How To Do A Home Inspection To Find Out If Your Dog Is Healthy

by on June 10, 2012

Having a pet completes the family unit as they do make a house a home. Whether you are in a current home or relocating, a home inspection may be necessary to guarantee your health and that of a healthy dog. Some concerns stand out in providing your dog good health, such as mold, paint, clutter, exposed chemicals, toxins and more. Much thought needs to go into providing an environment to be sure your dog will be healthy and happy.

Dog Home Inspection

Homes that have been built after 1978 should be safeguarded from lead-based paints, mold and mildew. If you witness your dog scratching intensely, the pet may have a serious allergic reaction due to mold and mildew in the home. A dog can also suffer from lead toxicity from lead-based paints, paint chips and dusts. Lead toxicity can cause other illnesses such as anemia as well as gastrointestinal and nervous system disorders. Most modern and renovated homes are protected against mold, mildew and lead.

It is recommended that all homes be tested for Radon or any other odorless gases which may cause cancerous health conditions in your family and the dog. Check with your particular state for rules and regulations regarding home inspections and testing for Radon or other dangers to your health and that of your dog as put forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Other considerations when inspecting your home to know your dog is healthy includes a process of pet-proofing the area. Be sure all cleaners, toxins and chemicals of any sort are kept in a locked cabinet. Chemicals, poisons and toxins can have fatal results for a dog that consumes these products. That includes medications that can easily be accessed by an inquisitive dog.

Monitor your dog and keep it away from the garage area where many dangers lurk – oils, anti-freeze, fertilizers, and more. Inspect your yard for any holes and escapes in the fencing to guard the dog from escaping. There are many plants that are hazardous to pets, so your dog may need to be restrained in a small pet-safe area of the yard only.

Parasites and pests can be a huge problem for dogs as well and a home inspection may result in a recommendation to get professional help from an exterminator for the health of your dog and all those who dwell in the home. Be sure to spray your yard for pests, keeping your dog from the area until treated and safe.

A full home inspection and following any recommended renovations can provide a safe environment to guarantee your dog is healthy and safe. Such maintenance of the home not only protects the health and safety of your dog but the whole family. A little preparation and preventatives can provide for a long, happy life and well-being.

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Tips To Potty Train Your New Puppy

by on June 4, 2012

Potty training your puppy may seem like a daunting task. The good news is that there are a number of things that you can do to make this easier for yourself and the puppy. Below are some housetraining tips:

Puppy In TroubleBe patient and consistent

Again, potty training is not easy, but you have to be patient. Puppies learn at different paces, and it may take your pup a few times to understand what you are trying to teach him. Consistency is another thing that will make this process go smoother.

Set the puppy on a regular schedule

Puppies cannot hold their bladder or bowels for an extended period of time. That is why you will need to get into the habit of taking your puppy outside after every meal. Generally speaking, most puppies will have to eliminate within thirty minutes of eating. Additionally, you should also take your puppy out when he wakes up and before he goes to bed.

Reward your puppy every time that he goes to the bathroom outside

Give your puppy a treat every time that he goes to the bathroom in the right place. That way, the puppy will begin to associate going to the bathroom outside with something good. It is natural for a pup to want to keep doing something if he knows that good things will happen.

Do not punish your puppy when he has an accident

A fully-grown house-trained dog may occasionally have an accident, so it is completely normal for a puppy to have a few accidents. However, you want to avoid punishing your puppy. Contrary to popular belief, rubbing a dog’s nose in his mess is not the best way to keep him from doing it again. If you punish him, he will just find creative ways of hiding his accidents.

Being patient, setting your puppy on a regular schedule and avoiding harsh punishments will make the process of potty training go a lot smoother. It is important to remember that your puppy may still have occasional accidents, but as he gets accustomed to the idea of eliminating in the appropriate place, the accidents will become less frequent.

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Top Selling Dog Breeds For 2012

June 1, 2012

Choosing a dog breed is a personal decision that should not be made lightly. When choosing a breed, potential owners should consider the breed’s size, temperament, exercise and grooming needs and health considerations. While apartment-dwellers with a low activity level may do just fine with a teacup Chihuahua, they may struggle with a Great Dane. [...]

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