed ears respond faster to sound waves. Although there is no conclusive proof of this fact.

These soft, folded flaps grow in size as the puppy grows. In some Pitbulls, their ears may look larger in proportion to their heads. But there is no disadvantage to this physical trait. If anything, it makes Pitbulls look more friendly and approachable.

For hunting dogs, this is done to keep the ears clean. Reshaping the appearance of the ears can also improve your dog’s hearing abilities. This is why many hunter dogs have their ears trimmed and cropped.

Traditionally, ear cropping was also done to prevent ear damage from dog-fighting or hunting. Hunting dogs often tear the elongated part of the pinna during running or in a fight. So once your puppy has received his or her vaccination, at 9 to 12 weeks, their ears are cropped.

However, there is no scientific evidence that supports this claim. Much like tail-docking or declawing, this practice is not necessary to perform on any Pitbull. Whether he be a participant in a dog show or a hunting companion.

Ear Cropping In Pitbulls

The procedure of ear cropping in Pitbulls is an effective and simple one. The flap of the ears is removed so that the cartilage that keeps the ears erect is exposed. The elongated part of the pinna is removed. So that all that remains of the ears is the erect and pointed portion.

Having said that, Pitbull’s ears grow longer as they grow older.

That is why this surgery isn’t performed on adult dogs. Only puppies between the age of 9 to 12 weeks are admitted to this procedure. This stops the overgrowth of the flap. And it prevents any risk of ear infection from the surgery in an adult Pitbull.

This procedure should not be performed at home or by anyone who is not a licensed veterinarian. It’s a cosmetic surgical procedure. The dog should be given anesthesia before the surgery is to be performed in a dog hospital or clinic.

Typically, ear cropping takes 30 to 40 minutes. Once the elongated flaps of the ears are cropped. The edges of the erect portion of the ears are sutured. After surgery, the bandages keep the sutures infection-free.

The bandages should be taken off only after the sutures have been completely healed. Make sure the doctor prescribes the proper medication, painkillers, and ointments to keep the wound clean and healing.

Medication will quicken the recovery time after surgery. And prevent nasty infections and reduce soreness.

Pros and Cons of Ear Cropping In Pitbulls

Dog ear cropping is illegal in many countries. Some of them include Australia, the UK, New Zealand, some parts of Canada, and most major parts of the US. Having said that, you can still perform this surgery in some parts of the US and other European countries.

Are there any advantages of ear cropping in Pitbulls?

No, there is no scientific evidence backing the benefits of ear cropping in Pitbulls.

But there are claims that it prevents ear infections and boosts hearing in dogs. And that it makes Pitbulls look more aggressive and fierce in dog fights and dog shows.

There is a standard in specific breeds to look a certain way before enrolling in events like these. Cropped ears offer a neat, disciplined, and combative appearance to Pitbulls.

With that out of the way, there are plenty of risks from performing ear cropping in Pitbulls.

For starters, your puppy may suffer complications from surgery using anesthesia. They are prone to ear infections, soreness, and pain after surgery. If something goes wrong during the surgery, this could lead to trauma, loss of hearing, and other issues.

Getting your puppy operated for such a sensitive and risky surgery is not a responsible thing to do. It’s kind of like performing cosmetic surgery on a child. It can be traumatizing for your dog.

Pitbulls, or any other dog breed, also communicate using their ears. Losing a part of the ear can inhibit proper communication between the dog and its owner.

In this article, the American Kennel Club believes that ear cropping is an unnecessary risk. It poses many risks in certain breeds. And that cropping or docking of any kind can interfere with the way your dog communicates with other dogs.

Conclusively, there is no scientific or fitting reason to do this.

Common Ear Health Problems in Pitbulls

It’s important to know about your Pitbull’s common ear problems. What kind of ear infections are they prone to? And how to treat them with proper medication and/or surgery?

The first, most common, ear infection that Pitbulls are susceptible to is ear mites.

Ear mites can be highly infectious. Causing pain, skin irritation, allergies, and inflammation inside the ear canal. Excessive scratching or rubbing against rough surfaces can also lead to bleeding and/or rashes on the skin.

If you have more than one dog at home, ear mites can spread faster. And this can also dampen the recovery time because then ear mites will be twice as hard to get rid of.

An effective way to get rid of ear mites is with proper ear drops and medication. Usually, a single dose every once in 2 weeks should be enough to get rid of ear mites. And/or any ear infection associated with this condition.

Keeping the Ears Clean

You can purchase ear cleaning solutions for dogs from a pet store. Consult with a vet to know the right solution for your dog’s ears. Depending upon his or her ear infection or general grooming needs.

The correct way to clean a Pitbull’s ears is to massage the solution in. If you notice any dirt or wax, use a soft cotton ball to gently remove it. If this is too much for you, or if you do not know how to go about it. It’s always best to take your dog to a vet to have it done professionally.

There is always a possibility of you hurting your dog when cleaning his ears at home. Using a cotton swab or any other pointy object can damage your dog’s ears.

If you notice any swelling, inflammation, redness, or rashes after cleaning, go to the vet immediately.

A foul odor, dark wax buildup, and redness are signs that your dog’s ears need deep cleaning. To avoid any complications, make sure you clean your dog’s ears every 2 weeks. Sooner if your dog spends most of his time outdoors playing in mud or around other dogs.

Alternate Methods of Ear Cropping In Pitbulls

Taping Pitbulls ears should be done a certain way. And it should only be done by a licensed veterinarian. Many pet owners believe that Pitbulls’ ears can be taped to prevent the flap from hanging down over the front of the dog’s face.

Taping the ears is a non-invasive surgery. Making the ears level with the top of the head. So that the ears are closer to the sides and make the dog’s face look broader.

Taping the ears so that the cartilage is pointed a certain way is also effective. The ears look erect and pointed rather than loose and long. This also makes it impossible for your dog to lick or bite the ears during teething.

Puppies often fidget during their teething phase. So taping the ears away from your pup’s reach is an effective way to prevent injuries.

Having said that, do not expose the ear canal while taping the ears. Make sure that most of the entry-way to the ear canal is blocked off. This keeps dirt, moisture, and other debris from getting in your dog’s ears.

If your dog is used to playing in mud or jumping in a swimming pool. Make sure you check his or her ears every day for any foul odor, dampness, or dark-colored wax.

It will take a few days for your dog to get used to this feeling. But it’s better than ear cropping and it’s not at all painful.

Conclusion

When you’re buying a new puppy Pitbull, make sure his or her ears are not already cropped. If your dog has any birth defects or underlying physical disabilities, ask for the proper medical documents for it. So that after buying the puppy, you can take him or her to a licensed vet for a thorough check-up.

For new pet owners considering ear cropping, this is not advisable. You will be putting your dog through unnecessary pain and suffering. Allow your dog’s ears to grow naturally and make sure to keep them clean to avoid ear infections and ear mites.

To sum it up, it’s unnecessary and cruel to crop your Pitbull’s ears. There is strong evidence against this practice. So it’s best not to perform it on your dog. Ear cropping in Pitbulls can also cause pain, discomfort, and infection. And it is also associated with increased trauma and other behavioral disabilities in dogs. Especially since this surgery is done on puppies, not adults.

It’s time that doctors and people realize the grave disadvantages of this surgery. That is why it’s banned in many countries. With members of the AKC willing to take serious measurements against organizations and/or breeders who continue to practice ear cropping.

Pitbulls, Dobermans, Great Danes, Boxers, and Cane Corsos. These are the dog breeds that usually undergo ear cropping surgery. Whether for hunting, dog fighting, dog shows, or for any underlying behavioral problems. It’s best to avoid ear cropping and treat your dog responsibly.