Monday 10 June 2013

Exercise your dog



Does your dog have destructive behaviours like digging, or tearing up your house? Or even psychological issues like biting, endless pacing, or other seemingly absurd behavioural issues? Then prevent these problems and let your canine friend get more and enjoy life. The best answer and prevention to these problems is to give your dog plenty of exercise and activity. Your animal also demands quality attention from you as the dog owner!

Dogs are born to work for a living. They’ve worked alongside us for thousands of years, and most are bred for a particular purpose, like hunting, herding livestock or providing protection. Dogs’ wild relatives spend most of their waking hours scavenging and hunting for food, caring for offspring, defending territory and playing with each other. They lead busy, complex lives, interact socially and solve simple problems necessary for their survival. 

The most common job for our companion dogs today, however, is Couch Potato! They no longer have to earn their keep and instead have to adjust to our sedentary lifestyles. They get their food for free in a bowl and are often confined, alone and inactive, for most of the day. This lack of purpose leaves dogs no outlet for their naturally active tendencies—physical and mental—and it contributes to the development of behavioural problems. 

Another problem modern dogs face because they rarely work anymore is the lack of opportunity to exercise. Some pet parents make the mistake of assuming that, if a dog has access to a yard, he is getting exercise. But your dog doesn’t run laps by himself in your yard—or do much of anything besides waiting for you to come outside or let him back inside. It’s the interaction with you that counts!


The key to a good exercise is working up the heart a good amount so that the dog reaches a good pant. This happens to be the dog's reaction to body heat, so it is a good indication they are working hard. If the pant is too strong, you will hear a harsh wheezing breath that sounds very unpleasant. Be sure to give rest to your dog, especially older dogs and provide plenty of water when finished. They will be very thirsty.







Problems that result from dogs due to lack of exercise and play can be similar to that obtained from young children. If you don’t give them something constructive to do with their energy, they’ll find something to do on their own—and you may not like it! Some of the most common behavioural problems seen in dogs that don’t get enough exercise and play are:
  1. Destructive chewing, digging or scratching
  2. Investigative behaviours, like garbage raiding
  3. Hyperactivity, excitability and night-time activity
  4. Unruliness, knocking over furniture and jumping up on people
  5. Excessive predatory and social play
  6. Play biting and rough play
  7. Attention-getting behaviours like barking and whining
Benefits of exercise and play for your dogs are remarkable. Keeping your dog healthy, happy and out of trouble with daily exercise is a lot of fun and provides many benefits, including:
  1. Helps to reduce or eliminate the common behaviour problems listed above, such as digging, excessive barking, chewing and hyperactivity
  2. Helps to keep dogs healthy, agile and limber
  3. Helps to reduce digestive problems and constipation
  4. Helps timid or fearful dogs build confidence and trust
  5. Helps dogs feel sleepy, rather than restless, at bedtime or when you’re relaxing
  6. Helps to keep dogs’ weight under control.
Thus exercising your pet is equally important as it is for you. Exercising your pets would also lead to sweating and panting. Hence it is necessary to keep your pet fresh and clean. Bathe Me Dry, a herbal dog shampoo, is one such product that helps keep your pet hygienic and clean throughout his work out session.
 

Pooch gone green


Organic. Natural. Recyclable. Today, pet owners want to do their part to help preserve our planet’s natural resources, and fortunately, there are plenty of options. Reducing your pet’s carbon paw print is now a priority.  No longer relegated to the back aisles of health food stores, organic dog products are now readily available. In fact, there are so many eco-friendly dog supplies available in the market, that the options can seem overwhelming.



Below are a few factors to keep in mind:


  1. Switch to biodegradable dog waste bags

Plastic grocery bags are still in use to pick up dog's waste. The problem with plastic grocery bags is that they do not biodegrade or decompose. Plastic grocery bags overwhelm landfills, where they remain for years, harming the environment. Switching to paper grocery bags is a great first step. Opting for biodegradable, compostable waste pickup products is the next step.

Replace old dog toys with new, earth friendly alternatives. Always inspect your dog toys for tears, rips or tatters. If the toy is in disrepair, replace it right away with an earth-friendly alternative.  


  1. Choose an earth-friendly dog bed

How earth friendly is your dog bed? The sad truth is that there are many poor quality dog beds and most are made from materials that are not good for the environment or your dog. Choose a pet friendly dog bed made of fibre as it is easy to wash and eco-friendly.  It is perfect for small dogs that like to snuggle and curl up into a donut.


  1. Switch to organic dog treats

This one is easy! What dog doesn’t love treats? Forget about those “mystery treats” from the big chain stores. Organic dog treats are just as tasty, and they are way better for your pet. Organic dog treats, with natural, healthy ingredients taste fantastic and they are a wise choice for your pet. Organic dog treats do not use the chemicals and preservatives that are found in store-bought treats. Not only are they better for the planet, they are better for your dog. Woof!


  1. Look stylish, indoors and out

Made from sustainably grown hemp and organic cotton, eco-friendly leashes and collars look good and are green. Hemp is biodegradable, strong, durable and hypoallergenic, and flourishes without pesticides. Though not all cities have leash laws, keeping your pet tethered is important for all wildlife. Cats and dogs are both known for reduced populations of birds and wild rodents.


  1. Washing with WHAT?

Another part of having a lovable fur ball is keeping them clean. When your cuddle monster gets grungy, reach for a shampoo that is free of the same questionable and toxic chemicals you would normally avoid for yourself. Known for everything from irritating skin to contributing to a variety of cancers, these chemicals have the same impact on your pet. Hence switch to pet friendly products for healthy being of the pet. Bathe me dry, a herbal shampoo, is one such product that can be used for quick and easy non water pet bathing. We treat our dogs as “bone-a-fide” family members. We spoil them with so many cuddles, squeaky toys, baby talk – and, of course, their favourite treats. BatheMe Dry is one such treat.

Friday 17 May 2013

What to do if your dog is lost




You call your dog and he doesn’t come. It’s the feeling that chills all dog owners. When a pet goes missing, it is important to take action fast. As a pet owner you must be aware what can happen to a lost pet in the open. But it is important not to get distress because it will hinder your capability to act rapidly. Remember dogs are homely creatures and he will most likely looking to get back his way back to home. Don’t threaten or call your pet in a panicky voice. Try to sound normal so that your pet can recognize your voice.





Here are some tips which will help you to find out your lost or stolen pet.
  • Don’t Panic: First and foremost thing is not to lose your calm. Try to think when you last saw him and where. How long was it? If it is more than hour or so, quickly look around your house and start searching outside. If he like to be on some path start from there.
  • Contact Local Vets and pet shelters: If you can’t find your pet in nearby localities and parks, start contacting local vet’s offices and shelter houses with description. If possible visit them and post flyers in offices of vet’s. Also contact local municipal department of your locality and give description of your dog.
  • Post Flyers: If you don’t able to find your dog in 2 days start posting flyers of lost dog with picture at all the available places in your locality and nearby areas. You can also post flyers in animal shelters, vet clinic, police station, pet groomer’s and stores.
  • An ad in the local paper: Post an ad in the local newspaper with a description of your dog. Give a 24 hour phone number where you can be reached and it is good to mention some reward.
  • Check lost and found sites: Check online lost and found websites if anyone has posted a notice that they found a lost dog. Also don’t forget to check found ads in newspaper each day your pet is lost.
  • Post on Facebook Pages: Social media can be used for finding a lost pet. Post photograph of dog on Facebook’s pet pages like www.facebook.com/pettribe . This will help in spreading the word among the pet owners and vets.
Prevention:
  • Your dog should have an ID tag on his color with your name, phone number and address on it.
  • Get your dog “chipped”, so that if he is found and taken to a vet’s office or animal shelter, a scan can reveal your contact details.