Odys And Penelope
Tips

How to Prepare Your Home for a Dog Staycation

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It’s time for a staycation! You and your pup can finally enjoy some quality bonding time at home – but before you pack up the car to head out on vacation, there are a few things you need to do in order to prepare your house for pet-friendly living. Here we go:

1. Pack away any breakables. While this may seem like an obvious one, it’s important that you take precautions when putting anything fragile into storage or moving it elsewhere in the house so that your dog doesn’t knock them over and cause injury or damage while exploring his new surroundings.

2. Put all of your valuables in safe place where they will be inaccessible and unreachable by the pup (that includes your wallet, jewelry, or anything else you wouldn’t want to lose).

3. Don’t forget about the dog. When your pup is left alone with no one to play with and nothing interesting in his environment, he’s likely going to get bored very quickly – which can lead him down a path of destruction! You don’t need holes chewed in your walls, rugs shredded to pieces, or furniture ripped apart. So be sure that you have a good supply of toys and bones on hand for the pup. You might even want to make some upgrades to your yard, and The Pampered Pup has some good options for that.

4. There is one more thing left to do before you go ahead with this pet-friendly home makeover! Make sure every room is puppy proofed from top to bottom.

Puppy-proof your entire house, including cupboards and drawers. Put away or securely lock up any medications, cleaning supplies (this means you need to put the toilet cleaner out of reach), alcohol, potpourri, sugar substitutes/sugar free items like gum and candy; this includes anything edible that could make your pup very sick. We all know what happens when dogs get into sugar-free gum…

5. You’ll also want to make sure that your home is safe for your dog’s paws, so put away anything sharp or scratchy (including shoes and clothes on the floor) – just in case he tries to run around without your supervision. Finally, and most importantly, keep your pup on a leash or in his carrier while you’re away to avoid any problems with the neighbors. If someone knocks at the door when you get back from vacation – no one would blame them if they were concerned about letting their kids play outside until they knew for sure that it was safe!

We hope this article was helpful! If you need more tips on pet-friendly home preparation, we know a great site that has some awesome ideas (hint: check out our homepage!).

Tips

How To Keep Your Dog Entertained While Working At Home

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If you are thinking of how to keep your dog entertained while working from home, you may want to consider the options mentioned in this article. Firstly, when you are working, your dog is likely bored and looking for something to do. Dogs need to have a good time whilst they are being worked at because they find it very difficult to focus on just one task. In order to keep your dog focused on your assignments, you should consider taking him for walks or outings.

You can also take him out for short breaks during the day. Try to take him to different areas in your house as this will keep him stimulated. It will help if you do not give him a reward immediately, but reward him later on when he has accomplished something good. This way, you will not teach him to expect frequent treats, and he will therefore not look forward to having breaks.

Keeping your dog entertained while working at home has even further benefits. He is likely to stay focused and on task if he is given breaks. He is likely to spend less time looking for something to do if he is taken out for a walk or an outing. When he stays focused on your instructions, he will be more likely to listen carefully when you tell him what actions to follow. If you do not take him out, he may start to become distracted, and you will not be able to give him the attention that he needs. You may also not realize how much his lack of attention is costing you!

A great way to distract him is with a nice new toy. Try finding a squeaky dog toy for him to nibble on. This will make him stay focused and interested in whatever you are doing. If you have several toys in the house, you can rotate them during your lessons. This will help him become more acclimated to the idea that you are the one that is in charge.

Another thing you can do to keep him distracted is to play a game with him. You can try to hide and seek, where you hide a toy in a specific location until your dog finds it. You can then challenge him to find it by calling him over, and when he gets it, give him the toy. You can continue this game for as long as you like, and it is an excellent way to learn how to keep your dog entertained while working at home.

An enjoyable game you can play with him is the tug-of-war. You and your dog each have a favorite toy; when you put it into his mouth, he must let go of it within a certain amount of time or he gets punished. He doesn’t need to remain calm and patient, either. It is completely up to him. You can actually enforce this game by leaving his toys out in the open while you are gone.

The last idea on how to keep your dog entertained while working at home involves taking him outside. Walk around and let him explore your yard. Letting him explore your yard is a wonderful way to exercise and stimulate your dog’s physical body, mind, and spirit. He may even find a few things to bring back inside the house that he loves. This is a wonderful way to bond with your dog and make spending time together enjoyable. Don’t forget to take him for short walks after every meal!

These are just a few ways on how to keep your dog entertained while working at home. Working at home can be a challenge for many people, but by providing these types of activities for your dog, you will make the tasks he faces in the home less of a challenge. All dogs love to be praised, so provide that praise regularly. Take lots of notice of how your dog interacts with other people and animals in your environment. Your dog will thank you for all the attention!

Care, Tips

How To Help Your Dog If They Are Suffering From Joint Pain

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You may feel so sad if your dogs do not feel well because of joint pain. However, joint pain issue is very commonly found among the dogs. Yes, in charge of the dog must help the dog to cope with the proper relief measures. Let us see how to help your dog here

You should observe the signs and symptoms of your if it suffers from joint pain. The major symptoms are

  • Slower movement as soon it gets up either in the morning or in the evening
  • Walking slowly or lagging behind
  • uncontrolled sleeping
  • Joints are swollen
  • Howling if someone touches the dog
  • Not usual like before, not interested in playing games seem lonely

The above major symptoms are commonly associated with your pets if it suffers from joint pain.

Overweight

Helping your dog from joint pain is not a major task. First, check your dog weight before you begin any treatment. An obese dog might suffer a lot due to joint pain. Hence, reduce its weight with a proper diet plan after recommendations from a veterinarian. You can see a lot of changes in your dog if the weight is reduced. More weight increases the chances of arthritis in your dog and hence follow the weight reduction diet plan

Medication

You can try anti-inflammatory medication for your dogs after consulting the veterinarians Never give medicines without consultation because it might affect the health of pets adversely. Human pain pills for dogs is very unhealthy and hence avoid it.

Clinically-Tested Supplements

Many dogs that are suffering from joint pain are relieved by administering clinically tested supplements. Yes, your dogs can be given omega-3 fatty acids for relief from joint pain. Chondroitin medicine is proved effective for joint relief. Hence, always try clinically tested supplements for the dogs’ joint pain issue.

Orthopedic Dog Bed

Dog beds play a vital role in improving the health of the dog. Yes, an orthopedic dog bed can give great relief to the dogs that have joint pain. You can try the dog beds that are specially made for dogs suffering from arthritis or joint pain.

Slip-free floors and ramps are very useful to dogs having joint pain. The floors should be covered with rough mats if found very slippery.

Massaging the Pets

Your dogs are given a proper massage by a therapist to treat his joint pain. Your pets feel good and relax after the proper massage is given. The joint pain seems to be reduced after massaging and exercising under the supervision of a well-trained therapist.

Other Measures

Some more recovery measures such as underwater therapy and acupuncture treatment prove effective for the pets that suffer from joint pain. Even you can try laser therapy treatment for your pets so that the pain gets reduced a lot.

Integrated Approach

You can try weight reduction, medication, and exercises all at a time as an integrated approach. This approach would have a positive impact on the health of dogs. Consult your veterinarian for this combination treatment for effective results.

Care, Tips

Is It Possible To Keep A Dog House Warm For The Winter?

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With winter approaching, it’s time to think about your pet. If your dog is an outdoor dog, you probably own a dog house. The seasons can be very bad for your dog; Cold weather, such as winter, can cause your pet to catch a cold, which can cause him to lose weight, lose his appetite and cause many health risks. If you have trained your dog to stay out of the house, it would be very difficult to drag them into the house so that they easily get sick from the open environment.

Is it possible to keep A dog house warm for the winter? How do you keep this house warm? There are many options you can use to ensure your dog house is warm during winter. Therefore, if you want your dog to stay warm and cold, even during the winter, the best thing you can do is give your dog a nice warm house. Today’s modern dog house is a well-designed dog house and provides more than just body heat to keep the dog warm. Here are ways you can keep a dog house warm for the winter.

Install a dog house heater

A great way to keep your home warm in winter is to buy and install a heater and air conditioner. A pet dog warmer is a special device similar to a portable home air conditioner. In most cases, it can double as an air conditioning unit during the hot summer months. Dog warmer makes sense if the dog and its owner live in an area where the winter months freeze. If your dog lives in a kennel, then this type of heater will help him stay warm. Many dog owners around the world install household heaters in their mugs, which can give your pet the extra warmth it needs in unpleasantly cold weather conditions.

Insulating dog house

-If a pet dog warmer is outside your price range, consider a few other ideas to keep your pet warm in cold weather. Installing insulation can help provide warmth and warmth to your pet’s own body. Some pet owners consider kennel pads, which are similar to the heating pads humans use for muscle soreness, as an ideal heating solution for a dog’s house. Some kennel pads can be microwaved and placed in your home. However, their warmth is often temporary and may not be a convenient or reliable long-term heat source for your pet.

Take it away from the cold wind

Whatever your budget or placement, keep it out of the wind. Some people will find a dog house next to clothes drying air vent to let the occasional heat escape from the air vent and at least humbly help keep the pet warm.

Use straw

Straw, of course, is the traditional approach to keeping pets warm in winter. Hay should not be used as it contains weeds, leaves, and seeds that can irritate or get into pet hair. Straw needs to be changed frequently as dogs tend to tolerate moisture and dirt, making the straw useless as an isolation device.

Put some door flaps

Place some door flaps on the dog’s house door. This mat can be made of rubber or plastic. Place this on top of the house door on the ground without touching the ground. This rug effectively blocks cold wind and prevents that air from entering the home and keeps the house warm inside.

Seal all holes and leaks in your dog house

Check the walls and roofs and make sure there are no leaks or holes around because cold winds can take your dog’s place through these tiny holes. You can use conventional sealants from your local equipment.

Conclusion

With a few simple items including straw, insulation, and a dog house heater, your dog can enjoy a warm, cozy winter house. Always make sure to listen to your dog, if they are barking or crying for attention, then you can be sure that they probably need some help!

Gear

What Toys Are Good For Puppies?

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For your puppy, you would surely want the best. Whether be their food or bathing needs. You would also buy them the best bed and cage so that you know that they are comfortable. There are even times that you would buy something they do not really need, but it is something they would enjoy. This includes toys they will play with. 

For a puppy, it is important that they do have some toys. It is not just for playing but also to chew on. It is the age that they are teething and they will chew on everything. So instead of chewing on your shoes or any other in your house, you will just have to buy a chew toy. These toys will also help with their development.

So, what are the kind of toys that is great for them?

1. Bone-Shaped Toys

When we see something bone-shaped, the first thing that comes to mind is that it is surely for dogs. It is not just simply a representation of them. Bones are the perfect shape and actually good for them to chew on. The problem is that it might get dangerous for them because some of the fragments might get loose and will be bad for them. Because of that, there are different kinds of toys available that are bone-shaped, and it will not be dangerous for them.

2. Rings

Human babies will have teething rings, and it is not that different from dogs. These rings are great for their gums while also keeping them entertained, and perfect to keep them occupied so they aren’t barking for attention while you’re busy taking care of your household tasks. What is good about this is that some are not all ring-shaped but have different shapes that are interactive and will interest them. It is also safe and long-lasting.

3. Balls

Balls are not just great for fetching. In fact, balls are go-to toys for them. What is nice about this is that there many kinds available and you can find it anywhere. You can actually use an ordinary tennis ball. You can also find something cheaper and softer that will be good for puppies who are teething.

4. Edible

What is nice about toys is that it can be also edible. It is not a snack per se but good enough for their taste buds and enough for them to not ask for it at times. Aside from it being long-lasting which would be less expensive for you, it will also not affect the diet of your puppy.

5. Tug Toys

Tug toys are those flexible ones. It is great for puppies because teething will make them chew on something aggressively. Because it is flexible and durable, these tug toys are great for them to put it out. Aside from that, you can also use these toys to play tug-of-war with them which is great to teach and practice control and also to steer away from their minds auto chewing other things. It is also a great exercise for their teeth and muscles.

Tips

What To Do When Your Dog Keeps Barking

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A dog that insists on barking all the time can cause serious problems. Granted, all dogs bark and there is a time and place where it is acceptable no doubt. But if you’re getting complaints from the neighbors because your dog is barking too loud or at odd hours of the night then you’re going to have to take action before the situation escalates beyond your control. Don’t worry, you’re definitely not the first dog owner to have encountered this problem. It’s something that happens time and time again, and in almost all cases there is an effective solution. Here are some tips to get you started.

More Time Outside

Dogs can be energetic beings, especially when they are young. Puppies, in particular, get excited love to run around throughout the day. The good news is if you do make sure they get plenty of exercise it will likely tire them out, so they’ll be more likely to sleep once they come inside rather than cause a ruckus by resorting to barking when they’re looking for attention.

The Personal Touch

Much like humans, dogs need attention too. A lot of this comes down to pure physical interaction. They want you to play with them, to pet them, and make them feel like they are an appreciated part of the family. Simply by giving your dog your undivided attention for some time you may find that they become less needy throughout the course of the day and as a result bark less.

Make Sure Nothing is Wrong

You may be surprised to hear that much of the time when our dogs are barking it’s because something is actually wrong and they need our help. This is often associated with whining, but a bark can be the way your dog communicates problems as well. Take a quick peek around and see if they’ve lost a toy under the couch or their bowl of water has gotten dirty. Sometimes the source of the barking is a very simple fix for a human, but something a dog can’t fix on their own.

Don’t Be Afraid of Bark Collars

A bark collar can make a world of a difference, and the best part is that you can put them on your dog only when the timing is most sensitive. There are plenty of humane training products these days that can keep your dog’s barking at bay with something as simple as a beep or a vibration to let them know it’s time to give it a rest. If you have a larger and more stubborn dog, don’t be afraid to use a collar with static correction either. As long as you make sure everything is set correctly, it’s a perfectly acceptable way to train your dog to stop barking.

Soundproof Your House

If all else fails there is a fail safe – you can also implement some soundproofing within your household. While it’s much better to reduce the barking at the source by working with your dog to make them happy, in a pinch you can quiet down your house quite a bit using weather stripping and making sure that all of the doors and windows are closed tightly with a good seal. It’s not going to solve the problem whatsoever, but it can be an improvement that wins over your neighbors to buy you some time.

Tips

How To Leave Your Puppy Alone For The First Time

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There are a lot of things you will need to do when you get a puppy. You will have to train them and also have them get used to your home. It is a need as a dog owner.

One of the hardest things in getting a puppy is leaving them alone. You know that they would whine and get sad. And you, as their owner, will only think of their situation. It will be a stressful experience for you both. But whether you like it or not, it is an occurrence that will happen and is necessary.

If you are having a hard time thinking of what to do upon leaving them, here are some tips you can do:

1. Start Gradually

When you first get them, you will need to have them get used to your home. Then, you will have to also make them get used to being alone. You do not have to leave them all alone in your house right away. You can have them in a separate room or go outside of your home or do a very quick errand not too far. You can also sleep in a separate room from them. This way, their separation anxiety will not be too extreme. It will be helpful for you too. 

2. Dog Proof

When you leave them, make sure that your house is ready. Puppies tend to be curious and rowdy. They will be also very impatient not to mention teething and will bite anything. Because of that, you will need to keep things like your shoes and others away from them. There is a big tendency that they will chew on it. That is also the same for your furniture. You will need to put some obstruction around your house. One of the best things you can do is to let them stay in one place. You can set up a playpen for them to stay. You can also get them a bed they are comfortable to stay with. You can also have them crate trained which will be a comfort for them.

3. Leave Them Toys

As said before, they will certainly get bored. Leaving them toys to play and chew with is a great way for them to be distracted. This will also keep their mind off chewing something else that might be important for you.

4. Basic Needs

Their needs such as water and food will be the most important. If you are leaving them, make sure that they have enough water to stay hydrated. You can even have more than one if it needs to be. Then also leave them enough food for the time you are gone.

5. Assistance

Even if you are leaving them, you can still look out for them. You can ask for your neighbor or close friend to watch them for a while, and this is especially if it will take you a long time out. You can also invest in pet cams. It is a security camera wherein you can watch out for your pet via smartphones, so distance will be not a problem.

Care

How To Give A Puppy It’s First Bath

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So you have a new puppy. It is exciting and a great feeling to have. You have an additional member of your family. But like any other, it is not all about the joy of having cuddles and companion but also the responsibility you will have.

Alongside feeding and training, one of the big responsibilities as a pet owner is maintaining the right hygiene for your dog. Because they are still a puppy, it could be overwhelming for you.

When will it be?

Unlike baby humans, puppies do not need to be bathed on a daily basis. They actually do not even need to be bathed right away after they are born. You can wait until they are three months for that. But, you can still bathe them younger than that and at times, it will be a need like when they got spilled with food or dirt. Though, ideally, they should be at least eight weeks old for their body to be ready for a bath.

Now that you know when the question now is how?

1. Right Place

Puppies are still small, so you can bathe them in sinks. You can also set up a kiddie pool in your backyard to avoid a mess in your home. If you indeed do it inside your home, be ready for the mess and spills, so have cleaning supplies on hand.

2. Right Temperature

Make sure that the water is warm enough for them. It is the only temperature that their body can handle at that time. If this will not be followed, the puppy might get health problems.

3. Right Materials

Taking a bath would require shampoo and some other things. The first thing you will need to find is the right shampoo for them. The reason why it is well-known for puppies to have a bath at eight weeks is not just a vet’s recommendation but also suggested labels from the shampoos. Another thing you need to look for is if it is good for your puppy. Also, keep in mind that you will only need to use shampoos meant for puppies for the adult ones will be too strong for them. Other things you will need is a sponge and also something for them to hold on to like a mat.

4. Right Way

Before you bathe your puppy, make sure that you have gathered all of the needed materials in place. Puppies tend to be impatient, so they will be very active and rowdy. Since this will be their first bath, it should be fun for them so that they would want to experience it again. Having their toys around will help. Then, you will have to coat their fur with shampoo. Use a sponge to help. After that, rinse them well to avoid dry or flaky skin. Be aware that they love to shake the water, so have something to protect you and your surroundings. 

After the first, how often will it be?

As said before, they do not need to be bathed every day unless it is really needed. All you can do is schedule their regular baths for once or twice a month.