Tips for Newbie Pet Owners on Caring for Dogs

Dogs are a great companion for seniors, kids and practically people of all ages. If you’re new to pet ownership, it may seem a bit overwhelming. But even if it sometimes hard work, caring for a dog is SO worth it. Here are some tips for caring for dogs.

Prepare for Dog Hair. EVERYWHERE

It’s just part of being a dog owner. Dog hair gets everywhere. You get used to it. But there are also ways to cut down on the hairiness. Taking the bedding, throws, blankets and other household items to the local dry cleaners every so often is certainly a big help. But you could also invest in a special brush for your fur baby. Brushing a dog at least weekly will cut down on shedding. Long-haired breeds may need monthly trips to the groomer as well.

woman practising yoga with dog at her side. — Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

Check Out Local Dog Parks

Dogs go nuts with the hoops, hurdles and tunnels in dog parks. They are the perfect way to get them to work out some energy and socialize with other dogs. Most dog parks have certain requirements like registration, updated vaccination records, and a clean bill of health. Make sure you check your town’s community parks website for more information. They may require a special tag before entering.

Special Health Concerns

It’s common for some dogs to develop special health concerns like skin rashes or even GI issues. Sometimes your vet will prescribe meds that can be picked up at a pet compounding pharmacy. For skin concerns, you may want to try special shampoos for sensitive skin. These may have to be specially ordered online, but always check with your local pharmacy or pet store first. Never use products made for people on your dog.

Have Plenty of Safe Toys for the Puppy Stage

Puppies love to chew. It’s what they do. So it’s best to stock up on safe toys specially made for young dogs. Just like babies, dogs go through a teething stage. If they don’t have a toy to chew on, they’ll find something else, like your shoes or clothes. Most vets recommend a combination of soft and hard toys, so your dog will always have a safe option when they get the urge to chew.

With a little preparation and know-how, dog ownership can be lots of comfort and fun.

Dealing with Stress and Anxiety At Home Due to COVID-19

This is a tough time. COVID-19 has shifted our entire world. Things aren’t back to normal yet, and we have no idea when they will be. If you’re already prone to stress and anxiety, this time may be especially hard on you. Or it may be triggering your anxiety or depression. Know that you’re not alone. We’re all in this together. Don’t be afraid to get help, or speak with your therapist about new issues that are coming up due to the pandemic. In the meantime, I have a few ideas to take some of the stress out of everyday activities. Every little thing helps, especially now.

Don’t Worry Too Much About Home Chores

Since we’re home a lot more than usual, there could be some extra pressure to keep your home clean and tidy. But in reality a lot of people have a messy home right now! To take some pressure off, consider hiring a maid service, and taking your laundry to the dry cleaners nearby. They probably offer more services than you realize. If you care for your elderly parents or family members, now is a perfect time to consider hiring an in-home caregiver. Any service that can check some chores off your daily to-do list would be a huge help.

Herbal Remedies

There are plenty of natural remedies to help with anxiety. Herbal teas are always a great way to get a little downtime during the day. Even the ritual of making a cup of aromatic herbal tea and sitting somewhere quiet to drink can be a huge stress reliever. Remember, increased caffeine intake can actually increase anxiety symptoms, so look for caffeine-free teas. If the tea ain’t cutting it, consider some herbal supplements. I know that the pharmacy near me has a wide variety of natural stress and anxiety aids. Your pharmacy may do the same, too. Check them out and ask the pharmacist for suggestions while you’re there.

Don’t Forget About Your Pets

Animals can sense when things are off. If your schedule is different now, and your pet’s routines have changed as a result of the pandemic, they may be feeling some anxiety too. It wouldn’t hurt to check with your vet about possible antidepressants for dogs. Also, making a few extra trips to the dog park during the week can help both of you get some stress relief.

Remember, we’re all feeling the effects of the pandemic right now, and it’s important to take care of each other.

Winter Hazards for Our Pets

If we humans find snow and ice such an inconvenience, imagine how our furry companions feel! The rock salt that we spread all over the ground to help combat the slippery ice can actually wreak havoc on the sensitive little paws of our doggy friends. The salt can also be damaging to their noses, skin and even digestive systems if ingested. So how can we be more careful in the wintertime to protect our precious puppies?

Keep Your Pup’s Feet Dry

It’s a good idea to rinse or wipe your dog’s feet off if they’ve been walking in the salt and ice. But make sure to dry them afterward. Wetness behind your dog’s toes can lead to bacterial or yeast infections, so it’s essential to keep their feet dry after spending time outdoors. Golden retrievers and labs are prone to skin infections due to wetness, as are most dogs with longer fur. If you own a long-haired breed, it’s a smart idea to keep the hair around their nails trimmed. This can cut down on bacterial growth.

Buy a Cute Dog Jacket and Booties

It’s impossible to keep your dog’s feet dry during the winter. So if you have a dog with sensitive skin, it might be worth it to buy your pal some booties. Dog booties are great to have for walks and playtime outside in the cold temps and look adorable. You might as well buy a matching jacket for those booties to complete the look. The jacket will give your dog an extra layer of warmth for those winter walks. Salt and ice melting products can easily stain fabrics, so when I don’t have time to remove the stains when I do the laundry, I would throw my dog’s outfits in with my clothes when I make my weekly trip to the dry cleaner near me.

Keep Up With Regular Vet Visits

Dogs can sick in the wintertime just like us. If you notice your doggy has a cough, or is fatigued and just “off”, be sure to take him or her to the vet right away. Sometimes special compounded medications or antibiotics with different strengths or flavors may be necessary to suit your pet’s unique biochemistry, so don’t try to treat them at home without the advice of a professional pharmacist.

Dogs are special. They keep us company, keep us safe, provide companionship for elderly and those with special needs, and they’re our best friends. Be sure to take care of your furry friends this winter, just like they take care of us!