Tag: Pets

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Pets

5 ways to prepare for a new dog

Life as a dog owner is tough work. Yes, there will be endless cuddles, kisses and games to be played, but the fun can only happen if you look after your dog properly. There are many cases where people will choose to get a dog for the novelty of it without thinking through the responsibility of raising a pooch.

There are several actions that need to be taken before you welcome home a new canine friend. If you can commit to the five following steps, then you should be on-track to provide a dog with a loving home and a happy life.

Choose a breed of dog that suits your lifestyle

A part of making sure that your family is ready to have a dog is to choose a breed of dog that is suited to your lifestyle. There are many different dog breeds, so you need to consider what your current lifestyle is like. What kinds of changes are you willing to make? What changes can you simply not budge on?

Also, consider any special considerations of your family members and your home. Does anyone have any allergies? Do you have a yard for a dog to spend time in or will you take them to the park to stretch their legs? Can you dedicate time to house-train a puppy, or would an older, low-energy dog be a better fit?

Different sized dogs will suit different homes as well. If you have a large yard and enjoy going for walks, a larger dog will be perfectly suited to your home and lifestyle. However, if you live in a small apartment with no yard, a smaller or low-energy dog may be your best option.

Source: Happy Hounds Dog Walking & Pet Sitting

Make your home dog-friendly

Many people think about getting a dog and rarely consider changing anything in the home. But, as well as making your home more comfortable for your new furry friend, a well-designed home can also make it safer for them.

Take a look around your home and look for any potential dangers or hazards. If you’re getting a puppy, your curious friend may look at any electrical cables and wires around the home and think they’re fun to chew on. Even medications and cleaning products can be fatal to your dog if they find them.

You may also want to consider adding pet-friendly features to your home. Built-in feeding bowls that blend into your kitchen, secret entrances just for your pet and beds that are hidden in plain sight will all help to create a special haven for your dog.

Remember, no matter what age your dog is and how much they’re trained, muddy paws and the occasional accident might happen. So, be prepared for any messes and choose dog-friendly furnishings that are durable yet easy on your budget.

Get pet insurance

We never want to think the worst will happen to our pets, but the fact is, accidents and illness can happen. Pet insurance is one way to have that extra peace of mind when owning a dog. This insurance covers essential medical costs in an emergency.

Depending on the type of cover you choose, your pet insurance can help cover the costs of regular healthcare such as teeth cleaning and worming, as well as major treatments when your pet is ill. Certain breeds of dog will also be susceptible to certain health problems, for example, the french bulldog breed which can lead to obstructive airway syndrome in certain individuals. Check on your breed of dog and research any potential health risks they may inherit.

From paralysis ticks to car accidents and serious illness, pet insurance means you can have the confidence to give your pet the best care they need.

Contact local pet groomers

Training your dog or puppy

Often considered but rarely implemented, obedience training should be on the top of your priority list for your new dog. Training will help your dog to be better behaved and will nurture a healthy human-animal relationship. Although some people see a dog as a friend, a part of being a responsible dog owner is making sure your dog is obedient and well-trained.

Training can either be completed by a specialist dog trainer in your local area, or you can train your dog yourself. A dog trainer, however, will have a lot of experience and the know-how to best train your dog in the shortest amount of time.

If you train your dog yourself, allow approximately 15-20 minutes of training time per day for formal training sessions. Each time you interact with your dog, they will be learning from you, so be sure to not let your dog get away with bad behaviour outside of training sessions. Remain calm and focus on teaching your dog commands such as “sit”, “come”, “down”, “stay” and “leave it”. Remember to give your dog plenty of time to learn and soon enough, you’ll improve your communication.

Source: Happy Hounds Dog Walking & Pet Sitting

Commit to daily walks

Just like humans, all dogs require exercise to lead a healthy life. Even with a yard, a dog will rarely exercise on their own; which is when you, as a responsible dog owner, come in.

Dogs need a daily walk for both physical and mental stimulation. They love going outdoors for a chance to engage and smell the environment, as well as to have the chance to socialise with other people and dogs.

A lack of daily walks can lead to destructive chewing and digging, investigative behaviours such as searching through rubbish bins, unruliness and hyperactivity. Daily walks will have positive effects such as keeping your dog agile and limber, help them to build confidence, reduce digestive problems and keep their weight under control.

A happy and healthy addition to the family

Adding a dog companion to your home and family can be hugely rewarding. Although it may seem like a simple process, there is still a lot to consider when getting prepared for your new family member. With the right breed for your circumstances, a well-fitted home and some training, you’ll be able to give your dog the best chance at a happy and healthy life.

Categories
Pets

How to pet proof your home

Welcoming a furry friend into your home and heart is new and exciting but knowing exactly what environment is needed for a new pup is hard to pinpoint, especially for first-time dog owners. With almost 4.2 million pet dogs in Australia, there’s no doubt we love our four-legged friends and whether it’s your first dog or another furry addition, here are some simple ways to make your home dog friendly.

1. Let ’em run free!

An outdoor space is essential to cater for energetic dogs. While it can depend on the breed – a German Shepherd will require more space to run free than a Dachshund – a back or front yard will be loved by all dogs. An outdoor space will also help with the potty training.

While you want them to get plenty of exercise, you’ll also need to make sure your fences are up to scratch.

The best way to avoid your pet getting out of your garden and onto the main road, or into someone else’s space and causing a mess, is to ensure that your fences and gates are high enough for them not to be able to jump or climb over.

If you have hedgerows, it’s also a good idea to put some metal netting along the hedging, so they can’t burrow their way through the hedge and into your neighbour’s garden too.

2. Harder the floor, the better

The harder the floor of your home, the better it is for your dog. 

After a daily walk, your pet’s paws are going to accumulate germs and not to mention a buildup of grass and dirt from a visit to the park. Let them have their fun without harbouring the hair, bacteria and lovely smell of an afternoon walk. If you live with a carpeted floor, keep your family away from unwanted germs with the right carpet cleaner near you.

Better yet, convert to tiles or hardwood flooring to keep your floor scratch-free, and provide a cool place for your dog to nap on warmer days.

For dogs, hardwood or tile floors are best / Source: Karin’s Pet Sitting Services

3. Lock it up

Some people tend to underestimate the brain power of a pet, but it’s not at all out of their reach to be able to open a door and find their way out! Animals are clever! For this reason, whenever possible, keep your doors locked, or at least the ones they have access to. It’s not difficult for someone to pop around to your house and open the door, and not realise they’ve not closed it properly, which gives your pet an excellent opportunity to go outside.

Similarly, gates should always be kept locked. The reason for this is that they aren’t as secure as doors are, and can quickly flip open or not be closed properly when someone goes outside. This means that the slightest impact against them, e.g. your pet jumping up at the gate, can cause the latch to open, and your pet can easily get outside. Keeping both options locked will ensure that your pet can’t escape out onto a busy main road, or explore the local area where there might be cars or other animals around.

3. Protect your furniture

You should also consider the types of couches and chairs you already have. A faux leather couch is your best bet because it won’t absorb odours and it’s easy to wipe clean from shedding of hair. Don’t forget that couch slip-overs are also an option as they are easily machine washable.

The best way to keep your furniture stink-free is to groom your dog from time to time.

4. Secure your bin lids

Regular flip bins are very easy for pets to get inside, where there is all manner of delicious leftovers for them to munch away on. Of course, this issue has two sides to it, because leftovers could be entirely unsuitable for your pet’s stomach and cause illness, and it will undoubtedly leave a mess on your floor at the very least.

It ultimately depends on how eager your pet is to get inside your bin. Some pets will never even try it, but some might be very determined! On the whole, regular swing bins aren’t a great idea, and a bin which pulls out of a cupboard (with a lock on the cupboard door) is an excellent way to go. This means your household garbage is contained and can’t be reached, and you don’t have to worry about cleaning up a mess or your pet becoming ill.

Of course, you should take your trash outside regularly, but what if your pet likes to rummage through your outdoor bins? This is more of an issue, but it is possible to make sure these are less accessible. If you have a large free-standing wheelie-bin, prop it against a wall and put a heavy weight on top of the lid, which can’t be tipped over. Make sure you put this centrally, so your pet can’t jump up and knock it over, which could cause injury. Alternatively, a better option could be to invest in clips which fit on your bin lids and keep them closed.

If you can keep your outdoor bins in a section of the garden or yard where your pet can’t access, even better!

5. Keep anything harmful well out of reach

When it comes to pet proofing, think like you would when proofing a home for a child. A lot of this is common sense, and being one step ahead. That means that anything potentially harmful, such as medications, chemical cleaning products, wash powders, etc., should always be kept out of reach.

It’s easy to put washing powders on lower levels or the floor, near to the washing machine, but a very inquisitive pet could get into this and perhaps eat it, which would cause illness. The same can be said for any medications or cleaning products.

Source: Rhiannon’s Devine Pet Grooming

Keep items such as high on higher levels, perhaps a shelf which is way above any height they could reach. This means you can gain the access you need, but your pet can’t. While cats are agile and can climb, they’re unlikely to climb up high to items such as this, and it’s mainly dogs which are more likely to do so. Also, always make sure that you place medications in containers which have tight lids on them (plastic boxes are ideal), that you keep the lids screwed on tightly on any chemical cleaning products. If you can put wash powders into a plastic box with a lid, even better as an extra precaution.

Consider things like stair gates, and cupboard and draw locks to keep your pet getting into anything they shouldn’t.

6. Build a doggy door

A doggy door is a small frame with a flap that is installed into a door so that your dog can enter and exit your home whenever they choose, reducing the need for you to have to let them in. Doggy doors are available in a variety of sizes and can be installed on all types of doors and in some cases, even a wall. When you are done using the doggy door for the day, there is a security panel that you can latch into place, securing your house from other animals. 

Installing a doggy door is an easy DIY job, however there a few instance where it’s best to leave it a professional:

  • Installing onto a glass door
  • Onto a wall – as you may disrupt the wiring or structural integrity

To install the door yourself, you will need to measure your pet to ensure your doggy door will be big enough. Using the doggy door as a guide, mark each corner then drill a hole in each corner and use a jigsaw to begin cutting out the space where the door will go. Sand evenly around the edges, then screw the doggy door into place.

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Gardening & landscaping

Pet friendly garden ideas

Pets love to spend time outdoors. The garden is a pet’s natural habitat to roam, sniff, play or dig, so take the time to make your garden a friendly and safe environment. You don’t have to say goodbye to your perfect garden, just make a few little changes. When designing a pet-friendly garden, consider your pets needs, throw in a few clever changes that will cater to them, and this will guarantee you and your pets dream garden. Here is our 8 step guide to help you achieve this.

Keep them in the yard

To keep them safe means to keep them close. Curious as they are, both cats and dogs will sooner or later try to explore the neighborhood in search of food, fun or love of their life. Keep them in the yard by putting a fence. Take care of the height and remember that for small dogs a 1.2 meter will be enough, while taller dogs should be kept inside with at least 1.5-meter high fence. Also, take care of the gaps since they are so inviting and dangerous for dogs. Put the fence deeper in the ground so that your pet cannot get caught underneath or between the boards. Here’s some options when it comes to pet friendly fencing:

  • A new fence –Although this might not be an ideal solution, depending on what type of dog you have, it may be the only solution. If you have a smaller dog, a chain-link fence may not be idea. However, if you have a bigger dog, this type of fence may work.
  • A higher fence –Some dogs like jumping, and they will jump right over the fence. In order to prevent this, you can add a few extra feet to your fence by buying simple bamboo or other fencing material that doesn’t have horizontal slabs.
  • Visible breaks –From time to time, dogs may decide to dig their way out of the yard. Placing a concrete slab under the fence may help to prevent this. If your dog finds a way around this by digging even deeper, sometimes the only option would be to put barbwire underneath.
  • Electric fences -Now, at first glance, this may seem like a pretty terrible way of teaching your dog not to escape, but in some instances, it’s the only way. The dog won’t get electrocuted from the electric fence, but it will be given a small shock. This is enough to deter it from wanting to escape the fence.
Source: K9 Help

Create a bathroom area

Designate a specific spot in the garden where you will train your dog to eliminate. Make it a hidden spot behind a line of shrubbery and cover the area with some material that will be easy to clean afterward. Small pebbles are useful since it is easy to hose it down and they’re easy for dogs paws. Be persistent in training your dog and make sure that it is the only spot in the garden for that purpose. Clean it regularly and hose it at least once a day.

Rest area

Make sure to provide your pets comfortable shady areas where they can lie and rest during the hot summer days. To provide a place for a nap means less running and making less of a mess in the garden. Having their safe place in the garden, where they get the sense of ownership will make them less interested in digging through and nibbling the plants. Create an elevated area or place a big flat stone from which they can look all around ‘’their’’ territory.

Play area

Playing and running is something that pets will do anyway, whether you approve it or not. For that matter, provide the space that is suitable for playtime while redirecting their attention from your vegetables. In some cases, people like to physically separate pet area from the rest of the garden. That way they establish the boundaries while providing enough amusement for their pets. Make sure there are enough pet toys in the area as well as equipment that they can climb on, run through or jump over. To make sure they will stay in the pets area, play with them and remember to leave many toys and treats.

Have water in the garden

Almost every pet likes to play with water so indulge your furry friend some water fun. Create a water fountain at the ground level or get a kiddie (not inflatable) pool, filled with fresh water. A small pond as long it is shallow would be an amazing feature. If any of this is too much trouble, a simple hose or garden sprinklers can be of use too since dogs can spend hours playing with running water. Not to mention that it helps cooling down during the summer days.

Source: Rocky’s Retreat

Make paths

A bit of landscaping can go a long way in preventing pets roam through plant beds. Take a useful tip from landscape design artists from Sydney who suggests you lay paths between the beds since it will keep the animals away from the plants while it will significantly improve the look of the garden. If animals continue their walk through the plant beds even after the providing visible pathways, it means there is a gap in the planting. To make sure of it, get down and look for the gap. If it’s there, make some additional planting in the bed.

Keep the plants safe

Aside from making paths which can be helpful to a certain degree, plant your flowers in raised beds. Add some bigger plants, trees, and shrubs or try mass planting of ornamental grass or shrubbery since the animals will most likely go around them instead of biting their way through. To protect vegetables and flowers in beds, try planting a dogbane close to them. It is a plant with a strong odor that will keep the dogs away. To keep pets away from vegetables and herbs try permanent enclosure, like simple picket fence.

Contact local landscapers

Pet-friendly environment

No matter how well you fence your plants, your pets will inevitably chew them. Since some of them are toxic for animals, make sure to learn more about which plants are safe and which one should you avoid. Also, if there is water in the garden, make sure it is flowing rather than stagnant since it has to be safe for a drink as well as swim. Cut down on chemical treatments since they can cause serious damage if ingested and use natural pesticides that are safe for animals. There is plenty of safe options in the market.

Wrap up

A little planning and small effort are what it takes to adjust your garden and to create friendly surrounding for your pet. Your family and your furry companion will have a lovely retreat and safe place to spend all those lazy afternoons. Having a place for spending time outside while laughing and enjoying innocent playtime of your beloved creatures reminds of nothing but good times that are yet to happen. Keep these tips in mind and make your garden a place of joy and delight for anyone who enters.

Categories
Pets

A guide to dog grooming

Whether your dog needs a simple quick clip or a full-on makeover, the feeling of embracing your knot-free, freshly groomed pet is blissful. We know it’s important to find the right pet groomer who can provide the best type of care for your four legged friend, so here are three tips to ensure a smooth pet groom.

When to groom your dog

According to pet groomer, Jane from Puppy Love, the best time to organise a groom is when your pet’s matting or knotting, is closer to the top of the fur. If the knots are close to the skin, it’s likely that the dog will need to be shaved by grooming from underneath the knots.

Do your dog a favour and organise a groom while the knot is not yet close to the skin.

Before and after grooming / Source: Amy’s Furry Tails

How often to groom your dog

The frequency of your grooms is an individual choice, depending more on lifestyle and preference. If it’s a clip, aim for every 10-12 weeks, but for a wash, dogs with easy to manage coats can go 6-8 weeks. Take care of your pet’s fur with frequent brushing and washing between grooms.

Keeping your dog calm during a groom

To help your pet enjoy the pampering experience, make it as comfortable as possible by keeping a favourite toy or blankie handy.

It’s important that you let the pet groomer know beforehand of any anxiety or nervousness in your pet so the expert can do their best to accommodate. It can involve helping your pet get used to the sound of the clippers or sometimes, it’s as simple as a little love. Jane says that before every pet groom, she loves getting on the dog’s level to connect with them personally.

On a visit to the groomer, try and make your dog as comfortable as possible with familiar toys or blankets / Source: Totally Groomy

After the groom is done, don’t forget to reward your pet with long cuddles or appease your dog’s love of food with a tasty treat during the groom.

Contact local pet groomers

Clipping

Clipping is the most popular pet grooming request on Oneflare, followed by bath requests. While clipping seems easy to imitate, Jane recommends a professional clip rather than a simple DIY.

“Most owners pick up some clippers because they see it’s easy but they can end up cutting their dog, developing a fear of being groomed.”

If you need a simple cut between professional clips, soften the nails first with a bath or gradually clip little by little. There are many grooming tools at your disposal, ensure such as Bristle brushes, wire-pin brushes, shedders, rakes, blades and each tool has their place. Dematting your dog is often a crucial first step if your dog has long coat.

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Pets

Celebrate your dog’s birthday

The nature of our relationship with a furry friend can feel heart-warmingly personal, so the desire to celebrate your pup’s special day is no surprise. Whether it’s an actual birthday or the day you brought pet home from the shelter, there are many ways to spoil your canine companion. From custom portraits to birthday cakes, here’s how to celebrate your dog’s special day.

Organise a birthday bash

We have birthday parties all the time, so why shouldn’t dogs?  A party is a perfect opportunity to allow your dog to socialise with your friends’ dogs, while you mingle with your (human) friends! Create a menu by offering some healthy doggie snacks, such as steamed carrots or peanut butter biscuits.

Come up with a few activities – a backyard kiddie pool water park will be a hit during the summer, or an agility course will fit perfectly with the higher energy pups. The sight of your dog with his new best friends will make you feel warm and fuzzy inside, so let us connect you to an expert photographer who can capture that feeling.

Three dogs sitting at the park
Source: Company For Dogs

Pamper your pooch

Perhaps you’re after some more personal portraits of you and your four-legged friend, so why not pamper your pooch? Grooming your pet can leave a pup looking ever-so handsome while the photographer captures your friendship in the best light.

Spoil his belly

Baking a dog birthday cake can be suitable if you’re throwing a party, but it can also be a nice way to treat your dog otherwise. It’s not every day your pet gets to eat cake… And it’s not every day that you get to make one for them! There are plenty of healthy recipes out there – many of them containing simple ingredients such as apples and carrots – and make sure there is absolutely no chocolate.

If you feel you’re not exactly the biggest MasterChef in the kitchen, it will be just as special if you buy a bunch of your pet’s favourite treats from the store and let him slightly indulge on his special day.

Be adventurous

If your pup has good recall, take him for a walk on your favourite off-leash hiking trail, or try hiking somewhere new. The off-leash experience gives your dog the chance to feel super liberated and adventurous for the day.

No matter what you have planned for this special day, make sure it’s filled with excitement, adventure and love. There’s no doubt your dog will be exhausted at the end of the perfect day, so finish off the special day with a warming belly rub. 

Categories
Pets

All you need to know about animal portrait paintings

As they say, memories last forever and hanging photographs and portraits in your space are one of the best ways to live those memories forever. We all love to hang pictures of our family, friends, and loved ones around us, but has anyone ever thought of capturing memories of their pets and hanging them.

Our pets become an integral part of our family. Their love for their masters is incomparable. So, it’s essential to acknowledge that love and affection and love them back. One such unique and heartwarming way of showing your love for pets is through animal oil painting.

Source: Carlita Sari Photo

Easy hassle-free process

The process of getting customized animal paintings is quite easy. You have to select the best artist in your vicinity, sign up for their program, and send a digital photograph of your pet to them. The photo should be clear enough so that the artist can capture all the minute details on the canvas.

Once the sketch is ready, the artist paints it according to the likes of your pet. These days there are programs available, where you can paint these animal prints under the guidance of a trained professional. Once the painting is ready, you can hang it in your home, office, or anywhere you want to feel the presence of your favourite furry friend.

Why get a pet portrait painting?

Many of us think that it’s convenient to take pictures on phones and professional cameras, then why to spend money and time getting paintings customized. Well, a digital photograph cannot replace a beautiful hand-painted portrait. Let’s have a look at a few advantages of getting animal portrait paintings.

  1. Token of love: We all know pets become the most favourite member of the family, and their love of the family that they live with is selfless. So, getting animal portraits is probably the best way of showing gratitude to these furballs.
  2. Customization options available: At first, a couple of photographs of the pets are shared with the artists, but customizations are done further to the sketch to give it a more personal effect. Artist draws the final portrait considering the expressions of your pet from various pictures, his or her favourite activities, and then your favourite activity with your pet.
  3. Timeless paintings: These paintings by experienced artists, are painted using professional pens, brushes, and colours and due to which the pictures remain new for many years.
  4. Best gift for pet lovers: The struggle of looking for a gift for a loved one is real. Dog canvas paintings can be the best gift for all dog lovers. These paintings might be the gift that they will cherish for their lifetime.
  5. Immortal memories: Unfortunately, the life span of animals is shorter than that of humans. These sketches are a way to immortalize your memories with your pets forever.

Shop around as there are lots of companies offering pet portraits – like everything it’s important to check out the reviews and paper quality before purchasing. Keep in mind there is often a range of products to choose from, for example Paint My Pooch offer regular prints as well as digital & box mount options. Remember to get your pet freshly groomed before any photograph or painting.

Categories
Pets

Essential hot weather safety tips for pets

While summer often means barbeques, beach days and music festivals for us, the season may not be as fun for your pet. While the extra time off and glorious weather seems like the perfect opportunity to take them for walks, the increased heat, higher numbers of pests such as ticks and snakes, as well as the bushfire risk, makes summer a tough time for our four-legged friends.

The dangers of heatstroke in pets

In summer, it’s not just our safety we have to think about. Cats and dogs don’t have the same body cooling systems we do and easily get overheated. The main causes of heatstroke in pets include:

  • Hot and humid environments with bad ventilation (such as being in a car or windowless room)
  • Limited or no access to shade
  • Limited access to fresh drinking water
  • Too much exercise

Some of the main signs you need to look out for include:

  • Excessive panting
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Drooling and salivating
  • Restlessness and agitation
  • Extremely red or pale gums
  • Vomiting and diarrhoea
  • Confusion and delirium
  • Lethargy
  • Seizures and collapsing

The best cure for heatstroke is prevention. To help your furry friend stay cool over summer, make sure the environment they spend most of their time in is well-ventilated with access to plenty of drinking water. For outdoor dogs, make sure they always have access to shade throughout the day. You should never leave your pet in a car, even on cooler days, and avoid over-exercising them in hot weather.

Exercise for dogs is still important for their physical health. Check temperature forecasts ahead of time and take your dog for a short walk at the coolest time in the day, which is usually in the early morning or evening.

But what if your pet is suffering from heatstroke? Don’t panic – simply get them to a cool environment right away, spray cool water (not iced water) on their skin and fur, and take them to the vet. You don’t want to take any chances because heatstroke is an emergency and shouldn’t be ignored.

Don’t forget to keep your pets cool and comfortable during the warmer months / Source: Shutterstock

Breeds who need special summer care

Some pets deal with the heat better than others. From heatstroke to sunburn, it’s important to know how vulnerable your furry friend is to the Australian summer. It’s usually breeds with thick double coats that are prone to matting, those with limited hair, or those with short noses, broad skulls, and structural issues with their upper respiratory system that are most at risk of overheating.

For dogs, these include:

  • Pugs
  • Boxers
  • Bulldogs
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
  • Maltese
  • Chinese Crested
  • Golden Retriever
  • Saint Bernard
  • Alaskan Malamute

For cats, these include:

  • Persians
  • Himalayans
  • Exotics
  • Sphynx

For all breeds, it’s also important to pay extra attention to elderly, obese or very young pets.

Think twice about shaving your dog

We’d do anything to make our pets feel comfortable. But is shaving them in summer such a good idea? It might seem like a no-brainer, but your pet’s hair isn’t like a human’s. While there are some exceptions, most experts recommend against shaving your dog’s or cat’s hair altogether.

When it comes to dogs, shaving actually doesn’t keep them cool. This is particularly true for many double-coated breeds such as retrievers, terriers, and herding breeds. To explain the science behind this, let’s start by describing what a double coat actually is. Basically, the term refers to a combination of long, stiff guard hairs (outer layer) and short, fluffy dense hairs (undercoat).

In summer, your dog should naturally shed its undercoat, leaving only the guard hairs. The role of these guard hairs in summer is to protect your dog from the sun, as well as allowing cool air to insulate them from the heat. If you shave your dog, you’re actually exposing them to sunburn, skin cancer and even heatstroke.

The same can be said of cats. Like dogs, their coat is designed to keep them cool during the summer and warm in the winter. By shaving them, you’re interfering with their inbuilt temperature regulator. Because cats are usually more mobile than dogs given their adventurous nature, they will naturally find it much easier to move to a cooler spot when the heat rises.

There are exceptions to the rule, especially with dogs. But it’s less about shaving, more about grooming. Some older dogs need help to self-groom, as do pooches that spend a lot of time outside and are prone to matted or wet coats, or have skin diseases such as hot spots or myiasis. In these cases, it’s best to first consult your vet and consider hiring a professional groomer.

Snake and tick bites

As the temperature rises, so does the risk of snake and tick bites. Both of these pests love the warm weather, so take precautions should your pet be bitten.

Snakes like areas with rocks and tall grass, so maintain your garden to deter any of these reptiles from setting up camp in your backyard. If you suspect your pet has been bitten by a snake, keep an eye out for these symptoms:

  • Shaking
  • Twitching of muscles
  • Vomiting
  • Paralysis
  • Enlarged pupils
  • Loss of bladder control
  • Weakness

Ticks are also a big danger in summer as their bites release a toxin that induces paralysis. Symptoms for tick bites are:

  • Choking
  • An inability to bark properly

If your pet is showing any of these symptoms take them to the vet immediately.

Bushfire safety for pets

Bushfire preparedness is a must for anyone who lives in affected areas. When you put together your bushfire plan (the NSW Rural Fire Service has some great tips on bushfire preparedness if you need help) make sure your pets are accounted for!

Make sure your pet’s crate, water bowl, food, medication and blankets are together in an accessible area which will be easy to transfer from your home should you need to evacuate. This way your pet will have all their essentials with them.

At the same time, keep your pet in a secure area so you know where they are should the need for evacuation arise. The last thing you want to do is be trying in vain to round up a panicked and stressed pet during an emergency.

Categories
Pets

How much does a dog walker cost?

It’s no piece of cake to work all day, deal with the kids, and get your dog out for walks. A tired dog is a happy dog. If you’re running out of hours in the day why not try a local dog walking service?

You wouldn’t pick just anyone to mind your furry friend – so read on for our tips and tricks for hiring the best walker for the job.

How much do dog walkers charge?

These are the average dog walking rates in different major cities:

  • New South Wales: $25 -$28/per hour
  • Queensland: $31 – $50/per hour
  • Victoria: $26 – $30/per hour
Source: Petmates Pet Services

Considerations when hiring a dog walker

To find your perfect dog walker, there are several things to consider.

Understand your dog’s welfare needs

Before you call a dog walker, it’s essential to sit down and decide what you need in a walking service. Go over every need or concern you have, and during the interview make sure you receive a satisfactory answer on each issue before deciding on a walker. These could be things like:

  • How frequently does your dog need to be walked? Is it daily, or just a few times a week?
  • Do you need someone to fit your schedule or can you be flexible with the times that your dog is walked?
  • Does your dog need to be walked alone, or is it trained enough to be walked in a group?
  • What are the exercise needs of your pup according to its age and breed? Ask your vet if unsure.

Be completely honest with your perspective dog walker so they can determine if they can keep your four-legged family member safe.

Before meeting with your walker, ask yourself some questions about your canine’s health and behaviour. Make sure your dog walker understands these issues so they can reassure you about their ability to handle every item on this list.

  • What is the health of your dog? Do they have joint problems that require them to walk on soft surfaces or avoid stairs? If they have breathing problems, do they need to avoid strenuous activity?
  • Will the walking service need to apply sunscreen for the dog? Try to think of anything that may not be routine.
  • Is your small dog scared of big dogs? Does your dog not like kids? Are they nervous around loud noises or crowds?
Source: Mutts On The Move

Keep a close eye on your dog’s activities with modern technology

Unfortunately, not all dog walkers are honest. There are stories out there of dog walkers that never showed up, but said they did. Some have been caught just tying the dog to a tree while they did their errands. There are terrifying stories of dogs dying due to a walker’s negligence. Here are some tips to make sure your dog is safe:

Pet Selfies – Keep tabs on your fur-baby’s activity. Have your dog walker send you a few photos of themselves with your canine while they are on their outing.

Journaling – Have a journal to keep an open communication with the dog walker. Maybe have them put a route guide, poo and pee output results, and anything unusual that may have occurred.

GPS collar – Ask your potential walker if they have a system set up already for dog tracking or if they are willing to carry a GPS tracker in case of an emergency.

Where to find a trustworthy dog walker?

A professional dog walker should have training in certain skills, including Canine First Aid, Pack Training, and Social Behavior. Most programs offer a certificate of completion.

Ask for referrals: Ask a pet professional you trust, like your dog’s groomer or vet, if they have someone they can recommend. Check with your friends, neighbours or even your favourite clerk at the local pet supply store.

Find dog walking services on credible directories: Ask for proof of appropriate licenses, bonding, and insurances. Most states only require a general business license for dog walkers, but check with your local and state authorities to see if there is anything else you need to be looking out for. Make sure that the person is also bonded and insured. This will protect you and the people that your dog is around if something happens like an injury or a bite accident.

Tip: Oneflare’s dog walking services have listed their ABN, Insurance, and past reviews on their profile. You can also pursue their social media accounts and look for complaints and praises.

Find dog walkers near you: Take a few days to sit in your local park and see if you see any dog walkers. This way, you can easily find someone from your neighborhood.

Be mindful about transportation

When it involves getting from point A to B, it’s important for the dog walker to use a canine seatbelt, a puppy seat, a kennel, or any other safety equipment to make sure your dog is safe inside the vehicle.

Does your dog get along with the dog walker?

Some dog walking services will provide a free, no obligation meet and greet. Make sure that your canine is comfortable with the person and that they are comfortable with the dog.

  • Your pooch may be curious and shy, but make sure they are not cowering in fear or growling. If this is the case, your four-legged friend may need some socialisation training before it is ready to participate in a dog walking service.
  • Shadow your candidate on a test walk. Let your walker hold the leash and walk your dog through the neighbourhood while you hang back a little. Watch how your pup and the walker interact together. This also gives you a chance to see how the applicant handles traffic, other pets, and crowds of people.

The better prepared you are through the entire process of hiring a dog walker for your pooch; the smoother the whole experience will go. Follow the guide above and find the most suited dog walker in your area.