Your Natural Choice for Your Pet

Dogs have shared our homes with us for so many years and have truly earned their title as man’s best friend.

It is safe to say that our dogs have more energy than we do when they are young. All they want to do is run around, inspect things, play with stuff, and generally act like children.

Admittedly, dogs remain rambunctious during old age, but not as much as when they are puppies.

It is up to you to keep your dog entertained. We understand how important solving this is, and that is why we decided to create this great list of fun things you can do with your dog.

Make Your Dog Part of the Pack

Dogs are social animals, and they need social structure. Often, they look to you as the leader of their “pack.”

You want to involve your dogs in many activities and treat them with respect.

When you make your dog feel like they are part of your pack, they feel a sense of structure, and living with them becomes more comfortable.

Rewarding positive behaviours helps you and your dog live a happier life.

Educate Your Dog

Educating your dog can be a fantastic experience for both you and your canine companion. It is a fun way for you to impact knowledge on your dog and bond with them.

You can teach your pup new tricks such as rolling over, playing fetch, the handstand, the army crawl, and handshakes.

Educating your dog should not be stressful, and you can get tips and guides from articles written by professionals.

Attend Events

Attending events with your dog is an excellent way for both of you to have fun. Nowadays, there are many family-friendly events for dogs.

A few of the popular events for dogs include attending doggy birthday parties, dressing up for Halloween, pet-friendly sporting events, and visiting dog parks.

There are also dog-friendly restaurants and eateries where you and your four-legged roommate can grab a bite.

Go for a Swim

Have fun and get some exercise with your dog by going for a swim. If you live near an ocean or a lake, you can take your dog to the beach.

It does not have to be a beach if you have a swimming pool in your home. You and your dog can have fun there. Schedule your swims in the morning or evening when it is not too hot.

Sprinkler Fun

If you do not live close to a large body of water or if there are animal restrictions, you can opt to have fun with your dog with sprinklers.

If you have sprinklers or a hose for washing your vehicle, you can have fun with your dog. Your family and your dog can run through the sprinkler, play fetch, and other fun games.

Go on a Trip Together

Few things solidify friendships like travelling. This fact is true for human friendships and inter-species friendships.

Consider hitting the open road with your four-legged mate. You might have a destination, or you might not- that is not important.

What is important is that you and your dog visit a new place together, see new things, smell new things, taste new things while enjoying your freedom. Travelling does wonders for friendships.

Sleep Together

For those of us who do not regularly sleep with our dogs, it can be an activity that brings you both closer – physically and emotionally.

You can take a nap together on the carpet, on the couch, or the bed. After all is said and done, there are a plethora of exciting things you and your dog can do together.

A great way to discover them would be to get information from professionals such as Black Hawk that share tips and guides through articles on such topics.

What came first: The chicken or the egg? Who cares, as long as you take good care of the chickens that lay the eggs?

Proper care for chickens is essential for anyone with a roost full of them. Learn how to raise them right by reading on.

Tender, Loving Care for Chickens

The first step in raising them right is deciding whether to keep them free-range. Free-range chickens have more room to roam. They also eat any slugs or snails you have.

Chickens in a coop may make you do more. You’d have to clean their coop more often. What’s more, such chickens can’t forage in the grass or get as much fresh air or light.

If you’re not going to build a coop, you’ll have to buy one. Keep it predator-proof, well-ventilated, and draft-free. Have enough room for the number of chickens you want.

You can buy a chicken coop from a warehouse, pet store, ranch supply store, or online. Coops can run you anywhere from $200 to $600, according to their size.

If you plan to build a coop, design your own, or get a design online. Put the coop in a space with a few dirt patches and more than enough grass. Chickens love to bathe in dust and eat grass.

Next up, accessorize that coop with nesting boxes, perches, and bedding. That’s where they’ll roost at night. The more chickens you have, the more perches you should buy.

Bedding should be absorbent, made of straw or wood shavings. Such bedding lets you clean up chickens’ waste easily and quickly.

The Hard Work of Parenthood

The work of (in some sense) parenting chickens continues.

Dogs, cats, raccoons, and other chicken predators can squeeze between cracks in the fence or coop. They can even dig under the fence or coop. Reinforce the enclosure to keep the chickens in.

You’ll need the right equipment. That includes bedding supplies, feeding equipment, and additional items. Buy water and feed containers.

Get the right kind of chicken feed. It comes in three main kinds: finisher feed, layer pellets, and standard chicken feed.

Add high-calcium grit to your chickens’ diet. Eggshells or crushed oyster shells provide a wealth of calcium.

Limit the number of treats you give your chickens. Treats can include fruits, vegetables, bugs, table scraps, and seeds. Chicken feed should remain the staple of their diet.

See how much feed you should lay out. Always have fresh water on tap.

To maintain the coop, let the chickens in and out, gather their eggs, and clean the coop every day. Give your chickens sand or dry dirt to bathe in. Wash them yourself if necessary.

Cock-a-Doodle-Doo

Providing sufficient care for chickens takes some work. There are many steps to follow, but the steps are well worth it.

In the end, your strong, healthy chickens will lay some robust eggs. It won’t matter which came first.

Come in first place in pet care by heading over to the site’s Pet Care section.

While you enjoy the aesthetics of your aquarium, you may notice a bug or two. The critters you see within your tank are most likely copepods and amphipods, and they provide numerous benefits for your fish and your tank’s ecosystem.

If you’re unfamiliar with these crustaceans and their benefits, take a look at this helpful guide and get to know your aquarium’s new additions.

What Are Amphipods?

Amphipods are invertebrate crustaceans without an outer shell and are found in many types of water sources. Amphipods are most commonly found in warmer, tropical waters. These crustaceans are a food source for fish, birds, and other invertebrates.

Amphipods are brightly-colored and easy to spot since they resemble shrimp. Finding them in your aquarium might take you aback at first, but they’re completely normal, if not beneficial.

What Are Copepods?

Copepods are a type of small crustaceans that live in freshwater and saltwater. These aquatic bugs are very similar to amphipods and exist nearly anywhere with water, even swamps and plants. Copepods are larger than amphipods and exhibit some of the same behaviors, but they lack a circulatory system, a tail, and gills.

Copepods live primarily on phytoplankton and are a source of food for bigger fish like anchovies. When copepods “bloom,” or increase in population, they make the water in the tank cloudy. These crustaceans are an abundant food source for your fish, especially when they bloom.

How These Bugs Affect Your Aquarium

Both copepods and amphipods are likely to show up in your aquarium at some point. These critters are extremely hardy and tend to withstand common disturbances.

However, seeing these bugs in your aquarium isn’t as bad as it seems. Copepods and amphipods provide several benefits for your aquarium.

They Provide Food

Copepods and amphipods are an excellent and abundant food source for your fish. They’re much more nutritious than traditional fish pellets and resemble real wildlife ecosystems for your fish.

They Provide a Healthy Ecosystem

Fish need a perfect ecosystem and water PH level to live a long and healthy life. With aquarium macroalgae, your tank gains added nutrients for your fish. Plus, macroalgae reinforces growth for copepods and help them reproduce, giving your fish even more to feed on.

Besides being a food source, copepods and amphipods work together to keep your tank clean from bacteria. They also take care of fish feces and other things that make tanks dirty.

They’re Easy To Get

You can purchase inexpensive copepods and amphipods in bulk. Considering the low cost, these critters provide an easy way to keep your fish fed and your tank clean. You can even buy these crustaceans online.

Caring for Your Aquarium and Its Critters

Your aquarium is a complex ecosystem that houses more than just your beautiful fish. With the help of some friendly and multi-tasking copepods and amphipods, your fish will continue to thrive in their new home.

Still interested in learning about pet care? Check out the rest of our website. We post helpful guides and insights into pet health, pet news, and more.

Are you thinking of taking a vacation with your pet but aren’t certain where to go?

With over 90% of all pet owners viewing their pets as a full-fledged part of the family, it’s no surprise that you want to enjoy a vacation without leaving your pets behind. The best part is that America is full of pet friendly travel destinations that’ll welcome your pet with open arms.

Enjoy your vacation to the fullest by visiting the following places that love pets as much as you!

Portland, Oregon

When it comes to choosing a place that’s perfect for pets, look no further than Portland, Oregon. It has an entire social network dedicated to dogs and has over 30 dog parks within its borders. Portland even hosts events showing off love and adoration for pets of all types.

The nice thing is that Portland is a place full of activities for both you and your favorite pet to enjoy.

Sellwood Riverfront Park, for instance, allows pets to roam free and enjoy the beauty of the area without any restrictions. Heathman Hotel is a historic place that’s perfect for you and your pet if you need a place to stay during your vacation. Plus, you can even take your pets into a pub with you so that you can enjoy a pint of beer alongside your furry friend.

Traveling with pets isn’t always an easy task. Make sure to find out more about the process to keep your darling pet safe from stress and harm on the way to your destination.

Boston, Massachusetts

Another place that loves allowing animals into the pub for a cold brew is Boston. Affectionately called “Yappy Hour”, many local bars are always excited to meet the pets of their patrons.

Walk along the Freedom Trail with your pet and see sixteen different sites that tell an important part of history. Enjoy browsing around the Somerville Flea Market or stop for a doggie treat at the Polka Dog Bakery.

There are even Boston Harbor cruises that are happy to embark on a journey with your pets in tow!

Albuquerque, New Mexico

This thriving city has made it a goal to have as many acres of park space as possible, which is perfect for anyone on a vacation with pets.

Enjoy delectable food at the Backstreet Grill or hike along the Rio Grande for an adventure among the beauty of nature. Don’t worry about hotel accommodations. The Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown welcomes pets into their gorgeous rooms without any trouble at all.

What makes Albuquerque so unique is that it’s a city that rarely sees rain, which makes it an exciting choice for a pet vacation. If your pet despises the rain, then pick this city so that you never need to worry about foul weather messing up your experience!

Seattle, Washington

On the opposite spectrum, Seattle is a gorgeous seascape city that sees many rain showers every year. If your pet doesn’t mind getting wet, then Seattle is a great destination to explore. It’s a city that loves dogs so much that almost every place you visit welcomes pets inside their doors.

Pets are even allowed on many transportation options, such as ferries and buses. Always make sure to double-check travel requirements before committing to a plan, but most companies in Seattle love chauffeuring pets!

San Diego, California

For even more fun in the sun, there’s no better place than California. San Diego is a great place to visit with your pet since there are so many things you can do together.

Have you ever wanted to surf with your dog? There’s an annual competition to show off your skills at the Surf Dog Surf-a-thon.

There are even shops dedicated to offering different clothing choices for the more fashion-forward pets. If you’ve been on the lookout for that perfect outfit, check out the pet boutiques.

You could put together a stunning cosplay design and enter your pet into a local event called Paw-Micon. Even if dressing up your pet isn’t quite your style, this animal version of Comic-Con is a delight to experience as a visitor, too!

Austin, Texas

If you and your pet love to explore the outdoors together, then Austin is the perfect destination for you.

Dive into some cool waters at Red Bull Isle Park where there are no leashes required. Walk around The Domain, a market place that loves to cater to pets. Hike around Barton Creek Greenbelt or enjoy the beauty of the Zilker Botanical Garden.

On the other hand, if you prefer to enjoy some peace and calm during your vacations, try out Austin Doga. This yoga class for dogs is the best way to unwind after a long day and is a unique experience that you’ll be sure to remember.

Don’t forget to get some delicious on-the-go treats from the Bow-Wow Bones food truck!

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Embrace the full beauty of nature inside Colorado Springs where the landscape almost makes it look like you’ve stepped into a whole other world. That unique landscape is the perfect way to experience a lot of thrilling sights during your vacation.

Hike to Seven Falls, a canyon that’s brimming with waterfalls and mist, or try to make your way through the Crags Trail.

Garden of the Gods Park is a landmark that’s as memorable by name as it is by sight. It’ll take your breath away as soon as you approach. Plus, it’s free to enter, which is always a welcome bonus during a vacation!

Bring on the Adventure With These Pet Friendly Travel Destinations

There’s nothing quite as amazing as going out on a vacation full of adventure with your favorite furry friend. It makes the trip even more memorable and it strengthens your bond with each other.

If you’re looking for pet friendly travel destinations for your next vacation, don’t hesitate to try any of the above locations. They’re sure to make it an experience that’s enjoyable for both you and your beloved pet!

To stay up-to-date with all the latest pet news and advice, make sure to check out the rest of our blog!

The big eyes. The high-pitched whine. The way they throw themselves on the ground like they’re dying of starvation. If you’ve experienced any of this, you’ve got a begging doggo on your hands and they are so hard to say “No” too.

But sometimes being a good dog owner means refusing to give in. When it comes to what human foods can dogs eat, the answers may surprise you – and save your dog’s life.

Get familiar with the truly toxic substances so that you can be sure to never give these to your dog. When trying out what can dogs eat, always double-check their safety and what amounts your dog should actually eat.

The Absolute Nevers

Xylitol – this fake sugar is in many products like gum, candy, or coffee sweetener. It is one of the worst human foods dogs can’t eat. Causing liver failure and low blood sugar it is often deadly.

Grapes and Raisins – Grapes and raisins can lead to kidney failure in dogs.

Chocolate – Toxic to dogs, chocolate can cause serious illness or death.

Macadamia Nuts – Dogs can experience poisoning from macadamia nuts.

Onions – Onions can cause serious GI upset and anemia in dogs.

Avocado – A substance called persin is present in this tasty fruit and very toxic to dogs.

Mushrooms – Wild mushrooms can be extremely toxic to dogs. Grocery store mushrooms are generally safe, however.

Garlic – Like their cousin onions, garlic can also cause serious GI Upset and anemia.

Seeds, Cores, and More

When it comes to human foods dogs can eat, check to make sure that their seeds and cores won’t make Fido sick. Cherry pits for instance contain cyanide, which can poison your dog.

Likewise, the core of apples contains seeds with cyanide, so cut apple slices off the core before giving them to your pup.

Think about choking hazards as well. Any meat or fish given should be deboned. Dogs will not eat carefully to avoid bone splinters – they probably won’t hesitate to woof down their meal at all!

What Human Foods Can Dogs Eat?

Be cautious when giving your dog “safe” foods. Make sure you understand what makes them safe for your dog to consume. For example, tomatoes must be ripe – green tomatoes can make your dog sick due to their high concentration of solanine.

Fresh food is some of the best food for dogs. Maybe try mixing up some rice, chicken, and eggs into tasty homemade dog food portions. Or offer your pup fruit salad as a treat.

Nuts

These are safe nut products:

• Peanut Butter
• Cashews
• Almonds
• Coconut

Meat (cooked)

These are safe meat and seafood products:

• Chicken
• Salmon
• Ham
• Pork
• Shrimp
• Tuna
• Turkey
• Beef

Dairy

These are safe dairy products:

• Cheese
• Plain Yogurt
• Eggs
• Cottage Cheese

Fruits and Veggies

These are safe fruit and veggies:

• Carrots
• Pumpkin (canned or fresh)
• Apples
• Blueberries
• Pineapple
• Watermelons
• Blackberries
• Corn
• Tomatoes (ripe)
• Green Peas
• Bananas
• Cantaloupes
• Cherries (without pits)
• Cranberries
• Cucumbers
• Mangoes
• Oranges
• Peaches
• Pears
• Raspberries
• Strawberries
• Broccoli
• Brussel Sprouts

Prepared Grains

These are safe grains:

• Oatmeal
• Popcorn
• Bread
• White Rice

Feeding Man’s Best friend

When it comes to what human foods can dogs eat, many are completely safe. But the ones that are dangerous can be deadly. Make sure you are familiar with both categories before giving your pup a snack.

Learn more about keeping your doggo healthy at Animal-Photos.

Introducing a puppy into a home is an amazing and exciting time for any family. The laughter, affection and love that your furball will bring will leave you overjoyed; however, as the days when you will bring your pup home draw closer, you need to make sure that you are prepared for their arrival. Here are a few things that you won’t want to forget.

Pet Proofing

Much like how children can get into everything, puppies can also have a mischievous streak and insatiable sense of curiosity. Ensuring that your home is safe for them to run around in and explore is essential, but you will also want to ensure that your home is protected from the damage of your dog. Consider puppy-proofing, everywhere from pet proof carpet Compton CA to gating and crating so that everyone and everything can be safe.

Behaviors

Your pup will have little sense of right or wrong and how to act when you first bring them home and they will be reliant on you. Make sure that you are ready for puppy behavior. As you ready yourself for puppy behaviors, you should have a plan for chewing, potty training, behavioral training and other important lessons. Enlisting the help of professional trainers can help ensure that you have a well-trained and well-behaved companion.

Supplies

Your little one will have plenty of needs that you will need to see to. Equipping yourself with supplies for your new canine companion will be an essential step. Make sure that you have everything from pet food to toys to accessories and a crate. While you don’t need to go crazy and buy every dog toy, bed and accessory out there, make sure that you have the essentials.

Bringing home a puppy is such an incredibly exciting time; however, it also requires a lot of work. You will want to make sure that your family is ready for this big responsibility and ready for all of the transition, love and cuddles that your canine companion will bring.

 As a dog owner, do you know when your dog is ill? Do you know which signs to look out for? For the longest time, dogs have been man’s best friend. Some opt to keep dogs as pets in their houses while others construct a kennel for them.

However, just as humans, dogs do get ill and require medical treatment. It is important to know when your dog is not well so that you can seek treatment. Dog illnesses vary from minor to serious.

Here are some signs that can indicate your dog is unwell and needs to see a vet.

Loss of Appetite

All dogs do not have the same appetite for food. As a dog owner, you definitely know the amount of food your dog feeds. If you notice it’s eating less or not eating at all, this is a cause for concern. This could be caused by a sore mouth or a mouth injury and requires treatment.

Drinking a Lot of Water

Dogs need to be hydrated, but when their thirst increases, this can be a sign they are unwell. Excessive drinking habits can be due to diabetes or even kidney diseases. These diseases can be life-threatening, but if diagnosed early, they are manageable and treatable.

Vomiting

A dog can vomit due to taking in a lot of food at once. However, vomiting can also be a result of a serious health condition. It can be caused by your dog consuming a poisonous substance or medical-related problems. If you don’t know what is causing your dog to vomit, it would be wise to have them checked by a vet.

Difficulty Walking

It may be difficult to know what is causing your dog to limp. There are many reasons why a dog may limp, ranging from minor to serious conditions. Your dog may hurt its leg while playing which may not be serious. If the limping does not go away, it may be the time to have it checked by a vet.

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is one of the causes of limping in dogs. This cannot be diagnosed with a mere look at the dog; hence you need to have it screened by a professional dog IVDD Boulder vet. IVDD, if not treated, can lead to nerve damage leading to paralysis.

Dog Crying, Whining, or Red Eyes

Crying in dogs can be a sign of anxiety, excitement, environment change, frustration, or even pain. If your dog has an underlying condition such as arthritis, this can painful and may cause it to cry. In case it does not have a condition that you are aware of and is crying continuously, a visit to the vet is the way to go.

An eye allergy can cause red eyes. However, it can also be due to other health conditions such as Conjunctivitis or corneal ulcer; hence you may need to make that trip to the vet to have it checked.

Many people love dogs as pets. To some, a dog is part of the family. Living with them can be fun. Always ensure they are in good health condition. Any time you notice an abnormality, it’s crucial to see a vet immediately.

Are you considering purchasing a sugar glider?

Sugar gliders serve as excellent pets for any animal enthusiast. They’re known to be social and curious, perfect for anyone who wants a pet they need to handle often. But you might want to know how to get a sugar glider and prepare for it to come home. What kind of pet owner works best with a sugar glider?

We personally think sugar gliders make fantastic pets and have compiled this guide to keeping one healthy, safe, and happy. Check out our guide below!

What Is a Sugar Glider?

Sugar gliders hail from Australia and sport a similar appearance to squirrels. They’re tiny marsupials that, when full-grown, will fit into the palm of your hand.

Many sugar gliders have either white bodies or gray ones with black markings. They also possess webbing that allows them to glide when they jump, almost as if they are flying.

Sugar gliders often display a very social temperament. They love being around other sugar gliders and often feel comfortable enough with humans to jump into their hands. They also are very nimble and quick and love to climb.

Yet, sugar gliders are nocturnal, so they love to cuddle up in a nest during the daytime.

What Kind of Pet Owner Thrives with a Sugar Glider?

Sugar gliders require a fair amount of owner attention. In general, they have quite excitable temperaments, and you need to handle them frequently to keep them tame. Fortunately, they fit neatly into the front of a shirt pocket, so you can keep them in there and carry them kangaroo-style as you go about your day.

Since sugar gliders require such constant interaction, the ideal owner has a decent amount of time in their schedule to care for them. You’ll also want to carefully consider their schedule. Their nocturnal nature might make them more active at night, which means they may not be ideal for those easily woken by animal noises.

Yet, you can train them to sleep at night instead of during the day, which helps keep them on your schedule.

If you want to buy a sugar glider, you should consider getting more than one. They love being able to play with other sugar gliders and easily become lonely if they don’t have a companion. Yet, they don’t typically do well in a home with other types of pets.

Preparing for a Sugar Glider to Come Home

So, do you think you would make a fantastic sugar glider parent? If so, it’s time to learn a thing or two about how to get a sugar glider and prepare to have one (or several) in your home.

There are a few steps to getting a sugar glider, and we’ll go into all of them in the sections below!

Learn About Their Diet

Sugar gliders aren’t the kind of animal that can eat pretty much anything and be fine. In fact, they have a very particular diet, so before you bring one home, you need to know how to feed it.

Just like their name implies, sugar gliders adore sweet foods. Yet, these are actually very harmful to these little creatures, so it’s important to keep sweet-tasting foods away from them. Instead, feed them insects, mealworms, and fruit. They also can drink nectar and tree sap to satisfy their sweet tooth.

Create a Sugar Glider-Friendly Environment

Sugar gliders require their own environment, and prospective owners should take great care to build them one that suits their needs before bringing them home.

Since sugar gliders have such excitable dispositions, they need an equally exciting environment. A good environment consists of a place with a variety of levels for them to climb on, cozy nesting places, ropes, and a hamster wheel. Most environments also include a feeding and watering station.

If sugar gliders don’t have an exciting environment, they might grow depressed. They do well in cage wire containments, which they can use for climbing. However, you should make sure the latch to their container is secure, as they are intelligent and can figure out simple locks.

Keep in mind that not all apartment complexes allow sugar gliders. If you want to get one, make sure you check with your landlord beforehand to avoid unwanted penalties.

How to Get a Sugar Glider

So, do want to know how you can get a sugar glider and where you can purchase one?

Now that you’re all ready to provide a loving home to a sugar glider or two (or three), it’s time to start looking for places that sell them.

First, consider adopting a sugar glider. Sometimes, people have to rehome their pets when they move or become incompatible with life in the household. Search Craigslist, Facebook, or even Google for sugar gliders, and don’t forget to call your local animal shelter. If you find one you feel will be a good fit for you and your home, arrange to pick it up and carry out any necessary transactions.

If there aren’t any local sugar gliders available for adoption in your area, look at pet stores, flea markets, pet expos, and even mall kiosks that sell domestic animals.

Sometimes, though, people who breed sugar gliders do so to make a profit rather than out of a passion for caring for sugar gliders. Because of this, you might want to research sugar glider sellers to make sure you are supporting a business at which the gliders are well-cared for.

Want to read more about sugar gliders? Click on the link in the previous sentence!

Want to Read More About Getting a Pet?

Now that you know how to get a sugar glider and take care of it, it’s time to make one of these amazing pets your own!

When it comes to sugar gliders as pets, they make for adorable, fun, and social companions. If you learn how to take care of them and invest the time in playing with your sugar glider, you will doubtless have a pet you will enjoy for many years to come!

Want to learn more about getting a pet? You’ve come to the right place. Read the rest of our pet-related articles today!