Tag: senior companionship

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. 

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?

woman holding dog in snow

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!