Pet Archives - Dad of Divas

Thinking of Getting a Cat? All the Points You Should Consider

March 17, 2021 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

A new pet can be a welcome addition to any family, even one with small children and babies. Cats make fantastic family pets, but they are often overlooked, with preference given to dogs; but cats can give back so much affection and love that you will wish you had gotten one sooner. Of course, before rushing out and getting any pet there are some points you need to consider. Read on for more information.

Think About Where You Live

If you live in a busy, built-up area it is probably wise to get a house cat—one that will live indoors, and never venture outside; or if they do, they should not leave your perimeters/boundaries. Cats can be very streetwise but accidents do happen and you definitely don’t want to have to deal with a cat that has been involved in a road traffic accident. So, think about where you live and how you can keep a cat safe and protected from danger and harm.

Think About Your Family

If you have a young family would a kitten be ideal for you, or do you think you are more suited to an older cat? Kittens are fantastic bundles of energy and joy, but they can also be little troublemakers if you give them chance. Kittens require just as much time and care as a baby does, so if you have babies in your house a kitten is probably not the best pet to have around. Slightly older cats that can take themselves out of the way may be better suited to your family, providing you have an area for them to retreat to. Whether you choose a kitten or an adult cat you know your family and you know your wants and needs. Remember that kittens are playful and possibly easier to integrate, whereas older cats are more independent and less reliant on you for attention.

Be Mindful of Food and Vet Care Costs

Cat food costs money, especially if you end up with a fussy cat (more common than you think) that will only eat a certain brand or type of food. In addition to food you need to think about vet care for both now and as your cat gets older. You need a handy and convenient vets such as walkin vets Madison, AL, whereby you can get high-quality and affordable vet care even at short notice. As well as planning for emergency care and treatment it is also important to get your cat regularly checked over by a vet and it is just as important that they have regular boosters and immunizations, even if they are an indoor-only cat.

Consider a Rescue Cat

Before rushing out and spending money buying a cat from a breeder, think about getting a rescue cat. There are lots of kittens and cats all needing a good home and quite often they are purebred cats that are just no longer wanted anymore. Rescue cats and kittens can give you so much back, so don’t rule them out.

Four Things You Need Before Bringing a Kitten Home

October 26, 2020 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Getting a kitten can be an exciting time for any family. Kittens make adorable pets and are sure to become a firm friend for your children throughout their lives. However, just like any pet, your new kitten will need a number of essentials in order for them to thrive. A healthy kitten who has plenty of things to do is a happy kitten who will grow up to be a happy and satisfied cat. So, what are some of the essentials that you need to have ready before you bring your new furry friend home?

Litter Box

Most kittens will come with the knowledge of how to use the litter box so unlike puppies, you don’t usually need to provide them with any toilet training. They learn this from their mother when they are very young and see her using the litter box, so as long as you show the kitten where their toilet is, they should start going there with no problem. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that cats, in general, prefer to have a clean toilet – who wouldn’t? So, investing in a self-cleaning litter box is a great idea to make your life easier and ensure that your cat is happy. Read this article from Kitty Reporter to help you find the best self-cleaning litter box for your needs.

Scratch Posts

Kittens love to scratch – it’s just a normal part of growing up for them and part of being a cat. In fact, even adult cats need plenty of things that are suitable for scratching, but it’s even more essential for a kitten with their little needle claws. Providing your kitten with scratch posts and pads will help you train them early in their life to scratch something more suitable than your furniture or your hands and feet when they need to get their claws out. Place them strategically around your home so that your kitten always has one in reach.

Collar and ID Tag

While it’s a good idea to get your kitten microchipped by the vet as early as possible, you should also invest in a collar and ID tag. A bell collar designed for kittens is a great idea as they can be very mischievous and often get stuck in tight spots around the home where you might not be able to find them. Wearing a bell collar means that even if they end up hiding somewhere, it’ll be easier for you to figure out where they’ve gone. And, some kittens can be little masters of escape, so an ID tag is perfect for helping them get back to you safely if they manage to get out.

A Comfortable Bed

While many cats and kittens sniff at their bed and decide to sleep on your feet instead, providing your kitten with a space that they can call their own is essential. Cats tend to like being inside tight, warm spaces, so consider a cat igloo style bed that they can curl up in.

With the right essentials, you’re on your way to a happy experience with your precious new kitten.

Let’s Hear About Your Pet – It’s National Pet Month

April 21, 2020 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Fewer things bring as much joy as a cuddly puppy, so we’re celebrating with National Pet Month! This holiday focuses on all the joys of puppyhood while also raising awareness for puppy mills and the influx of adoptable pups around the spring and summer. So, let’s celebrate the wonderful world of puppies this April and show the world just how great they are!

For my family we have had so many different pets. We are mostly a cat family and have had 6 cats together as a family, but along with that we have also had two rats, many fish and even two hermit crabs.

All of these pets engage us as a family in so many ways. We see our pets as true members of our family and we love them as such as well.

Having pets allow our kids to learn responsibility, but also the importance of taking care of someone besides themselves and also giving love to others.

Unfortunately, at times, it also makes you learn about loss as well, as there have been times when we have lost pets in our family as well, which is never easy.

All of this being said, if you are on the fence of having a pet within your home, I highly encourage the experience, not only because of the psychological aspects

Thanks for Top Agency for help with this post!

4 Things Every Pet Owner Needs

February 5, 2020 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

When you have a pet, there is a very long list of things that you will need to look after your new best friend. While all pets have different requirements on the level of care and attention that they need, there are a few common essentials, whether you have a reptile or a canine companion. It is important to think about how much of a commitment a pet is before you bring one home with you. When you have thought it through and come to the wonderful realization that you can look after one, make sure you have these things sorted!

1. Insurance

It is incredibly important to have pet insurance in place before you bring your new friend home. Vet bills can be very expensive, emergency callouts, and operations even more so! Hopefully, your pet won’t get into any serious accidents or fall victim to any horrible illnesses; however, these things can happen, and it is best to be prepared for them just in case. Having pet insurance can be very helpful in softening the blow when it comes to paying your vet bills and makes sure that you can afford to keep your pet happy and healthy.

2. A Quality Vet

Just like having pet insurance is vital; a reliable, quality vet is something that every dog owner needs. No animal likes a visit to the vets, and therefore you must find one that can calm your dog down when it might be frightened. It is also worth noting what other services your vet can provide beyond medical care. For example, these vets near Marlton offer grooming and doggie day-care services, too. Having these services in one place can be very useful to you if you decide to become a dog owner.

3. A Microchip

Losing your beloved pet is a horrible thought, but the reality is that they might get out and go missing, or even be stolen. If the pet can wear a collar, it is always important to have an ID tag attached with your contact details so you can be reunited quickly. It is also a good idea to have your pet microchipped as well, especially if they cannot wear a collar, as any vet will be able to find your information quickly by scanning the pet, and it can prove that you are the legal owner if someone does try to steal them. You need to remember to keep your information updated if you move house or change your phone number.

4. Non-toxic Cleaning Products

This point is extremely important to anyone with pets. It doesn’t bear thinking about your pet becoming seriously ill or worse after ingesting toxic products that you have used. It is an important change you will need to make to keep your pet safe from a potential poisoning!

You should always research what things you will need before you get a new pet, and the list is very long! But these are just a few main considerations to get you started.

What to Book Before You Go on Vacation

November 9, 2019 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

You are going on an exciting trip – it could be your first one as a family, or the latest in a long line of adventures together. You’ve got everything sorted, and you’re ready to go and discover somewhere new.

Hang on, though, because you might not have arranged everything that you need to. Of course, you’ve booked the hotel and flights, but is that all you have to deal with? These might be small things that may have slipped your mind, or others you think you’ll be able to get once you arrive, but you may get a nasty surprise when the items you need aren’t available, or the service you’ve been counting on is fully booked. Here’s what you should look into before you depart.

Renting a Car

Think you can turn up at the airport and rent a car when you get there? You might be able to, but if you’re going during peak vacation time, then you could be disappointed and get a car that’s not suitable for you and your family needs – or none at all!

So your best bet is to reserve your rental car as early as you can before your getaway, so you can get a vehicle that will meet your expectations. Expert companies, such as Advantage Car Rental, will let you do so ahead of time, and give you a choice of vehicle groups to choose from. You can also pick up your rental car from the airport or, in some locations, popular city hotspots.

Pet sitter

Have you got a cat, dog, or other pet at home? If you do, you should book for your furry or feathered friends to be looked after by someone you trust. Many people arrange for pet sitters who can visit your home during your vacation to feed and care for them.

The earlier you do this, the better; this means you can have a meet-and-greet with your sitter, who can then meet your pet(s) before you leave and learn about their routines. Booking early is recommended if your pet will need to be visited at least twice a day, require an overnight stay or boarding in kennels.

Excursions

So you’ve arrived at your destination, you’ve picked up your rental car, and the cat is being cared for at home. You can now relax and enjoy your time together. Or can you?

If you’ve got certain sights you want to see and trips to go on during your time away, then you should look into whether you need to book any tickets for these events in advance. You should be okay with most places, but there’s a chance that others have restrictions on the number of people they let in at any one time if your particular attraction is popular. You can also have special arrangements made ahead of time.

For visits to Walt Disney World in Florida, for instance, you need to plan in advance. It’s recommended that items such as FastPasses, dining reservations and other unmissable experiences are booked well before travel. Some are bookable up to 180 days ahead, so make sure you look into these before you go.

Keeping Your Pets Healthy During The Summer

June 22, 2019 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Summer is a fantastic time of the year because the weather is nice, school is out, and you typically have more time off from work. This means more opportunities to spend quality time with your pets and take good care of them.

Be glad to know there are a few ways in particular that you can keep your pets healthy during the summer so you can better enjoy your time together. These are important tips that you should highly consider taking advantage of so that you can avoid any unfortunate incidents during one of the best times of the year. The healthier your pets are the more fun they’ll be to play with and be around. Put this advice into practice so you can stop worrying and start enjoying your time with your pets.

Keep Them Cool

The temperatures rise considerably in the summer months. Therefore, it’s vital that you work on keeping your pets cool during this period of time. For instance, avoid warm cars and always make sure they have enough water to drink. If you leave them outside during the day, you’ll need to ensure they have enough access to shade to get out of the hot sun when they choose. When you take them on a walk, aim to go to places where you can avoid hot asphalt because it could burn their paws.

Exercise & Play with Them

You can also keep your pets healthy during the summer by exercising and playing with them daily. For example, when you feed them right and give them an immune booster for dogs, they will not only be healthier but also want to play more. This way, you know they’ll be prepared to go on longer hikes or walks with you and won’t be at the risk of getting sick or worn down easily. Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors with your pet and run around with them and burn off some extra calories.

Prevent Ticks & Fleas

Summer is a breeding ground for ticks, fleas, and other bugs that you want to be kept away from your pets. It’s a wise idea to head to the store and buy some preventative products that are safe for pets, and you can use on your animals to keep these pests away. This is especially important if you live near or like to bring them to the woods or fields where they’ll be most prevalent. If you do notice ticks or fleas on your pets, it’s crucial that you address the problem and get them properly removed as quickly as possible.

Conclusion

Summer can be a challenging season for you when you own pets. Use this advice to help you keep your pets healthy during the summertime and out of harm’s way. Be proactive so you can avoid any unwanted incidents and have a safe, happy, and healthy time with your furry friends over the summer.

Caring for Your Pet

June 20, 2019 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Having a pet can be a roller coaster of emotions. It can be very stressful and exhausting at times but equally rewarding. For the majority of pet owners, it doesn’t matter how hard things get or trying their behavior can be on occasions; there’s always a special place in their hearts for their pet. Whether you decide to bring a cat, dog, bird, fish or reptile into your life, there are certain things you need to do to ensure they’re taken care of.

Exercise

Not all pets require the same amount of exercise, but for cats and dogs, it should play an important part of their day. Not only does exercise keep them fit, it keeps them happy and healthy. It doesn’t mean you have to take them for long walks every day, but you do need to play with them as this is good for their mental as well as their physical wellbeing. Exercise is also very relaxing for both you and your pet. It helps them burn off excess energy and gives you a chance to bond.

Food and Water

The food you give your pet depends on size, age, and requirements. Choose to give them the best quality food you can afford as this will lead to a longer and healthier life for most pets. If you’re not sure what food is best for your pet, a reputable veterinarian will be able to give you some advice. Providing water for drinking is another essential part of pet care. It should be clean, cold, and changed at least twice a day.

Healthcare

If you exercise your pet, feed them the right food and provide a clean supply of water you’re doing everything you can to ensure your pet stays healthy. It’s also important to check with a veterinarian at least once a year. They will be able to spot any causes for concern and advise you on the best treatments should your pet fall ill. Canna-Pet, for example, can be used as a dog seizures treatment.

Grooming

Regular grooming is a great way to care for your pet. Keeping their nails clipped will prevent problems with walking. Brushing their teeth prevents bad breath. Brushing their coat helps to minimize hair loss and keeps it shiny and glossy.

Shelter

If you’re bringing a pet into your home, you need to make sure they have a warm and comfortable place to sleep. This might be a specially made bed for them to lay on or a crate for them to sleep in. If they’re going to be spending a large amount of time outdoors, make sure they have shelter from the sun, rain, and wind.

Love and Affection

Give your pet some love and affection, and it’ll be returned many times over. Spend time with your pet, keep their environment clean, give them plenty of cuddles, strokes, and conversation, and you’ve got yourself a friend for life. Have fun with your pet. Enjoy the time you’ve got together because before you know it, they’ll be a senior and you’ll be wondering where all the years have gone. A pet will always love you unconditionally, especially if you take the time to form a strong bond.

Training a Puppy to Make Your Life Easier

January 3, 2019 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Dogs are a great addition to anyone that has a place in their hearts for them. They can be loving, help with the security of the house, and they can be a special dog to help deal with getting around or to benefit a person’s health.

Puppies are truly man’s best friend but it doesn’t mean that that new friend is going to make life easy when it comes to training them. A dog comes into your life pooping and peeing all over the place. They don’t want to listen, they have no manners and their favorite thing to do is bite.

I have had several dogs in the past and feel like I did a pretty decent job with training them. They were pretty good little dogs. I am now watching a family member dealing with a new puppy. They are doing a poor job with the training and they are leaving a lot of the training to their child. It’s a TERRIBLE idea and isn’t working well at all.

We all love our dogs, but we’ve got to train them if we want to have a happy life with them. None of us are automatically a dog whisperer so we’ll need a little bit of help when it comes to training.

Into hunting and training your dog?

Are you someone who enjoys getting out in nature and doing things with your dog? Maybe you like to go fishing, hiking, or even hunting with your dog. What if there was something that could help you, not only train your dog while you are out in nature, but could help you keep on eye on where they are? Well, there is!

The Garmin Pro 550 Plus has tracking and training technology to work with up to 3 dogs. They work with a TT15 Garmin dog collar and have stimulating features built into the collar that allows for a training aspect to be worked with. With a product like this, you don’t even have to have your hands on your dog to train them and they aren’t tied to a leash. You can allow your dog a bit of freedom without them getting lost.

Looking for some deeper help in dog training?

If you are looking for a great source of dog training advice, try AKC dog training which offers different articles on how you can find different ways to help your puppy or dog behave well. These articles are backed by the American Kennel Clubs knowledgeable experts. They even offer programs to help you train your dog while you learn what you need to do to help your dog to live a great life with you.

If you don’t want to tackle training your dog yourself, they have sites to help you find the best trainer for you and your dog. This could be training for just regular everyday behavior needs or it could be training for a service or show dog. Training is especially helpful if you have a serious dog biting problem or your dog won’t stop barking, even with training from you.

There are so many different training manuals, books, and online videos that you can check out to help you with your dogs. You can even find sprays to help stop your dog from chewing on things. There are aromatherapy devices that can help to calm your dog when you aren’t at home. There are shirts that you can buy to help your dog relax when they get anxious. There are tons of things available to help you out with your new dog.

Dogs can make our lives so much better when we add them into our families. But if that dog is a little terror, they are going to make everyone’s life a mess. No one wants to argue over a dog’s bad behavior or have to constantly clean up accidents because they stepped in something. Make your life easier and get that new family member some training. You will be less stressed out because they won’t be doing all the things you don’t want them to do and, therefore, they will be less stressed because they will have a happy family.

4 Reasons Why Children Should Have A Dog

June 12, 2018 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

Dogs are not everyone’s preferred pets; they need a lot of looking after and they can be expensive too. Plus they can cause damage around the home. However, if you treat a dog right and care for them properly, they should be very well behaved and they won’t be so hard to handle. They also make amazing pets for children; here are some reasons why a child should have a dog.

Dogs Make Great Friends

If your child ever wants a good friend who is never going to say or do anything hurtful (even by accident) and will never find someone else to be friends with, they should have a dog. A dog is the ideal companion, especially if your child has no siblings or tends to keep to themselves a lot. Your child can play with their dog when they get home from school, and their games will never be put off just because it’s raining or because someone has to go home for dinner. A dog and a kid can play together for hours at a time, preventing loneliness and even depression in some cases.

Dogs Keep You Healthy

Studies have shown that if you own a dog you will usually be more healthy than someone who doesn’t. This is because dogs need a lot of exercise, so a dog owner will need to take them out and join in with that exercise. This is ideal for children who love to run around and have fun; they can do that with their dog and it helps both of them stay fit and healthy (and away from their mobile devices for a while too).

On top of this, having a dog can help your child obtain a stronger immune system so they won’t pick up all the bugs and sickness that their non-dog owning classmates might.

Dogs Make Your Responsible

Whether it’s remembering to take a dog poop scooper with you on a long walk, or feeding your dog and changing its water, there are lots of responsibilities that come with owning a dog. It’s good for children to understand that there are things in life that they must do even if they don’t really want to as long as it is important and will make them into good adults. Their dog is going to be able to teach them plenty of things, and that’s a great way to start introducing responsibility – and consequences – to children.

Dogs Assist With Emotional And Behavioral Development

Children can sometimes have a hard time when it comes to processing their emotions; if it’s confusing for adults, just think how children must feel. This is why sometimes a child might have behavioral issues and they can lash out in anger A dog, however, can help with this issue, keeping the child much calmer than they might otherwise be, and enabling them to process their emotions properly. Therefore a hyperactive child might be able to have some moments of peace, for example, which can make a huge difference to their school work and their homelife.

Is Your Home Ready For Your New Pet?

February 14, 2017 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

So you think you want a new pet? Adopting a new pet can be a fun and exciting experience for both the owner and the pet. It is important to plan for your new arrival in order to reduce stress and have a smooth transition.

Is now the right time to own a new pet?

Adopting a new furry four-pawed friend can require a 10 to 20 year financial and time commitment. Are you committed to caring for your pet over the long term? Your pet will be with you for baby births, career changes or relocating from one home to another. Most importantly make sure to consider:

Time – it is vital to verify that your schedule permits being able to spend quality time with your new pet. If your work schedule is super demanding or you spend a significant time away from home, now is probably not the ideal time to take on a new pet.
Money – While it is not necessary to be a millionaire, it is recommended to have funds set aside to assist with purchasing, food, grooming services, pet insurance, pet supplies and veterinary care.
Children and Current Pets – It is essential to consider whether your kids, alongside inhabitant pets, can handle the addition of large feline or a small canine to your family.

Do your research

After you have confirmed that now is in fact the right time to adopt a new pet, it is time to do a little research. Make sure that animal you plan on inviting is a good match for your:

Lifestyle
Personality
Space requirements
Time (again make sure the time you have available is enough to satisfy the animal breed you intend on adopting)

Create a list of house rules

If you live with family members or a roommate, it would be wise to create a list of house rules. Doing so will keep everyone comfortable for the introduction and transition of bringing a new animal into the home. Decide on the following:

What areas of the house are off limits?
Is the pet allowed on furniture?
Where will the dog go to bathroom (when they can not go outside)?
Who is responsible for walking the dog?
Who is responsible for feeding the dog?
Who is responsible for washing out food or bowls?
Who is responsible for cleaning up after the dog?
Who is responsible for changing the kitty litter?
Who will be responsible for grooming?

Depending on the size of your family these tasks and chores may change but it important to have a list of house rules so there is absolutely no confusion about who does what. The list can evolve as you see fit.

Stock up on equipment and supplies

It is important to be prepared with all of the equipment and supplies needed to welcome your new pet. At the minimum purchase the following items to get started:

Safety gates (to block off rooms, stairwells, etc.)
Bedding
Bowls
Collar
Harness
Leash
Food
Food dispensing toys
Grooming equipment
Kitty litter
Poop bags
Pooper scooper
Puppy pads
Quilts
Snacks
Toys

Safe-proof your home

A new pet will most likely be curious about her new surroundings, the first few days she will be probably sniffing around as she acclimate to her new home. Be she arrives safe-proof your home by:

Make sure that other pet’s in the home have updated vaccinations so that illnesses are not passed amongst pet’s.
Prepare children for the new pet, teach them that a animal is not a toy and to handle with care.
Conceal electrical cords by taping them down, relocating them or remove altogether.
Elevate or discard household chemicals.
Install safety gates if necessary.
Place trash cans in cabinets, pantries, the garage or outside.
Put expensive and/or fragile objects in a safe place.
Put children’s toys and small items away.
Repair damage or gaps in fences and gates.

Find a veterinarian

If you do not already have a veterinarian for your new friend, it is very important that you establish who will give your pet both emergency and primary care. In order to find a veterinarian, ask friends and family members for referrals and do some research online to find a veterinarian that is knowledgeable about your breed. Compile a list of a veterinarians in your area and schedule a visit. At each location assess the following:

Is the office clean?
Observe how the staff handle and treat both the animals and pet owners.
Hours of operation

Ask the veterinarian:

Ask them do they like dogs? Or cats? (This is important!)
What is their treatment philosophy?
How emergency care and specialty care referrals are handled.
What surgical procedures are they able to perform?
How is anesthesia administered?
Do they accept pet insurance?
What are the payment options?
How do I access pet medical records?

Obedience training

If your new furry friend is a dog, it could be very useful to sign him (and yourself) up for dog training or obedience classes to help with housebreaking and manners. Learn how to get your dog’s attention and handle him in various social settings.

Preparing your home for a new pet is an important task that (thankfully!) can be broken down into smaller tasks for the entire family to help out with. Keep in mind that the more prepared you and your family are for your new pet the smoother the transition will be.