As a dog owner, it's essential to keep your pup safe while driving. Many people travel with their dogs, whether for a day at the park or on vacation with family.
If you are a pet owner, you probably know how hard it can be to leave your fur babies behind when you leave town. Going on vacation should be fun, but it can cause a lot of anxiety for many pet lovers. In the past, you may have resorted to boarding your pets at your veterinarian or kennel, or maybe even left them with a reliable neighbor or family member. And while these may be good options in a pinch, they aren’t necessarily the best. And that’s because your pet is happiest, and feels the safest, when they are in your home where the surroundings are calm and familiar. Plus, keeping your dog or cat at home means keeping them away from other animals who may spread disease. Pet Caring Services are the Best Option You can hire a professional pet caring service to come into your home once, twice or even three times a day to feed your pets, walk your dog, clean litter boxes, give medications etc. For many pet owners and their beloved fur babies, this is absolutely the best option. But how do you go about finding and selecting the right pet sitting services? One that is not only trustworthy, capable, and highly experienced, but also kind, compassionate and loving toward your fur babies. The following are some important guidelines that will help you on your quest for finding the right pet caring services near you. Ask for a Referral If you were looking for a doctor or dentist, you wouldn’t just pick someone willy-nilly, you’d ask your friends and family, or anyone you trusted, if they could refer you to someone they deemed qualified. Well then why choose pet sitters any differently to take care of your precious pets. Along with friends and family, ask your vet, pet groomers, and people at your local pet supplies store for a qualified referral. Understand Exactly What the Pet Sitter offers Not all pet care providers offer the same services, so it is important to understand what you need so you can find the best match. Here are some things to look for: · A pet sitter that is trained on Pet CPR and first aid. · Someone with a business license and is insured and bonded. · A professional will be happy to give you a list of client references. · Reliable pet services also will have an agreement or contract that will include terms of payment, cancellation, a veterinary release form and emergency contact information. Check Out Reviews and References It’s important to follow-up and actually get on the phone with the references provided. Ask these former or current clients for honest feedback. Did the pet sitter do everything they said they would? Were they easy to get in touch with? Did they provide updates (and maybe even photos or videos) while the people were away? You will also want to look through the providers website for any reviews or testimonials. The more honest feedback you can get from others the more confident you will feel leaving your babies in the pet sitter’s care. Create a Shortlist of Potential Candidates Once you have completed your research, it’s time to select three to five possible pet care candidates. Contact them and set up a time for interviews. Your goal with these interviews is to not only establish their expertise and credibility, but to also see who you have a rapport with and who makes you feel the most comfortable. If you aren’t sure what questions to ask, here are some to get you started: · How long have they been pet sitting? · Do they have any professional training or credentials? · How would they handle an emergency situation? · What exact services do they provide? · How much do they charge? · Can they handle your pet’s specific needs? You will want to give specifics here of any medical needs your pet has, their exact routines and what your pet does and does not like. Gauge the sitter’s receptiveness to these requirements. · Why did they decide to become a pet sitter? · What types of pets do they have experience with? · Do they themselves have pets? · Are they licensed and insured? · How long will they spend at your home for each visit? · Do they know pet CPR? · Will they return calls and emails in a timely manner if you ask for updates? · Will they be the only person taking care of your pet? The goal with this interview is to shortlist your initial shortlist so you have just two or three candidates that seem like they might be a good fit. Set Up a Meeting With Your Pet This is a really important step. Just because you think you found someone that is qualified doesn’t mean your dog(s) or cat(s) will feel comfortable with them. Invite each candidate over to your home so they can spend some time with your fur baby. Watch how they interact with one another. If you have a dog who will need walking, it would be a great idea to have the potential sitter take your dog for a walk so you can see how he or she will handle them. If your dog or cat requires medications, watch how the potential pet sitter gives those medications. If your dog will require grooming, allow the candidate to groom your furball and see how gentle and capable they are. Your dog or cat won’t be shy about showing exactly what they think and feel about each candidate, so be sure not to skip this step! Request Updates Once you choose the pet sitter you feel most comfortable with, your job is not over. You will want to be sure that you request frequent updates while you are gone. You’ll want reports, photos and activity logs. If you really want to have peace of mind, you may want to install a camera so you can check in on things yourself while you are away. Leaving your fur baby while you are out of town is never easy and can cause you and them to be anxious. But if you do your homework and take these steps, you can be sure you will find a pet caring service that will give you peace of mind. Need Even MORE Peace of Mind? No matter if you’ve taken these steps and chosen a wonderfully qualified person to look after your fur baby, accidents happen, and they can happen while you’re away. Should your pet sitter have to take your pet to the emergency clinic or your local vet, you are the one who will be stuck with the bill. And these bills can add up fast! Protect your pets and your wallet with a pet insurance plan that guarantees the best veterinary care without breaking your bank account. Some pet health insurance plans can even reimburse you for up to 90% of your veterinary costs. At Pet Insurance Review, we are committed to bringing you the best policies from the top pet insurance providers in the country. Simply get a free quote now, and let us do the rest! References: 1. Aaron, M. Dog Sick After Boarding: What Dogs Catch from Kennels?. Retrieved from: https://doggysaurus.com/dog-sick-after-boarding-kennels/ 2. Benefits of Using a Pet Sitter. Retrieved from: https://petsitters.org/page/BenefitsUsingPetSitter 3. Pet CPR Retrieved from: https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/cpr/performing-cpr/pet-cpr
There is nothing quite so exciting as bringing home a new puppy! But it’s incredibly important that you make sure to get your home ready for the new arrival. If you’ve never had a puppy before, or it’s been a while, the following essential puppy supplies will ensure your new furry bundle of joy will be happy, healthy and safe! New Puppy Essentials Checklist This is a general puppy checklist. Keep in mind certain breeds may have specialized needs. Puppy owners should always check with the breeder or your veterinarian for advice on what you may need. Dog Toys Puppies are a bit like human babies in that, when they are teething, they need to chew on things. Since you don’t want puppy teeth chewing on your arm or your sofa, you’ll want to get a variety of textured toys for teething puppies. There are other toys that can help your new pup feel calm and relaxed. Remember, they will have just been taken from their mother and litter mates, and they may feel nervous and unsure. Look for a plush toy that includes a heat pad and the sound of a heartbeat to help your puppy sleep at night. Dog Crate No puppy checklist would be complete without a dog crate. But not everyone understands the benefits of crate training. 1 Some people feel guilty for putting their puppy in a crate at certain hours of the day. But puppies feel safe and secure when they are in an enclosed space. In fact, dogs instinctively look for small spaces, or dens, to hunker down in. Crating your dog at night is also a great way to keep them from wandering around your house and getting into things they shouldn’t! Of course, you should absolutely make their crate cozy and comfortable with blankets and toys. Dog Bed What’s even better than blankets is getting your puppy a new dog bed of his or her very own. Dogs love to nest and feel cozy, especially at this very young age. Go for a bed that has a zipper cover that comes off and can be tossed in the washer and dryer. Leash and Harness You’ll want to begin leash training your puppy right away. 2 You’ll also want to be certain that the harness is nice and snug without being too tight and painful. As for leashes, you may want to start off with a short one. As your puppy matures and you want to teach him or her “loose-leash” walking, you can get a longer one. Collar There certainly are a plethora of dog collars on the market today. Some are plain and some are very fancy. We suggest opting for a collar that is lightweight for your pup. And don’t forget, unless they are a very small breed, your dog will outgrow this collar in no time, so you may want to get a simple nylon buckle collar to start out. Nametag You’ll absolutely want to be sure that there is a nametag attached to the new collar. This tag should include your puppy’s name and your telephone number. You can either get your tag at your local pet store. Many have those pet tag machines that will inscribe tags within seconds. There are also many companies online that offer nicer-looking and sturdier tags. We also recommend getting your puppy microchipped in case he or she ever gets off leash and their collar slips off. 3 If you are adopting your new puppy from a shelter, check and see if they include microchipping in with the adoption fee. Puppy Food You should always speak with your veterinarian about the right kind of puppy food to give your dog when they first come home. Puppies have different caloric and protein needs than older dogs4, and it’s important to meet these needs with a premium puppy food. Dog foods come in dry, wet canned foods, and also fresh foods. Look for dog foods that don’t have unnecessary fillers (corn, soy, etc.) and see what their history is as far as food recalls. You want a company with a good track record of safety. Dog Bowls A couple of stainless steel bowls (one for water – one for food) are all that you really need. Depending on how tall your puppy is, and how tall they are expected to get, you may want to get a set of raised bowls. Stain & Odor Remover Puppies are adorable. But you can also expect that this adorable fluff ball will have plenty of accidents inside, even if you are sticking to a strict potty training schedule. It’s not their fault, just as it’s not a baby’s fault for not being able to control their pee or poop. You’ll definitely want to stock up on some enzymatic cleaners that will really help get the stains and odors out of your rugs and furniture. You may also want to speak with a local dog trainer to get some potty training ideas. Pet Health Insurance You will love your new puppy and do absolutely everything possible to make sure they stay safe and healthy. But accidents happen and dogs, even young ones, can get sick. This can sometimes require a sudden trip to the animal emergency clinic or multiple trips to the vet – or both! And that can cost a lot of money. It’s a really good idea to get a pet health insurance plan as soon as you bring your new pup home. This plan will ensure that you give your new fur baby the absolute best care that they need without having to tap into your savings. If you do your homework and shop around, you might even be able to find an insurance provider that will reimburse you for up to 90% of your vet bills! Bringing a new puppy home is incredibly exciting. Just be sure that you go out and get the puppy essentials we’ve listed so you can enjoy your new fur baby! We’ve Done Your Homework for You! What would you rather do, go outside and play with your new puppy or spend hours online searching for a great pet health insurance plan? We had an idea you’d say that so we’ve done your homework for you and saved you the time. Pet Insurance Review researches and finds the absolute best insurance policies on the market today from the top providers. Take a moment to get a free quote now, and let us do the rest! References: 1. Arford, K. (2019), Crate Training Benefits: Why A Crate Is Great for You and Your Dog. Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/why-crate-training-is-great-for-your-dog/ 2. Donovan, L. (2019), How to Teach a Puppy to Walk on a Leash. Retrieved from: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/teach-puppy-walk-leash/ 3. Wooten, S. DVM (2019), 3 Reasons to Microchip Your Dog Today. Retrieved from: https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/3-reasons-microchip-your-dog-today 4. Basic Calorie Calculator for Dogs and Cats, Ohio State University, Retrieved from: https://vet.osu.edu/vmc/companion/our-services/nutrition-support-service/basic-calorie-calculator
So you’re thinking about becoming a dog owner for the very first time? Congratulations! You’re about to see how awesome life is when you share it with a dog. Oh, and you’re about to find out what it’s like to share your bed and the last bite of that delicious sandwich with your dog, too! While being a dog owner is incredibly exciting and rewarding, it can also be challenging depending on how much experience you have with dogs or different dog breeds. Before you bring home that new puppy from the breeder or that new older dog from the local shelter, there are definitely some things you want to consider to ensure you get make the absolute best choice for you AND the dog. Why First Time Dog Owners Should Look at Breed Characteristics Ideally you want a dog that is going to have some things in common with you. This will help them fit easily into your lifestyle. For instance, if you are someone that enjoys streaming Netflix on the couch all weekend, you don’t want a high-energy dog that requires a lot of attention. Similarly, if you would love a running or hiking companion, you don’t want a dog with short, little legs. You want a larger athletic dog. Something first time dog owners should consider is that older rescue dogs have already been house-trained and well-socialized. For a first time dog owner, this may be better than that adorable new puppy that requires potty training and a lot of attention. Just some things to keep in mind. And now without further ado, here are the 7 best popular dog breeds for first time owners: Bichon Frise If you’re looking for a lap dog that looks like a cotton ball and has a happy personality, look no further than the Bichon Frise. This little fluffball is great for families with children or apartment living. Bichons are very easy to train and only require moderate exercise each day to be happy and healthy. Having said that, you will need to set aside time and money each month to get your pup groomed because their curly hair can get unruly if not trimmed often. Boxer Who can resist that face or that muscular body? And the fact that the face and body are attached to an absolute goofball of a personality that seems to love nothing more than to make you laugh. Well, it doesn’t get better than that. Boxers are high-energy dogs and they really do need an active lifestyle. So if you love to go on long walks or hike, this is a great dog for you. Young boxers can be a bit rowdy, but they are easily trainable. If you are interested in adopting an older boxer that is already house-trained, there are plenty of boxer rescue organizations in the country. Boxers make wonderful companions to people and children of all ages. They are loving, devoted and will happily guard your home. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel It’s hard not to look at a Cavalier King Charles spaniel and not go, “Awwww.” These sweet dogs are incredibly sweet and look like puppies for their entire lives. Cavaliers get along well with children of all ages and have very gentle demeanors. They do require moderate exercise each day, so if you want a companion to enjoy an after dinner stroll, you’ve found your match. Golden Retrievers When you think of the quintessential “family dog”, the golden retriever is usually the one that comes to mind. These dogs are, in fact, terrific for families because they are great with kids of all ages. Goldens grow to become medium-sized dogs that are happy-go-lucky and eager to please. This breed is also quite intelligent and requires a fair amount of exercise. If you're looking for an affectionate dog, look no further. Papillon The phrase “Never judge a book by its cover” is applicable when discussing the enigmatic papillon. Sure, this pup is diminutive in size, but not in personality. Papillons are little dogs, happy and friendly and get along well with children, as long as those children are gentle and not rambunctious. Papillons are also versatile in that they make great lapdogs but are happy to go for a walk on a moment’s notice. Poodle Poodles are one of the most popular dogs on the planet. If you’ve ever met one, you know why. This breed is incredibly intelligent. In fact, poodles are thought to be THE most intelligent breed of dog. Combine this intelligence with a lovely personality and a great way with kids and adults, and you’ve got a dog that will make a wonderful addition to the family. As an added bonus, poodles come in three sizes – toy, miniature and standard – so your new best friend can easily fit your home! Mixed Breed Dogs For many of us, our first dog, and sometimes the biggest love of our lives, was a mixed breed dog. We simply couldn’t leave mixed breed dogs off this list! There are so many dogs in shelters that will make wonderful companions, even for those who have never taken care of a dog before. Your best bet is to speak with the people at your local shelters and tell them about your family and your lifestyle. They will then be able to match you with an adorable “mutt” that has the right personality traits for you. Dogs bring so much joy and love into our homes and lives. And you never forget your first dog. If you’ve never owned a dog before, consider these breeds. Your New Dog Will Require Just the Right Care As a new dog owner, you’ll no doubt do everything you can to ensure that your pup is happy and healthy. But despite your best efforts, sometimes accidents happen or your pup may come down with an illness. At times like these, you want to know that you can get your best four-legged pal the absolute best medical care. But ER visits and multiple vet visits can sometimes cost a lot. And the last thing you need when you’re worried about your fur baby is the anxiety of not being able to pay the bill. Protect your dog – and your piggybank - with a pet insurance plan that guarantees the best veterinary care. A dog health insurance plan can reimburse you for up to 90% of your dog's veterinary costs. At Pet Insurance Review, we work hard to find only the best policies from the top insurance providers in the USA. Simply get a free quote now, and let us do the rest! References: * All dog breed information was gathered from the American Kennel Club website found at https://www.akc.org/
Pets provide us with love and companionship, and studies have shown that people who have pets live longer and healthier lives.