Month: July 2023

The Differences and Benefits of Mutts and Purebred Dogs

Post author By Smoochie Pooch
Post date July 31, 2023

purebred dogs, mutt dogs, should i choose a purebred dog or a mutt

Choosing a dog for you and your family is a big decision. There are benefits to having a purebred dog and a mutt. Understanding the differences and the benefits of purebred dogs and mutt dogs helps in choosing the right furry best friend.

This blog covers the definition of a purebred and a mutt, the benefits of a purebred dog, the benefits of a mutt and dog DNA testing to discover the breed or breeds in your dog.

Definition of Purebred dog and a Mutt

A purebred dog’s ancestry can be traced directly to its breed’s foundation stock. A purebred dog’s family tree consists of only one breed. There has never been intermixing with other breeds in a purebred canine’s ancestry.

A mutt is a dog made up of at least two different breeds. A mutt’s family tree is often filled with a variety of breeds and can be difficult at times to know which breeds those are exactly. Mutt’s tend to be unique in appearance as they are a combination of multiple breeds features.

Benefits of a Purebred Dog

Predictable Behavior and Temperament

Dog breeds were bred for decades to have certain behaviors and temperaments. For example, Border Collies were raised to herd sheep.They are energetic and intelligent dogs that enjoy training, working and still have a tendency to “herd” both animals and people. Great Danes were raised to be guardians of German nobility and still guard their home, making them sometimes aggressive to other dogs they do not know.

Knowing the typical behavior and temperament of a breed makes it easier to choose a dog that fits your home and your lifestyle. This knowledge also lets a potential owner know how to train that breed of dog and how they react in certain environments. Read here to learn about each breed’s personality.

Predictable Physical Traits

A purebred dog has the exact or very similar physical traits to their breed’s foundation stock. A potential owner is aware of how big the puppy will be as an adult, the exact type of hair the dog has and how the dog looks. This knowledge is helpful for potential owners of a puppy as there will be no surprises when the puppy gets older.

Predictable Health Issues

Purebred dogs are more susceptible to genetic disorders as they have a limited gene pool. Knowing the health history of your particular dog’s family tree is important. An ethical and responsible breeder has a dog’s parents health history readily available. A purebred rescue is able to tell a potential owner the typical health issues in that particular breed.

Having knowledge of the health issues of a particular dog breed is more prone to aids in making the decision of whether or not you are able to afford or have time to help the dog as they age or when they develop those health issues.

Benefits of a Mutt Dog

Unique in Appearance

A mutt can be unpredictable in their looks since they are a mix of different breeds with varied physical traits. The benefit of this is that a mutt is one of a kind. No other dog will have the same look and build as your canine. Mixed breed dogs are some of the most beautiful dogs on earth.

Initial Cost

Mutts are not nearly as expensive as a purebred dog for obvious reasons. Generally, a purebred dog can cost from $500 to $3000 dollars. A mutt’s adoption fees are usually $0 – $250 dollars. If having a particular breed is not important to you, adopting a mutt is a better option for your wallet.

Purebred Traits and Health Issues Toned Down in Mutts

A mutt’s DNA is from a wide and varied gene pool. A breed’s traits, behaviors and health issues are not as dominant in a mutt since they are in competition with the other breeds in the mixed dog. For example, a mixed lab may not be as hyperactive or as obsessed with fetch as a purebred lab. A mixed bulldog has a lower chance of having skin problems than a purebred bulldog.

Shelters and rescues commonly do an assessment of a dog’s personality to determine what kind of owner and home environment is best suited to them. They also have a full health check and list any issues of the dog. Talk to a shelter or rescue employee to know which mutts to look at when deciding on a dog.

Dog DNA Testing

Shelters try their best to determine what mix of breeds is in a mutts DNA. However, they do not always make correct estimates. To know for sure, have your dog take a DNA test. These kits can be purchased over the counter at pet stores or a vet can take a sample and send it to a lab. The information learned from these tests can give an owner a better overall view of their dog’s ancestry and health.

Some puppies are labeled purebred, however, sometimes that statement is a stretch. As a puppy gets older some physical traits may appear that look very different than their stated breed. A DNA test determines the exact breed or breeds of the dog and lets the owner know if they need to contact the breeder or pet store from whom they purchased their canine.

Knowledge is Power

Determining which type of dog is best for you and your family is a process. Before bringing home an adorable puppy or dog, always do research on what kind of behaviors, temperament and health issues are common in every breed. Understand the cost and benefits to either choice of purebred or mutt. Talk directly to ethical breeders, shelter employees or purebred rescue employees for information and advice.

Tags a mutt dog, adopt a shelter dog, are mutts good dogs, benefits of having a mutt dog, benefits of having a purebred dog, can I buy a DNA test at a pet store, DNA test kit for dogs, do vets do DNA testing, dog breed behaviors and temperaments, dog DNA testing, health issues purebred dog, how to decide if I should get a purebred dog or a mutt dog, how to tell if a dog is purebred, lake county dog shelter, mixed breed dogs, mutt definition dog, mutt dog price, mutts have a wide and varied DNA, predictable health issues in purebred dogs, predictable physical traits in purebred dogs, purebred dog, purebred dog rescue, purebred rescues, what are purebred dogs, what is a mutt dog, what is the cost of adoption of a mutt, what makes a dog purebred, where to get a DNA test for my dog

Blogs Preventions

Dehydration In Cats And Dogs

Post author By Smoochie Pooch
Post date July 27, 2023

dog hydration, dog overheating, dog heatstroke

Dog and cat dehydration is a common and serious health concern. This blog lists the signs of pet dehydration, the causes of pet dehydration, what to do when your pet is dehydrated and how to prevent dehydration in your animal is an important part of being a responsible pet owner.

What is Dehydration?

Dehydration is when an animal loses more water than they are taking in and their body does not have enough fluids to carry out their normal bodily functions. When the fluids are not replaced, the animal becomes dehydrated.

The Importance of Pet Hydration

Pets need water to move important nutrients in and out of the cells of the body, assist in the digestive tract and to help absorb nutrients. Water in the body cushions the brain and spinal cord, lubricates joints, regulates body temperature and improves cognitive function. A lack of water puts all of these functions at risk.

Dogs should drink one ounce or one-eighth cup of water per pound of body weight every day. Cats should drink four ounces or about one half cup of water per every five pounds of body weight per day.

The Signs of Dog and Cat Dehydration

Cats can survive without water for about three to four days. Dogs can go without drinking water for about 72 hours or three days. Both animals show signs of dehydration within the first 24 hours of not drinking water.

There are many signs of dehydration in both cats and dogs. Cats show signs of lethargy, poor appetite, sunken eyes, weakness and dry mucous membranes. Dogs show signs of loss of skin elasticity, vomiting with or without diarrhea, sunken eyes, dry nose, shock, dry looking eyes, thick saliva, collapse and dry, sticky gums.

If left untreated, severe dehydration in cats can lead to organ failure, seizures and death. In dogs it can lead to kidney failure, loss of consciousness and death.

The Causes of Dog and Cat Dehydration

Common causes of dehydration in dogs are heatstroke, fever, liver or kidney disease, hormonal conditions like diabetes mellitus, insufficient fluid intake, vomiting, diarrhea, overheating or illness.

Most common causes in cats are chronic kidney disease, heatstroke, lack of water intake, diabetes, diarrhea, vomiting, overheating and hyperthyroidism.

What To Do When Your Pet is Dehydrated

Vet Visit

A pet that displays many symptoms of dehydration needs to be brought immediately to the vet. The animal doctor knows the pet’s medical history and may suggest an IV drip to make sure the cat or dog gets as many fluids as quickly as possible. Tests may be arranged to see if there are any underlying problems that caused the dehydration or instruction given to ensure a quick recovery at home.

Home Remedies for Pet Dehydration

Minor dehydration can be treated at home with home remedies. Fill up your pet’s water bowl with fresh, cool water and make sure they have easy access to drink. The cat or dog may reject the water. If that happens, then make the water more appetizing by adding a small amount of chicken broth or tuna juice. The smell and flavor draws in animals more than regular plain water.

Offer your pet water in small amounts to prevent them from taking in too much water too fast. A rush of water into their stomachs can cause them to vomit, which leads to more dehydration. Instead, give only a little bit of water every few minutes.

Give an ice cube or two to your pet to encourage water intake. Many dogs and cats enjoy the crunch of ice cubes and view the frozen water as a treat. Allow them to lick or eat the ice cubes one at a time.

Pedialyte for Dogs and Cats

Do not give Pedialyte or any other human hydration cures to your pet. An animal’s electrolyte makeup is different from humans. The sodium levels in human hydration cures are too high for a cat or dog and drinking these fluids can cause many other problems. To learn more read this blog.

How To Prevent Pet Dehydration

Pet Water Bowls

Water should be available to your pet at all times. Wash their bowl and refill with fresh, cool water daily. Bacteria can build up in a dog or cat bowl and that can put off your pet from sipping water. If your household animal enjoys being outside and inside, then have indoor and outdoor water bowls to increase their accessibility to water at all times.

Pet Drinking Fountain

Stationary water can be boring to pets, especially cats. Consider purchasing a pet drinking fountain. The running water encourages an increase of daily water intake for cats and dogs.

Wet Dog and Cat Food

Wet pet food has a higher moisture content than dry kibble. A pet who shies away from drinking water would benefit from a wet pet food diet to help decrease the amount of water they would need to drink daily. Another good idea is to add a bit of water to your pet’s kibble.

Bring Water for Pets on Trips and Outings

Always bring a portable bowl and a bottle of water for your pet on any road trips, prolonged outings, hikes or high-energy outings. Pay attention to how often and how much your pet is drinking water throughout the trip and outing.

Pet Exercise at Cool Times of Day

Oftentimes, dehydration is caused by a pet overheating. Reduce this risk by exercising your pet outdoors at cooler times of the day. Early mornings and late evenings are ideal times to be outside during the hot months of the year. Read here to learn more ways of how you can keep your pets cool in the hot summer months.

Water Equals Life

Water is vital to an animal’s daily bodily functions and overall health. Low or no water intake can have a strong negative affect on your pet’s life. Prioritize their daily fluid consumption by actively preventing water deficiency and understanding the signs and causes of pet dehydration.

Tags can you give dogs Pedialyte for dehydration, cat dehydration eyes, cat dehydration home treatment, cat dehydration symptoms, cat dog kidney failure liver failure, cat hydration, cat overheating heatstroke, causes of dehydration in cats, causes of dehydration in dogs, dehydrated cat gums, dehydration in cats, does wet food hydrate cats, dog dehydration death, dog overheating heatstroke, giving ice cubes to dogs, how can you tell if a cat is dehydrated, how to hydrate a cat, how to hydrate a dog, how to hydrate a dog at home, how to hydrate a dog that won't drink, how to keep a cat hydrated, how to prevent dehydration in dogs, how to tell if a dog is dehydrated, how to tell if my dog is dehydrated by gums, is wet food better for dogs, is wet food good for dogs, iv for dog dehydration, pet dehydration seizures, pet water drinking fountain, signs of dehydration in dogs, sunken eyes dehydration dog, symptoms of cat dying from dehydration, symptoms of dehydration in dogs, wet canned dog food, what to give a dehydrated dog

Blogs Preventions

What To Do If You Find A Stray Pet

Post author By Smoochie Pooch
Post date July 24, 2023

lost dog, missing cat, pet missing, dog id tags, microchips

Over 10 million pets go missing every year with about 65% staying missing and never returning to their families. A great way to help decrease this percentage is to know what to do when you see a lost animal. Good Samaritans are a big reason why lost pets get returned to their owners safely.

This blog covers how to be prepared for when you come across a lost or injured animal, how to capture a stray dog or stray cat, how to determine if the animal is a stray or feral and what to do when the owner cannot be contacted.

How To Be Prepared

A lost animal can come across your path at any given moment. Be prepared for the unexpected by having the essentials in the car at all times.

Phone Numbers

Know who to call when there is a lost animal found. Have the phone numbers of the local animal control, a few local shelters and a 24-hour emergency vet clinic in your cell phone contacts. Having the numbers readily available helps to cut down time and confusion of finding the correct place to call. This is especially important if the lost animal found is injured.

Items to Have in Your Car

Transporting a Stray

A cat carrier or a sturdy cardboard box are perfect to transport a lost cat in your vehicle. A strong leash and collar are ideal to transfer a lost dog in your car to their next destination. Read this blog to learn about the best leashes and collars to buy.

Water for Stray Pet

A portable water bowl and bottled water are important items to have in the car. Offer the cat or dog water as soon as possible to prevent extreme dehydration and overheating. Do not let the animal drink too much too quickly to avert stomach issues.

What to Feed a Stray Cat or Stray Dog

Smelly and high flavored foods and treats are essential for luring in a lost scared pet. Cats enjoy canned mackerel, sardines, anchovies, cooked chicken or canned cat food. Dogs enjoy hot dogs, freeze-dried liver, green beef tripe, cheese, deli meats or canned wet dog dog. Keep opened, perishable foods in a cooler if the weather is warm. Look for “high-value” treats for cats and dogs if it is preferable to not worry about the storage of food.

Animal First Aid Kit and Certification

Purchase an animal first aid kit and get certified in cat and dog first aid. Learn this knowledge to be of assistance to an animal that is having an emergency. Cat and Dog First Aid Training can be done in person or online through the Red Cross website.

How to Capture a Stray Dog or Stray Cat

Look around the area to make sure all is safe before approaching a lost or hurt animal. Do not stop your car suddenly in the middle of traffic, run out into a busy street, go into water or go into a wooded area. Always pay attention to the surroundings and only move forward if it is safe.

Use caution when approaching a lost pet. They could be scared, hurt or confused. Always walk towards them slowly, make yourself smaller and speak in a gentle and calm voice. Never chase or corner an animal. Get their attention with “high-value” food or treats. Use the strong smells and flavors to coax the lost pet to move closer.

Pay attention to their body language at all times. If the animal is showing strong signs of aggression or fear, then do not approach. Call animal control to come and capture the lost animal. Stay in that area until the authorities arrive.

How to Determine if the Cat or Dog is Feral or a Stray

Once the animal is in custody, figure out if they are a feral or a lost pet. Check first for ID tags. If the animal has that information, then call the owner’s number immediately. No collar and no ID tags may mean there is a microchip. Bring the animal to animal control or a local shelter to have the microchip scanned.

Other ways to learn if the animal is a feral or a lost pet is if they are spayed or neutered or there have been modifications to the dog or cat’s appearance. Certain breeds such as Boxers, Schnauzers and Dobermans get their ears cropped and tails docked for a desired look. Stray cats do not have fighting scars or have an eartip like feral cats.

What to do When The Owner Cannot be Contacted

When the owner is not able to be contacted, some decisions need to be made by the Good Samaritan. Shelters have limited space and budget. The establishment may not be able to house the lost pet or provide the funds to pay a vet bill. Animal control is in a similar boat. Keep reaching out to different shelters until you find one willing to take in the lost pet.

If you feel called upon to take care of the animal yourself, realize that you are taking full financial responsibility for this lost pet. The local shelter or animal control office needs to be notified that you are housing the lost pet and have your contact information in case the original owner gets in touch.

Keep your own pets away from the lost animal. The stray pet may be sick or is aggressive with other animals. Separate the two to different parts of the house.

Take pictures of the animal and post to social media. Encourage family and friends to share the post to reach a wider audience. Use sites like petfinder.com or put flyers up throughout the area where you found the stray pet.

Be a Good Samaritan

A lost animal is scared and alone. Always help if you are able to when you come across a lost cat or dog. Think of how you would want others to respond if your pet went missing. Be prepared for the unexpected and know what to do to help increase the chances of the lost, lonely pet being returned to their loving and worried family.

Tags animal first aid kit, can i bring a stray home, facebook lost pets, found a stray dog, how to approach a stray animal, how to capture a stray cat, how to capture a stray dog, how to get a stray cat in my car, how to get a stray dog in my car, how to identify the owner of a lost cat, how to identify the owner of a lost dog, how to stay safe when capturing a lost animal, how to tell the difference between a feral cat and a stray cat, how to transport a stray animal in my car, local shelter local animal control, missing cat, missing dog, missing pet flyer, missing pet poster, pets lost and found, should i give water to a stray pet, what do stray cats eat, what do stray dogs eat, what should i have in my car to capture stray dog or cat, what to do if you find a stray cat, what to do if you find a stray dog, what to do when the owner cannot be contacted, where to get animal first aid certification, where to put missing pictures of pets, where to take a stray cat, where to take a stray dog, who pays for the vet bills for a stray animal, who to call for a stray cat, who to call for a stray dog, who to call to pick up stray cats

Blogs Preventions

How To Travel With Your Dog

Post author By Smoochie Pooch
Post date July 20, 2023

traveling with your dog, how to travel with your dog, safe travel with dog

The summer months mean vacation season with people traveling by car or plane to fun destination spots. This may include traveling with your furry friend. To set up the adventure for success, there are a few important things to do before and during the journey.

This blog explains why it is important for your dog to visit the vet before pet travel, lists what to bring when traveling with your dog in a car and tackles the problems that may occur. Problems such as a dog’s car anxiety, dog boredom, when to make stops, and what to take into consideration when deciding to fly with your dog.

Vet Visit Before Pet Travel

Have your pet’s health checked out and their vaccinations updated before you travel with them. A vet visit lets you know if your dog is healthy enough to make the journey. Many airlines and some pet hotels require the owner to provide a certification of health for their dog. Update the new vaccination doses and other important information on the dog’s microchip and id tags.

What To Bring When Traveling with Your Dog in a Car

There are lots of ways a dog can make a car messy. A canine can have a bathroom accident, spill a beverage or track in dirt. Bring towels, cleaning spray and paper towels to make those messes easy clean ups.

Dog car safety requires your dog to not roam around the vehicle to prevent driver distraction or the canine from getting into something they should not. Purchase a dog safety car harness, crate or an elevated box to keep your pet in one safe place.

Pack your dog’s regular food. Do not purchase dog food that your canine has never before eaten. New food often causes diarrhea or vomiting. Stick to their regular eating schedule to prevent hunger at odd times.

A portable water bowl is perfect for car travel. To prevent dehydration, plan on offering water every 2 hours. Use bottled water if the tap water available is questionable.

Stops for Dog’s Potty Breaks and Exercise

Dogs typically go to the bathroom three to five times a day and need about 30 minutes to two hours of exercise a day. These estimations depend on the age and breed of dog. A good rule of thumb is to stop every two to four hours for your dog to go potty and stretch their legs. Take the dog for a quick walk or play fetch with them to get their energy out. Don’t plan on traveling for more than seven hours a day.

Know where the best rest stops are before you hit the road. Love’s Travel Stop has over 90 fenced-in dog parks throughout the country. Pilot Flying J truck stops have 650 pet friendly travel centers across the country. They provide a safe place to exercise, to rest and offer a variety of pet friendly products and services.

How to Help Your Dog’s Car Anxiety

Many dogs get motion sickness or have anxiety when in a moving vehicle. Ideally a dog would be exposed to car travel at a young age, but not all dogs are given that opportunity.

The best way to adjust a dog with car anxiety to a vehicle is through desensitization. Start with short drives followed by praises and a reward. The goal is to have the dog associate the car with a safe and positive place. Use positive reinforcement and always go at your dog’s own pace.

Ways to create a safe environment are to put favorite blankets and toys in the car to provide familiar smells, play calming classical music to give a soothing atmosphere and/or spritz pheromone calming sprays on the seats. Remember to always exercise them before every car ride to release their energy.

Sometimes a dog’s anxiety requires a little more help. CBD oil and treats are proven to help reduce a canine’s stress. Follow instructions on the brand package for the time frames of when to give a dog CBD oil or treats before and during a car ride. Talk to your vet about any recommended over the counter stress reducing medications. Read here to learn more in depth about how to help your dog with their anxiety.

Prevent Your Dog from Being Bored

Staring out the window is entertaining for only so long. If the road trip is a long one, then bring interactive toys to stimulate your dog’s mental energy. Entertaining treat filled puzzle toys, treat mazes and KONGs help to keep your pooch engaged. Purchase a variety and fill the interactive toys with your dog’s favorite treats.

Flying with Your Dog

Flying with your dog is quite different from driving. A canine needs to be at least eight weeks old and weaned to be allowed on an airplane. Most airlines allow dogs to be in the cabin if they are 20 pounds or lighter. They must be in a carrier at all times. For larger dogs they are put in the plane’s cargo area. Airlines require these dogs to be in well-ventilated, hard-sided kennels.

To consider whether or not you should fly with your dog pay attention to the length of the flight, your dog’s limitations and the travel weather. All of these, especially for dogs in the plane’s cargo area, can determine a canine’s condition when you reach your destination. Read here to learn more about flying with your dog.

Dog Travel Companions

Dogs can make fantastic travel companions and many love to go on adventures. Make the trip comfortable and safe for your beloved pet by bringing the right items, sticking to car safety, timing potty breaks and exercising, helping with your dog’s car anxiety, preventing boredom and making a calculated decision on whether to fly with your pet or not.

Tags airline travel with a dog, big dogs on a plane, car ride dog potty breaks, CBD oil and treats for dogs, do airlines allow dog to fly with me in the cabin, do dogs get motion sickness, dog car anxiety, dog car safety, dog desensitization to car, dog food for road trip, dog friendly rest stops, dogs as travel companions, elevated box for pet in car, exercising dog on road trip, flying with your dog, how many hours to travel in car with my dog, how many stops should I make for my dog on a road trip, how much exercise should my dog get on a road trip, how often should my dog drink water on a road trip, how to calm my dog down in a car, how to make car rides easier for my dog, how to prevent your dog from being bored in the car, how to travel with a dog, interactive toys for dogs, Love's Travel Stop pet friendly, pet crate for car, Pilot Flying J truck stop pet friendly, portable water bowl for car rides with dog, positive reinforcement training for dogs, safest way to travel with a dog in car, should i fly with my dog, small dogs on a plane, stress reducing medications, traveling with dogs in car long distance, update microchip and dog id tags before traveling, vaccinations health certificate from vet before traveling, vet visit before pet travel, what to bring when traveling with your dog in a car, where to stop with dog on road trip

Blogs Preventions

National Lost Pet Prevention Month

Post author By Smoochie Pooch
Post date July 17, 2023

finding lost pet, preventing your pet from running away, pet lost prevention

On the tree hangs the announcement of the missing puppy

July is Lost Pet Prevention Month. The summer months have the highest percentage of lost pets due to fireworks and vacation trips. Pethub launched this awareness month in 2014 to remind pet owners of the importance of keeping pets safe and preventing cats and dogs from running away.

There are many ways to prevent your pet from getting lost. This blog goes over important preventative measures such as microchipping your pet, updating and having pet ID tags, pet fences around the yard, installing barriers by doors, purchasing escape free collars and leashes and explains how to secure your pet in the car.

How to Prevent Your Pet from Getting Lost

Microchipping your Pet

Microchips are small electronic chips that are surrounded by a glass cylinder. These tiny identification transponders have a code that is unique to each pet. When scanned the code gives important information such as the name and phone number of the pet’s owner.

No intensive surgery is required to implant a microchip in your pet. The injection can be done without anesthesia during a routine vet visit and the transponder lasts for as long as the animal lives.

A microchip is not a GPS tracking device. What it does do is significantly increase the chances of your cat or dog being returned. To learn more facts and answers to questions about microchips read here.

ID Tags for your Pet

Microchips do not replace pet ID tags. The Control of Dogs Order 1992 states that when a pet dog is in a public space they must wear a collar with tags that list their owners information. That information should include the owner’s name, address, phone numbers, and pet’s name along with the animal’s rabies vaccination.

Keep this information up to date. Pet ID tags give animal control, shelters and good Samaritans a way to contact owners immediately and reunite animals with their families quickly.

Majority of pet stores sell the small flat tags worn on collars and harnesses and offer a way to have important information engraved on the metal.

Pet fences for your Yard

There are many reasons as to why an animal may escape their yard. They may be bored, lonely, have anxiety, their prey drive kicks in or they feel the need to be protective. First, identify why your pet is leaving the yard. If the reason requires a fence, then the second step is to find the right fence.

A chain-link, wooden or vinyl panel fencing are all good choices. With any of these options make sure they are sturdily built and properly put together. Fortify the bottom of any fence and use secure latches to prevent your dog from digging under the fence or opening the gate to escape.

Electric fences can cause a dog’s anxiety to get worse. The fear of getting zapped makes them nervous in their own yard. On the other hand, a pet could develop the opposite reaction by getting used to the shocks and having the electric fence not deter them from anything. Read more about electric fences here to help you decide if they are the best option for you and your pet.

Prevent your Pet from Escaping Through the Front Door

The same reasons pets may escape their yard are the same reasons they may escape through the front door. The cat or dog may lack physical or mental exercise, their prey drive kicks in or they want to go and explore. Implement an exercise and play routine to help keep your pet stimulated and put into place ways to prevent them from getting out the door.

Baby gates and exercise pens are great ways to put a barrier between your pet and the front door. Communicate with everyone who is in your household or who is visiting your home to first guarantee that the cat or dog is behind the barrier before they open the door. Do this and significantly reduce the chances of a pet escaping.

Escape Free Pet Collars and Leashes

Walking your dog in the big wide world can be very exciting for them. They may be so excited to be outside that they may escape. Prevent this from happening by getting rid of stretched out and old collars. Purchase a no slip collar or a harness to keep your dog securely by you as you walk.

Double check the snap hooks on the leashes to make sure they are secure. If a snap hook is rusty or worn out the connection between the leash and collar or harness is easily broken when pulled. If this happens, then it is time for a new leash. Read here to know the pros and cons of different collars, leashes and harnesses.

Secure your Pet in the Car

From time to time you need to bring your pet with you in the car. There are options, besides keeping the windows closed, to purchase to ensure your pet does not escape the vehicle.

A pet car harness generally wraps around your pet’s torso and chest. The harness is either clicked into the seat belt buckle or the car seat belt strap is slipped through the harness. Ideal for pets who normally do very well in a moving vehicle.

Another option is an elevated box or plush carry box. These boxes are placed in the back seat and allow the pet to have a good view of their owner and their environment. Good for small pets.

A third choice is a crate. Make sure to purchase a crate large enough for your pet to be able to turn around and stand up. Place the crate in the back seat and cover it with a blanket if your pet is particularly nervous about being in a car.

A fourth option is a back-seat barrier. This item works with large dogs who do not do well when restrained. They are able to see their owner and move around in the back seat. Secure the barrier attachments before starting the car.

Lost Pet Prevention

Prevent your beloved pet from being lost to you forever. Implement these practices to ensure there is little to no chance of your dog or cat from escaping from the yard, house or car. Microchip and update pet ID tags to significantly increase the chances of your pet being returned to you in case they do get lost.

Tags baby gates for dogs, back seat barrier for dogs, cat car seat, cat collar and leash, dog collar and leash set, dog collars with id tags, electric dog fence, elevated box plush carry box for pets, exercise pens for dogs, how can a shelter contact me when they find my dog, how to make it easy for your pet to be returned to you after they get lost, how to prevent your pet from escaping through the front door, how to prevent your pet from getting lost, id dog collars, lost cat, lost dog, microchip, microchip not a gps tracking device, national lost pet prevention month, no-slip collar, outdoor dog fence, pet crate for car, pet fences for the yard, seat belt harness for dogs, seat belts for dogs, ways to stop your pet from escaping, what info should be on pet id tags, when do get a new leash or collar, why do cats run away, why do dogs run away, wireless dog fence, wooden fence chain link fence vinyl panel fence

Blogs Preventions

Pet Fire Safety

Post author By Smoochie Pooch
Post date July 13, 2023

house fire, pets starting fires, how to protect your pets from house fires

Knowing about pet fire safety is an important part of being a pet owner. According to the National Fire Protection Association, an estimated 500,000 pets are affected by house fires each year with around 1,000 of those fires being accidentally started by pets. Read on to learn ways pets can accidentally cause a fire, how to prepare for a fire and what to do during a fire.

Ways Pets Can Cause a Fire

Pets Knocking Items Over

Animals are curious and happy creatures. A cat climbs on furniture and counters to explore their environment. A dog’s happy tail and rambunctious nature makes it easy for them to come in contact with items at their level.

Keep burning candles off of low tables or remove candles from your home completely. You may also want to consider switching to battery-powered candles if you want candles within your pet’s reach.

Make sure lamps are not on the edge of a side table and the space heater is out of the way. Have curious climbers? Provide other climbing options for your felines such as a cat tree or a catio.

Pets Chewing Electrical Wires and Cords

Cats and dogs have a tendency to chew. Electric wires and cords can easily become an animal’s next target to satisfy their desire to nibble, and a broken circuit’s pathway can result in a fire.

Properly store unused cords and wires in a safe place out of a pet’s reach. Keep used cords and wires tucked away behind or underneath items and furniture. Another tip is to have bones and chewing toys within easy reach to give to pets when they feel the urge to chew.

Fireplace Pet Safety

The hot embers in a fireplace can easily set the room ablaze when disrupted. A pet can accidentally come in direct contact with the hot embers and set their fur on fire. An animal can also place their toy or blanket too close to the heat source, and the item could catch flames.

Purchase a pet proof screen or safety barrier to install around a fireplace. Keep your pet’s toys, blankets and beds far away from that space. Train your pet to keep clear of the area closest to the fireplace.

Stove Tops Pet Safety

The stove is also a potential fire hazard for pets. The knobs on the front or top of the oven are easy to turn and an item could be knocked over onto a hot burner. Not only could a fire start but carbon monoxide could be consistently released into the air when a burner is turned on.

For pet fire safety remove the stove knobs or use knob covers before you leave the house or kitchen unattended. Secure the kitchen area with closed doors or baby gates to prevent pets from wandering in without supervision. Another option is to train your pet to completely stay out of the kitchen.

How to Prepare for a Fire

Fire Evacuation Plan for Pets

Even with the best of precautions a fire can still occur. Create a fire evacuation plan that includes pets. Discuss with family members to decide who is responsible for which pet and who is responsible for the pet supplies. Assigning clear roles to those in the household prevents confusion during an emergency.

If your pets tend to hide, be aware of all of their hiding spots and create easy access to those areas for someone to reach them easily and quickly. Keep leashes and collars near exits to prevent having to search for those items. Another helpful tip is to practice the fire evacuation plan with your pets and family members.

Update Pet Info

Update your pet’s information in their ID collar and on their microchip. An animal may run away from the fire or get lost in the commotion. By having their information up-to-date it becomes easier for you and rescuers to locate the cat or dog.

Monitored Smoke Detectors

Use monitored smoke detectors that are connected to emergency responders. This ensures that even when an owner is not home, the fire department gets alerted and dispatched to the residence.

Put Pet Crates Near Entrances

Place animals who are normally crated near entrances when away from home. This helps first responders to grab your pet as quickly as possible without having to do a long search for them in the house.

Let First Responders Know You Have Pets

Put up a pet alert sign on an outside window for pet fire safety. These pet alert window clings inform emergency responders that one or more pets are in the house and they may need rescuing.

What to do During a Fire

When a fire emergency happens follow the fire evacuation plan. Locate your pet, grab them and exit the area as quickly as possible. When outside, put their collar and leash on or put them in their carrier. Take them to a quieter spot further away from the commotion to help calm them down. Keep an eye on their condition and call your vet if they are showing symptoms of smoke inhalation.

Sometimes things do not go according to plan. If the animal cannot be located or is delaying escape, leave immediately. Do not endanger yourself or your family members. Leave the door open and call to your pet from a safe distance. Inform emergency responders when they arrive that an animal is inside and where they might be located in the house.

The Importance of Pet Fire Safety

Unexpected emergencies can happen at any time. Being unprepared can put you and your pets at risk. Creating a fire evacuation plan that includes your household animals helps everyone to escape the dangerous area quickly and orderly. Understanding how your pet can accidentally start a fire and knowing how to prepare for a fire reduces the odds of a catastrophic house fire.

Tags candles lamps space heater fire hazards, cat fire safety, dog cage cat cage near front entrance, dogs or cats chewing electrical wires or cords can cause fires, fire dog safety, fire evacuation plan for pets, fireplace pet safety, how to get my dog to not chew electrical wires or cords, how to prepare for a fire, how to prevent your pet from causing a fire, how to quickly get your pet out of a burning building, let first responders know you have pets, microchip id collars, monitored smoke detectors, National pet fire safety day, pet alert window clings, pet crates near front entrance for easy access, pet fire safety, pet fire safety tips, pet proof screen, pet rescue fire safety sticker, pet safety importance, pets knocking over items can start fires, properly store unused cords to prevent fires, stove knob covers, stove top pet safety, update pet info, ways a pet can cause a fire, what to do during a fire, what to do when you can't get your pet to leave the burning house

Blogs Cat Grooming

How to Spoil your Cat

Post author By Smoochie Pooch
Post date July 10, 2023

spoiling cat, ways to spoil cat, how to spoil cat

Cats may not hold the title for “Man’s Best Friend”, but they do still make amazing companions. National Kitten Day (July 10, 2023) honors this connection between felines and humans. Take this fun holiday as an excuse to spoil your beloved cat. Choose one or all of the suggestions below!

Read this blog to learn why National Kitten Day was created and the different ways to spoil your cat.

National Kitten Day

This fun holiday was created in 2012 by animal behaviorist and author Colleen Paige. Her goal for initiating this special day was to show how magical and joyous it is to own a kitten. People assume that these cute little felines have no issues finding a forever home, but many do struggle to be adopted. National Kitten Day brings awareness to the difficulty of cats and kittens that need to be rescued each year.

To honor this holiday on July 10th, celebrate your kitten or cat by spoiling them. There are many ways to thank your feline for bringing joy into your life.

Ways to Spoil your Cat

Build your Cat a Catio

A catio is an enclosed porch designed for cats to interact with nature and get fresh air from inside a safe place. This is a special treat especially for strictly indoor cats. A catio can be attached to a window or a doggy door. If you have a balcony area, patio or deck, place the structure in that space. There are premade catios available or you can build one from scratch with instructions. See this blog for an example of a DIY catio through an egress window.

Give your Cat Treats

Change up your kitten’s typical daily diet with delicious treats. Get ones that are specifically designed for cats as those treats have the right smells and flavors to make your feline salivate. Purchase goodies that have nutritional value and won’t upset your pet’s stomach.

Pet Drinking Fountain

Notice that your feline likes when the faucet is running? Get them their own flowing water with a pet drinking fountain. Cats are attracted to moving water because their instincts tell them that it is more likely to be clean. The fountain works not only as a way to spoil your cat, but to increase their daily water intake. There are many different styles and spout sizes that come in ceramic and stainless steel water fountain designs. This makes it easy to pick the best one for your furry friend.

Self-Cleaning Litter Box

An automatic litter box is the perfect way to spoil a hyper clean kitty. These types of litter boxes can detect when waste is in the container, or they can be put on a timer. The rake deposits the waste into a receptacle in the back of the box, which can be emptied when full. This results in a consistently clean litter box no matter the day or the time.

Cat Trees

A cat tree is one way to spoil a feline who loves to climb. These towers are typically made of wood framing and wrapped with sisal rope. Cats prefer to view their environment from higher ground in order to see any potential threats. For kittens, climbing is one way they start to learn about their skills and abilities. Cat trees encourage play, curiosity and are ideal cat napping areas.

Cat Grooming

Spoil your cat by giving them a spa day. A long bath and a good brushing helps them to feel refreshed. It removes any loose fur, cuts down on fur balls and gets rid of matted hairs.

While not all cats like water or being brushed, they’ll appreciate being clean and matt-free after a cat grooming appointment. To make sure your cat is properly cared for, visit a local pet grooming company like Smoochie Pooch. Our professional cat groomers are experienced in how to help a feline relax and enjoy their grooming experience.

Create a Cozy Hidden Spot for your Cat

When cats sleep, they often prefer to be in small spaces where no one can see them. Create a cozy, hidden spot either up high or down low depending on where your cat naturally gravitates toward. A comfortable space can be set up by the window, near a heat source or in a quiet area separate from the rest of the busy household.

A wide variety of beds and window perches are available for purchase. Your cat may enjoy a cup style bed or cave type bed, though oftentimes a simple pile of warm blankets is more their style.

Window perches are a great cozy spot for a cat who loves to look outside. They come in a variety of styles and sizes with some attaching to either the window or a wall. Regardless of what they lay on, having a relaxing place to take their frequent naps makes a cat happy and content.

Catnip

Giving this herb to your cat is an easy and effective way to spoil your pet. Catnip causes a euphoric reaction in felines and acts as an effective stress reliever. There is no risk of addiction, and it is safe to give a cat. The effect of the catnip lasts about 10-15 minutes and then subsides.

Catnip is a perennial plant that can easily be grown indoors or outdoors, allowing you to treat your cat any time of year. Be aware, however, that the catnip plant can be aggressive and has been known to take over landscapes. Planting it in a pot or a raised garden bed can prevent the plant from spreading and may be a good idea for those looking to grow it at home.

The herb can also be purchased in a variety of forms like catnip balls, catnip cigars and even catnip sprays. No matter the shape, catnip benefits cats by giving the experience of extreme happiness followed by relaxation.

Sharing Affection with your Cat

Cats have frequently incorrectly been labeled as independent creatures who don’t show true affection towards their owners, though this has been proven to be mostly false with a majority of cats. They still crave love and attention from their owners, whom they see as a source of comfort and security. Take about 20 minutes each day to pet and cuddle with your furry friend. Sharing that one-on-one attention helps with bonding and improves the mental health of your cat.

New Interactive Cat Toys

Stimulate your cat’s mental activity with fun interactive toys. Pick toys that have lasers, are robotic, are motorized, spin around or are activity centers. Any of these choices work to revitalize a cat’s mind. Also, playing with these toys creates a way for you to connect and have fun with your cat.

Check out our selection of cat toys at a Smoochie Pooch pet boutique near you for fun options to help spoil and stimulate your cat!

Thank your Cat for their Companionship

Taking a pet for granted is easy to do, especially with cats who are seen as independent. Showing appreciation for them in your life helps you to realize the emotional and mental benefits of having them as a companion.

A fun way to show appreciation is to spoil your furry friend. Purchase a cool pet drinking fountain, get an awesome cat tree or bring home catnip to make your cat happy and relaxed. Any of these options are beneficial to your cat’s mental health and overall well-being.

This fun holiday provides an opportunity to spoil your own cat, but remember why this day was created. National Kitten Day serves as a reminder to tell others of how wonderful cats are and to advocate for kitten adoption from shelters.

Tags automatic litter box, bonding with cat, build your cat a catio, cat activity centers, cat adoption, cat bath, cat brushing, cat cave type bed, cat climbing, cat companionship, cat cuddling, cat cup style bed, cat fur balls, cat groomer, cat grooming, cat grooming near me, cat likes a clean litter box, cat likes faucet running, cat matted hair, cat napping, cat pile of warm blankets, cat tree cat towers, cat trees wrapped in sisal rope, cat window hammock, cat window perch attach to wall, cat window perch attach to window, cat window perches, catio for cats, catnip, catnip balls, catnip benefits, catnip cigars, catnip herb, catnip perennial plant, catnip plant, catnip sprays, cats like being high up, cats like to be by a heat source, cats like to be in a quiet area, ceramic cat water fountain, Colleen Paige, cozy hidden spot for cats, cuddling with a cat, do cats like their owners, enclosed porch for cats, how long does catnip last, how to spoil your cat, increase cat daily water intake, increase cat mental activity, independent cats, interactive cat toys, kitten adoption, kitten climbing, laser cat toys, mental health cats, motorized cat toys, national kitten day, nutritious cat treats, pet drinking fountain, petting cat, robotic cat toys, self-cleaning litter box, showing affection to cat, showing affection to cats, showing love to cats, spinning cat toys, stainless steel cat water fountain, why do cats like moving water, why do cats like running water

Blogs

Tips for Taking Better Pet Photos

Post author By Smoochie Pooch
Post date July 5, 2023

tips for pet photography, dog groomer near me, how to photography cats and dogs

Pet photos are all about capturing your animal’s personality and those funny and sweet moments. Many pet owners have hundreds of pictures of their beloved pets in their camera rolls. The question is are they of good quality? To guarantee you take the best pet photos there are important photography tips to follow.

This blog goes over what to take into consideration before taking your pet’s picture, what to do differently when photographing a black animal and tips for more advanced photographers.

Preplan Pet Photos

Before the shot is taken, think about what your desired outcome is. Plan on the story that you want to be told and what you will need from your subject. Understand your pet’s personality and behavior to properly guide them on how to pose and where to look. Include their unique quirks and learned tricks in the photos.

An excellent tip is to exercise your pet beforehand. Whether the camera is taking candid shots or portraits, getting an animal’s excess energy out first helps them stay still longer, listen and not move around so fast. Plan your photos for a time when your animal is most awake. If your pet sleeps mostly in the morning, then the evening would be a better time and vice versa.

Outdoor Lighting for Pet Photos

Natural light is a great option for pet photography. Animals find this type of lighting comfortable and it doesn’t cause red-eye in photos. One of the perks of using natural lighting from the sun is that you don’t need to lug around or worry about positioning lights. Cameras also require a good amount of light to get great photos, and the sun is a far more powerful light source than a typical lamp or overhead light, even when tucked behind clouds. One of the downsides, however, is that outdoor lighting conditions can change quickly and are difficult to control.

A day can go from harsh sunlight to evenly-lit cloudy conditions where everything looks washed out. These changing environments not only cause a change in the available light but also cause a fluctuation in the color temperature as well. This may not be as noticeable for those utilizing automatic camera settings on smartphones, but for advanced photographers it could require the photographer to quickly adjust settings to adapt. Adjust the settings in your camera or smartphone to the light available and you will still be able to produce beautiful images (more on adjusting camera settings below).

The golden hour is an ideal time for photography. It is an hour after sunrise and an hour before sunset. The sky produces beautiful natural lighting that is very easy to work with no matter the subject or what kind of camera is being used.

Indoor Lighting for Pet Photos

Indoor lighting is more controlled, but good photos require lots of light. Make sure your light sources cover enough area and are strategically placed throughout the room. The goal is to prevent unattractive shadows on the subject’s face.

Test the hues of your lighting to ensure there aren’t competing color temperatures. For example, natural light coming from a window may appear blue in contrast with the warm, yellow lighting from an overhead lamp. It’s also a good practice to use a continuous light source as animals may be afraid of flash or strobe photography. To learn more about indoor lighting options read here.

Perspective in Pet Photos

Depending what type of animal the subject is, playing around with different perspectives gives the photos a unique story to tell. Try out different angles, vantage points and points of view with the camera. Oftentimes, photos are taken from above. Get on your pet’s level and see the world from their view. It may result in your favorite photo ever taken.

The Importance of Background in Pet Photos

The background is just as important as the main subject, so it’s a good idea to clear out any unnecessary or distracting items. If the background is competing with the subject, try changing the angle of the photo.

A pleasant background can add to the image. Think about textures and hues in contrast with your pet’s coat and eye color. Tones can either help the subject to pop or compete for attention with the subject of the photo.

There is a way to keep your subject the main focus without changing a bad background. On an iPhone or Android use the portrait mode to blur the background. On a camera with more advanced settings, try adjusting your aperture to change the depth of field and blur the background (more on this later).

Focus on The Eyes for Pet Photos

Animal eyes are expressive and show a pet’s emotions and character. Different eye movements reveal what the animal is feeling at that moment. Portraits and candid shots become more engaging when the eyes are featured. Whether you’re photographing humans or animals, the general rule is the same: set your focus on the eyes unless you purposely want the photograph to specifically highlight another feature.

Treats and Toys to Help Your Pet Focus in Photos

Looking at a camera does not feel natural to an animal. To get them to interact with the lens, treats and toys are used to help the subject focus. Wave a treat under the nose of the pet and move it in a desired direction. Quickly take the shots as their eyes remain on the treat.

Toys that make noise take hold of an animal’s attention. Get your furry friend interested in the toy and then shoot quickly while they wait for the toy to be thrown.

Creating a Positive Pet Photo Experience

How a pet feels about their picture being taken entirely depends on how the owner handles the situation. Being patient is a crucial factor. Repeating words gently creates a relaxing environment. Do not rush your pet or use force. Let them settle in and be themselves. A happy, calm animal results in the best pictures.

Animals have short attention spans. Making them work for too long or too hard results in them associating the camera with a negative experience. Holding poses and constantly taking direction is mentally exhausting for pets. Keep the sessions short. Once a few good photos are taken, give lots of praise and treats, then end the session.

Photographing Black Animals

Black animals can be a little bit of a challenge to capture on camera. Once again, the key to a good photo is lighting. When working with dark pets, make sure the light source is above and in front of the subject. Avoid backlighting the pet unless you’re purposely trying to capture their silhouette.

Experiment with both harsh and soft lighting to see what effect it has on your photo. You may find that harsh light on a sunny day brings out more details while evenly-shaded, soft-lit lighting on a cloudy day may produce a more pleasant contrast to the background.

Midtones of red, yellow, orange, blue and green are ideal for background colors when shooting pets with dark coats. Dark-colored backgrounds may make it hard to see your dark subject. If the subject is too similar in color to the background, your camera may not see enough contrast between the foreground and background and will have a harder time setting the correct exposure or attaining focus.

Extremely bright backgrounds, on the other hand, may be jarring or overly contrasty for photographing dark pets and could also produce a halo effect (where light appears to wrap around a subject). Or perhaps a bright background (if not too bright) will produce just the right amount of contrast for your image. Like with all photography techniques: experiment to find your desired outcome!

Tips for More Advanced Photographers

Adjust Exposure Triangle

Cameras need proper exposure in order to take a clear picture. To achieve this use the camera’s manual settings to adjust your exposure triangle – ISO, aperture and shutter speed. The reason it’s called a triangle is because all three work together in different ways to produce the exposure or the amount of light reaching the camera’s sensor. Change any one setting and you may need to adapt another setting to achieve proper exposure.

Adjusting ISO

One part of the equation is to adjust the exposure by increasing ISO, digitally increasing the amplification of the signal from the camera sensor known as gain. Cranking up the ISO is not always desirable, as your image gets grainy and less crisp, but minor adjustments should be okay. Sometimes “cranking the ISO” (raising the ISO value significantly) may be needed if you cannot adjust the other two parts of your exposure triangle to brighten an image and achieve the result you’re going for.

Adjusting Aperture

Another part of the exposure triangle is aperture. When you adjust the aperture, you adjust how wide or narrow the iris of the camera is when a photo is taken. This in turn affects how much light reaches the camera’s sensor and also affects how much of the scene is in focus at a time (called depth of field). The lower the aperture (referred to as f-stop), the brighter the image and the narrower the depth of field.

Using a low f-stop is great for producing images with blurry backgrounds and guiding the viewer to pay attention to a particular part of an image. If you want the focus of an image to be on a dog’s nose, for example, you may want to use a low aperture to have the other parts of the dog blurred. If you want the foreground and background in focus, however, you’ll want a higher f-stop.

Shutter Speed

Shutter speed is also part of the exposure triangle. As the name suggests, adjusting this setting controls how quickly the shutter opens and closes. The faster the shutter speed (the higher the number), the more crisp your shot will be. Fast shutter speeds are especially helpful with action shots and subjects like dogs or cats who may make sudden quick movements, as you’ll want the camera to capture a very precise moment in time. The lower the shutter speed (the longer the shutter remains open), the more light reaches the camera’s sensor and the more likely movement in your photo will be detected in the form of blur.

Lens Type

Experimenting with different lens types provides different results. A wide angle lens or fisheye lens will distort your image to make it appear deformed or curved unnaturally but will also allow more to be visible in your shot. A unique effect, but may not be the look you want for your photos. A macro lens is great for extreme closeups. This super fast lens has a very wide aperture that gives it the ability to get an extremely blurred background.

Looking for a more creative use? Lensbaby lenses can create neat bokeh effects and can be used in selective focus photography and special-effect photography. They can be difficult to control, but when used properly can create some truly stunning, unique results in camera without the need for editing in post.

Importance of Memories

Photography helps to capture a moment and freeze it in time. Looking at photographs brings up memories and the stories connected to them. As they say, a photo speaks a thousand words.

Having quality photos, whether on a smartphone or more advanced camera like a DSLR, brings back past memories even clearer. Capturing your pets helps you remember their characteristics at different ages and keeps them more vivid in your mind long after they have passed on.

Paying attention to the lighting, background, variety of perspectives and other aspects of your shot will help you create quality photos to cherish. Setting up a positive experience for pets with treats, toys and short sessions helps to ensure your pet is willing for multiple future photo opportunities.

Tags adjusting IOS aperture exposure triangle, background in pet photos, black cat photography, black dog photography, candid pet photography, cat photography, dog photography, focus on the eyes, golden hour best for photos, high shutter speed for action shots, how to get a pet to focus in a photo, how to get an animal to sit still for a photo, how to make the background blurry in a photo, increase ISO for pet photography, indoor lighting for photography, Lensbaby, macro lens fast lens, memories of dog photography, natural outdoor lighting for photography, pet photos, portrait pet photography, positive reinforcement for pets, short pet sessions, taking good photos, tips for advanced photography, tips on pet photography, what colors are good for a background for a pet photo, what kind of lamps are best for pet photography, what should be the focus for pet photo, wide angle lens fish eye lens