Pet Care: Taking Care While The Season Changes

Image Via: Pets For Homes

Keep Pets From Getting into School Supplies

Fall coincides with the back to school time. All this means additional stationary including glue sticks, pencils, colors and other supplies. Despite these being fairly non-toxic these days, when taken in large quantities, that can cause some harm. Pets, like children are attracted to these fun, playful supplies and so to avoid any mishaps or incidental taking in of such substances, keep them away safely, out of the reach for your pets.

Image Via: Schrader and Company

Be Careful Of Poisonous Vegetation

The time right after summers is when a lot of vegetation pops up due to sudden drop in temperatures. Mushrooms and likes flourish in these kind of environs. Some of this vegetation might be very poisonous and your pets on their stroll might consume it causing severe damage to their insides. Be careful and on the guard regarding this and contact your pet as soon as you suspect your pet has consumed something toxic.

Image Via: Telegraph

Safeguard Your Pets Against Snakes

Snakes are particularly grumpy around this time of the year as they prepare to hibernate. Your pets might encounter some of these venomous reptiles on their strolls outside. Avoid areas with overgrown wild vegetation and walk around in safer and clearer patches.

Image Via: Daily Mail

Changing Diet

Your pet might be more hungry as the colder temperatures might require them to generate extra body heat. Take into account the changing season and their want for larger quantities of food. Make the required changes in their diet:)

Fall is also a season that sees an increase in the number of rodents. Many homeowners turn to rodenticides to tackle rodent menace. Be extra careful that your pets do not consume these poisonous substances and use these in places that are not frequented by pets. Autumn pet care includes a lot of small things, which when taken care of can result in a smooth transition from the warm to the pleasant. Also do not hesitate to call your vet in case of any confusion. Hope this fall brings a lot of cheer in your life!

Click here for more Pet Care posts on Stagetecture!

Summer Pet Care: Let’s Clean Up The Dog House

Image Via: Sunset

[ad#co-1]

Cleaning The Inside

After being used over a period of time dog houses become very dirty because of the accumulated dust, mud and dirt. The problem intensifies during summers. Dogs tend move a lot inside their space and tend to dirty it whilst finding a perfect pose to settle in. Sanitizing the dog house at regular intervals of time becomes very important hence. You need to remove the lid as well as the floor insulation and sanitize the interiors with a little soap and water. You can add shine to the interiors using a little elbow grease too! The market today is flooded with cleaning agents specifically for this purpose and you can take your pick. The important thing to remember here is to let the insides dry completely before putting back the floor or the lid. Otherwise you could face the problem of toxic smells.

Image Via: Lushome

Tackle The Bedding

There are many who use straw, grass and wood shavings in their dog house. Whilst it might be of some benefit in winters I feel that such bedding isn’t a very good idea. The straw tends to break and the wood shavings and grass stick to our sweaty friends. Horse mats form good bedding options and so do cozy door mats. Be careful and change or wash the bedding every month or so.

Image Via: New Nise

Take Off The Rust

Dogs sometimes tend to urinate inside their shelters. This holds especially true for bitches. Frequent urination and sweating might lead to the rusting of iron and aluminum parts in the interiors. When it goes unnoticed for sometime, the rust may start leaving toxic material harmful for the dogs. Have the metal parts sprayed and treated for rust regularly. This also brings us to an important reminder-change and clean the dog bedding regularly!

Image Via: The Owner Builder Network

Dogs are like kids, they love us unconditionally and we need to take care of them. Maintaining their health and hygiene is one of the prime tasks in a good pet care regime. When maintained in the right way your dog house can last for along time and provide everlasting care and comfort to your pet. So put in a little time very month or so and have a great dog house:) Do share your ideas on maintaining a dog house’s hygiene.

Click here for more Pet Care Ideas on Stagetecture!

]]> https://stagetecture.com/summer-pet-care-lets-clean-dog-house/feed/ 0 77296 https://stagetecture.com/pet-care-know-dehydrated/ https://stagetecture.com/pet-care-know-dehydrated/#respond Wed, 22 Jul 2015 10:56:44 +0000 https://stagetecture.com/?p=76765 Summers can be pretty taxing for everyone, especially for pets who cant vocally express their distress. Amongst the many other things that you need to take care of, summer pet care involves keeping a watch over your pet’s hydration needs. Dehydration can lead to life threatening consequences and hence is best avoided. Of course pet lovers would want to know what signs to look out for. So here are a few pointers for you to recognize if your pet is dehydrated or not.

Pet Care:  How To Know If They Are Dehydrated

Image via: Pet World

[ad#co-1]

Recognizing The Earliest Signs Of Dehydration

To begin with, the situation of dehydration is best avoided. It is essential that you keep a watch on your pets behavior in summers and try to recognize early signs. If you notice that your pet is visibly tired, panting more than usual or is walking slower than usual, it is time to pay attention. A few other signs to look out for are dry sunken eyes and a dry mouth or nose. If you do notice any of these signs consult your vet and begin with fluids prescribed.

Image Via: Web MD

The Next Stage Of Dehydration

After the initial stage, your pets skin will start loosing its elasticity. It is a very visible sign. Another cue lies in their gums. If you press your thumb against their gums and release it, it will take time to get back from white to pink. Take your pet to your vet immediately. If the rectal temperature is more than 105°F, it is time for some serious pet care. If you do miss out on all of these signs, your pet won’t be able to walk straight and will be wobbly and unsteady.

Image Via: Pet Medical Fresno

Ways To Avoid Dehydration In Pets

Always have water ready when your pet comes back from his walk. If they empty the water in the bowl refill and see if they need more. That being said, if your pet is on their journey back to hydration give them water little by little. A lot of water at once leads to vomit. If your pet is showing any of the signs mentioned above, start giving them electrolyte mixed with water. Electrolyte restores lost salts and essential minerals along with water.

Image Via: Go South Online

If your pet is seriously dehydrated, they will have to be supplemented with a lot of fluids. Pet care for dehydrated pets might involve intravenous injecting of fluids and might call in for hospitalization. During summers its best to watch over your pets diet, fluid intake and exercise regime with care and caution. Should you notice anything out of the ordinary do not hesitate to call over your vet immediately. Do share in your views and thoughts about pets and dehydration.

Click here for more Pet Care Ideas on Stagetecture!

Pet Care: Traveling Safe With your Pet this Season

Image Via: Date My Pet

[ad#co-1]

First Things First

Now that you own a pet, he or she is just like your child, no different. So in case your pet isn’t well, most likely you will have to cancel your trip, just like you would if your child was sick. Traveling is an absolute no for pregnant, sick or injured animals. There might be a case when your pet isn’t well  and the trip cannot be missed either. In that case, you might have to depend on a trusted friend, neighbor or a relative, who you know is an animal lover. It is here that the training of your pet will show!

Image Via: World View Partnership

Prepare Well For The Trip

When you know that your pet is all set to accompany you on the trip, there are a few things that you will need to double check. First, call up the vet and get a go ahead from him. Ask your vet if any vaccination is required before the trip. Make a list of emergency medication that you must carry for your pet. You will also need to carry along all your pet’s papers, so put that on your check list. Your vet might suggest inserting a microchip to keep a track on your pets movements and it is a good practice to follow.

Image Via: Central Jet Charter

Next you need to check up with your hotel staff if your pet is permitted in their premises. You will also have to do that with the airlines if you plan on taking the air route. Some airlines are very particular about the cages used for dogs, cats and birds so make sure you adhere to the rules to avoid last minute embarrassment. Pets traveling along with the cargo have a hard time, so avoid that as much as possible.

Road Travel

When traveling by road, never leave your pets in your car unattended. Temperatures rise quickly inside the car and could be fatal for your pet. Have your car’s air conditioner working fine before the trip as pets feel more heat than us. Take frequent breaks if traveling with dogs and cats, so that they can ease themselves midway. Also it’s a good idea to keep the windows up if your pets aren’t chained.

Image Via: Orvis

Keep Up The Routine

Change of place doesn’t mean that you can change your pets routine as per your whims and fancies. Adhere to their walk, food and sleep timings. Carry your pets bowls and dishes so that they have a sense of familiarity even when out of home. Most importantly stick by the instructions meant for your pets when staying in hotels or resorts.

Image Via: Pets 4 Homes

Make sure to ask your vet if he knows another good vet in the area that you will be traveling to, just in case your pet falls sick. If he doesn’t know, then checkout a few vets over the internet and have a few numbers stored in your phone. If you do love your pet, these pet care tips are something that you would follow instinctively. Do share with us, what all you take care of while traveling along with your pets. It would be good to know.

Click here for more Pet Care Ideas on Stagetecture!

Pet Care: Taking Care Of Your Older Dog

It’s Time For Diet Care

Aging dogs need a tailor made diet to meet their needs. Every dog and his needs are different. It would be a good idea to meet up with your vet and understand your dogs changing diet. Based on his assessment the vet will suggest foods, brands and quantities to meet your pets needs.

Image Via: Pet Care Facts

[ad#co-1]

Don’t Forget About Proper Exercise

This doesn’t mean you need to take your older dog on mountain hikes or long runs but it is important to understand that proper exercise for an aging pet is very important to his well being and an integral part of the pet care agenda. You should take your dog for short refreshing walks and maintain a less strenuous  playtime regime. Keeping your dog active is very important for his well-being.

Image Via: Pet Health Care

Keep Their Weight In Check

Dogs tend to become obese as they age. Obesity leads to an increased pressure on their bone joints & internal organs and might ultimately lead to irreparable damage. This is what one actually needs to avoid. A tailor-made diet chart and a befitting exercise regime will ensure that your little Fiddo is as fit as a fiddle, even in his aging years.

The Clues Lie In Their Teeth

Apart from those mentioned above, the best way to keep your dogs health fit and fine is keeping a check on their teeth. Growth of tartar on teeth can lead to severe problems and ultimately result in letting dangerous bacteria get into their bloodstream and attack internal organs. Keep your dogs teeth and gums clean and sparkling by at home cleaning regime and regular professional clean-ups.

Image Via: Pet Life

Aging dogs need much more attention from you. You need to be patient, understand their changing needs and respond accordingly. One thing that you absolutely cannot miss in this entire pet care endeavor is visiting your vet regularly. After all it is the vet who will guide you on right diet, proper exercise and health care routine for your dear pet. Take these few simple measures to ascertain that your dogs lifestyle is not compromised due to his growing age. Do write to us if you would like to make some suggestions on ‘Aging dogs Pet Care Regime’.

Click here for more Pet Care ideas on Stagetecture!

Pet Care: Keeping Your Pets Cool This Summer

Image Via: abc7

Keep Their Exercise Under Control

Summer heat can be grueling on pets. It’s a good idea to keep the duration and intensity of exercise under control during the season. And its even better to avoid any exercise during afternoons. Workouts, if any must be restricted to early morning and evening hours. Also it’s a good idea to get your pets walking on grass instead of an asphalt road that can get very hot and cause burns in their paws. You should also get into the habit of carrying water for your pets just like you do for yourself. It can prevent dehydration.

Image via: Dressing Twila

[ad#co-1]

Pets Need Shade And Water Even More

Summer pet care includes plenty of shade provision for your pets along with abundant supply of clean, fresh and cool water. When considering a shady area for your pet prefer open spaces like tree shades that allow free flow of air, rather than closed shady spots like garages and small rooms. In a scenario when the heat goes beyond a certain limit, pets too need additional cooling devices other than room fans.

Keep Them Cool With Goodies

In addition to supplying fresh and cool water to your pets offer them candy popsicles once in a while to cool them from insides. You can also make use of ‘keep cool vests’ for pets. Of course, there isn’t anything like regular bathing sessions, if your pet enjoys water. You do not need to apply soap every time you bathe your pet as it may cause dryness. Plenty of water is enough:)

Image via: Pets Adorable

In Case Of A Heat Stroke

If you find your pet panting more than usual, is getting dizzy or lethargic, is unable to co-ordinate movement, is salivating more than usual, is feverish or excessively thirsty, they might be having a heat stroke. Apart from immediately scheduling a visit to the vet, take your pet to a shady cool area and apply ice packs or a cool towel over their head, neck and chest. Give them cool water to drink or ice cubes to lick.

Don’t Leave Your Pets In Parked Cars

Temperatures can soar rocket high in parked cars within a matter of a few minutes. Hence, it is a very bad idea to leave your pet in parked car even if for a few minutes with the air-conditioner on. Pets may suffer very serious organ damage or may even die if temperatures cross a certain limit.

Image Via: Pets I Love India

Pets owners should also be aware of a few other important things in summers. One, tick attacks increase during summers so you need to be vigilant. Two, your pet might like cool environs but its not necessary they like to swim as well, hence arrange for a floatation device for them if putting them in water. Later let them dry in a shady spot and not in the sun. Grooming becomes even more important in summers and you should brush your pet often to get rid of matted fur. But don’t shave your pet! Fur protects against the summer sun too:) It would be great to know of your summer pet care regime. Please do write to us.

Click here for more Pet Care Ideas on Stagetecture.

Image via: Etsy

[ad#co-1]

Place the Dog House in a Sheltered Location  

Where you place your dog house can make a huge difference in how cold it gets inside. So, consider moving it to a wind-sheltered side of your house such as a covered patio or inside the basement or a garage. If outdoor is the only option, make sure that the doorway or the opening of the house is facing the west or the south, preferably the latter as the coldest wind generally comes from the northeast during winter.

Consider a Insulated Dog House

Image via: The Green Head

Ensure that all gaps and cracks in the dog house are blocked or covered.  It must have a door that will help to keep the warm air inside. Consider raising it off the ground by at least 4 inches on a wooden pallet foundation. Also, place a bedding material like a blanket or a pillow on the floor for your friend to sleep on. Alternatively, you can put a very thick layer of straw inside for him to snuggle into. However, be sure to change it every fortnightly so that it remains fluffy and holds heat.

Image via: Dogs United

Heat the Dog House

Products like wall-mounted pet heaters or electric floor heating pads can be used to heat the dog house. But make sure to enclose the electric cord in PVC conduit or tubing for safety. Do not use electric bedding or doghouse padding if your pet has a chewing habit. For such cases, opt for nonelectric alternatives such as microwaveable pads that emit heat for several hours.

Winter does not have to be an uncomfortable season for your outdoor dog. Use this pet care tips to winterize the dog house and keep your furry friend warm and cozy even during the coldest nights. However, keep in mind that during extreme cold weather, it’s always advised to bring your pet indoors.

For more pet ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Pet Care: Caring for Dogs in Cooler Weather

Image via: Etsy

Provide a heated shelter

Make sure that your dog has access to a warm shelter at all times; especially if he spends a lot of time outdoors. Give him a plush bed inside the shelter to keep him off the cold ground. Fresh straw can also make a nice bed in the doghouse. It’s comfortable and will help to keep your dog warm and cozy.

Dress up your dog

Image via: Shop Maggie Wags

Short haired and small breed dogs lose body heat very easily and benefit greatly from a coat or a sweater. Consider the one with a high collar or a turtleneck that provides coverage from the tail to the belly. Also, strap booties on your pet’s paws to prevent frostbite when you go on walks or runs.

Groom your dog

While grooming your dog is equally important throughout the year, extra care is required during cooler months. Brush your friend often to lessen the drying effects of chilly air. Moreover, don’t ever shave your dog during fall or winter months as his coat is a good protection against the cold. Try to keep it thick and long. If you bathe him, it’s advised to dry him completely before going for a walk.

Give him more food

During cooler weather, dogs use more calories to regulate their body heat and keep themselves warm. Therefore, make sure that your pet gets more food than usual.

Prevent paw snowballs

Image via: Pinterest

After coming back from a walk, check if your dog has snowballs stuck between his toes. If yes, wipe it off immediately to remove antifreeze, salt, and other toxic chemicals.  Make the clean up easier by keeping the hair between his toes trimmed during cooler months.

Do you know that your dog’s normal body temperature is a few degrees higher than yours? That’s why cooler months are the perfect time of the year to snuggle up. So, take these few sensible precautions and make it a fun time for both- you and your furry friend.

Let us know through comments if you have more pet care tips.