Category: Petcare

Introducing A Second Dog to Your Home

Owning one dog is great, so having two should up the fun, yes? 

Well, this might not always be the case. If you have been considering bringing a second dog into your home, there is a high chance that Ajax will not be very welcoming of Bo. This is why several considerations have to be made for you to ensure that both dogs get along quickly and easily.   

Here are a few tips that could guide you:

Choose Your New Dog Carefully 

You should consider choosing a breed that is similar to that of your current dog, as this increases the likelihood of them coexisting peacefully. You should also consider similarities in temperaments before choosing a dog. If you have a more dominating alpha dog, you should probably not choose another equally dominating dog as this could lead to some unwanted clashes.      

Different Genders

Two dogs of the same sex will probably get along fine in most cases, however you can always be on the safe side and get two different genders. This increases the probability of them getting along and prevents any kind of unhealthy rivalry they may have. It would be ideal if your dog can meet the new one before you bring them home to make sure they would be a good fit for each other.

Introduce Both Dogs on Neutral Grounds 

When you want to introduce your dogs to each other, do it at a park or outside the home in more of a communal area. You don’t want your dog to get upset when a stranger starts sniffing and playing with their toys.

Supervision

For the first few weeks after bringing Bo home, they should not be left in the company of each other unsupervised. This is to prevent an injury in the case of a disagreement between them.   

Reduce Rivalry

You can do this by providing separate food dishes, water bowls, toys and crates. Providing separate spaces for the dogs during mealtimes could also help. Finally, ensure that you still take out quality time to spend with Ajax so he doesn’t feel left out.      

Purebred or Designer Breed?

Now it’s time to choose a new pup! Should you choose a purebred or designer breed? Here is some necessary information to help:

Purebreds

A purebred dog is one who comes from a long generation of the same breed, that is, its parents, grandparents, and great grandparents are all of the same breed. 

A typical purebred will have qualities that trace back to its ancestors because only dogs that meet the set standard are breeded. 

If you are getting a purebred, ensure that you see real documents that confirm that it is truly a purebred. 

Pros 

Predictability

Many people prefer getting purebreds because with them, you know exactly what you are getting. 

You know your dog’s expected size, its temperament, its medical needs, and so many other things.

Compete in Shows

 Only purebreds are allowed to compete in dog shows, and so if you would like yours to be in one of these competitions, you should go for a purebred.

Cons

Genetic Defects

Some purebred dogs could inherit the genetic defects of their specific breed. 

Designer Breeds

A designer breed, also called a hybrid, is an offspring of two purebreds. 

The parents of a designer breed are usually deliberately bred to produce pups with particular qualities. 

However, there is no assurance that any two pups would come out the same. They could differ in size, color, health, temperament, etc. 

Pros 

Variety

So many hybrid combinations exist, which means that there is a hybrid dog for every taste. 

These dogs can be bred to fit any criteria as regards size, temperament, health and many others.

Shed Weaknesses

Some designer breeds are created free of some weaknesses or limiting factors of their purebred parents. 

They also might not inherit genetic flaws. 

Cons

Uncertainty

There are no assurances that an offspring will take some particular desired traits and leave some. This leaves owners unsure of what to expect from their dog. 

In the end, there are no better dogs or worse dogs. There is a mix and breed for every taste and lifestyle out there, so it all boils down to your needs and wants in a dog.  

A New Puppy For The New Year

Yay! It’s the new year! Many people have their new year resolutions outlined and are already putting them into effect. 

For some, one of these resolutions is to get a new fur baby at the beginning of the year.

Just like any other parenting, puppy parenting can be somewhat overwhelming but fun overall. 

There are a lot of things for both of you to learn and you have to get started on your part before bringing your cuddly fur baby home. 

Here are a few things to note when getting a new puppy:

Your Schedule

Puppies are fun to be with however, they require a lot of care and attention in their first few months. You’ll have to feed Max two to three times daily. 

In addition, you would have to take him on walks and get him socialized later on. 

You have to factor all of these into your schedule. This phase may be tasking, but it’s definitely rewarding for any new puppy owner.

Bonding Time

The first few months of Max’s life are the perfect time to bond with him and get to know him. There’s a lot that you can learn about him just by spending time with him. 

You can learn about your playful puppy’s personality, temperament, tastes, and intelligence. 

Everyone loves puppy breath and you’ll definitely be getting a lot of that in your face along with licks of gratitude.

Training

It is essential to start training your dog early. At this young age, Max is ready to learn. All he’s waiting for is for you to work with him as soon as you can. 

Training provides tremendous benefits to continued good behavior both inside your home and in public. 

You can teach your Max basic obedience and then step up to potty training, chew training, and crate training.

Small, Medium, or Large Breed Dog?

The resolution to have a dog should come after a phase of thorough decision making, careful planning, and the assurance that you have the necessary means to make your pet comfortable and happy. 

One major thing to decide upon before finally going to the pet store is the size of the dog that you want. Size is important because it determines a lot of things, such as how much food your dog will consume, how easy it would be to transport them from place to place, and how much space they will need. 

Here are a number of factors to put into consideration when determining what breed of dog to get with respect to size:

Family

The size of your family, as well as the age range of the members of your family, go a long way in determining what kind of dog to get. For example, if you have little kids, you should get small dogs, such as a Dachshund or a Papillon. If you have teenagers, you might want to consider getting a much larger dog, such as a Boxer. 

Indoor and Outdoor Space

You should consider the amount of space you have within and without your house while getting a dog. Smaller dogs can live comfortably within apartments with little outdoor space, however, bigger houses might be better for bigger dogs as they need lots of space. 

Lifestyle

What exactly do you want from your dog? Do you need a cuddle buddy -Chihuahua or Pug- or perhaps, a security dog -Bullmastiff or Rottweiler? Your pet needs should influence the size of the dog you get. 

Maintenance Costs

This is probably the most important factor to consider. Expenses on food and treats, leash and harness, crate, and medicals are more expensive for larger dogs than they are for smaller dogs. If your monthly income is not exactly huge, you might want to get a smaller dog to avoid getting overwhelmed by costs. 

On a final note, you should keep in mind that the size of a dog does not dictate its personality. There are small dogs that are full of energy, and large dogs that are just big couch potatoes. Either way, ensure you opt for a breed size that works just great for you!

Are You Getting a New Puppy This Year?

Choosing a pet eventually boils down to various factors such as upkeep requirements and space available, amongst others. These factors are of vital importance in the selection process, so, here are the major ones in detail:

Breed Type
Each breed comes with a unique set of characteristics such as size, temperament, intelligence, and general behavioral features.

Broadly, breeds may be classified as Designer breeds, Pure breeds, Small breeds, Medium, and Large breeds. To determine which is best for you, evaluating your needs and using that as a guide is ideal.

Upkeep Requirements
Some breeds require more frequent grooming than others. Some are high-energy and would need to be frequently exercised.

Others may need special foods kept out of their diets. These are all factors you should consider before choosing a new puppy.

Space Available
This factor mainly plays into the eventual adult size of the dog. If yours is a rural farmhouse with lots of space, you could opt for a large breed or one with lots of energy.

On the flip side, living in a metropolis, perhaps an apartment building, might require a considerably smaller breed size with low energy requirements. Designer breeds and small breeds could be a good call here.

General Needs
In addition to routine visits, how often would the puppy need to see the vet? What are their nutritional requirements? Does the breed require lots of physical attention? These are questions that fall into the general needs of the pup, and one you should consider closely. The idea is to opt for a breed that you can take adequate care of.

Dogs come in various breeds, sizes, colors, temperaments, and have various maintenance requirements. Ensure to go for one that suits your lifestyle perfectly.

Winter is the Siberian Husky’s Favorite Season

The Siberian Husky is one of the most beloved dog breeds in the US. This comes as no surprise as they boast a lot of great qualities. This article highlights important and interesting facts about this exquisite breed.

History
The Siberian Husky’s origin can be traced to the Chukchi people of the Chukchi Peninsula located in eastern Siberia. They bear no relation to wolves.

In 1908, they were brought to Nome, Alaska to be used as sled dogs. The breed evolved and was developed to be used in sled dog racing. Over the years, they have evolved into beloved household pets.

Snow & Winter
The Husky loves snow and winter generally, and the white background makes for a picturesque one for Husky photography. They are biologically adapted to cold and can tolerate cold temperatures as low as -75°F (-59°C).

Coat
Siberian huskies feature what is referred to as a double coat. They have a top coat and an undercoat. This serves to keep them insulated or cool, as needed. The overcoat is long and water-resistant, while the undercoat is shorter and warm.

Colors
The most common coat colors of the Siberian Husky include the following:

  • White
  • Black
  • Gray & White
  • Sable & White
  • Black & Tan
  • Silver-gray
  • Black & White
  • Grey
  • Red & White

Some huskies may feature some other colors, but those are quite rare. They also have spectacular eye colors.

Huskies have a common base eye color of brown. However, all Husky pups are born with blue eyes. This remains until they are about 1-2 months old, after which you can tell which would turn brown and which would remain lighter.

Some pups experience heterochromia which makes their eyes bi-colored or parti-colored. Some huskies also have green eyes which are pretty rare. Huskies are an interesting breed indeed; they are very playful, adorable, and make for great pets.

Top 5 Designer Breed Puppies for 2022

Designer breed puppies are taking the internet and in turn, households by storm for a range of reasons.

Top on these is the fact that they are bred from crossing two purebred dogs to retain some specific desired characteristics. In other words, these breeds are the elite. So, here are the top 5 designer breed puppies for 2022:

Teddy Bear (Shih Tzu x Bichon Frise mix)
With their round eyes, hanging ears, black, white, and brown colors alongside curly hair, you could mistake them for an actual teddy bear. The Teddy Bear is super cute, always ready for playtime, and is hypoallergenic.

Goldendoodle
This breed is quite popular owing to their adorable look and intelligence. They are after all a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. The Goldendoodle teems with energy and is known to be thoroughly loyal.

Bichon Poo (Bichon Frise x Miniature Poodle mix)
These pups are small, happy, and super smart. They basically took the best qualities from both parents. The Bichon Poo are low-shedding, cuddly, playful, and while they might bark excessively, you can always nip that in the bud.

Pomsky (Siberian Husky x Pomeranian mix)
This breed boasts a whole lot of energy and loves to play. They have an independent nature, so you might spend some extra time training. However, the Pomsky’s lovable nature and cute size make the extra worth it.

Cavachon (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel x Bichon Frise mix)
This is one playful breed! They are characterized by their friendliness, loyalty, and intelligence. The Cavachon aims to please, and take to training easy. To keep them happy, moderate grooming and exercise does it.

You know what they say about good things coming in small packages, this defines most designer breed puppies.

Treats, Toys, or Both For Christmas?

Deck the halls with treats and toys! Santa Paws is around the corner with his sack of gifts and your puppy has stayed off Santa’s naughty list. You are looking forward to sharing the festive spirit with Lucy but you have no idea what exactly to get her for Christmas. Does she want treats or does she want toys?

You can never go wrong with toys. Toys keep your puppy busy and playful while taking her attention off some other things.

Self-amusement toys
These are more durable toys your Lucy can play with while she’s alone. You can get bone-shaped chew toys.

Training toys
These are toys that help with teething and help your puppy know what is okay to chew on. This includes chewing toys and balls.

Comfort toys
These toys are typically plush items your puppy bonds with. This includes stuffies Lucy can snuggle with.

Interactive toys
These toys help build and strengthen the bond between you and your puppy. A tug rope, a pacific loop, or frisbee fit into this category perfectly.

Treats
No doubt, aside from toys, Lucy deserves special treats for Christmas. After all, Christmas is the season of giving and no one is more appreciative than she is. You indulge in a lot of goodies that can’t be shared with your puppy. Instead, treat your puppy to a stocking full of treats for Christmas.

To start with, you can get your puppy different treats. These include dental treats to keep your puppy’s pearly whites in the best shape, training treats, bones, and fake bones.
As an excellent puppy parent, you should not just get just toys or just treats for your puppy. Find a good mix of toys and treats instead!

Here Is Your Puppy “DO NOT EAT” List For The Holidays

Christmas time is a time to indulge. It’s expected that you want to spoil your puppy too with some extra treats during this period. 

However, most of the foods you enjoy eating during Christmas aren’t necessarily good for your canine buddy. You need to be extra careful because this period can bring along extra dangers you need to look out for. 

Here’s your puppy’s “DO NOT EAT” list for the holidays.

  • Chocolate

Chocolate is a common treat for many during the holidays. However, chocolate is poisonous to dogs. Ensure you keep it completely out of your puppy’s sight and reach.

  • Onions

Onions are commonly used in Christmas stuffings. It contains thiosulphate, a substance harmful to dogs. Ensure you avoid onions in your puppy’s diet. 

  • Grapes

Grapes can be highly toxic to dogs and just one or two, if consumed, could turn out fatal. Make sure you keep them away.

  • Raisins

Just like grapes, raisins can be highly toxic to dogs. Stay vigilant so your puppy does not eat any treats containing raisins.

  • Granulated Sugar

Sugar is generally bad for dogs and is unhealthy. Sweeteners like xylitol, common in peanut butter, are also dangerous to your puppy’s health.

  • Raw Potato

Raw and green potatoes contain solanine in their skin which can cause poisoning.

  • Garlic 

Garlic belongs to the same family as onions, leeks, and chives and is equally toxic to dogs.

  • Avocado

Avocados make a nice addition to human dishes but can be fatal for dogs because of a toxin called persin.

  • Macadamia Nuts

Sweet macadamia nuts are a common snack during Christmas. They can however be dangerous for your canine buddy.

  • Caffeine & alcohol

Leaving cups of alcohol, tea, or coffee around with dogs in the house is never a good idea. Dogs are sensitive to alcohol and caffeine in coffee and other drinks.

Accessorizing Your Dog for the Holidays

Playing dress up with your pup can be so much more fun than you can imagine. This is because there’s such a wide range of clothes and accessories to explore. Jackets, shirts, bows, scarves, sweaters, leashes, tags, designer handbags! There’s so much that the ideas just keep flowing.

If you’re looking to dress your pup up and turn Ruby into a fashion icon, here are some pretty remarkable ways to go about this:
Matching Outfits
Do you think you have a pretty epic fashion sense? Then perhaps dressing your pup to match your outfit isn’t such a bad idea. This is definitely one that would turn heads.

‘Cool’ Get-Ups
Sunglasses, bandanas, dog booties, floral shirts, bow ties, if dogs could vote, your pup would definitely cart away the top dresser of the year award. In addition, outfits and accessories like this look awesome in pictures!

Matching Kids’ Bows and Dogs’ Bows
It’s not uncommon to see parents dress both pups and kids in matching bows. They’re both such sweet babies after all, and they do look absolutely adorable.

Designer and Blings!
Who says only humans get to wear designer clothing and expensive jewelry? You can get designer clothes and bags custom made for your fur baby. You could also take it a step further, investing in a nice necklace suitable for your pup.

Jackets, Sweaters, and Scarves
Winter is coming! How best to keep your pup warm outdoors than by opting for clothing options that are practical, yet fashionableInvesting in some cuddly and fashion forward sweaters, jackets and scarves make for Ruby looking like an elegant lady.

Beyond looking great, always ensure that your pup is totally comfortable in any outfit or accessories. This is primary.