Fall is a great time to get outdoors with your pet. The lower temperatures make it easier for your pet to stay cool, the changing leaves and fall foliage make for some beautiful sights, and there are plenty of events and holidays you and your pet can celebrate!
Hiking
With the cooler weather and beautiful sights, hiking is a great activity for you and Fido! Before you hit the trails, there are a few things to remember. Most parks require dogs to be on a leash at all times, and many trails don't allow pets at all. Make sure to do research on your nearby hiking trail to ensure they have pet-friendly trails and hikes. Bring doggy bags to discard waste since many parks don't have them on-site. In addition, bring plenty or water and snacks for your pet so they don't overheat or get too tired. If the terrain is really rough, look into buying your pet booties to keep their paws healthy and infection free. In addition, visit your vet before you hike to ensure your furry companion is up to date on their flea and tick medicine, as well as heartworm meds. Hiking trails and forests are breeding grounds for ticks and worms so an untreated pet could be easy prey. So, which places are dog friendly and which aren't? Check out this comprehensive list by BringFido.com!
Fall festivals & Halloween events
Fall and Halloween aren't just fun for kids and adults. Your pets will enjoy the many local farmers markets, pumpkin patches, orchards and fall parades that allow them as long as they are on a leash and well behaved. For example, the Great Pumpkin Festival in Milford, New Hampshire, has a great selection of fall activities like scarecrow making, raffles, pumpkin picking and arts and crafts shows, as well as a pet parade and fall-flavored dog treats. The Six Flags Fright Fest in Denver also holds an annual pet parade where owners and pets can dress in fun costumes and even enter to win prizes for dogs and humans! For a list of some pet-friendly fall and Halloween events, check out Dog Friendly. If you can't afford a pet costume, try making one with one of these easy DIY costumes here on SheKnows. You can also take your pet trick-or-treating. Just alert your neighbors you are bringing a dog so they can have doggie treats on hand!
Outdoor sports and yard work
Raking up all those fall leaves with your pet probably isn't the most effective way to clean up, however it's a fun way to engage your pet in some outdoor exercise. After you've spent time raking, relax by playing some football with your pet. Thirty minutes of catch with your four-legged companion can burn up to 90 calories, so it's a great form of exercise for both you and your pet. When playing catch, use a soft, foam ball that's easy to catch and won't hurt their jaws. Anytime you are outdoors with your pets during the fall months, be sure to check them for fleas or ticks.
More pet-friendly activities
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Source : http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/970393/3-fun-fall-activities-for-pets
The problem? Children don't have the ability -- or the dexterity -- to do everything that comes with caring for small pets like fish, gerbils, reptiles and birds. There's still plenty kids can do, though, as long as you're around to supervise.
Note to kids: Now mom and dad have no reason to say "no" to your request for a furry (or scaled) friend!
Food duty
Kids are often more than willing to help dole out food and treats to their small pets. Take note, though: Many kids live by the "more is more" concept, meaning that they'll give Guppy the Goldfish an entire bottle of fish food if not supervised.
Your kidlets are quick learners, though: Have them watch you as you prepare veggies and fruits for your bird so they'll know how much to give. Or, show them how many flakes to dish out for their pet fish and let them know what dangerous things can happen if their small pets give too much food. Soon, you won't have to worry about feeding the small pets -- your kids will gladly take over that duty!
Oh, and kids can easily add water to their small friend's dish, so make it one of their daily chores -- no teaching necessary.
Poop patrol
The crappiest part (literally) of small pet ownership is cleaning up after them. However, you can teach the little ones how to scoop out the poop in their gerbil, guinea pig or bird's cage and replace it with fresh bedding. Don't forget to teach them about the importance of hand washing afterward!
Beauty monitor
We usually associate grooming with dogs and cats, but small pets like gerbils, guinea pigs, rabbits and even birds can benefit from regular brushing -- it keeps the snarls and fur matting at bay (and they look good, too!). Kids will have to be shown the proper way to comb their small furry and feathered friends, though -- otherwise, they might brush too vigorously and get a not-so-friendly reaction from their animals.
Party planner
Small pets like to play, too! Kids can help keep their small friends entertained by giving toys or even playing with them. For example, gerbils and guinea pigs love to play with empty toilet paper rolls and kids can easily add those to a cage.
Playing with small pets is a whole other ballgame, though. Older kids can learn to handle their pet birds while you watch -- and kids can also "play" with their rabbits, guinea pigs and gerbils when they're let out of the cage.
Unfortunately, fish aren't really the sort of pet to play with, so be sure to teach your kids to keep their fingers out of the aquarium.
Tell us
What are your tips for teaching kids about pet care? Share in the comments below!
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Source : http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/964713/small-pet-chores-children-can-do
What do you do if you're a dog lover with a full-time job and other important obligations? You want the best for your canine pal, but that doesn't have to mean giving up interactions with other humans.
How to pamper your pet
Even if you're on a budget, you can provide for your best friend -- even while you're gone.
Doggie daycare seems like a great option for keeping your fur-baby healthy and happy while you're at work. But the reality is, it can be just as (if not more) expensive than daycare for your human babes. These days, budgets are tight for all of us, but that doesn't mean we don't love our pups just as much as ever. If doggie daycare isn't right for you, consider these alternatives to keep your dog healthy and happy while you're away.
Consider a dog-walker
Hiring a dog-walker may seem a bit pricey -- and it actually can be if you don't look around. Plenty of dog-walking services have add-ons that are really convenient, but aren't really necessary for the most part. You don't need a service that takes them on special doggie vacays every day (how often do you go to the spa?). You just need someone to stop by your place, pick up your pooch and make sure he gets some exercise for an hour or two.
Skip the fancy services in favor of a private dog-walker. That usually mean your dog will be walked with others, though, so make sure he's well socialized with other animals and obeys traditional verbal commands well. The dog-walker won't be able to adjust to your pet's special habits while walking three to five other animals. Your dog should respond well to sit, stay, heel and any other commands your walker needs.
Get friendly with your neighbors
Dogs need interaction (human or canine) and fresh air. If you're going to be gone for a while, ask a neighbor to look after your pet from time to time. Neighbors who also have pets will likely be glad to help -- if for no other reason, then because you'll owe them the same favor. If you don't know all your neighbors, this is a good time to get to know them. With their parents permission (and supervision), you may even be able to give an older child in the neighborhood a few dollars a day to look in on your animal for half an hour once or twice a day.
Don't count doggie daycare out (completely)
Doggie daycare is undoubtedly expensive. But you may be able to find some that are reasonably priced enough to do some good. The reality is, a lot of dogs are fine alone for extended periods of time. Look for a dog-sitting service that allows you to bring your dog in occasionally for a few hours here and there. She'll get the break from loneliness and socialization she needs and you can feel good about treating your baby right... without breaking the bank.
More ways to care for your pet
Need a dog sitter? DogVacay helps find the perfect host
Yoga for dogs
What to do when you can no longer take care of a pet
Source : http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/804033/keep-your-pet-happy-on-a-budget-and-while-at-work
Pets
tell all
You've finally met the tall, dark and handsome prince of your dreams, and, to top it off, he's a pet lover like you. Now that the stars have aligned what could go wrong? Maybe nothing, maybe everything. Lucky for you, your man's best friend tells all without even saying a word. Find out what your beau's pet partner says about him.
Tell-tail signs
Dog owners know a little something about loyalty. There's a reason dogs are arguably known as the gateway to parenthood for most couples, as raising a pet is a close second to the real deal. Tending to a canine companion takes time, devotion, compassion and patience, all qualities that only the most loyal of beings can exhibit unconditionally. Not all dog-loving prospects make a perfect match, but if you're looking for partner who won't run for the hills at the first sign of commitment, well-trained dog owners are more likely to stand by your side. As for hitting the sack, if your man shares bedtime with Fido you're bound to find yourself as the third wheel. Don't walk away with a tail between your legs. Say no to three's company by establishing an "alone-time" game plan.
The cat's out of the bag
You're looking at a man who knows what he "kind-of" wants. Make no mistake, cat-loving men are among the most sensitive and confident pet owners you'll meet. After all, they do have to put up with the smirks from their macho dog-owning buddies. Sensitive and confident as they may be, they're simply testing the waters of responsible pet ownership with a seemingly low-maintenance pet. What does that say for your relationship? That's for you to find out, but one thing's for sure, get used to taking the backseat in this furry love triangle.
Something's fishy
A fish-owning man sees the world through a fishbowl. This pseudo pet makes for a pseudo relationship, one in which the world is his oyster and you're just another pearl. This self-absorbed type considers fish as worthy of two whole seconds of his time with the majority of it spent picking out chic fish tank trinkets that complement his downtown loft.
Rodents, reptiles and rabbits, oh my!
It's one thing if Johnny Jr. begs and pleads for a cute cottontail or a super cool snake to impress his friends. If your man owns a rodent, reptile or bunny, chances are he either has a child or is one. Adult men with an affinity for caged creatures have more than a little growing up to do. They may be holding on to the past or an unfulfilled childhood and will require hand holding if you're willing to stick around.
More on pets
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Source : http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/965483/what-your-mans-pet-says-about-him
Sugar gliders
These pocket-sized marsupials are oh so cute. They are very friendly, but they can't be toilet trained, so you'll have to keep them in a roomy cage. They are nocturnal so a good time to bring them out of the cage to play is in the evening. Be sure that your sugar gliders are neutered because they breed like rabbits. You must be able to deal with a mess because they suck the nutrients out of their food and then spit it out.
Guinea pigs
If you have little kids, then a guinea pig might be the perfect pet. Guinea pigs aren't as small and delicate as gerbils and hamsters, but they are still furry and fun. Of course, you still need to keep close supervision on toddlers and preschoolers when around any pets.
Geckos
For kids with allergies, get a reptile. Geckos aren't as scary to young children as snakes might be. Choose a leopard gecko because it can't climb walls — so you won't have to worry about it getting out of the tank.
Read about coping with pet allergies >>
Finches
If you like birds but don't want to deal with a squawking parrot, pick a small, quiet bird like the finch instead. Though they aren't completely silent, finches are much quieter than parakeets, cockatiels and other pet birds. Be sure to buy at least two — they need friends.
Chinchillas
If you live in a cool climate, consider a chinchilla. These nocturnal animals have soft fur and a bushy tail. They can't be in temperatures higher than 75 degrees, so you need to keep your chinchilla cool. They'll need a large cage with plenty of room to move around.
Potbellied pigs
If you have the space, consider a potbellied pig. Though the potbellied pig craze has eased off a little bit in recent years, they still make fabulous family pets.
Hermit crabs
Perfect for apartment dwellers and those looking for a low maintenance pet, hermit crabs are fantastic choice. You just need an old fish tank, gravel, extra shells in various sizes (they change homes as they grow), food and water. The more that you play with the crabs, the less likely they will pinch.
Iguanas
For lizard lovers, the iguana is a wonderful choice. They require warm temperatures and a cage big enough for them to grow. Green iguanas can grow to up to 6 feet long. One disadvantage of iguanas is they require special lighting — both UVA and UVB lights in their cage.
Read about lizard and other reptiles as pets >>
Ant farms
If your child is interested in science and you don't really have any space (or time) for a pet, consider making an ant farm. Just be sure not to leave the feeding port open, or you'll have ants all over your home.
Monkeys
Are you ready for a something a bit exotic? Try a monkey. As a child, I had a pet cottontop tamarin. It was very small, cute and easy to train. Before buying a monkey, be sure to research thoroughly — some types of monkeys can be extremely aggressive.
Other unusual pets to consider include hedgehogs, pygmy goats and tarantulas. Be sure to check about the legal restrictions for owning monkeys and exotic pets. In some counties and states, owning primates is prohibited.
More about family pets
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Which exotic animals make good pets?
How to pet-proof your home
Source : http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/961595/10-unusual-pets-your-family-will-love
What is Leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is a disease is caused by spiral-shaped bacteria called leptospires. Leptospirosis is not uncommon in the United States but infections can happen. Dogs are more likely to become infected; while there have been cases of cats becoming infected, it is rare.
