Is Catnip Really Safe for Your Cat to Use?

Almost every cat you know, whether you own them or just observe them, share a common trait. Gift them some catnip and watch the hijinks unfold. Crazy antics, loud noises and just plain hilarious is some of the things you could witness. But how exactly do catnip affect your pet to cause these reactions? What is catnip and is it safe? Depending on the side of the debate you fall, the answer is either yes or no. Perhaps you are like me, not 100% sure if there are dangerous side effects.

Depending on the genetic makeup of your cat, they may become hyperactive followed by a mellow, relaxed period. Strangely enough, your cat’s response is hereditary and depends on their ancestor’s reaction to determine if they even react at all! A small amount of catnip in a toy would be a wise way to test the reaction your cat will exhibit and decrease the chance of ingestion, creating stomach issues.
Throughout this article, we will look at what exactly is catnip and can it affect your feline friend. We will also discuss the possible side effects of catnip and how it can be given to your cat in the recommended small dose. Based on information provided by the ASPCA, catnip is not necessarily harmful to cats. High amounts of catnip in short periods of time, however, can cause vomiting or diarrhea due to stomach upset but it is not toxic.

What is Catnip?
Catnip is a name derived from Nepeta cataria, which is a short-lived herb plant standing at 20-30cm that originated in Europe and traveled as far as North America, to describe the portions of the plant that is attractive to felines. Cats are drawn to the scented oil found in the leaves and stems of this plant (nepetalactone), believed to mimic a feline pheromone. Studies that have been conducted on all felines from domesticated housecats to lions in captivity showed a variety of responses. Larger felines can also show the behaviors exhibited by domestic housecats, according to Readers Digest.

The Effects of Catnip in Cats
Catnip has been proven to be a mood enhancer for felines, however, these behavioral changes can show themselves in different ways depending on your cat. It could your cat suddenly starts bouncing around chasing imaginary prey or even in a zone of complete relaxation staring into space. Some cats show a state similar to being in heat with repeated rubbing against objects or meowing at the air. Catnip that is scented by your cat can lead to the hyperactive reaction and ingested catnip will lead to a mellow state. It is the second mood that led people to refer to their cat as being high or stoned! One drawback to these changes could be that your cat behaves in a more aggressive, almost feral manner, leading them to view your hands or feet as their imaginary prey. They will use these mannerisms to defend their property – the catnip. If your cat displays these tendencies, it is not recommended catnip is used in their environment.
Studies have shown that cats must be about six months of age before showing any reaction to catnip and they can have varying reactions from mild to moderate. Where catnip reactions are hereditary, it is estimated that approximately 1/3 of cats will show no signs of a reaction at all. The cats who do show a reaction will only do so for an average of 15 minutes and then will be indifferent to the herb for an extended time period. Repeated exposure to catnip will also diminish the effects over time, which is why it is recommended as a treat.

How Can I Give My Cat Catnip?
There are numerous ways to allow your cat to experience the treat of catnip and it all depends on your preference as their owner. Most wholesale retailers or pet shops will have toys available for purchase that either has the scent of catnip embedded in the material or have dried catnip leaves/stems inside a pouch. There is also the option of powdered catnip or catnip bulbs that can be sprinkled directly on cats bedding in small amounts. This option can be tricky if your cat has a sensitive stomach or an unpleasant reaction (diarrhea or vomiting) to the ingestion of catnip. Another option is a catnip oil or spray and would be available at a pet shop or even natural remedy store.

Catnip as a Tool
Catnip can be used in a way that benefits the owners while teaching basic commands. Scent their bedding or new scratching post or even their litter pan to encourage use and reward them for doing so. If your cat falls into a relaxed state, you can also complete grooming tasks such as hair maintenance or trimming their nails. By doing this, they will associate these objects with good things and decrease the chance of them sharpening their claws in your furniture.

Conclusion
If your cat doesn’t show any signs of being influenced by catnip, it could simply be they fall in the 33% of cats that don’t have any reaction. Please don’t increase the dosage of catnip to induce a reaction or the consequences could be very uncomfortable for your feline companion. But please remember, small amounts is always key when giving your cat their catnip treat!

The post Is Catnip Really Safe for Your Cat to Use? appeared first on .

Catios Can Be Built in Three Hours or Less, and Let Your Cats Enjoy the Outdoors Safely

Photo Credit: CatioSpaces.com

Cats’ natural instinct is one of a predatory animal and to satisfy that nature, can spend a lot of their time trying to get to the great outdoors. Unless you have a cat familiar with outdoors and the dangers it can possess, this can prove to be detrimental. There is a product that can help this problem and its name is catios.

Catios are enclosures or structures designed for a cat that secures to a household window or door and allows them to experience the outdoors while maintaining a safe environment. A major selling point of owning a catio would have to be it isn’t necessarily a product you have to purchase through a retailer but one that can be built by hand. There are different types of “cat patios” for a D.I.Y fan and various designs available for the handyperson to assemble themselves.

Why Does My Indoor Cat Want to Go Outside?

Cats are curious creatures who possess a keen hunting sense bred through generations. From the largest feline such as a lion to a domestic housecat, the urge to explore is always present. Another factor that can be pushing your cat to make a break for it every time a door to the outside opens could be sheer boredom. This boredom could create problems in their personality, causing destructive tendencies. Creating a more interesting home can make your cat content and less likely to destroy their current surroundings.

What is a Catio?

A catio is an outdoor enclosed structure designed to be secured to a window or door leading outside your home and allow cats to experience the outdoors in a safe environment. Generally, the most consistent style is a frame and wire enclosure with a single entry/exit point that allows the outdoors in but removes the opportunity for your cat to slip out.

Most catios are surrounded on the roof and/or walls with heavy plastic to decrease exposure to the elements and parasites. CBC News ran an article explaining how “catios” are a thing and items used to spruce up your cats new hangout with tips from a couple who built their three cats their own catio! Catios can have play areas, eating areas and even be designed to increase their activity level through level changes or toys.

Why Should I Build a Catio?

Cats can be either unpredictable beings or creatures of habit, but either way, we want them out of harm’s way for both ours and their peace of mind. Catios offer the excitement of the outdoors without any of the dangers/risks which can be fatal to felines in some cases. “Unless you have exposed your cat to the outdoor environment, they do not have a sense of what is dangerous and what is safe” according to PetsEducation.

The top risks to an indoor cat who suddenly finds themselves outside could range from:

• Vehicles: Cats that do not possess street smarts can find themselves confused and dart in and out of traffic without realizing the danger,
• Unfriendly Animals: Cats that have been sheltered in a home probably has not encountered hostile threats and will not understand what is occurring when face-to-face with an angry animal,
• Disease: Cats can be exposed to harmful germs, bacteria, and viruses by coming in contact with other animals, garbage, feces or poisonous materials such as antifreeze,
• Harsh Conditions: Weather conditions can change within seconds, leaving your cat exposed to the elements; wind, rain, snow etc., 
• Humans: Not all people are animal lovers and there have been cases of humans injuring cats for digging in its yard or hunting birds on their property

By having a catio, the chances of exposure to these dangers are next to nil. Your cat will be able to experience fresh air, bird watch and soak up the sun in a relaxed environment without a worry in the world (bonus!). Depending on the size of your yard, a catio can be built for either one cat or multiple cats and generally have a design that is easily dismantled for storage during winter months.

Finding Out How to Build Your Own Catio

Catios range from simple to elaborate and deciding what style best suits both yours and the cats’ needs can be tough. “Should you add a window or will this fit my apartment?” could be running through your mind. There are resources available that can aid in your decision-making and can be found through books, videos, internet, and magazines. Some retailers offer a variety of designs and blueprints available for purchase or social media sites such as Pinterest offer galleries to decide how to decorate the inside. While searching the web, you can find personal D.I.Y designs from people who actually built a catio and the exact hardware/steps needed. Most catios are built with products available from your local hardware store (wood/nails/plastic) for a low cost or you may even have these items at home.

Conclusion

Domestic cats that don’t have a lot of activity or reasons to exercise their predatory nature can find themselves on a downward spiral to laziness and weight problems. We wouldn’t want that for ourselves, so why let that happen to your cat? Using a catio will fight this trend and provide your feline with a sense of enrichment while providing them a safe environment to explore. Maybe with a catio, the next time a door is opened, your cat will just ignore the urge to flee and instead watch activity unfolding from their own domain!

The post Catios Can Be Built in Three Hours or Less, and Let Your Cats Enjoy the Outdoors Safely appeared first on .

Fetch! Pet Care® Expands Franchise Offering In Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
CONTACT:​​​​​​​

Paul Mann

855-813-3824

press@fetchpetcare.com

Fetch! Pet Care® Expands Franchise Offering In Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia

Company Prepares For Next Stage Of Strategic System Growth

Dayton, OH, September 6, 2017 — Fetch! Pet Care, Inc., franchisor of the nation’s largest provider of professional dog walking and pet sitting services, today announced it is expanding franchise development efforts in the Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia region.

“Our existing franchisees in Metro D.C. and the surrounding suburbs are experiencing solid revenue performance,” said Fetch! Pet Care’s President, James Mowery. “It’s an exciting market for us that is proven to be financially strong, virtually recession-resistant, and still has many available territories that are filled with hundreds of thousands of dogs and cats that need daily pet care services while their owners are away.”

Fetch! Pet Care currently has over 80 franchised locations in 27 states from coast to coast, and has identified another 170 geographical territories to expand into around the country. The company has been heavily investing in sophisticated technology, advanced processes, procedures and world-class support that are producing outstanding service reviews from Fetch! Pet Care’s clients nationwide. The company’s franchisees collectively boast a 94% customer satisfaction score across multiple online review sites.

Fetch! Pet Care offers a wide range of services including puppy care, private dog walking, pet sitting, overnight care and pet taxi services. A free consultation is offered for every client, as well as a satisfaction guarantee to ensure their happiness. Fetch! Pet Care locations personally matches their clients with the most qualified dog walkers and pet sitters on staff to meet each pet’s needs and client expectations. Staff are bonded, insured, background checked and have specialized skill in caring for dogs, cats, birds and other small caged animals.

“Fetch! Pet Care offers a unique and premium level of service for our clients, providing them with the highest quality of service, convenience and peace of mind available,” said Fetch! Pet Care’s Founder and Chief Marketing Officer, Paul Mann. “We’re excited to expand our brand into the D.C., MD and VA communities, as well as elsewhere around the nation, to ensure pets and their owners experience the Fetch! Pet Care difference.”

Fetch! Pet Care provides its franchisees with a turnkey franchise business opportunity. This includes online and in person training; regular coaching sessions; proven technology systems, processes and procedures; marketing, staffing and general operations programs and support; networking opportunities with other franchisees through online discussion forums and franchise owner meetings; and more.

Fetch! Pet Care is seeking qualified franchise candidates who have proven business experience, a love of pets, strong organizational and communication skills and a desire to own and operate their own business in the booming $65 billion pet industry. More information and an online application for consideration can be found at www.PetFranchisingOpportunities.com or by calling 855-813-3824.

About Fetch! Pet Care

Fetch! Pet Care is the nation’s largest provider of professional dog walking and pet sitting services, serving thousands of pets and parents from coast to coast. For the convenience of pet owners, Fetch! Pet Care’s skilled Pet Care Coordinators personally match all of their dog walkers and pet sitters – who are trained, bonded, insured, background checked – to meet the specific needs of each pet. With thousands of satisfied clients nationwide, Fetch! Pet Care has earned the reputation as the most relied upon and trusted pet care service in the country. In 2016, Inc. Magazine ranked Fetch! Pet Care No. 2608 on its Inc. 5000 List of America’s fastest growing companies. Find Fetch! Pet Care at www.FetchPetCare.com, on Facebook or by calling 866-FETCH-ME. For franchising opportunities, visit www.PetFranchisingOpportunities.com or call 855-813-3824.

The post Fetch! Pet Care® Expands Franchise Offering In Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia appeared first on .

Reunited: Incredible Rescue Stories of Hurricane Harvey’s Pets

Hurricane Harvey was a category 4 hurricane when it hit the Texas coast on August 26, 2017. Ahead of the powerful storm families all throughout the coast were making plans to evacuate or were already in the act of evacuating.

For those families who couldn’t take their pets with them to safety, many had to surrender their pets to shelters in hopes they’d be protected or just leave them behind altogether. Even for the families that did stay behind to ride out the storm, once an animal is afraid, they will potentially flee to run away from danger.

Some pets were lost, surrendered or simply just disappeared as Harvey pummeled the coast and dropped over 7 trillion tons of water onto the Texas coast. These are just a few of the stories of families being reunited with their lost pets, proving that even through such destruction, there can be a happy ending.

1. Garfield

As flood waters began to rise and evacuations were immediately necessary, one Houston family had to leave their beloved pet cat Garfield behind. The Wyndham’s were so worried about their cat that they called the Houston SPCA to check on the cat and send in rescue if necessary. Luckily, the Houston SPCA did send out a rescue and found Garfield, eventually reuniting him with his family at the shelter in Houston. Many shelters did open their facilities up to families that either wanted to surrender their pets or acted as drop off locations for stranded pets found throughout the city. The Wyndham’s and Garfield are now happily back together and starting to rebuild their lives.

 2. Best Friends Reuniting Lost Pets

Photo Credit: Best Friends Animal Society

Best Friends Animal Society is just one of many animal welfare groups that are actively helping families throughout Texas reunite with their pets. Since many of these terrified fur babies were left stranded or fled the flood waters, so many displaced animals are being found in abandoned homes and on the sides of soggy streets. With the help of animal welfare organizations as far as Utah, many families are being reconnected to their pets which were kept safe by various shelters and good Samaritans. Most of this time is being volunteered so that families who did have to evacuate can find their pet once they have settled themselves. Internet groups, social media posts, and pet catalogs are also being used to help people reconnect with their lost pets.

3. Otis

Photo Credit: Salvador Segovia

The star in one of the most viral Hurricane Harvey photos, Otis, the wonder dog who went out and found his own bag of dog food to wait out the storm, was reunited with his owners after the photo was shared on various social media platforms. Otis reportedly went missing the day Hurricane Harvey hit, but through the reports of neighbors and locals who knew the dog, his owner Salvador Segovia was able to keep an eye out for him and await his arrival back home. Turns out Otis just wanted to make sure he had enough food to weather the storm, as he was headed back home to reunite with his family with a huge bag of kibble in tow.

4. Cash

Photo Credit: Aaron Jayjack via YouTube

Cash reportedly jumped into a storm chaser’s car to avoid the hurricane and find a safe spot to dry off in. Self-proclaimed outdoorsman Aaron Jayjack was on a pursuit following the storm when Cash jumped into his vehicle. With the help of social media, the dog (Cash) went viral and ultimately ended up reuniting with his family. The dog, who Jayjack named “Harvey,” apparently escaped his home once the storm hit and through Jayjack’s help was reunited relatively quickly with his family. His family was happy to see him and grateful for Jayjack’s help. This is a perfect example of how powerful social media is and how useful it has become in terms of reconnecting lost loved ones – including precious pets.

5. Emery

Photo Credit: Digital First Media

Cameron Berger had to place his 4-year-old German shepherd Emery into the care of his neighbors in Corpus Christi, TX when leaving for a trip to see his father in Washington. While out of town, the hurricane struck and his neighbors were forced to evacuate their home due to rising flood waters. Emery was placed into care with a pet sitter in Corpus Christi until Berger could figure out what to do. He had lost everything in the storm, including his home and business. A pet relocating agency was contacted to help Berger move Emery to California where his father lived. After a long, but highly successful process, Emery was finally able to take a plane ride to meet Berger at an airport in California and be at peace with her family again. They are all back together and Berger is planning their new lives in the Golden State.

6. Massive Pet Reuniting Efforts

Photo Credit: Denver Post

Hurricane Harvey did much more damage than just destroy people’s homes and businesses; many pets were displaced and left behind. Harvey has been compared to hurricane Katrina in terms of devastation, but also in terms of valuable lessons. Since Karina, more organizations knew how to handle disaster and pet relocation. An incredible amount of shelters did not allow pets into the facilities so owners had to leave their pets in shelters or leave them at home and hope for the best. With the aid of rescue crews and animal welfare organizations, people were able to describe their pets to their evacuators before being sent off to the shelter. In many cases, rescue crews were able to go back into the wreckage and find the endangered pets. For those who didn’t want to leave their pets at a shelter or at home, some just camped out in front of shelters that refused to let them inside. Instead of having to leave their pets anywhere they felt happy knowing that their entire family was still together and safe.

The post Reunited: Incredible Rescue Stories of Hurricane Harvey’s Pets appeared first on .

Everything you need to know about owning a German Shepherd

The German Shepherd is a massive sized dog-breed that has its origins in German (as the name suggests). They are primarily working dogs, who were meant to guard cattle. Given their tenacity, stunning intelligence and unyielding obedience, they have always been in vogue in military and police roles in many parts of the world.

The average male German Shepherd weighs about 85-86 lbs and just over 2 feet tall, whilst the female counterpart weighs about 64-65 pounds and is typically a shade under 2 feet when it comes to height. Their litter size is about 5-10 and their life expectancy tends to be around 10-12 years.

The German Shepherd: A Brief History.

Known by a number of other names – DeutscherSchäferhund (the original German name from which “German Shepherd” has been directly translated), Alsatian being the other common ones – the German Shepherd’s origins can be traced back to the mid-late 1800s. As aforementioned, their original role was to safeguard the cattle and protect them from threats. They also played a massive role in the German Army at the time of the first World War.

Things To Consider When Breeding A GSD. 

 German Shepherds are wonderful creatures and if you are reading this, chances are that you are seriously considering getting one. While that is great news, there are certain things you must know before you decide to breed a German Shepherd. Any prospective dog-breeder would do well to remember that a German Shepherd is not “just another dog”.

•​German Shepherds Needs To Be Mentally Active

 In other words, German Shepherds need some sort of activity which will keep their cerebral juices flowing at all times. They will need to be trained meticulously. This is not something to worry about though, as intelligence, obedience and talent are available in abundance in German Shepherds. They just need to be nurtured the right way.

•​First Time Dog Owners May Have A Hard Time

If you are considering getting a German Shepherd as your first dog, then you might want to think again. Without prior experience with dogs and/or outside help, it can be extremely daunting to train a German Shepherd. Given the sheer size and power of German Shepherds, it would be in your best interests to ensure that it is adequately trained.

•​They Require A Lot Of Exercise

 By nature, German Shepherds are very active. This being the case, they require lots of exercise and are very active. Be prepared to take responsibility and ensure that your German Shepherd gets the required amount of exercise if you are planning to get one.

Around. And if you are not sure what to feed him after a good workout, these 5 best dog foods for the German shepherd will do the trick.

•​They Are Rough

They are not like little poodles that you can carry around and pet all day. German Shepherds like to play it rough, whether affection or otherwise.

•​They Tend To Follow You Everywhere

 Forget about any concept of privacy. These adorable creatures will make it a point to tag along wherever you go – even to the bathroom! On the plus side, it is unlikely that anyone will dare to attack you under the watchful eyes of the German Shepherd.

 Pros of The German Shepherd 

•​They Are Very Protective

German Shepherds are extremely watchful and protective. Their sheer size and brute strength is a massive deterrent for anyone who may wish to harm you.

•​They Are Sensitive To Human Emotions

They do not say dogs are man’s best friend without reason. This is especially true in the case of German Shepherds. They will pick up your emotions in an instant.

•​They Are Obedient

Their high level of obedience means they can be trained and used in combat.

Cons Of The German Shepherd:

•​They Shed A Lot Of Hair

German Shepherds have very thick coats and shed a lot of hair. You will find a lot of hair all over your house with a German Shepherd around. Be prepared for the long haul in terms of constantly cleaning up the hair.

•​They Might Demand Too Much Of Your Time

Sure, you may be an ardent dog lover and wish to spend 24 hours a day with your German Shepherd; but not everyone has that kind of luxury when it comes to time. Think carefully as to whether or not you will be able to spend a lot of time with your German Shepherd.

•​They Are Not Universally Liked

 Okay, so this point needs a little in-depth explanation. By no means is it implied that other dogs are universally liked or that you should always factor the likes and dislikes of those over your own. However, if you plan to move into a new place, particularly if It is an apartment, then you will need to be absolutely certain that people will not have issues with the German Shepherd being there. They can be scary, there are no two ways about that! Being very active and energetic, German Shepherds can also get a little overzealous at times. Also, the dogs themselves tend to prefer spacious houses where they have plenty of room to go.

Is the German Shepherd Right For You?

German Shepherds are amazing creatures and only you can answer as to whether the German Shepherd is right for you. If you are ready to give it adequate, training, exercise, attention, time and space, then by all means consider getting the German Shepherd. If you cannot do that and/or if you are on a very tight budget, then maybe you will be better off with some other dog breed because the German Shepherd can cost about 1200 USD per year on average (all things included) and that is not even counting any emergencies. They also seem a bit more susceptible to health problems than other breeds.

And if the German Shepherd is not your type, why not consider another type of almost the same breed?! Check out this detailed guide about German Shepherd brother from another mother, the Australian Shepherd.

Conclusion

 From a personal point of view, the German Shepherd is the ideal dream dog-breed. It is intelligent, protects the cattle really well and is a part of your family in every sense of the world. However, it is not the ideal dream dog-bred for many others. Read the aforementioned points carefully and then make your decision. Again, from a personal perspective, I would say that the benefits far offset the negatives.

FINAL VERDICT: Acquire this breed only if you can give the German Shepherd it’s due.

The post Everything you need to know about owning a German Shepherd appeared first on .

Feeding Fido: How to be a Savvy Shopper When it Comes to Choosing the Right Food for Your Puppy

Puppies are very similar to infants in their early stages of life. Their growth, neurological, and immune systems development are in overdrive. That’s why you see babies and puppies taking plenty of naps throughout the day; it’s not just laziness!

Their bodies are hard at work setting them up with what they’ll need for the rest of their lives. And the number one way we can help to make this happen is by providing them with proper nutrition!

Dog Specific Nutritional Requirements

Knowing that your pup needs the right food is all well and good, but knowing the difference between the macro nutrients that are deemed healthy for humans, and those which best suit our pets is paramount to responsible dog ownership.

For a 30lb mature canine, their protein requirement is 18% of their total food consumption per day and only 9-15% of fat per day.

Puppies have higher fat and protein requirements when young, with a puppy up to 33lbs requiring 28% of their diet to be protein and 17% of fat per day. But be aware – as soon as your dog hits maturity, you must decrease this, as excess fat will cause severe medical conditions such as pancreatitis.

When looking on the back of any dog or puppy food container, you will see a guaranteed analysis of minimum nutritional values. Therefore, on your search for puppy food – you’re looking for this chart to display a minimum of:

1. Crude Protein 28%
2. Crude Fat 17%

If you can’t find food to suit your puppy with those exact nutritional values, it is possible to supplement either the fat or protein with human grade ingredients.

Deciphering the Ingredients

Now that you understand the amount of protein and fat that will best suit your pup; let’s get down to the most important bit – the ingredients.

With more and more of us steering our diets towards minimally processed, natural, plant based nutrition – we owe it to our four-legged-friends to pay as much attention to what we put into their bowls too.

Some of the big no-noes are foods that consist predominantly of bulking agents such as corn, wheat, or soy. Ideally, your dog should be eating more protein than anything, with the first ingredients being good quality protein either from animal sources or plant proteins.

A great tip for choosing a nutritious puppy food is to look out for which contain the least ingredients. The purer the food, often, the better the nutrition. Having said that, if the ingredient list is longer due to added vitamins and minerals – this can be a benefit to your puppy.

To make your life a little easier, we have come up with a quick list of good and bad ingredients when you’re on the lookout for a new puppy food!

GOOD INGREDIENTS

• Pure protein – animal or plant based
• Added vitamins and minerals
• Vegetables
• Omega fatty acids

BAD INGREDIENTS

• Meat meal
• Corn
• Wheat
• Food Dyes
• Rendered Fat

Reading through the nutritional contents on the back of a dog food bag doesn’t take long, and if you’re in a rush – you could call up your preferred dog food company; with your dog’s nutritional requirements in hand and ask them to get back to you once they’ve found a good fit.

Trust us; these companies will go out of their way to help. They got into the dog nutrition business for a reason, and that reason is to ensure the health and happiness of our four-legged-friends. When they get these kinds of requests from caring owners, they love it!

Varied Needs by Size And Breed

Not all dogs are the same. In fact, they’re all unique bundles of cuteness, so why would we expect them to require the same food?

It seems simple when you put it that way, but all too often people will buy a generic sack of dog food and throw a scoop of it into Fido’s bowl once or twice a day, and voila – they think that their pet is getting what they need. But this isn’t so, I mean, come on, a Chihuahua and a Great Dane aren’t going to do well having the same meals every day!

Many dog food companies will have their puppy food labeled depending on the size of canine it’s best suited to.

There is a way to calculate the rough amount of calories that your pooch will need, and this is often the way that veterinarians do it, but it does involve some maths so hold on! Take your dog’s weight in kg’s and multiply that by 52.5, the resulting number is the approximate KiloCalorie requirements of your pooch.

Diet to Overcome Health Problems

Many breeds suffer from hereditary medical conditions that can affect their quality of life quite significantly if not managed properly. Luckily, many of these conditions have masses of Veterinary research available for owners to learn about management.

Let’s take a look at some common breeds, the conditions that they are more likely to develop, and the ingredients that can help them overcome symptoms.

BREED CONDITION INGREDIENT

Labrador Cancer Vegetables

German Shepherd Hip Dysplasia Fortified with vitamins and minerals

Beagle Epilepsy Omega fatty acids

Miniature Schnauzer Diabetes High protein

Which Is Better – Wet Or Dry?

There is a big debate as to whether dry or wet food is better for a puppy’s health, but at the end of the day – it doesn’t matter. As long as the food meets the nutritional requirements of your pup, you could be feeding him NASA freeze dried dog food!

One of the biggest benefits that you often get from wet food is the fact that it can be fresher, and offer more water into your pup’s diet. But there is also an argument for dry food, with it being especially useful to help keep your dog’s teeth healthy, not to mention – it keeps for longer and is easy to store as it doesn’t require refrigeration.

Making the Decision

When you bring a puppy into your home, you’re committing to look after him to the best of your ability, and a big part of that is providing him with a healthy diet.

With so many companies adding all-natural, low carb puppy foods to their product lines, the choice has never been so vast, or so good!

Choosing your puppy’s food is a one off, and for that reason – you have to get it right! We have such a varied diet that if some meals lack in nourishment, we can make up for it elsewhere. But, for our dogs, they eat the same thing day in and day out, so their food needs to have a balance of everything their growing body needs.

P.S Congratulations on your new puppy!

The post Feeding Fido: How to be a Savvy Shopper When it Comes to Choosing the Right Food for Your Puppy appeared first on .

Hurricane Harvey flood apocalypse: How to help pets & their owners displaced by the storm

Hurricane Harvey, which recently wreaked havoc on Gulf Coast Residents in both Texas and Louisiana beginning Friday, August, 25th, is considered to be one to the most devastating storms in American History. This flood apocalypse created over 1 Trillion tons of rainfall resulting in altogether 450,000 people victim to the flood, with over 30,000 people and their pets now homesless. It is heartbreaking to imagine the devastation one must be experiencing as a pet owner or pet who is now a victim of this devastating storm.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Humane Society of the United States, Best Friends Animal Society, Wings of Rescue & GreaterGood.org have joined forces to create a national effort for providing relief and safety to pets in need. Many animals have already been flown out of danger and into other parts of the country where they will go up for adoption, making room for Texas and Louisiana-based animals shelters which continue to be inundated with homeless pets.

The aftermath of Hurricane Harvey will undoubtedly have lasting effects on its victims and their families. There are many things you can do to help both the pets and people who have been displaced from their homes.

1. If you are located in the Houston area, are an animal professional, and wish to volunteer your skills to relief efforts you can apply online to be a Specialty Volunteer through the Louisiana SPCA.

2. The SPCA of Texas is accepting online donations here although they are currently at-capacity for new volunteers or potential fosters.

3. You can also help by donating to or making a purchase from the Harris County Animal Shelter’s Amazon wish list. This shelter needs a variety of gear and supplies — even the smallest donation will make a difference.

4. If you are affiliated with a shelter or rescue group and are able to facilitate the transportation of Harvey’s pets into shelters in other states or are able to foster, we recommend you reach out to them and let them know that you can help in this way.

5. Austin Pets Alive! recently transported more than 500 pets to its shelter and are expecting hundreds more. They are in need of donations, fosters, and funding. For up-to-the-date information on their efforts and what they need please follow this link.

6. AKC Reunite also needs your help in both providing shelter to pet owners and their pets as well as reuniting those who have been separated during the storm. Click here to make a donation to their support and relief fund.

7. Airbnb’s Disaster Response Program allows you to open up your home to those in need or alternatively, to find emergency accommodations. All service fees are waived for those affected by the disaster and checking in between August 23, 2017, and September 25, 2017.

If you have more information on how to help the victims — both pets and their pet parents of Hurricane Harvey, please let us know in the comments below, message us on Facebook or Tweet us @FetchPetCare.

The post Hurricane Harvey flood apocalypse: How to help pets & their owners displaced by the storm appeared first on .