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Why Your Cat Needs the HappyFriendy Happy Box

Cats are simple creatures, but sometimes, they can be pretty hard to please. In addition to requiring sleep, cats also need plenty of exercise, love, and even some snacks. With the HappyFriendy Happy Box, your cat will have all they need and more. 

Cat Toys

With the Happyfriendy™ cat subscription box , your cat will have a monthly dose of new toys. New toys can be beneficial for your cat, not only for playtime and exercise, but cats also need a good amount of mental stimulation. Having new toys will make sure that your cat isn’t bored with the same toys they’ve been playing with for a while.

The Happy Box will provide your kitty with basic toys that, while they are simple, can still stimulate your cat’s natural instinct to hunt. Just throwing one down the hall or across the room will excite your kitty. Other toys may be more interactive or have catnip, which will entertain your cat even more. 

Cat Treats

Whether you like to spoil your cat or use treats as a reward while training, the Happy Box will supply you and your cat with healthy and tasty treats. The benefit of getting a new type of treat every month is that your kitty can try out new treats and really find the ones that they like. You’ll know what kind of treats your cat likes best, so you won’t waste money on treats your cat won’t eat. 

The Box

Cats love boxes, and the Happy Box was designed with your cat in mind. Boxes not only provide your cat a place to explore (and trust us, they’ll be happy to do so), but they can offer your cat a warm space for your cat to nap. Cats love boxes because they offer all around protection, meaning that they don’t have to worry about their cat siblings giving them a surprise attack while they try to doze. In addition, the cardboard material holds heat, which means it’s also a warm spot to take a nap. 

Why You Deserve the Happy Box

Imagine spoiling your kitty every month without trying to guess what to get next. With the Happy Box, you won’t have to worry about compiling the best items and treats to make your cat happy. Both you and your cat will love the HappyFriendy Happy Box.

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Can Pets Sneeze like a Human?

It is so fascinating to observe how many things we, as humans, have in common with animals and how many habits or reflexes we share with them. For example, seahorses once a day intertwine their tails for a couple of minutes as a sign of loyalty and love, meaning they can cuddle too! But what about more prosaic similarities?

Pets’ owners well know that cats and dogs sneeze, but are there any reasons to be worried about it? When your dog is coughing or sneezing, forced exhalation occurs to remove the irritant from the respiratory tract. In both humans and dogs, it appears in the same way. Does it mean you should immediately take your dog to a veterinarian? Not always. Let’s take a closer look at the reasons why animals sneeze and when you should interact.

Why Dogs Sneeze

Dogs begin to sneeze because an irritant gets into the nasal area – an object that the body is trying to get rid of by a rapid exhalation through the nose. Sneezing is a protective, unconditional reflex that removes dust, mucus, or irritating substances from the nasal cavity.

If your dog sneezes after looking for a toy under the bed or running through the bushes chasing the cat, in this situation sneezing should be considered as a protective mechanism, and it is a normal response. Hairsprays, deodorants, air fresheners, and other household chemicals can also irritate the mucous membranes of your pet’s nasal cavity.

You may also be familiar with the “dog reverse sneezing” term, which is mostly caused by irritation or inflammation of the nasal cavities (for example, dust or pollen) and is a lot like regular sneezing, but accompanied with frequent inhalations instead of exhalation. Provoking factors of reverse sneezing include:

• strong odors and dust, as well as cigarette smoke and fumes of household chemicals;
• allergic substances;
• nervous excitement;
• eating and drinking in a rush;
• tight collar and too short leash;
• sudden change in temperature (for example, after walking your dog in winter).

You can recognize reverse sneezing when the dog’s head is thrown back (and not forward and down, as in usual sneezing), and the dog’s mouth is open, and as it swallows, it gasps and chokes. Usually, everything happens noisily and lasts up to 60 seconds, and when reverse sneeze passes, breathing is restored.

There are dog breeds with a predisposition to respiratory problems, including reverse sneezing. Those are animals with the brachycephalic structure of the head, such as pugs, bulldogs, Pekingese, and other breeds with a characteristic skull shape.

When to See a Vet

But sneezing can also be a consequence of infectious or cold disease, as well as a body’s malfunction. How will you know that this time sneezing is a symptom of some disease? It is easy to distinguish, as, with the disease, sneezing is more frequent and usually accompanied by nasal discharge.

Sneezing can be a symptom of the following cases:

• allergies (other symptoms are rash, flaking, and redness of the skin, itching of the body, lacrimation, nausea, and loss of appetite);
• viral infections, adenovirus infection, and canine distemper (dog plague);
• severe diseases of the teeth due to bacterial infection (therefore, it is essential not to ignore the plaque, especially in dog breeds that are susceptible to teeth problems);
• a foreign body (discharge may be unilateral), neoplasms, fungal infections in the nasal cavity;
• nasal mites infestation.

Sometimes, helminths living in the animal’s nasopharynx can also provoke frequent sneezing (for example, Ascaris). In this situation, signs will be frequent sneezing, coughing, mucus from the sinuses, shortness of breath, heavy breathing, a slight increase in temperature, nausea, and vomiting (or the urge to vomit).

Of course, with the disease, sneezing will not be the only symptom, and you can often observe changes in the pet’s overall state: apathy, fever, refusal of food, etc. Nevertheless, sneezing can be the first signal for the pet’s owner that the dog will be sick or is already ill. So it is crucial not just to observe the development of the clinical situation but to take action – it is best to contact a veterinary clinic for examination, diagnosis, and, possibly, treatment.

Conclusion

We have in common with animals so much more than we could think of. Sneezing is one of those things, and you may be surprised, but even elephants and marine iguanas can sneeze! When it comes to pets, for them sneezing means the same as for humans, meaning it can be an immediate reaction (exhalation) to some irritation, as well as a symptom of a disease. Thus, it is important to observe not only your dog sneezing but also take into consideration its overall health.

Dog reverse sneezing is another thing to pay attention to, as it shows up as the reverse process – your dog starts frequently inhaling what may look like it is running out of air to breathe. There is no reason to be worried about it in most cases, but it can also be one of the symptoms of allergies or a signal of other diseases like sinonasal tumors or infection.

Before taking your dog to the veterinarian after a single sneeze, it is essential to notice some more changes in its behavior. Most frequently, pet sneezes get rid of the smallest irritating objects like dust or household chemicals’ fumes.

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Can Cats Eat Rabbit Food?

Cats can eat rabbit food, but it would not be suitable for them. Their bodies’ system needs more meat than plant-based food. Rabbit pellets consist mainly of grains and alfalfa. Thus, it would have little to no nutritional value for your cat. If you have some rabbit pellets, it would be best to give it to those who own a rabbit.

Each pet food consists of specific components suited for the respective animals. They are not meant to be interchangeable. Thus, although rabbit food isn’t toxic to cats, it won’t do them any good either.

Let’s get into it more!

What happens if a cat eats rabbit food?

Rabbit food isn’t toxic to cats, but it isn’t healthy either. Thus, if a cat eats rabbit food, nothing wrong will happen as long as it’s only a small amount. Regardless, the rabbit food will have no nutritional value for your cat.

Now, if your feline pet overeats rabbit food, it may cause digestive problems, such as an upset stomach.

The reason is that rabbit pellets contain components suited for herbivores. Since rabbits are herbivores, their dietary requirements consist mainly of plant-based food.

To an extent, rabbit pellets aren’t likely to contain anything good for felines.

To understand further, you should keep in mind that cats are obligate carnivores. It means that they can survive without eating plant-based food. However, they can’t go on with their daily activities without eating any meat at all.

For this reason, cat food consists mainly of nutrients suitable to sustain a cat’s carnivorous needs. Its components differ significantly from that of rabbit food.

Cats and rabbits have opposite dietary needs. What is healthy for the other can’t be right for the other.

Of course, cats and rabbits also share some similarities in nutrition. However, since they both differ in the type of food preference, it would be best not to let both pets share the same food.

Can cats get sick from eating rabbit food?

Cats can get sick from eating rabbit food, especially if they consume more than a small amount.

As I said earlier, rabbit food does not consist of anything toxic for cats. Thus, if your pet eats rabbit food, its life won’t necessarily be at risk.

However, it’s also not ideal for your cat to overeat rabbit food, and there are reasons why.

First, it’s not ideal because rabbit food contains little to no nutritional value for cats.

Second, while its components aren’t toxic, they may cause some issues to your cat if it eats more than a piece.

Rabbit pellets contain 22% crude fiber, according to the University of Miami. That amount is way too much fiber for cats to eat. In general, cats only need 1.4 to 3.5 percent fiber in their daily diet.

Thus, taking in too much rabbit food means your pet may ingest too much fiber. Whatever type of cat your pet is, it will find such an amount of fiber hard to digest.

If your cat overeats rabbit food, it can lead to an upset stomach, vomiting, and even other digestive issues.

For this reason, it would be best if you won’t allow your feline pet to munch on rabbit food. If you want to give it a variety of options, go for fruits and meat instead.

This way, you can be confident your pet won’t get sick from eating rabbit food.

How much rabbit food can cats eat?

Rabbit food isn’t ideal for cats to eat. Thus, if it’s possible, you shouldn’t feed rabbit food to your cat. If you can’t help but do so, limit it to 10 percent of your pet’s total amount of daily food intake.

As I said earlier, feeding too much rabbit food can cause an upset stomach for your pet. Moreover, rabbit food does not have any significant nutritional benefits. Thus, providing it won’t make any improvements to your pet’s health.

For this reason, it would be best to consider rabbit food only as a treat or snack for your cat. It would be best if you tried to limit it to not any more than once a week.

Further, you shouldn’t go over more than 10 percent of its total daily food requirement when feeding rabbit pellets.

The recommended amount of food for cats ranges from about 24 to 35 calories per pound. This amount is enough to keep cats at a normal and healthy weight.

An average cat weighs about 6-9 lbs. Thus, they need about 50 to 70 grams of food per day. Or, they can eat 150-250 grams of wet food. Lastly, they can eat 100-200 grams of raw food.

If you allow your cat to eat rabbit pellets, it would be best to limit its intake to 5 to 7 grams in a day, but don’t do so on a daily basis.

Risks of feeding your cat rabbit food

There’s not that much risk in feeding rabbit food to your cat. However, if you are just about to do so, considering these risks before proceeding.

Rabbit food doesn’t suit cats.

First, always remember that cats and rabbit food don’t go hand-in-hand when it comes to compatibility. Rabbit food makers design and produce their products to give rabbits the proper nutrients. Thus, it’s not ideal for cats to eat.

Moreover, since cats and rabbits have opposite dietary requirements, it’s not a good idea to give your cat any.

Rabbit food can cause digestive issues.

Rabbit pellets suit only herbivores like rabbits. Thus, they contain too much plant-based food and fiber for carnivores like cats.

While fiber is also essential in a cat’s daily diet, taking in too much can cause digestive problems. For instance, going overboard with rabbit pellets can cause an upset stomach.

It’s only ideal for giving such pellets if your cat is suffering from diarrhea. The fiber in those pellets can help your pet get some solid stools.

However, if your pet is healthy, giving it in large amounts may not be a great idea.

What to do if your cat ate rabbit food?

There’s nothing much to do if you saw your cat eat rabbit food. If it continues doing so, it would be best to stop it.

Since rabbit food isn’t toxic for cats, there’s nothing much to worry about regarding your pet’s health.

Now, it’s a different case if your feline starts showing symptoms of health issues. If your cat begins to show such signs after eating rabbit food, it would be best to take it to the vet.

As long as your pet only eats only a small amount and doesn’t show any problems, you don’t need to do anything.

It would be best to separate rabbit and cat pellets to avoid such unwanted incidents. Moreover, keep these pet foods away from a cat’s reach. This way, you can prevent your pet from eating the food it shouldn’t eat.

Summary

Cats can eat rabbit food, but it would be best not to offer such to your pet. While rabbit food isn’t toxic, it has no nutritional value for felines. Rabbit food contains mostly plant-based food, which is optional for cats. In fact, they can survive without eating such.

Moreover, feeding rabbit pellets in large amounts can cause an upset stomach. The reason is that a cat’s system is only suited to a meat diet and not so much a plant-based one.

Keeping your cat safe is the priority. Thus, it would be best to leave the rabbit pellets out and offer food suitable for felines instead. This way, you can be sure that your cat will remain healthy.

Resources

University of Miami Department of Biology’s take on good quality rabbit pellet

https://www.animalfate.com/

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Dog Surgery Risks During Pregnancy

With the risk of potential complications, deciding on surgery for your pet is a daunting task. It is an even harder decision to make when your dog is pregnant. Not only do you have to think about the welfare of your dog, but also of the young pups that it carries.

It is often better to wait until after the pregnancy, but in some situations, time is of the essence, and a quick decision is needed to possibly save your dog’s life.

In this article, we have outlined the potential risks of surgery and, in particular, the risks of anesthesia to help you make an informed decision. So with that being said, let’s get into it!

Dog Surgery Risks During Pregnancy

Just like any surgery outside of pregnancy, many complications can occur during and after the procedure. However, the chances of these complications are usually minimal, and the complications that most commonly occur are, in most cases, not life-threatening.

The most common complications of surgery are:

• Risk of infection post-surgery
• Fluid under the incision
• Incision not healing properly
• Loss of blood
• Focal tissue trauma/nerve trauma
• Complications associated with the specific procedure
• Reaction to anesthetic (mild swelling/anaphylactic shock/death)

Most of these complications are minor and can be treated. When the surgery is carried out by a trained, knowledgeable, experienced veterinarian, it is said that there is more chance of your dog being in a car accident on the way to the vet than their surgery being fatal.

In most surgeries, the anesthesia is usually the riskiest element, although only 1 in 100,000 dogs adversely react to the drug. However, when your dog is pregnant, the administration of anesthetics becomes much more difficult, and the risks increase.

Some dogs require help from a canine rehabilitation therapist to ensure a full recovery from their surgery. Rehabilitation therapy can aid your pet in their recovery and help them get back to their usual, happy selves as soon as possible.

Anesthesia for the pregnant dog

Risks

When a dog is pregnant, there are physiological changes that occur, just like in a human. These changes, such as weight, blood pressure, and the ratio of the proteins that make up the blood, can make surgery slightly more complicated for your vet, increasing the risk of complications.

Administration of anesthetic is the trickiest part of surgery with a pregnant dog. It is vital to give the correct dosage of anesthesia, and this is harder to do when there are more factors to consider.

As the level of protein in the blood of a pregnant dog changes, so does the way the anesthetic interacts within their system. When these proteins decrease, the anesthetic has fewer proteins to attach to, and so this increases the amount of active anesthetic in the blood.

It’s also important to consider the direct risk of anesthetic to the fetus. It is a drug that is able to cross the blood-brain barrier, and therefore it is also able to pass through the placenta and into the puppies.

Methods

Tests can be done prior to the surgery to determine the best method of anesthetizing the animal, such as the amount that is required. For example, suppose a blood test finds increased levels of progesterone and progesterone metabolites. In that case, the amount of the drug used is reduced because these are positive modulators of the receptors, meaning the dog will be more receptive to the anesthetic.

In any case, when administering the drug, the dog is closely monitored throughout the procedure. Extra precautions are taken when dealing with a pregnant dog, with some surgeries even calling in a specialist.

Post-surgery symptoms of the pregnant dog

Pregnant or not, the speed of recovery is usually dependent on the age and fitness of your dog, the type of operation, and the length of surgery. So it is essential to keep these factors in mind when observing your dog’s symptoms.

Pregnant dogs may take slightly longer to recover than they would typically because their body is working overtime growing puppies.

The following symptoms are typical for your pregnant dog after surgery:

●        Disoriented/groggy for a few hours after receiving anesthetic

●        Not as alert for 24 hours

●        May need help with balance when feeding or going to the bathroom

●        May sleep for more extended periods

It is important to remember that each dog recovers differently from surgery, just like humans. You should closely monitor your dog, and if they experience any abnormal or prolonged symptoms, it is wise to consult your vet to be safe.

As a final note, remember that your vet will not decide upon surgery lightly. As professionals, they observe the potential risks and weigh them against the potential dangers of waiting until after the pregnancy, taking all factors into account.

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What Do You Need to Take Care of a Cat?

Thinking of taking home a feline friend? Cats are great. They are independent, witty, funny, and loving. They’re also an excellent companion for those who don’t have a lot of space or don’t have the stamina to go for an early morning run every day.

That’s not to say that you can’t train your cat to go out with you either, because you certainly can. However, as with any pet, taking care of a cat takes responsibility. Your feline friend would need time, care, and attention, aside from food, drinks, and occasional trips to the vet.

Basic Cat Needs and Supplies For First-Time Pet Owners

Getting ready for the new addition to your family? Here are all the necessary things you’ll need to get before taking home your first cat.

Cat Food

Don’t just get any cat food; get one that suits your cat’s age and needs. You might want to do a little bit of research to determine which brands don’t use excessive coloring and preservatives that can be harmful to your cat’s health. We also suggest a healthy balance between wet and dry selections.

Food and Drink Bowls

There are different choices available. There are convenient dispensers that can store a lot of food and clean water at a time, which you can then simply refill as needed. This is great for owners who are not always at home.

Then, there are also ergonomically designed bowls angled a certain way to prevent neck pain.  At the very least, you should get containers that wouldn’t tip over easily. We also prefer getting separate bowls over joined ones to prevent water from getting on the food.

Litter Box

There are a lot of different kinds of litter boxes out there. You can also look into DIY options. Some owners prefer covered litter boxes, but we recommend open ones for two reasons. First, it’s easier for new kittens to spot it during litter training. Second, you won’t have to worry about poor ventilation. After all, litter dust can be harmful to your cat’s health.

Litter

Speaking of litter dust, not all cat litter is the same. There are safer options that don’t produce much dust. You can check out the litter guide over at Smartly Cat for more information.

Cat Bed

Finally, your cat would also need a place to sleep, preferably a warm and comfortable bed. An old blanket would also make it cozier.

Optional Cat Gear to Get

The supplies we mentioned should be enough to make your cat’s stay comfortable. However, there are other items you should also consider to make caring for a cat more effortless and convenient.

Cat Cage

There are times when you might need to contain your cat or isolate them from other pets (for instance, while they are healing from an injury). Having a cat cage will surely come in handy during those times.

Cat Carrier

You can also use a cage to bring your cat to the vet. However, a cat carrier will be less bulky and prove more convenient.

Harness

As mentioned, cats can be trained to walk with you, as well. You will need a safe harness for that. Cat necks are too delicate for the collars and leashes used on dogs.

Scratching Post

Cats trim their claws naturally through scratching (whether or not you trim them down yourself). This act is in their nature. Having a scratch post is great to designate a special spot to let him do his business (unless you want your feline friend to do it on your furniture or curtains).

Toys and Treats

Constant scratching and damaging of property are also a sign that your cat is bored. Toys and treats are nice things to have to make your bonding sessions more fun and fulfilling.

Health Insurance

Finally, it never hurts to get your cat insured. It can potentially save you money in the long run and let you enjoy perks (like free vaccines), depending on your plan.

These are not the only things you can get for your cat, too. There are other cat products out there, such as grooming gear, accessories, clothes, and furniture.

The Joys of Caring For a Cat

Yes, caring for a cat takes a lot of resources and responsibility. There are essentials you would need to prepare before bringing one home, as well as other optional things that can make your experience more convenient and enjoyable.

All these efforts and expenses are going to be worth it in the end, thanks to the unconditional love that you’ll get from your feline friend in return. Harvard Health even highlights the health benefits of caring for a cat, including a significantly lower risk of developing heart disease and mental health issues. It is indeed a life-changing experience.

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Service Dog or Emotional Support Animal: Which is Which?

You’ve probably noticed someone with a seeing eye dog, or seen the signs on the doors of businesses, “Service Animals Only”. These aren’t the only types of animals that can help their human friends, though; emotional support dogs, or ESDs, can be recommended by mental health practitioners to help with an array of mental or psychological conditions. Both service dogs and ESDs are used for specific purposes; the differences lie not only in their functions, but in their training and legal statuses as well. 

Service Dogs

Function

A typical service dog will be trained to help with physical or neurological conditions. They often assist people who are blind, deaf, unable to walk unassisted, diabetic, prone to severe epilepsy, or those who suffer from certain obsessive-compulsive disorders. If the service dog was trained to guide someone who’s blind or deaf, then their most important work would be done out of the house, as they’re responsible for interpreting the world for their owners. For other conditions, such as diabetes or epilepsy, the dog would be trained to sense when there’s a severe drop in blood sugar, or when a seizure is about to happen. In these cases, the dog would know to bring the medication that could prevent a medical emergency. Service dogs can even be trained to bring a phone when it sees certain things happen, like if their owner is conscious but unable to get up. 

Training Process

Each service dog has been trained for a specific purpose, in compliance with set certification procedures. If someone needs a service dog for a condition that’s not severe, then they could train a dog themselves, but most service dogs are trained by an agency. They go through a selection process that determines their aptitude for the job, and then go on to work closely with their handlers for at least a year. The length of the training depends on what skill the dog is learning. In the case of guiding a deaf person, for example, the dog has to be trained to see the world almost as a human would, and then to alert their owner with the appropriate cues. This kind of training involves filtering massive amounts of information in a way that’s foreign to its instincts, which would take quite some time to learn. Just one missed signal could put the owner in a life-threatening situation, so it’s important for the handlers to be thorough.

In some cases, someone might be able to get their service dog early, before it’s been fully trained. For people who have used service dogs their whole life, it can be better to skip some of the wait time and finish the training themselves. While this could make the first year or so with the new animal a little trickier, it can also strengthen the bond between the two. 

Legal Recognition

Service dogs are all certified according to the ADA, or Americans with Disabilities Act. According to the ADA, if the person with the service dog is allowed to enter a public or private area, then so can the dog. This means that they can go into restaurants, houses or apartments with no-pet policies, and even accompany their owners onto planes. For the people who got their service animal through an agency, the certification is already taken care of; if someone did the training themselves, then it’s up to them to apply for certification. 

Emotional Support Dogs

Function

Make no mistake – emotional support dogs do a lot more than just help you when you’re feeling “emotional”. They’re like the yin to service dogs’ yang. Instead of helping with primarily physical disabilities, ESDs support people who have psychological or cognitive conditions. Anyone who’s been diagnosed with autism, PTSD, anxiety disorders, bipolar or personality disorders, learning disorders, or depression might benefit from an emotional support dog. For some people, it’s as simple as needing something to love and take care of – a dog with the right characteristics could be responsible for lifting someone out of deep depression. Or, an ESD could be the calming influence that consistently pulls someone out of their flashbacks or nightmares. Some people are actually debilitated by their mood disorders, and their emotional support dog is the only thing that pulls them back to the life that they want. Maybe someone could just have a lot of generalized anxiety, and they choose to manage it with a dog instead of medication. 

Training Process

Emotional service dogs are generally trained by their owners. Since they have to match personalities as well as their responses to their owners’ issues, it’s more common for someone to choose their own dog when it’s young, and train it as it grows. Most of the training is just house-training, but to a fairly high standard; most ESDs are also taught to respond when their owner’s condition worsens in any way. Some dogs will place their paw on the person’s chest, or get them to sit down and lay their head on the person’s shoulder. They may simply snuggle up next to their owner to show empathy. Beyond house-training, the way in which the ESDs respond to their owners is up to the individual.

Legal Recognition

The ADA doesn’t recognize emotional support dogs in the same way as service dogs. Any establishment can refuse entry to ESDs, unless the owner is using an airline, or applying for a house or apartment. Even though very few businesses are legally obligated to let your emotional support dog enter, some of them still will. The key here is to make sure that you have proof of your dog being an ESD, and not just a pet. All you need is a letter from your mental health practitioner, stating what your diagnosis is, and how the dog helps you. 

Sometimes when modern medicine falls short, dogs can step in to fill the gap. Next time you see a service dog or ESD, you’ll know just how much they do for the person who takes care of them. 

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The National Service Animal Registry has been helping animals help people since 1995. They provide information and services related to emotional support animals and service dogs.

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Alternatives To Help You Manage Stress While Attending College

One of the most exciting things teenagers cannot wait to do is to attend college. Going to college means being free from many things, such as moving out of your home, meeting new people from all walks of life, and having fun at night without asking for permission, specifically your parents. It’s very liberating, but it’s also something students need to tread carefully.

Managing College Stress

While college life offers many new things to discover, one of these things might be something you will never want to get associated with: stress. College isn’t a walk in the park. Being resilient is essential that you need to find ways to cope with how you feel to survive. 

But how can you do that when you’re miles away from home? Here’s how.

1. Be Nice To Your Roommate

While attending college, you’ll most likely be living with a total stranger as a roommate. Once you get settled in, get to know your roommate and be cordial in introducing yourself. You’ll be spending time with your roommate for a long time, so you need to know how to live with them.

Be sensitive in the things you do in your shared space. Remember to make things easier for you both. Maintaining a cordial relationship with your roommate will be a huge contributing factor to your growth and mental health. 

2. Find Friends That Value Education

When you enrolled, your main goal was to graduate with a degree, and staying too long to complete it isn’t a good option unless you’re struggling academically. One way to ease up the stress is to make friends with people who value their time and education. By being friends with these people, you can help each other adjust to the new environment and focus on your goals.

3. Take Your Dog With You

If you’re in a university or college where pets are allowed on campus, this is a good way to have a connection with your home while being away. Certain institutions allow students to have their furry friends come along, as they understand how such pets could act as emotional support animals for young people adjusting to a new life. Having your favorite pet while in school would indeed be a welcome relief and a stress-buster for haggard school days.

4. Yoga

Yoga allows your body to connect with your spirit. You can practice mindfulness and meditation, making you more aware of your feelings and thought processes, leading to a peaceful countenance. When you find peace, you’ll know how you need to go about in life. Your anxiety will be lessened, and you could listen and interact in class better and complete requirements faster.

5. Make A Schedule

In college, time is of the essence. Every day is packed with various activities. Aside from attending your classes, you’ll encounter organizational meetings, celebrations, and other extracurricular activities. With all that, you need to make a schedule for yourself.

With a clear schedule, you won’t have to forget any school-related task or deadline. This will help you clear your mind and make you do things faster with minimal stress. Likewise, it will teach you to manage your time better.

6. Develop A Good Study Habit

In developing a good study habit, you need to be able to manage all your class requirements. Advance studying is key to easing up your stress, so you won’t cram to get all the information in one sitting. Also, make it a habit to do your assignments and projects regularly. Don’t wait until the deadline to do them since that’s a huge stressor.

7. Learn To Love Your Teachers

When your teachers dump a lot of work on you, oftentimes, you’ll develop a hatred for them. But they are there to guide and teach you to prepare for the future. Your teachers only want what’s best for you. Teachers have a common goal: to see you succeed. Thus, you should learn to appreciate what your teacher is doing and understand that you have to go through all this to get to where you want to be in life.

8. Talk To Your Parents

Just because you moved out doesn’t mean your parents will abandon you for the rest of your life. You were able to do so because they wanted better opportunities for you. That’s why they sent you to a good school. 

Thus, when you think you’re having a tough time coping, you can give them a call, ask them how they’ve been, and share what you’ve been up to lately. It’s essential to maintain a good relationship with your parents because they’re the ones who genuinely care about you.

9. Seek Professional Help

For some people, coping may not be easy. While they try hard enough, sometimes they just can’t adjust to their new environment. If you’ve been feeling really sad and close to depression, don’t hesitate to find professional help.

A school counselor can help you adjust to your new surroundings and make things a bit easier. However, if the struggle is immense, you can be referred to a psychologist. It’s not shameful to seek help. Taking care of your mental health is also part of taking care of your body. 

Takeaway

Stress is an inevitable part of life, and it’s hard to outrun it sometimes. But you always have to find ways, especially if you’re in college. Making the right friends, keeping your pet nearby, developing good habits, and talking to people who care for your well being would help you deal with whatever stressors you would encounter in your campus life.

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What You Must Know Before Getting A Pit Bull Terrier Mix As A Pet

Firstly, did you know that Pitbull Terriers are also called Pitties? And they’re best described as clowns and goofballs. It’s a medium-size breed whose ancestors were fighting dogs. So it’s only understandable how they have such a formidable reputation. And also why they’re known to be aggressive. But that’s not really how they should be described.

What You Must Know Before Getting A Pitbull Terrier Mix As A Pet – This complete guide discusses everything possible about the breed’s personality, behavior, temperament, etc. What’s done is myths are debunked and only the truth is told. So you can make a better decision for both yourself and your to-be pet.

One thing is for certain though. That owners who not only understand but also appreciate the personality of their dogs end up with loving, loyal companions as pets. No matter the breed!

Pitbull Terrier Mix – An Overview

It’s an iconic American dog breed – Pitbull Terrier. After all, their ancestors were family and farm dogs and even military mascots in America. But it didn’t take time for the world to exploit the breed’s natural fighting instincts, bold nature, tenacity, and loyalty. That’s when the reputation of Pitties started to go downhill. And it’s much the same even now, quite unfortunately.

Pitbull Terriers, no doubt, have a very intimidating appearance and reputation. And this formidable character often gets in the way of the breed also being perceived as loving and accepting dogs. When born and bred in a responsible and affectionate manner, Pitbull Terriers can be extremely docile and friendly four-legged companions.

And by responsible and affectionate, I mean receiving generous amounts of training, love, attention, and socialization. When that happens, you simply don’t have to worry about the bad reputation. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be extra careful, as in the case with most such aggressive breeds.

The best part about Pitbull Terriers is that they’re people-oriented, very highly that too. They may not like fellow furry creatures, big or small. But they’re certainly very fond of humans. However, there are exceptions where Pitties have grown very fond of other dogs and even cats as a matter of fact. Nevertheless, it isn’t typical Pitbull behavior though.

Moving on to the physical traits overview, Pitbull Terriers, more often than not, weigh 60 pounds or less. Needless to say, the breed is pretty muscular. After all, they are powerful dogs that seem to be very challenging to walk with when not trained well.

As for those that are well-trained and healthy, you can channel all that physical energy into sporting activities for canines.

What about their grooming needs? These, no doubt, are modest. The coat requires brushing not more than 2-3 times per week. As is the case with the majority of dog breeds in order to prevent excessive shedding. Then the nails demand trimming and the ears cleaning.

In the end, I would only like to mention that there’s a lot of misinformation revolving around the nature of Pitbull Terriers. In fact, there are even campaigns for outlawing this particular breed. So before you get one, make sure to check with your local authorities. Find out if it’s even legal for you to own the dog in the first place.

Denver in America goes as far as to ban the breed too. Then there are other cities that lawfully demand you to build a specific fence around your house if you wish to own a Pitbull. What also helps, at such times, is educating your neighbors and friends. And by that, I mean helping them do away with myths and misconceptions. Along with explaining the merits of the breed.

You may also like: Patterdale Terrier.

Pitbull Terrier Mix – Personality and Temperament

What to know before getting a Pitbull? What to expect when raising a Pitbull?

These are questions that are commonly asked on the web. But what’s not so common is coming across the correct answers. Agreed that owning a Pitbull is not an easy thing. However, that doesn’t mean the dog breed is aggressive and challenging to work with. It only means that these canines require extra love, care, and attention.

From early on, Pitbull Terriers have been farm and family dogs. Even when the original breed was into dog-fighting. They have always been active, playful, high-spirited, and confident creatures. It’s from where the dogs get their enthusiastic and even comical description.

Back in the days, the breed was also extremely stable and resilient when it came to be friendly toward people. That’s the primary reason why Pitbulls are so loving and trustworthy as family dogs. Despite their background! But to nurture this side of the animal, proper training and early socialization are essential.

It’s only natural for a dog’s destructive and abnormal behavior to take form when factors like training and socialization are ignored. Irrespective of what the breed is! That’s when Pitbull Terriers start to excessively pull, chew, dig, etc. So, at such times, it’s common sense to take extra precautions to protect valuables and belongings. Simply by placing these out of reach.

What pet owners also do is provide the dog with a special digging place. And also include vet-approved, tough, and entertaining chew toys for the playful creature.

Pitbull Terriers are incredibly athletic dogs, as you may already know. This means they’re excellent running, jogging, and even cycling companions. Many Pittles even enjoy retrieving and swimming. All thanks to the canine’s naturally intelligent and pleasing personality, even dog sports is a welcoming field. Pulling carts, freestyle, rally and track training, etc.

Are they good communicators too? Pitbull Terriers are the most vocal about how their day is going. As for signs to indicate any illness, these are common among most dogs…

Misconceptions

Often touted as aggressive guard dogs, Pitties have attracted, not rightfully though, a lot of misconceptions. Yes, they look a bit intimidating and even scary to some. But you should know that the breed has now become too outgoing to be labeled as guard dogs.

You can’t expect animals to be aware of their size, can you? So it’s only natural for a Pitbull Terrier to squeeze into your lap or known down a family member or two when playing or in want of love and attention. As a pet owner, you should know this and not be afraid of it.

Whatever the case though, what remains unchanged is the fact that the dog breed is naturally smart, determined, and strong. When it comes to backing down, you cannot expect a Pitbull Terrier to do so. It’s just not built into his/her DNA, that’s for sure.

Double personality – this is a common occurrence among Pitties. At one point, he/she can have killer instincts to protect loved ones. And at another, expect them to be generously loving toward you. And you can only benefit from the two if you train and socialize your pet properly.

As for how they are with other canines, the answer is typical Terriers. And that means fighters instead of friends. Particularly when the gender is the same. This explains why it’s highly advisable to avoid keeping two dogs of the same sex in a single household. No matter the breed!

But these characteristics are not set in stone. Meaning every dog differs and has his/her own physical and psychological traits. Some of them perceive others as potential prey while some are super-friendly. It differs based on their lineage and also on your training and love toward them.

What to Know Before Adopting A Pitbull Terrier

Whether you choose to adopt from a rescue shelter or professional breeder. Showering your pet with lots of love, care, and attention is a must. At the same time, avoid going overboard. Otherwise, the breed’s dominating nature might cost you. In the sense, Pitties can easily manipulate you and become disobedient and sometimes even destructive.

That’s the thing about dogs, they develop excessive digging, barking, and other such undesirable traits when not trained, supervised, or mentally/physically stimulated. And this applies not just to Pitbull Terriers but all dog breeds.

With a Pitbull Terrier puppy, begin training from the very beginning. Pittie pups tend to absorb all sorts of training you impart from early on. So no need to wait until he/she turns 6 months old. Get ahead of the game and teach your dog to be more headstrong, social, and obedient.

Many Pitbull Terrier puppies begin socializing and training by the time they reach 10-12 weeks. But, don’t forget, that vaccinations, before you do anything, are necessary. Until you get these, make sure your dog doesn’t come in contact with other canines and even in public places. Puppy vaccines are not optional, so get them done prior to starting any formal or informal training.

When adopting, feel free to speak to the breeder. When the breeder is professional, trustworthy, and renowned (unlike backyard breeders), they tell you all you need to know about the personality and lifestyle of the dog.

Always remember that dogs, no matter the breed, are a big responsibility. So if you can’t take the time to make them feel loved and cared for, you’re only to regret it. More importantly, you might even give up your pet because you think he/she is not manageable. It’s best to adopt one only if you’re a genuinely dedicated and committed animal lover, especially in the case of Pitties.

Pitbull Terrier Mix – Other Characteristics and Traits

What You’re Getting Into

It’s not uncommon to buy a dog from a breeder who is in business just to make huge profits out of potential pet owners. You should stay away from such backyard breeders. Because not only are their breeding practices cruel, inhumane, and money-driven. But they also have no idea about breeding good-tempered canines.

Most of them at least are more concerned with making their dogs look macho, muscular, and the like. That they don’t give any importance to factors like temperament, personality, etc.

You can also adopt the adult-version of Pitbull Terriers from a pet parent who has more than just an inkling about the nature and temperament of the dog. There is surely no shortage of these.

Potential Aggression

I have already talked about this particular topic at great length. Pitbull Terriers are good dogs, but they’re not very forthcoming toward other canines. Not that you should expect your Pittie to start a brawl with other four-legged creatures. But he/she doesn’t take time to get instigated if not trained and socialized properly.

There are also some Pitbull Terriers who love to chase cats and other small creatures. And when they do, the chances of your dog harming them are quite likely. This explains why the majority of owners of Pitbull Terriers build a 6-feet high fence around the house.

Enough Mental and Physical Stimulation

No, they don’t need to run miles a day just to get some exercise done. Even a moderate amount of exercise is more than enough to keep your Pittie healthy, happy, and well-behaved. But this physical stimulation should be a part of his/her daily life.

You need to understand that Pitbull Terriers are powerful and energetic. So they need to vent this aspect of their natural self in order to keep from becoming destructive. Bored Pitties, or any other breed for that matter, end up chewing, ripping, or digging excessively.

Strong Temperament

Keep in mind that the Pitbull Terrier breed is no pushover. They’re capable of learning, training, and even socializing. So if you want your willful canine to obey you, then you need to do proper training from the very beginning.

Legal Liabilities

The ban of Pitbull Terriers across many cities and areas around the world is quite common. In fact, home insurance policies also revoke or refuse if you happen to own a Pittie. At the same time, many neighbors become terrified and uncomfortable when around this particular breed.

So legal liabilities should also be taken into account before you adopt a Pitbull terrier. On top of that, the intimidating appearance of the dog doesn’t make matters any more helpful. So iron out such concerns beforehand. Otherwise, you might even get sued for keeping a Pitbull Terrier. No matter how loving and adorable he/she is!

Pitbull Terrier Mix As A Pet – Final Say

Pitbull Terriers are medium-sized canines that are powerful and muscular. Their looks are intimidating, which is great if you want to keep people away. However, this is just how they look. Pitties are not exactly aggressive creatures when trained and looked after properly.

As for the coat of the dog, it’s sleek and easy to groom. So if these are the kind of traits you want your pet to have, then Pitbull Terriers are perfect for you.

But don’t get this breed if you don’t have the time to provide extra training and socialization. Legal liabilities also matter at this point. So make sure you get them checked and sorted out beforehand.

The breed, no doubt, is strong-willed. But you can train the dog, and also shower them with lots of love, care, and attention. As is the case with Pitbull Terriers or with any other dog!

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Top 5 Teacup Puppy Breed for Pet Lover

Brining a teacup puppy home is always fun, but it also comes with a lot of responsibilities. Choosing the right breed to take care of your puppy is a time-consuming process.

Teacup puppies have become the favorite pets. They are smaller in size but more active than the other dogs. Most teacup puppies weigh about only two to five pounds. Their small size and body weight can bring several health problems, including immune systems and skeletal issues. Also, unscrupulous breeders frequently breed runts to produce unhealthy, tiny dogs. So if you are interested in bringing a teacup puppy and not sure where to find the right breed, give a check to Foufou puppies. Also, here we have made a list of five breeds of puppies you can choose from.

1.      Poodle

Teacup poodles are low maintenance dogs with training requirements and low exercise with a small amount of food. The best things about poodles are they are loyal, loving, and very intelligent. Poodles can make a perfect bond with your family. They are more social, active, and amazing pets for your family. They usually weigh about four pounds; however, the standard-sized counterparts weigh about forty-four to seventy pounds. The best trait of poodle teacups is they are low-shedders. Since they have curled hair coats, they don’t shed much hair, which is good news for your vacuum cleaner and allergies.

2.      Pomeranians 

Today’s Pomeranian has a reputation as a lapdog, but they were originally bred to pull sleds and herd animals. They weigh around thirty pounds. Their physical traits have a fluffy double coat, and their colors include orange, black, chocolate, and more.

Due to their small weight, small size, flexibility, and better adaptability, this breed is more suitable for dog owners who stay in story building or small apartments.

3.      Beagle

Bringing a more active and energetic dog to home Beagle teacup dog is the best option. They are friendlier as compared to other breeds. This breed’s dog only weighs around fifty pounds, which is a little big for teacup dogs. But if you want an obedient dog, then they can be stubborn. But they respond in a good way when you make their training fun with games and treats. Also, they possess great tracking instincts. Unlike Pomeranians and Poodles, this breed’s dogs are less maintenance dogs.

4.      Pomsky

Pomsky dog is the result of breeding a Pomeranian with a Siberian husky. Pomsky teacup puppies tend to vary in size depending on the size of their breeders. Regardless of their size and weight, they are more energetic and love to play.

5.      Maltese

Having a Maltese teacup pup is like having a dog that will never grow up. Despite the small size and lightweight, they are brave and confident. Maltese teacup puppies want to be loved and cuddled all the time. They always want your attention to feel secure and safe; however, they get confused when left alone. They always want to get in your bed. They always want their owner to play with them. One thing you may know about Maltese is they have a very loud voice until you train them. They only yelp when they feel threatened or anxious.

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Must-Have Pet Supplies for Small Dogs

Whether you’re excitedly welcoming a new puppy into the household or are rescuing an older small dog, you have so much pleasure and joy to look forward to!

Despite their pocket-sized appearance, small dogs still need plenty of space, exercise, and love to live a happy and healthy life.

Prepare yourself for the new arrival by picking up some of these must-have pet supplies for small dogs. Check out companies such as Chasing Tails for all your tiny pup’s needs, and you’ll be sure to have a new best friend in no time!

Dog bed

A designated dog bed is an excellent way of showing your new arrival that they are a member of the family with their own bed and personal space. Beds coated in (vegan) fur are great because they remind your pup of their mom’s fur. A donut dog bed is excellent for providing a relaxing spot that supports the dog’s head and neck.

Leash and collar

Even the tiniest of pups needs plenty of walks to stay happy and healthy. But before you take your dog outside, it’s vital to get a properly fitting collar and leash. This is particularly important in states that legally require you to keep your dog on a leash in public places, but is essential for all new dogs.

Washable food and water bowls, and a food mat

We’re sure you know that your dog will require food and water and should have separate bowls for each! Many dog bowls are even dishwasher safe, so cleaning them up is a breeze!

In addition to (multiple) food and water bowls, it’s a great idea to get a food mat to place these on. Dogs can be incredibly messy eaters (even the ones with little mouths). A food mat with rimmed edges will help contain the mess to an easy-to-tidy-up location.

Pet sling or stroller 

Although all dogs need exercise, super-long walks can get a bit much for tiny legs! Investing in a pet stroller can be an excellent option for smaller or older dogs who might get tired, so you don’t need to take an exhausted pup home at the first sign of struggles.

Pet slings are even better! Perfect for small dogs, these innovative products hang across your body like a purse and are perfect for tired pups. They’re also a great option if your pup suffers from anxiety as it keeps them close to your side where they feel safe.

Car seat

Dogs love varied walking routes, and a car journey can be an incredibly exciting experience for many animals! That said, car journeys can be frightening for some dogs, and a pet carrier/doggy car seat can allow them to feel more secure. Doggy car seats also connect to the seatbelt to keep your pup safe on the road.

Travel bowl or bottle

For longer walks or hot days, a travel bowl or bottle can be a lifesaver for keeping your dog hydrated on the go.

It’s also a good idea to take treats on your walk, especially while your pup is still training, plus a small container of food.

Plenty of toys! 

Obviously, your pup is going to want plenty of playtime with you! Getting a good range of different toys is key to keeping your puppy active in body and mind. Kong toys are great, as are any treat-distributing toys that require your dog to solve a puzzle to get to the treat inside.

In addition to puzzle toys, you should be sure to get some durable balls, ropes, and plush toys to play with. Be careful, though; poorly constructed toys can be a choking hazard for small dogs and won’t stand up to chewing or games!

Waterproof and machine washable toys are also well worth the investment for literal mucky pups!

Shampoo 

Big or small, dogs have an annoying tendency to roll in fragrances they find appealing… Unfortunately, these smells tend to be far less appealing for unfortunate humans who have to live with them! Getting some quality shampoo and conditioner for your pup ahead of time will be a dogsend when the time comes for an emergency bath!

Crate 

If you’re rescuing your pup, chances are they’re already crate trained. If not, you may wish to go through this process yourself. Crate training is brilliant for giving your dog a safe space and minimizing anxiety when your dog is left alone.

Poop bags

We’ve all been out for a walk only to discover the pavements littered with dog poop from disrespectful and selfish owners. Don’t be one of those people; make sure you always take biodegradable poop bags on every walk. Keep them close to the dog’s leash, so you don’t forget and always be sure to have a decent supply: you never know when they might come in handy.