pets 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.

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.

Is Now the Right Time to Add a Dog to Your Family?

August 8, 2019 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

If you are a dog lover, it may always feel like the right time to add a canine companion to your home. Adding a dog to your family can be a fantastic and fulfilling experience for everyone. It can be hard to find anyone who loves you unconditionally and gives you the same amount of affection that a dog does. However, dog ownership comes with a lot of responsibility. There are many families who jump into it, and the only one who suffers from the impulsive decision is the new fluffy member. So, before you go out there and take the plunge, have a look at this list of things you need to consider before making that big commitment.

How Much Time Do You Have?

Any pet requires a lot of your time and patience. If you are planning on adding a young dog to your family, you will need to make sure you put some time aside to ensure your new family member gets the exercise and the training he/she needs. You will also need to consider how many times a day you need to feed your dog. Puppies need to be fed more regularly than an adult dog. If your job is demanding, you travel, or there are other reasons you may not be at home, then you need to reconsider dog ownership.

Can Your Children Be Responsible?

If your children are under 6 years old and have never owned a dog, then you should wait until they are a bit older before adding a dog to your home. Children that are too young won’t understand the responsibility or how to handle the dog properly. Ultimately, the responsibility of any pet in your household falls under the care of the parent/adult. You should never get an animal and expect your child to take full responsibility. This leads to pet neglect and abandonment.

Can You Afford a Dog?

Dogs are expensive. As well as food and enrichment, you need to pay for yearly vaccinations, annual vet check-ups, flea, tick and worming medication, licensing, neutering and microchipping (to name a few). The bigger the dog, the bigger the bills. Browse Lucy Pet to get an idea of some of the dog products you will need for your new furry friend.

Where Will You Get Your Dog From?

There are two options; breeder or adoption. Do not purchase from a pet shop. These puppies come from cruel puppy farms and will usually become sick and die young. If you purchase one of these pups, you will be contributing to the cruelty and it will continue to stay in business. There are pros and cons to the two options you can consider. Make sure you think very hard before making the decision.

If you are still undecided, then there are options. The best thing you could do is foster a dog from a shelter. Not only do you help the dog, but it gives you a proper taste of dog ownership without messing up a life, and if you fall in love with the dog you’re fostering, you can adopt him/her for good.

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.

Smart Cat Bootsie’s Bunk Bed & Playroom – Tons of Fun For Cats!

June 14, 2018 by dadofdivas Leave a Comment

This is my review of the Smart Cat Bootsie’s Bunk Bed & Playroom. This is fun for cats, and you will even get to see my cat’s initial impression!

This attractive unit combines your cat’s two favorite pastimes: playing and sleeping. After a vigorous workout batting toys in the gym, your cat can sack out on the top bunk for a restful nap or escape into a secluded, dual-entry hideaway. The handy roof accessory provides your cat with yet another healthy and popular feline activity -scratching.

NOT RECOMMENDED FOR KITTENS.

Features and Benefits

An all-inclusive toy that your cat can hide, sleep, and play in
Two spring-action toys encourage essential daily physical activity
Durable, quilted pad for extra comfort during all-important cat naps
No tools necessary for assembly
Heavy-duty wood construction ensures safety and stability
Ships flat

My Take on the Smart Cat Bootsie’s Bunk Bed & Playroom

I have two cats and they love to both relax and play. With this great product I found that they did not always want to use this together, but they did love laying on the top and underneath and even played with the toys every now and again. I was glad to have the toys and even more grateful that they screwed into the side of the product instead of simply being pushed into the product. The toys have a lot of give, so I believe that it should last for some time to come. The product was also so easy to put together. With the snap-lock system you can have this together in only a few minutes. After I got this together my cats came to check it out and have loved it ever since! Below you will see more of my thoughts on the Smart Cat Bootsie’s Bunk Bed & Playroom.

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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.