by admin | Sep 8, 2019 | Cat
A cat tree is not just another extravagant piece of indoor decoration; it is actually quite a beneficial addition for your cat. Unlike humans who live in a horizontal world, the world of cats revolves around everything vertical. They depend on elevated areas for fun, exercise, comfort, and safety. If you have had experience in retrieving your cat from the top of your refrigerator, you will know how much your kitty enjoys being perched on the tallest structure of your room.
Some major benefits of owning a cat tree for your kittens or cats are:
Builds a great environment for multiple cats
While it is hard to believe but is very true; peace among multiple cats can only be done in a vertical way. The alpha cat will lay claim to the highest point of the cat tree to put on a show of dominance whereas the other felines will have to physically confront them to display higher rank. While this might be seen as violence between your pets, this behavior is actually quite healthy among cats. Additionally, cat trees will prevent physical fights between your felines.
Easier to share a cat tree
If you are an owner of more than two cats, you will be happy with the purchase. Since your cats will be able to share the same space while maintaining the hierarchical system, your pets will not have to share window ledges without getting into a fight. Cat trees will your cats perch on various platforms and they will be able to enjoy the scenery outside while keeping their statuses intact.
Used as a scratching post
Most cat owners will relate to the fact that cats scratching on your decorative furniture and sofa sets can be quite irritating. Cat trees have often been used for more than just a perch for your felines; it can also be used as a scratching post. Most cat trees in the market today will either have sisal covering (a type of rope covering) or could be made of bare wood. At times, you can also wrap your old carpet around the structure. However, you need to make sure that the covering material is not treated with harmful chemicals.
Can increase the territory of your cat
The higher your cat’s perch, the most powerful and confident your pet feels. With the help of a cat tree, you will be able to provide a space to go when your cat feels threatened or does not want to interact with anyone. In cases of owners with both cats and dogs, they will have to teach their pooches that cat trees are off-limits. A cat tree will offer peace of mind to your pet.
A cat tree will give your feline friend a beautiful place to sleep and play. But there are a lot of different types of cat trees in the market, so you need to choose one that will fit the size of your house and your budget. For owners with a single cat, you will be better off with a cat tree with a single or double perch, while owners with several cats should go for cat trees with multiple perches.
by admin | Sep 4, 2019 | dog grooming, Training collar
Collars are worn by pets, especially by dogs, for identification, walking training, or even fashion. You will find a lot of varieties of dog collars for everyday use. These collars consist of quick-release clasps that are available in many different styles, colors, and materials. With the right dog collar, you will be able to showcase your pooch’s personality and style. Here are some different types of commonly-found dog collars in the market:
Flat collars
This type of collar is a standard collar that has a plastic snap or buckle closure and a ring attached for a leash or identification tags. Flat collars are available in many different designs and colors and should fit comfortably around your pet’s neck. You need to purchase flat collars that are neither too tight nor loose. The golden rule is that you should be able to get two fingers underneath the collar.
Martingale collars
Also known as a limited-slip collar, martingale collars are designed for dogs with narrow heads and necklines like whippets or greyhounds. The main idea behind this collar is to prevent your dog from slipping out of it. The collar is made of a length of material that is fitted with a metal ring on both ends. A separate loop of material passes through the two rings and tightens around the neck if your pet tries to back out of it. You need to adjust it properly so that the tightening will not choke your pooch.
Choke chain
As the name suggests, choke collars are made of metal links and can tighten around your dog’s neck. However, the tightening cannot be controlled, so there is a possibility to strangle or choke your dog. This collar sits up high on your dog’s neck and precisely behind the years. Choke collars are used mainly for training dogs or prevent bad habits. But, you need to consult an experienced trainer to learn how to fit and use the collar on your dog. This collar should never be used as a regular collar.
Shock collars
This is another type of collar used by dog trainers to train their pets. An electric current passes through the metal contact points that will give your pooch a signal. This signal can range from a mild tickling sensation to a painful shock. Apart from being used as training devices, they are also used for pet containment. The shock can be administered via remote control and is preceded by a tone to warn the dog that they are about to get shocked.
Elizabethan collar
Also commonly known as the E-collar, the Elizabethan collar is a wide cone-shaped collar that is used to prevent your pooch from scratching or licking its wounds while the healing process is going on. This collar has loops or tabs so that they can be attached to regular collars and are available in many different sizes for all types of dog breeds. Your pet will not face any problem in other daily activities like walking, drinking, eating, etc.
You can say a lot about a dog’s personality by its collar. Apart from the above, there are a lot more different types of collars that you can explore for your best friend.
by admin | Sep 4, 2019 | Uncategorised
Every dog is different, just like humans. This is why every dog has different nutritional requirements. In order to keep your dog healthy, you must choose healthy dog food. This means when you decide the type of dog food, you must consider the size and age of your dog with many other things. Below we have listed some points that can aid you in choosing good quality dog food.
- The dog food should be nutritious
First of all, the dog food you choose must have a lot of nutrients, including proteins, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This will make your dog happy and healthy. Protein is the most vital ingredient in dog food. It should definitely be present in the dog food you choose.
The dog food can also have real meat products, such as liver meat and heart meat, or you can include several proteins in your dog’s diet. Carbohydrates are also crucial for your dog’s diet. They are found in products like barley, corn, wheat, oats, green vegetables such as broccoli and spinach, etc.
- Check out the food label
When you buy commercial dog food, make sure you read the food label on the packaging. The label will inform you if the dog food brand you’re choosing is healthy or not. You must look at the ingredients to find familiar ones, such as some type of grains and meat.
If the dog food has several byproducts, then it might not be that much healthy for your dog. Make sure you avoid dog foods that use a lot of preservatives as well as those that don’t have the type of meat in their list of ingredients.
- Search for the AAFCO stamp
Dog foods that are stamped by AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) have an honest label than others. This organization controls the guidelines for labeling dog foods. An AAFCO label shows that you’re buying a good quality dog food with no hidden ingredients. However, the label is not a guarantee or is not foolproof that the dog food is healthy. You must read the list of ingredients given on the packaging, consult your vet, and look at the online reviews before purchasing particular dog food.
- Know your dog’s age
You must choose a dog food type as per the age of your dog. For instance, if you have a puppy, you must buy a puppy chow and if you have an older dog, then you must buy dog food that is specially made for senior dogs. This is because dogs of these ages have particular dietary requirements that can’t be fulfilled with standard dog foods.
If you have a puppy, you should feed it a mixture of dry and wet food. Plus, the food should have 25% to 30% protein. And, if you own an older dog, you should consult your vet before starting a senior diet. Big breed dogs require senior diet a bit early than other dogs.
So, these are some of the tips for selecting healthy commercial food for your dog. You should keep these considerations in mind before buying dog food. Feeding your dog with a good, balanced, and complete dog food will keep your dog strong and healthy.
by admin | Sep 4, 2019 | dog grooming
Brushing your pooch’s teeth might not be easy, but it is a very important part of a dog’s grooming routine. Oral health of dogs is often overlooked by many dog parents. By participating pro-actively to your pet’s dental health, you will help your dog fight off several common dental issues like bad breath and periodontal diseases. Here are some important benefits of brushing your dog’s teeth:
- Preventing tartar and plaque buildup
The top benefit of brushing your dog’s teeth is preventing the buildup of plaque and tartar. Similar to humans, brushing the teeth of your dogs will prevent dental problems. Most of these dental problems happen due to this buildup. Plaque is sticky substances that stay behind in your pooch’s teeth after eating. As these substances accumulate, they harden and turns into tartar. Over time, this tartar buildup leads to periodontal diseases, causing several dental issues like tooth loss, infection, gum swelling, etc.
- Freshening your dog’s breath
Most people love puppy breaths. But when it comes to adults, it can be a different story altogether. Some dogs have very bad breath, which can be caused by gum and dental diseases. By brushing your pooch’s teeth daily, you will be able to keep their breath smelling fresh. Additionally, if your dog has extremely bad breath or you notice a change in the smell, it is recommended that you consult your local veterinarian.
- Preventing other health problems
When it comes to maintaining the health of our dogs, dental health is not necessary the first thing that comes into our minds. But it is an important part of their well-being and ignoring the health of their teeth and gums and lead to many other health problems. For instance, if a minor gum inflammation is left untreated, it can cause bone destruction and other serious tissue problems. Several health problems like liver abscesses, bone infections, and sepsis are a result of untreated dental problems.
- Spotting dental issues early
As a pet owner, you would know about your dog the best and you will notice if there is some sort of irregularity in its behavior. Periodontal problems can be treated and prevented when caught early. You will be able to spot and notice any changes in your dog’s mouth while brushing its teeth. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, you will be able to prevent the problem before it gets serious.
- Preventing dental problems can save a lot of money
While it is understood that brushing your pooch’s teeth is not exactly a fun activity, it can save you a lot of money in the long run. By brushing your pet’s teeth daily, you will be able to detect and prevent dental issues before they get out of hand. If not treated in time, these issues can cause major health problems that will cost you a lot of money. Additionally, the costs related to treating periodontal problems can be quite an expensive affair itself.
With the help of a top-grade dog toothbrush and toothpaste, you will be able to take care of your pooch’s dental health before it escalates. Dogs are good at hiding their pain, so you have to take steps to ensure that the dental health of your pooch remains in top condition.
by admin | Sep 4, 2019 | Cat
Cats are fascinating creatures to have as pets. They are highly independent and require little effort on the part of their owners. Although they sometimes play with their human companions, most of the times they will find ways to spend time alone.
If you own a cat, it is essential that you keep a few cat toys around that can encourage the cat to play and maintain its health. In this article, we look at some of the benefits of having cat toys and why they are so important to your cat’s well-being.
- Simulates a healthy hunting experience
Cats are carnivorous predators that have a great drive for hunting. Having toys for your cats to play with can be an enriching experience for them. Since their owners take care of their food and they don’t need to hunt, toys can satisfy their urge to engage in hunting experience that is safe and healthy. Playing with cat toys hones their hunting skills and releases some of the aggression. It also is a great way for the cat to maintain its bodily rhythms as it provides them with much needed exercise.
- Keeps their body healthy
Cat owners who provide their pets with toys can witness a rise in their health and well-being. By playing with toys they are able to build muscle tone. There are a wide variety of toys available like cat tunnels and cat posts that can be beneficial to their claws. Outdoor cats are able to maintain the wear and tear of their claws by scratching them on rugged surfaces. Indoor cats are not always able to do so. For this reason, cat toys are essential to maintain the general wear and tear of your cat’s claws.
Additionally, encouraging cats to play with toys can improve circulation of blood in their bodies that will directly improve their bodily mechanism. This in turn will be reflected in their overall health as your cat will be energetic and playful.
- Provides mental stimulation
Cats are naturally curious and require some form of entertainment or challenge on a daily basis. If they do not get any stimulation, they can quickly become bored and lethargic. While you’re away from home, cat toys can keep them entertained and mentally active which keeps boredom and depression at bay. If there aren’t enough things in your house for the cat to play with, they can become stressed as well. Cats that are stressed can develop many behavioral problems like urine-spraying, howling, aggression, etc.
An outlet is necessary to keep your cat healthy and anxiety-free. Regular play can ensure that your cat remains mentally unstressed and physically agile. Playing with your cat can also increase bonding between you and your cat. This will lower your cat’s stress levels and yours as well.
These are some of the benefits of having cat toys around for your cat to play with. Ultimately, a physically and mentally healthy cat will not only be fun to have around, but it will also ensure that your cat is happy to stay with you.
