5 Ways To Keep Your Older Dog Happy and Healthy

It seems relatively straightforward to keep a younger dog happy and having fun. Gear up for playtime, bring the enthusiasm, and they’ll respond positively. When they get older, however, things become a little bit more difficult. They no longer have the same energy as they did when they were puppies, and their overall enthusiasm levels take a dip. But that doesn’t mean that they can’t be happy and healthy in their older years, oh no. Managed correctly, you can ensure that their life is just as rich and satisfying as any other period of their life.

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4 Surprising Human Foods That Are Toxic to Cats and Dogs

When it comes to your furry feline or canine companion, you understand the significant role that nutrition plays in their overall health and well-being. You have likely spent a lot of time agonizing over which pet food formula suits their needs, and opt for nothing but the best for your four-legged family member. While a lot of thought is put into these everyday meals, many pet owners do not give a second thought to sharing table scraps.

Introducing A Pet To The Family: Some Of The Positive Changes

It is January, and often this is the month that some people struggle with the most. Children are heading back to nursery, pre-schools or school and finding it hard with dark mornings and even darker nights. The same for us adults, trying to function with work or home commitments when all we really want to do is snuggle up under a duvet with a nice warm cup of tea and the latest Netflix box set. It isn’t an easy month, but often it can also be a good month to embrace change. Some families look at being more active, others consider booking the next family getaway, and sometimes, families embark on a new journey entirely involving a pet.

Why would a pet be a good idea right now? It is simple, it isn’t for everyone, but the introduction of a pet can be a great thing for families, no matter what time of the year. But I do believe January is a great time for change and what better change for the family dynamic than a new addition. Which is why I thought I would share with you some of the positive changes that could be made to you and your family by introducing a new pet. Maybe it will inspire you to consider one yourself.

What Brings Joy To Our Furry Friends?

No other animal in the entire world has been given the great honor of being called man’s best friend than dogs. They’re so incredibly human at times because their lives are a lot like ours. They want excitement, but they also want security, they want a family but also like to have their own personal space, they like to eat tasty unhealthy foods but also love to run around in the park. 

We get pets because we want a companion as specifically, a sentient being that isn’t human. Human beings have had this inseparable connection with dogs for so long. Maybe it's because they’re descendants of wolves and therefore we both have a pack mentality. On the other hand, it could be because we value loyalty and you can’t get much more of that than in dogs. We bring them home and into our lives and everything seems to be fine. They melt away into the background and then come out as one of the family. But ask yourself, do we really know what brings our furry friends joy? Afterall, we want to live a fulfilled life so why would it be any different for dogs.

Getting dog’s attention – one of the most important lessons for a puppy

Paying attention to your owner is one of the most important things for any dog or pet.

If a dog is too undisciplined or restless it is probably because he hasn’t learned how to listen and obey various commands. As an owner, you need to teach your dog that being disciplined and obedient is good and that there is reward for doing so.

How your pets are helping you

Your pet is the heart of your household; you might think you’re doing a lot for them by feeding them, playing with them, and giving them a comfy place to sleep, but the truth is they are doing more for you than you realised. Sure, you already know that they’re giving you unconditional love, endless entertainment, and a reason to exercise, but there are few other benefits to having a pet. They can be frustrating sometimes, but the next time you lose your temper, remember that these are only some of the things your pets do for you.

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They get you outside

Taking your pet for long walks works wonders on more than just your physical health; sunshine and fresh air elevate your mood and the sun gives you an extra dose of vitamin D, which helps you fight physical and mental conditions, including depression, cancer, obesity, and heart attacks. Not to mention the sheer joy you might feel playing with your hyperactive puppy and rewarding him with treats for dogs whenever he learns a new trick. The next time you’re feeling stressed, take your dog to the park or the woods, and listen to the sounds of nature while the sun shines on your face. You might feel a little more relaxed.

They’re company

Even most introverts don’t like being by themselves all the time. Pets are amazing company because they don’t judge, their love is unconditional, and they know when you need to be with someone. Often they will seek you out when you’re feeling down, refusing to allow you to remain alone. They’re also great listeners, so you can vent your worries and frustrations to someone who will listen impartially, and then give you a reassuring cuddle. Whether you’re going through a tough time, or you’ve just had a bad day, your beloved companions provide some quiet comfort to get you through the rough patch. Then they’re ready to cheer you up with their next bout of mischief.

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They’re a reason to get up in the morning

Taking care of others can give everyone a sense of purpose, and no one needs more care than a pet. They rely on you to go and buy food, clean their bowls, and take them out for exercise. Research shows that pet owners are healthier and more motivated to recover after illness than non-pet owners because they have someone who needs them. More importantly, taking care of a pet teaches us to take care of ourselves; taking an interest in their diet and exercise encourages us to take an interest in our own health and wellbeing.

They make you smile

All your pets have to do is stare at you with their big soulful eyes and you melt a little. Even if they’ve been really naughty and made a mess all over the house, you usually let them off the hook because of those eyes. Also, more often than not you’re filming them as they get into mischief and laughing.

Caring for your dog when you have a hectic family life

In our house our pets are thought of as part of the family. They are precious to us and we love and care for them dearly.

At the moment our extended animal family includes 2 goldfish and 2 dogs. Our dogs Trixie and Sassy are both fun, loving and friendly family members.

As we believe that being pet owners carries a big responsibility we ensure all their needs a met. Whilst we do our best to love and care for the, thanks to leading a busy family life with the important responsibility of having 2 young children to care for having and looking after pets especially lively dogs can be hard work.

Having been a dog owner for lots of years now since my childhood I have found a few ways to ease the hard work that comes with being a dog owner.

Considering a new pet.

This year has seen a lot of changes happen in our little family. New school starts and new talents being discovered have been keeping us busy. Plus of course we have seen our family expand from a family of 3 to a family of 4 with the arrival of Jelly Bean this summer.

As the year slowly winds down, we’ve been talking a lot about what more we will experience together in the New Year. At the moment, we are only a small family. We’d be daft not to talk about any possibilities of additions. Who knows where our lives will be in the next year?

For now, there is only talk. Things have already changed so rapidly! But we’ve been talking about companionship for Bug for a while now. He’s getting bigger and stronger, and socially I do think he is doing well. But at home, I fear he is a little lonely at times. Whilst he dotes on Jelly Bean he is only a little baby at the moment and is a little while away from being Bug’s sidekick in play and adventures. As such we’ve thinking about all kinds of possibilities, including the addition of a new pet.

Even though we already have 2 dogs they are family dogs rather than Bug’s dogs, in essence they are my dogs as they pre-date my little family plus they are sadly getting old now and the time with them is becoming ever so fragile. As such we have been thinking about getting him his very own little dog.

Having a dog is not something anyone should consider lightly. When children are around, you need to be absolutely sure you’re getting the right animal for your family. Dogs require so much attention, and so much care. We know Bug would love any pet we brought into our family, but we need to be certain that pet will love and protect Bug too.

The joy of pets #PawHumour

I have always loved animals and have been fortunate enough to experience the joy of being a pet owner since I was a young child. Over the years since my very first pet, a gorgeous ginger tabby cat, I have had a variety of pets including cats, dogs, rabbits and hamsters.

I have had my current pets, 2 loveable dogs for a number of years now. I am eternally grateful to the joy and love they have given me over the years; in fact it is partly due to them that I am still here today. I got my little dogs, Trixie and Sassy, when I was in the dark depths of depression. Thankfully having two loveable dogs to care for, helped pull me out of the darkness, towards recovery and a brighter future. They motivated me to leave the house to give them walks and to drag myself out of bed even when I did not want to.

Over the years my fluffy friends have given me lots of love, laughter and amusing stories.

I fondly remember watching Trixie chase after bubbles. It was a delightful and amusing sight watching my beloved dog prance, jump and run around wildly as she tried to catch the glistening bubbles as they floated in the air before bursting.

Popular puppies.

I have loved dogs since I was a young child. My love of dogs was sparked by the loveable family dogs we had on the farm when I was growing up. Over the years we had a number of dogs of a few different dog breeds, all of which are dear to my heart and have played a big part in many a precious childhood memory. Even when we moved from the family farm I still had the joy of a dog in the home thanks my sister’s adorable dog who was considered a member of the family.

When I moved out of the family home I missed having a dog. Thankfully my home was not dog-free for long as my sister and mum bought me a cute little puppy for my birthday. Now many a year later that little puppy is all grown up and along with a younger dog is a big part of my own little family.

As I have been fortunate enough to have had a number of different dog breeds touch my life over the years including Bichon Frise, Labrador, Golden Retriever, Cocker Spaniel and Jack Russell Terrier, I always find it interesting what dog breeds are the most popular with other people.

Thanks to insurance pioneer Bought By Many I know what puppy breeds are most searched for online following their recent study which analysed a vast amount of internet search data to find the UK’s most popular puppies of 2014.

Help your pets this fireworks season - win an Adaptil Calming Diffuser for Dogs with PetShopBowl.

As the nights are drawing and a wintery chill fills the air we are fast approaching fireworks season.  Whilst the colourful fireworks with their loud explosions may be mesmerizing and awe-inspiring for us humans our animal friends can be left scared and unsettled by the unpredictable loud noises that resonate for miles around on fireworks night.

The unpredictable loud noises of fireworks can have a strong effect on pets causing them fear and stress. The noise of fireworks can cause various stress reactions for pets such as withdrawing into themselves, hiding away, wanting to escape from the noise which may lead to them injuring themselves in the panic, soiling the house or shivering with fear.

The following tips may help make fireworks night a calm, safe and less frightening night for you and your pets especially if you know your pet/s hates the noise of fireworks night –

* keep animals inside

* create a hiding place for your pet to snuggle in

* prepare for unusual behaviour and don’t get angry with your pet

* close windows and curtains

* if your pet is used to the sound of the TV/music turn it on to help muffle the sound of fireworks (but not on too loud)

* if you have small pets partly cover their cage/pen with a blanket to help sound proof from the fireworks but make sure they can still look out if they want to and provide extra bedding so your pet can burrow and hide

Realising the importance of keeping pets happy and calm during fireworks night PetShopBowl – a nationwide pet food home delivery company – stock Adaptil and Feliway to help keep your pet calm and happy during firework season.

Being the kind, pet loving company that they are PetShopBowl are kindly offering one of my readers a little help in keeping their pet calm and happy on fireworks night this year thanks to the great giveaway prize they are supplying to one lucky winner…..an Adaptil Calming Diffuser for Dogs (48ml).

Little dog lost.

A little over a fortnight ago I was devastated when our little dogs went missing.

We have 2 dogs; both are Bichon Frise breed.  Trixie the eldest of the two is nearly 8 years old and Sassy the baby of the dogs was 6 years old this past December.  They are both lovely dogs and Bug adores them.

Helping mummy walk the dogs (Project 365 - 95/365).

Yay!!! Doggy home safe and sound! (Projecct 365 - 91/365).

Sob, sob....missing doggy (Project 365 - 87/365).