Why Your Dog Loves the Fall Season

From empty houses during the day to cooler weather, there are so many reasons why your dog loves fall! Here are our 5 favorite reasons your pooch is jumping up and down for this season.

Allergies Be Gone

Spring and summer months bring on allergies. Whether from grass, flowers and their pollen, allergies get the best of us – including your pup! When your allergies act up, you may sneeze; have watery eyes or a runny nose. Instead of those reactions, dogs are more likely to excessively scratch or lick themselves. Thankfully, they tend to disappear as the weather changes and the leaves start to fall.

Better Walking Conditions

Over the summer, many outlets shared the five-second rule to tell if it’s too hot for your dog to walk on asphalt. This summer, and even now, has been especially hot in Florida. With the warmer temps, sidewalks have been too hot to walk on, for your pup. Thankfully, the fall brings cooler pavement and much needed longer walks.

Cooler Temperatures

Many outdoor activities seem perfect for the fall, but dogs love doing them in the cooler fall temperatures! Dogs prefer to be outside when the temperature drops because it’s easier for them to run around and enjoy themselves without getting overheated. You might need a sweater heading into the cooler fall months (if that ever happens here in FL), remember that your furry friend is ready to explore the outdoors.

Fewer Flea Bites

Fleas thrive in temperatures from 70 to 85 degrees. As temperatures drop into the 60s and 50s, fleas are less of a nuisance. Yay, no more flea bathes! Unfortunately, this doesn’t mean they die. Instead fleas dormant until spring. But at least your dog can enjoy a few months with less flea activity.

More “Me” Time

You love when your kids go back to school and so does your dog! Dogs need an average of 12-14 hours of sleep per day, which is difficult to get when the entire family is home all day.

We hope you and your pup enjoy the cooler weather and can get in an extra walk or hike this week!

Halloween Safety Tips for Pets

Halloween can be the spookiest night of the year, but keeping your pets safe doesn’t have to be tricky. The ASPCA recommends taking these simple, common sense precautions to keep your pet happy and healthy all the way to November 1.

1.Stash the Treats

The candy bowl is for trick-or-treaters, not Scruffy or Fluffy. Several popular Halloween treats are toxic to pets. Chocolate in all forms—especially dark or baking chocolate—can be very dangerous for cats and dogs, and sugar-free candies containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can cause serious problems in pets. If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately.

2.Watch the Decorations and Keep Wires Out of Reach

While a carved jack-o-lantern certainly is festive, pets can easily knock over a lit pumpkin and start a fire. Curious kittens are especially at risk of getting burned or singed by candle flame. Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered relatively nontoxic, but can produce stomach discomfort in pets who nibble on them.

3.Be Careful with Costumes

For some pets, wearing a costume may cause undue stress. The ASPCA recommends that you don’t put your dog or cat in a costume unless you know he or she loves it. If you do dress up your pet for Halloween, make sure the costume does not limit his or her movement, sight or ability to breathe, bark or meow. Check the costume carefully for small, dangling or easily chewed-off pieces that could present a choking hazard. Ill-fitting outfits can get twisted on external objects or your pet, leading to injury.

Be sure to have your pet try on the costume before the big night. If he or she seems distressed or shows abnormal behavior, consider letting your pet wear his or her “birthday suit” or don a festive bandana instead.

4.Keep Pets Calm and Easily Identifiable

Halloween brings a flurry of activity with visitors arriving at the door, and too many strangers can often be scary and stressful for pets. All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room away from the front door during peak trick-or-treating hours. While opening the door for guests, be sure that your dog or cat doesn’t dart outside. And always make sure your pet it wearing proper identification—if for any reason he or she does escape, a collar with ID tags and/or a microchip can be a lifesaver for a lost pet.

What Not to Do When Adopting a New Dog

Adopting a new animal is fun for the entire family. But even though your dog is new to you and your home, he still requires structure and rules to thrive. As tempting as it may be, it’s not a good idea to just play things by ear. Here are 5 things you shouldn’t do when you bring your new dog home.

1.      Don’t Forget about Rules Altogether

It can be really tempting to throw all the rules out the window when you get a new dog. After all, it’s his first day at your home, and you don’t want to start off by being mean and disciplining him. However, not enforcing important rules from day 1 sets a bad precedent for your dog.

Think about it from your dog’s perspective. You laughed when he stole your slippers, and you didn’t get mad when he chewed them up. Obviously, he thinks that’s a fine occupation since it meets your approval. What will stop him from doing it again? Unless you really don’t mind him chewing up your shoes, you need to establish right away that that’s not acceptable behavior.

Obviously, there’s no need to inflict pain or even yell at your dog. Dogs can sense rather quickly whether their actions please you or not. And sometimes a non-reaction is even better, because it shows that the behavior is not worthy of praise or acknowledgement of any kind.

2.      Don’t Expect Too Much at Once

Your dog has a new home now, which means there’s a lot to learn. To make it easier on him, you shouldn’t expect too much at once. Many things might be different in your home than what he’s used to. If there are several behavioral issues you’d like to work on, then it might help to start with one at a time.

For example, if your dog likes to jump, it’s important to cure him of that habit. If he squeezes out the door when you go for a walk without waiting for you, you need to address this, too. But it might help to focus on one or the other first before tackling the next problem. But even if you only focus on one habit, you should always praise him when you observe the desired behavior, such as greeting you without jumping or waiting for you to go through the door first.

3.      Don’t Overwhelm Your Dog

Your dog needs some downtime just like everyone else. Meeting new people, exploring a new home, and discovering new smells is very stimulating for him. For the first few days, you can take him for a walk through the neighborhood, but you probably shouldn’t plan a road trip or invite lots of visitors to your home.

If the neighborhood walks seem to be too stimulating for your new dog, then you can dial it down even more by sticking to your backyard or the front lawn. It’s also a good idea to show him where to do his business from the beginning if you have a preference.

4.      Don’t Expect Him to Want Company All the Time

If your dog has a safe place to retreat to, he can seek some calm whenever he needs it. It’s important to teach everyone in your family to respect the dog’s privacy in that location, whether that’s his crate, a special blanket, or a corner under the desk.

To show him his safe area, you could place his food dishes nearby or put down a special treat, such as a chewy bone. Every dog is different. Some may crave company and enjoy being around you from the start, where others need more time alone until they feel comfortable with their surroundings. If possible, follow your dog’s cue.

5.      Don’t Expect Same Behavior You Saw Initially

People act differently around other people. It’s almost as if we all have several personalities. There is the working you, there is the domestic you, there is the parent, child, or sibling in you, and then there’s the you as you present yourself to strangers. It’s similar for dogs.

Your dog is still the same dog that you saw at the shelter, but you’ll probably explore new sides of him as you get to know each other. He may be shy with strangers, or he may be playful with everyone he meets and only show you his vulnerable, calmer side. Part of the fun of adopting a dog is enjoying this getting-to-know-each-other phase.

5 Signs You're Ready to Adopt a Dog

You may have dreamed of getting a dog since you were a kid, but your parents wouldn’t let you have one. Or maybe your family has always had dogs, and you can’t wait to carry on the tradition. But getting a dog is not like buying a car or a new computer. Dogs require you to spend time with them, most of all. Here are 5 signs that show you might be ready to adopt a dog.

1.      You Have Time to Train and Play with Your Dog

Dogs are social animals. They love companionship, and if it was up to them, they would be with you 24 hours of every day. Fortunately, they’ll settle for much less than that. But you do have to make the commitment to spend a significant portion of your waking time with the dog.

If you’re getting a puppy or a younger dog, you should plan some time to train them. Even an older dog can benefit from training sessions. Besides, these can be fun for both of you as you’re learning to communicate with each other. You also need time to provide active play for your dog. You don’t have to go running with him, although most dogs would love that, but going for walks with him and throwing the ball or frisbee for him can take up many hours of your free time. Fortunately, that’s a lot of fun.

Your dog also needs downtime and cuddle time, too, but that’s easier to combine with other activities you’re already engaging in, such as reading a book or watching TV.

2.      You Have the Means to Care for Him

You don’t have to be rich to own a dog, but you do have to have the means to care for him. If you’re already struggling to feed your family, then having to purchase dog food may put you over the limit on your grocery budget. You should also think about paying for the vet for regular checkups, shots, and when your dog gets ill.

For unexpected vet visits, it helps to establish a savings fund that you pay into every month. You could also consider pet health insurance to see if that would be beneficial for you and reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.

3.      Be Ready for a Long-Term Commitment

Dogs don’t live as long as some birds do, but even 12 or 16 years is a long time to commit to caring for an animal. It’s easy to see how a dog can fit into your life right now, but can you say for certainty that you are ready to care for a dog for the next 10+ years? If the answer is no or maybe, then you should rethink the decision to adopt a dog right now. After all, having to find a new home for a pet can be traumatic for you and the dog.

4.      Your Family/Roommate Is on Board

Your dog will become a member of your family. And dog make great companions for people of all types and ages. But you still need to make sure that your family members or your roommates are on board before you bring a dog home from the shelter.

Some people just don’t like dogs, and they probably don’t even know why not. It’s also possible that someone in your immediate family is allergic to dogs. Ideally, you’ll find this out before you bring a dog home. And as much as you really want to have a dog, it’s not worth fighting over if your significant other just isn’t on the same page as you right now.

5.      You Know Which Dog Is Right for You

If you’ve been reading books about dogs, researching breeds, and learning about pet adoptions over the last few weeks, then you have a pretty good idea what type of dog you’re looking for. Do you want a small dog that can fit in your purse? Do you prefer a big dog you can go running with? Do you like an older dog who’s a little calmer, or would you prefer a puppy you can spoil?

If you already know the answers to these questions, then you might just be ready to adopt a dog. Now the trick is to not let yourself get distracted when you visit the shelter by big brown puppy eyes. Instead, you should explore the dogs’ temperaments to find out which one is your perfect match.

How to Help Your Newly Adopted Dog Adjust

Your pet may not be able to talk to you, but dogs can feel anxious just like humans. Leaving the shelter and going to a new home is a joyous occasion, but your dog doesn’t know that. In fact, he’ll probably be nervous about his new surroundings. The following 3 tips should help him adjust.

1.      Prepare Your Home for Your New Dog

Before you bring your new companion home, you need to set up your home accordingly. While it can be tempting to adopt a dog as soon as you see it, it’s easier for your dog if you don’t spend all day running around trying to get organized. He won’t mind spending another day at the shelter. After all, he’s being cared for there, too, and the surroundings are familiar to him. Take a deep breath and get the things you need.

You’ll want to set up a crate to keep your dog and your belongings safe while you’re not there to watch him. Many dog owners also use the crate for their dogs to sleep in at night, but that’s a personal decision you’ll have to make when the time comes.

Next, you need a food bowl, a water dish, and of course, dog food. Most dogs aren’t picky eaters, but if you want to make the transition a little easier for him, you could ask the shelter what they’ve been feeding the dogs and buy the same kind of food. If your new dog has only been at the shelter for a few days, then it probably doesn’t matter as much.

If you have a lot of valuables and precious knickknacks in your home, it’s a good idea to put them in a safer place for now, just in case. Some dogs will play with anything they can get their teeth on, while others may accidentally knock something over just by wagging their tail.

Another thing you can do to prepare is to decide on which words to use for dog training now. You want to be consistent and not confuse the dog, and everyone in your family should be on board. Speaking of family, it’s a good idea to take your family members with you to meet the dog at the shelter before you bring him home.

2.      Make His First Day Easy

The first day in a new home can be stressful for a dog. If you think back on your first day at work, you probably understand why. He doesn’t know you or your family, the house is new to him, and nothing smells familiar. To make it easier for your new friend, it’s a good idea to provide calm surroundings. That means you need to warn the kids or send them outside to release some energy before allowing them to pet the dog. The kids are bound to be excited, but even young ones can understand that a new dog has to get used to them first.

If it’s possible, you should bring your dog home on a day that you don’t have to go to work. It will help you get to know him better and allow you to follow his schedule as far as mealtimes and daily walks go. You can also bring the dog home in the evening if the next day is a day off for you to maximize the time with him before you have to leave.

3.      What You Can Expect for the First Few Weeks

The first few weeks will be spent getting to know each other better. It will take some time for your new dog to thaw out and show his ‘true colors’. He may be very playful and loving, but those character traits won’t become obvious until he feels safe and loved in his new home.

Now is a good time to enroll him in obedience training if he has never had any. It’s not just about training your dog, either. Obedience training can help you understand your dog better and form a bond between the two of you. After all, you both have to work together to pass the class.

It’s a good idea to watch how your dog interacts with other dogs and animals during the first few weeks. Not all dogs enjoy playing with other dogs, but yours might be a social butterfly. As you’re learning what motivates your dog, he’s also learning more about you. Before you know it, the two of you will be inseparable.

Why People Are Still Buying Dogs instead of Adopting One

Most people know that the local shelter is overflowing with dogs who are looking for a forever home. And adopting an animal is probably something that goes through your mind before you get a new pet. But the truth is that many people still buy dogs from breeders or friends instead of adopting one from the shelter for 3 major reasons.

1.      They Believe the Myths about Pet Adoption

There is a lot of misinformation about pet adoptions, and it’s difficult to dissuade people from them. After all, it only takes one bad experience to bad-mouth every animal inside the shelter.

Myth #1: It’s Impossible to Find the Dog You Want

Whether you’re looking for a specific breed, age, or disposition, you can find the dog you want in a shelter or from a foster home. The only caveat is that it will take more time than contacting a breeder and waiting for the next litter of puppies. But shelters know how important it is to find the pet you’re looking for. Many rescue organizations can even relocate pets for their perfect new home, so you’re not stuck just looking inside your city limits, either.

Myth #2: Shelter Dogs Don’t Make Good Pets

Every dog is different, and not every shelter dog will make a good pet for you. That part is true. But there is a dog in the shelter who is just right for you. Fortunately, the staff at your local rescue organization knows the animals well. For example, they won’t give you a dog who doesn’t like cats if you have one or more feline companions. And they would never place a dog who tends to get nervous around loud noises in a family with little children.
  

Myth #3: Shelter Dogs Have Too Much Baggage

Everyone has a story behind them. You do, and so does your pet. It may take some time to get a dog from the shelter to adjust to your home, because they’re more careful than a puppy. However, in return, you get loving companionship for life if you’re willing to put in the time. If you and the dog are a good match, his personal history won’t stand in the way of a lasting friendship between the two of you.

Myth #4: Puppies Are Free, Why Pay for a Dog?

Yes, the puppy your neighbor offered you is free. But when you add the cost of neutering him, taking him to several well-visits in the first year, and replacing every item he chewed up in your home, puppies come at a hefty price tag. There’s nothing wrong with giving your neighbor’s puppy a home, but money shouldn’t be the reason not to go to the shelter instead.

Most shelters only charge nominal fees to continue doing the good work they’re doing. That’s worth supporting financially, too. Additionally, you’ll often receive a pet that’s up to date on vaccinations and has been neutered.

2.      They Fall in Love with a Puppy

Falling in love is wonderful, but new love often wears rose-colored glasses. It’s no different with a puppy. Of course, they’re cute, but it’s easy to forget the long-term implications of owning a dog when you’re staring into those big brown eyes. There’s nothing wrong with falling in love with a puppy, but you should know what you’re getting yourself into before you ever start looking for a dog.

Before you bring that puppy home, you should figure out where to keep it, how to take care of it, and what to feed it. You should train the puppy, too; that includes crate training, housetraining, and general obedience training. Finally, no matter how cute that puppy is, you should consider how the rest of your family will react to this new family member once it starts chewing on things.

3.      They Want to Know the Dog’s History

When you’re buying a car, it might be wonderful to buy a new car just for the assurance that it hasn’t been in an accident. But getting a dog is not at all the same thing. In fact, purebred dogs tend to have more health issues than most mutts you’ll find at the shelter. Incidentally, mixed-breed dogs are often cuter than their purebred counterparts, too.

And while you may not know what exactly happened to your dog in the first months or years of his life, you can still get a pretty good idea of what type of dog he is. In fact, it’s easier to judge an adult dog’s disposition than to try to predict how the puppy will turn out as an adult.

Why Pet Owners Are Happier, Healthier People

Everyone wants to be happy, and that’s only natural. It turns out that happiness might be more within your reach than you think. Technically, happiness already rests inside of you, and you don’t need any outside influence to bring it out. But in truth, happiness just comes easier to pet owners. Incidentally, pet owners are healthier, too. Are you curious to find out why? Here are 4 reasons pet owners tend to be happier and healthier people.

1.      Pets Provide a Sense of Purpose

Everyone has lots of things they have to do. For example, you must go to work, do laundry, and take the car in for an oil change. But there is a difference between doing things you’re required to do and taking care of a pet. When you feed your pet, take it for a walk or to a visit at the vet’s, your jobs have a larger sense of purpose. They’re not just tasks that need to get done; your pet’s well-being depends on you.

Having this sense of purpose can boost your self-esteem. You can even watch this phenomenon in young children. Children who are responsible for caring for an animal (even if the adult is ready to help in the background) learn to feel confident in their abilities to succeed with other tasks, too.

2.      Pets Offer Companionship

Nothing affects your mood like loneliness. There’s obviously a difference between being alone and being lonely, and everyone can benefit from alone time occasionally. But the companionship your pet offers can make you feel better, whether you’re in the mood for company or whether you’d rather be alone.

Many elderly residents really appreciate having a pet at home, because they tend to feel more isolated than the rest of the population. But you don’t have to wait until you’re retired to enjoy the companionship a pet can provide you with.

3.      Pets Directly Affect Your Health

Pets are somewhat magical. While they don’t have anything to do with your diet, they can directly impact your health. As a pet owner, you will spend time relaxing with your pet, but you will also engage in more active games. Both are great for your health, consequently keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control. Having a pet can even improve your heart health.

Pets can also calm you in times of stress. Even small animals like guinea-pigs have been shown to reduce anxiety. If you don’t believe it, just try it out yourself. When you sit down and focus on cuddling with and petting your pet, your breathing will slow down and you’ll feel calmer.

4.      Pets Help You Bond with Others

While pets are great companions, humans also need other humans to interact with. Fortunately, having a pet can make it easier for you to bond with others. It’s especially easy for dog owners, because they constantly meet new people when they’re taking their dog for a walk. But even cat owners can bond with others over their favorite animal, whether it’s coworkers, neighbors, family members or friends who turn out to be cat lovers, too.

How to Enjoy the Benefits without Owning a Pet

Owning a pet has lots of benefits, and of course, you want to be happy and healthier, too. But for one reason or another, you might not be in the right place to adopt a pet. That’s okay. You’re not doomed to eternal unhappiness, because you can still enjoy the benefits of pet ownership without adopting a pet.

For example, you could spend more time with friends who have pets and ask them to invite you to their house. If you know someone who lives close by, you might even be able to borrow their pet for a spell. You could offer to walk the dog, and some pet owners will really appreciate the offer.

If you can’t have a dog or cat right now, maybe it’s possible to have a small animal instead. Most apartment buildings don’t mind it when their tenants get guinea-pigs or rabbits, and these animals can be just as cuddly as a cat or dog. However, you should know that even guinea-pigs have a long lifespan, 8 years is not uncommon.

Finally, if you’re a dog or cat person, your best option might be to volunteer at your local shelter or foster a pet. Shelters are always looking for someone to socialize the animals and take the dogs for a walk, allowing you to be healthier and happier while doing a good deed.