A vet employee and Reddit user, u/rescuemum, posted an emotional plea on Reddit, urging pet owners to stay with their pets during euthanasia. She shared her first-hand experience of witnessing the heartbreak dogs feel when their owners leave them alone during this difficult time. In her post, she wrote, “I’m sick of people dropping their dogs off to be euthanized. It might be hard to say goodbye but it’s hell for them. They already don’t like the vet, they’re confused, they’re scared, they’re sad, and they’re looking for YOU when they take their last breath.”

Though she tries to provide as much love and comfort as possible, she acknowledges that nothing can replace the love of the pet’s owner. She shared a heart-wrenching story of a woman who left her 13-year-old dog alone to be euthanized, resulting in the dog spending its last day in distress, searching for its family.

This powerful story serves as a crucial reminder to pet owners to be there for their pets, even during their final moments. It emphasizes the importance of providing comfort and love to our beloved animals until the very end.

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Megan Zarlenga, from the Mahoning County Dog Warden, works alongside the shelter rescue group Friends of Fido. She reported that a colleague had been contacted by the Youngstown Police Department regarding Bandit’s situation.

A dog had been shot in the head on burlington ave on the north side of youngstown. A man had just found him in his shed.

Bandit was immediately taken to an emergency veterinarian for life-saving treatment. In the early days of his care, some questioned why he hadn’t been humanely euthanized given the severity of his injuries. However, if there was a chance for the young pup to survive, rescuers were determined to try and refused to give up.

Bandit remained in critical condition for days and stayed with the local veterinarian for weeks before being transferred back to the shelter for continued care. Thanks to Friends of Fido MCDP and their supporters, Bandit not only survived but also thrived. He initially weighed 34.6 pounds but now, at a healthy weight, tips the scale at 70 pounds.

We love you sweet boy. You have been so patient. Living in a room watching us pass by 1000 times a day had to be pretty boring all of this time. There is a great big world out there kiddo. It’s time to start.

Fast forward to February 2023, Bandit’s story took a turn for the better when Nancy and All About The Pawz Dog Rescue welcomed him into their care. Bandit had faced near-starvation and a life-threatening injury, but he never lost his spirit.

Today, Bandit has found his forever home, a testament to his resilience and the dedication of his rescuers and supporters. Dogs live in the present, and Bandit’s future is now filled with love and care.

Bandit’s incredible journey serves as a reminder of why rescuers and supporters never give up, even on the toughest days. Here’s to many more happy days and a long, joy-filled life for Bandit!

The post Bandit’s Inspiring Journey: From Near-Death to a Loving Forever Home appeared first on ILoveDogsAndPuppies.

If your dog consumes too much or too little of any of those nutrients, or if something that shouldn’t be there enters their diet, issues are bound to follow. To avoid such issues always trust a brand that offers the best quality food such as Marleybones

For the majority of pet parents, looking for the best dog food brand can be extremely overwhelming. Before choosing a dog food brand, the following considerations should be made:

Ingredients: It is among the most crucial components of any dog food. Due to the fact that every dog’s physiology is unique, some components may prove to be dangerous. Just make sure you read the food label to comprehend the ingredients before choosing a brand. To obtain a better understanding, you can also talk to a veterinarian.

Type There are many different kinds of dog food on the market. From the fundamental wet and dry diet to prescription diets and diets with few ingredients. It is vital to know the kind of food your dog will like if they are finicky eaters.

Cost Dog food shouldn’t burn a hole through one’s wallet. The best course of action is to choose an economical alternative that does not skimp on quality because you will be purchasing your dog’s food for the duration of its life.

life span: You might want to change your mind about your brand choice if your dog food expires quickly. It is ideal if food has a long shelf life because it can help keep it fresh.

nutritional advantages: You’re probably on the right track if your dog food provides nutritional advantages that other products don’t. If your dog has any unique health needs, you might also want to seek for foods that address those needs.

How do I read the label on dog food?

Before reading a food label, the following considerations should be made:

Source of protein: Find out if the protein in your dog’s food comes from a reputable source first. The brand can be trusted if chicken, lamb, beef, etc. are listed as the first ingredient in your dog’s food. Watch out for ingredients that reference meat byproducts because some dogs may develop health issues as a result.

Ingredients in addition: These consist of fruits, grains, and vegetables. While it’s important to balance your dog’s diet with these nutrients, allergic reactions can occasionally occur and put their health at risk.

Preservative: No artificial preservatives that could harm some dogs’ health should be present in your dog’s food. These are typically included to lengthen the product’s shelf life. You may wish to seek up the preservative a manufacturer is using if you notice dog food has an exceptionally long shelf life.

Diet, more than any other element, will influence the quality and length of your dog’s life from weaning through old age, and the truth is that the majority of complete dog diets are failing our dogs.

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• Bring your furry best friend with you

Some fur parents have never considered bringing their dogs during summer vacations. But, who would not want to be with their fur companion, right? They also deserve to see the wonders of the world. Nothing else will be better than seeing your dog genuinely happy and adventurous. Your bond will also become stronger as you explore the world together.

Nevertheless, you must be well-oriented about what must be done and prepared to travel with your dog beforehand. If you wish to make your dog safe and comfortable when traveling elsewhere, you can ask for advice from a veterinarian. Another efficient option is to read multiple articles online that would significantly help in knowing how to take your dog on a summer vacation.

• Travel to cities that preserve the history

The world has become very modern regarding lifestyle, infrastructures, and technology. However, there are still cities that maintain the outstanding buildings made by our ancestors. If you wish to visit cities with a historic vibe, you can go to Athens in Greece. Not only is it historical, but it is also mythological since you can see various Greek gods’ temples. The psychological, dramatic, and literary worlds were also immensely molded by Athens. Istanbul in Turkey is also people’s favorite choice.

Istanbul is well recognized for being the center of culture for various religious communities, each of which is thought to have left its unique mark on the city in the form of domes and distinctive architecture. It is also home to several well-known structures that showcase the several legends lived by its emperors. Seeing these places would make you realize how modern the world has become. You would also appreciate the things the world went through to become what it is today. Sites like these would make you feel like you have lost connection with the present world. Consequently, you will appreciate the simplicity and beauty of ancient times.

• Be a spelunker in the enigmatic caves of the world

Rather than your typical beach resort hopping, why don’t you try exploring enigmatic caves? To successfully execute this, you must be supervised professionally because specific hazards might come your way. A safe cave tour is planned thoroughly and provides the tourists with lights, staircases, tour guides, and other safety equipment. One of the best caves is the Blue Grotto in Capri, Italy. It is prominent for its magnificent glowing blue lights. 

• Discover Your New Favorites

When you visit new places, you get to try new things. As a result, you can add new stuff to your long list of favorites. For example, eating food is instinctive when traveling to a foreign country. However, it is more than that. You can search for their recipe online and try them at home. You exhibit appreciation for various cultures by doing this, and at the same time, you will develop new favorites and hobbies.

You discover parts of yourself you never knew existed when you travel to other places, and you may fall in love with things you never thought you would. We leave a piece of ourselves in every place we visit. In the same manner, pieces of these places also remain with us.

The post How To Have The Best Summer Vacation Trip appeared first on ILoveDogsAndPuppies.

The recall was issued in all Sam’s Club stores after the company received a “limited number of customer contacts.”

What is recalled?

Sam’s Club states, “If you have the affected product in your possession do not feed this product to your pets. Affected product should be discarded or may be returned to Sam’s Club for a full refund. If you have resold any
of this product, we request you contact your customers and notify them of the recall.”

Consumers can contact Member’s Mark customer service at 1-888-301-0332 from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. CST Monday through Saturday with any questions.

The post Sam’s Club Recalls Popular Dog Treats Sold Since March appeared first on ILoveDogsAndPuppies.

Since French Bulldogs are prone to certain health issues, they can benefit from starting specific diet plans at a young age to keep them as healthy as possible. Learn more about the nutritional requirements for this breed and what the best dog food is for French Bulldog puppies.  The short answer is dry dog food but the more detailed answer and reasoning is below.

French Bulldog Puppies and Common Health Problems 

French Bulldogs are prone to some specific health problems which can be minimized through the correct nutritional meal choices. Because this breed has a flat face, French Bulldogs are prone to breathing issues. These can be worsened in hot humid weather or if paired with sinus pressure from a cold. This factor, along with their heavy physical structure, means that French Bulldogs typically cannot swim. Make sure to never leave your French Bulldog puppy by a pool or other body of water, just to be safe. Skin allergies and autoimmune disorders can also affect this breed and should be watched for and monitored if they occur. French Bulldogs have also been known to also struggle with eye conditions like juvenile cataracts, cherry eye, and entropion which is when the eyelid edge rolls inward due to heavy, wrinkly skin. Because of the genetic predisposition to be stocky with short limbs and compact features, it’s important for French Bulldogs to not become overweight. This can put added pressure on their already overloaded frames and lead to more serious problems. Most of these issues can be aided through the help of a healthy diet that is implemented early and with regular checkups from a veterinarian.

French Bulldog Puppies and Nutritional Requirements

While French Bulldogs are typically lower-maintenance pups, they will still require a high-quality and balanced diet in order to stay happy and healthy. Puppies need much more protein in their diet than adult Frenchies because they are still growing. After protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals will all need to be considered to make sure each meal provides enough nutrition. In general, smaller dogs typically have a faster metabolism than larger dogs so it will be important to develop a fine line between making sure your puppy gets enough food to grow properly without developing overeating habits that could lead to obesity later in life. This balance is even more important to be aware of for French Bulldogs since they are also low-energy and do not like to move much, which leaves them at an even greater risk of becoming overweight. Typically, this breed needs to consume between 25-35 calories per pound of body weight each day. Make sure to check with your veterinarian to see if this differs for your specific pup!

Ingredients in the Best Food for French Bulldog Puppies

Taking all this into consideration, the best food for French Bulldog puppies will contain the following ingredients:

• Lean proteins that are from actual animal sources such as fish or poultry and not derived from soy.
• No artificial additives or byproduct filler ingredients.
• Lower fat content with extra points for healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acid.
• A moderate calorie count per serving to help with overall weight maintenance.

It may also be worth looking for a brand of dog food that is specifically formulated for small breeds like French Bulldog puppies. This type of food typically takes into consideration the specific nutritional needs that will be important in the early stages of a dog’s life. Most food that is formulated for puppies also comes in a smaller-sized kibble which makes it much easier to consume for tiny flat-faced French Bulldog puppies!

It’s helpful to note that since some French Bulldogs struggle with autoimmune disorders, as well as food or skin allergies, it may be necessary to experiment with your puppies’ food type. Many French Bulldog owners try diets that eliminate or minimize specific ingredients until they find the right combination that works best for their pooch. However, since your French Bulldog puppy will need more nutrients at first, it’s best to work on finalizing your pup’s diet under the supervision of a veterinarian. This will assure that no vital nutrients are left out by mistake.

Finding the best food for your French Bulldog puppy will vary depending on the individual needs of the dog. However, pairing the ingredients recommended above, along with a little help from your vet, will assure that your cute new friend gets off to the best nutritional start possible!

The post The Best Food for French Bulldog Puppies appeared first on ILoveDogsAndPuppies.

Keep reading for our top dog training tips.

1. Identify Why They Are Aggressive

Pinpointing why your dog is aggressive is one of the best ways to help them. There are quite a few reasons why dogs might show aggression such as being protective, fearful, defensive, territorial, unsocialized, or they are experiencing pain.

If you adopted your dog from a shelter they might have been abused before and they might have certain triggers that set him or her off. In order to train them, you will need to create a safe environment for them so that they can feel the love and start trusting that you won’t hurt them also.

A dog that is aggressive because they are being territorial you will have to train them that protection is not necessary. You will also have to train them to respect boundaries when others come around.

2. One-On-One

After you identify what is causing your pet’s aggression it is time to find a professional dog trainer to help you. You can contact your veterinarian to see if they have any local recommendations. A professional with experience will understand specific things about certain breeds, such as a Presa Canario temperament, and will know how to work with him or her.

Keep in mind that if you ever find that your pet is being aggressive because of a medical condition then they more than likely will not need a professional trainer, they are better off with a visit to the vet to help you identify what is their underlying health condition causing their bad mood.

Do Not Ignore Aggression

Some dog owners think that aggression will just go away if they ignore it, but this can’t be further from the truth. If you ignore it, this can lead to someone else getting hurt, another animal, or possibly your own dog getting hurt.

You also do not want to punish your dog because they do not understand punishment and they might get more aggressive when you do this. It is best to train aggressive behavior away by rewarding their good behavior.

Now You Know How to Train an Aggressive Dog

We hope that with our tips above you are feeling more confident about how to train an aggressive dog. Thankfully aggressive dog breeds can still be a great pet and a companion for life with the right training.

Found our article helpful? Please keep browsing the rest of this site to catch all of our latest tips. 

The post How To Train An Aggressive Dog To Be A Good Companion appeared first on ILoveDogsAndPuppies.

If most humans struggle with anxiety during air travel, imagine how your pet must feel. Whether it’s a short domestic flight or an international haul, your pet’s anxiety is likely to be through-the-roof.

This is because they’ve been separated from you, and the environment that they know. An airplane is not exactly comfortable, either — in fact, it’ll be completely foreign to your pet.

This begs the question of what you can do to help them relax and make it through the journey. To learn more about safe ways to make your furry friend comfortable during pet relocation, just keep on reading.

Are Sedatives a Good Idea During Pet Relocation?

You may have heard that you can keep your pet calm during a flight with the help of sedatives or tranquilizers. While this may be a popular option during animal transport, it’s not always the best choice.

Here are the downsides of pet sedation:

1. Respiratory Risks 

Traveling by air may be a completely new and frightening experience for any pet. Especially if they are confined to a small space in the cargo hold of an aircraft. But the risks of sedating your pet are not always worth it as animal sedatives are known to cause respiratory issues.

As the altitude pressure rises during take-off and throughout the flight, sedatives or tranquilizers tend to suppress respiratory function and put unnecessary pressure on the cardiovascular system.

Some dog breeds are a little more prone to these issues, such as Chow Chows and Pugs. All-in-all, it’s best not to take the risk.

2. It Can Throw off Their Equilibrium

The use of sedatives and tranquilizers is not a good idea because it can have a negative effect on your pet’s sense of balance. Overall, this will make your pet all-the-more anxious as they struggle to move around when needed.

3. It Affects Their Instinctive Reactions

If you’ve ever taken a sedative or sleeping pill before, you’ll know full well how it makes you feel woozy — almost like an out-of-body experience. Well, your pet feels the exact same thing.

The result is that this can only add to their panic and anxiety as their instinctive animal reactions are completely inhibited. This means they will not be able to control their movements during take-off, landing, and turbulence, which can make the situation worse.

4. An Increased Risk of Injury 

Due to the fact that sedatives will make your pet woozy, unable to control their movements, and feel totally off-balance, this increases their risk of injury during the flight.

When the plane moves or jolts during turbulence, your pet will have trouble steadying themselves or correcting their balance. This leads to hard knocks, bumps, and falls which can cause injury.

Top Pre-Flight Factors to Consider

Before you make the decision to relocate your pet on a flight, you’ll need to keep some factors in mind. First of all, you want to consider the age of your pet and the quality of their health.

Before your flight, you’ll need to schedule an appointment with your vet to establish whether your pet is travel-ready. If your pet is over the age of 10 years old, they may not be able to withstand air travel.

Your vet is the best person to consult regarding sedation or other safe methods before a flight. They can provide recommendations of alternatives to help keep your furry friend calm.

Top Alternatives to Keep Your Pet Calm During Air Travel

Once you’ve had your veterinary check-up and your pet has been cleared for travel, you’ll want to think about alternatives to keep them calm. If you’d prefer to stay away from sedatives or tranquilizers, here are a few options:

1. Acquaint Them With a Travel Carrier 

You’ll need to transport your pet with a travel carrier, this is generally an airline requirement. So, it’s a good idea to get them acquainted with it first.

By familiarizing your pet with the travel carrier for a few weeks beforehand, this reduces their level of stress and anxiety when it comes time to use it. This way, it won’t be such a shock when they are confined to the small space during travel.

You’ll need to invest in an IATA-approved travel carrier in the right size to suit your pet. Make the space as comfortable and familiar as possible, and gradually increase their use of the carrier until it comes time to travel.

2. Opt for Herbal Stress Relief 

There are a number of herbal remedies on the market today that can help your pet remain calm during air travel. They typically include ingredients such as chamomile and lavender to ward off anxiety, without the negative side-effects.

Just be sure to check with your vet on the best-suited herbal stress relief options before you administer them.

3. Use an Anxiety Jacket

This is another great option to keep your pet calm. The constant, but gentle weight and pressure of an anxiety jacket will help to soothe your pet and ward off their fear.

4. Use a Calming Spray

It’s a good idea to spray your pet’s travel crate with calming spray in order to familiarize them with the smell and keep their anxiety at bay during travel. You want to opt for an oil-based spray that mimics natural pheromones to make your pet feel comfortable.

Some of the best calming scents include valerian, chamomile, and lavender for both dogs and cats. Always chat to your vet beforehand and get the go-ahead on your chosen calming spray before using it.

Find Pet Lover’s Advice Just a Click Away

Pet relocation doesn’t have to be a completely traumatic experience for either of you. With enough preparation before your travel date, you can ensure your beloved furry family member is comfortable and calm during air travel.

If you’re an avid dog lover (who isn’t?), and a proud pet owner, don’t miss out on the rest of this site. We offer a range of advice on how to optimize your dog’s health, as well as the best dog supplies, food, accessories, and more.

The post Is it Safe To Sedate Animals for Pet Relocation? appeared first on ILoveDogsAndPuppies.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, over two million pets and live animals are shipped by air every year in the United States.

Pet owners find themselves having to ship their beloved furry friends for many reasons, such as moving house or getting a new job in a different state. Whatever the reasons, there are certain things you need to do and certain regulations you need to follow.

Read on to discover more about pet shipping, including what it is, how you can safely ship your pet, and how much it costs to ship a pet.

What Is Pet Shipping?

Pet shipping refers to pet transport, which involves safely transporting pets from one location to another. Often the mode of transport is a plane, however, it is also possible to ship pets using cars (and in rarer cases, boats, buses, or trains may be used).

Shipping a pet might be needed for a variety of reasons, such as if a family is going on a long-term vacation, moving house and location, or even for events such as dog shows. No matter why you’re shipping your pet, it’s important that you know and implement the necessary measures to keep your pet safe during transportation.

Pet owners can ship their pets themselves or they can choose to recruit the help of a pet transport service, such as Animal Transportation Worldwide. Choosing a pet transport service might help to save you time, as they are able to advise what you need to do prior to shipping and take care of everything else.

How to Safely Ship a Pet

National and international pet shipping come with a whole load of regulations that you need to follow. You can’t just wake up one day and decide to ship your pet, the process requires weeks of preparation and planning.

1. Do Your Research

The best way to start planning your pet’s trip is to look at the body’s regulate pet travel. Start by looking at the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association. The U.S. Department of Agriculture also is a good place to look, as they enforce acts relating to animal welfare, under the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

You should also look at specific country regulations (under the country’s embassy) if your pet is being shipped internationally. Some countries state that pets need specific vaccinations and require pets to quarantine for a certain amount of time.

Most research will highlight the fact that your pet needs to have a microchip, be fully vaccinated, have a Rabies Titre test, and health certificates. For international pet shipping, you will also need an import permit.

2. Check the Regulations

Contact the airline or transport services your pet is going to use and check what they require from you. Speaking to the experts is a great way to ensure you know what your pet needs to travel. Some airlines might have different regulations, so even if you’ve transported a pet before, make sure you check what you need.

3. Make a Vet Appointment

A veterinarian will be able to give your pet all the necessary vaccinations and ensure your pet is ready for travel. However, you will need to make sure your pet is ready at least 10 days before your trip. Your vet will also be able to give you the necessary documents you need (such as the health certificate) to ensure your pet can be transported.

It should be noted that older pets, pregnant pets, or those with breathing difficulties (such as Pugs) may struggle to obtain a health certificate. Pets also need to be at least 8 weeks old before they can be shipped.

4. Buy the Necessary Items

Depending on how your pet is traveling, you may need to go shopping. For example, animals traveling via air need to have a carrier. Some airlines provide carriers, however, others require pet owners to provide these.

When it comes to carriers, there are certain regulations you need to meet. The carrier needs to be spacious enough for your pet to sit, stand, and lie down. The carrier also needs to be sturdy with a solid floor and it needs to have good ventilation.

If you aren’t sure about what type of carrier or items you need to buy for the transportation, ask the service provider what they advise. Most providers have specific regulations that need to be met, for them to safely transport your pet.

How Much Does Pet Shipping Cost?

The cost of pet shipping depends on whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a company to take care of it for you. There are several factors that may influence the overall cost, such as the type and breed of your pet, the size of your pet, the type of transport you choose, the number of vaccines your pet needs, and the distance you’re shipping the pet.

If you choose to take care of shipping your pet then you can expect to spend between $700 and $1,900 for domestic travel. International travel costs are higher, because of the cost of plane tickets, and different country regulations (such as import permits). International travel costs can be anywhere between $1,700 to $2,900.

Shipping your pet will also cost you quite a bit of time too, as you will need to thoroughly research how to ship your pet. Above we have broken down the essential things you need to know, however, specific states and countries have different rules and regulations that need to be abided by. That’s why quite a lot of people choose to ship their pets using a pet specialist relocation service.

Pet relocation companies charge between $2,000 and $4,000 for moving a pet. The lower end of the price range is often for smaller pets and for those who are using domestic travel. Whereas larger pets will cost more to move and if you’re moving countries, then this will also cost more money.

Save Yourself From the Hassle of Shipping Your Pet

As you can see pet shipping isn’t as straightforward as you would initially think. There are a lot of regulations and rules that need to be followed, as such the cost of shipping a pet can add up.

Shipping your pet yourself might save you a few dollars, but it will cost you a lot of time when it comes to researching. To save yourself time and hassle, it’s advisable to ship your pet using a company who are in the know about pet transportation regulations.

Find out more about how you can safely transport your pet and other useful facts by reading some of our other articles.

The post How Much Does Pet Shipping Cost: Your Complete Price Breakdown appeared first on ILoveDogsAndPuppies.

These furry friends are more than just pets though, they are a part of the family. Knowing how to clean your dog’s ears is just one small way to keep your furball happy and healthy!

We are going to show you just how to do it! Let’s get started with this simple 3-step guide to cleaning your dog’s ears!

1. Gather Supplies

When bathing your dog, it is important to have all of your supplies ready to go. If you realize that you left something in the other room, chances are your pup is not going to stay put while you go and hunt for what you need.

When cleaning your dog’s ears you should have cotton balls or gauze, a clean towel, and a veterinarian-approved cleaning solution. Additionally, a couple of treats for your pup might help them relax during the cleaning!

2. Cleaning the Ears

Save the ear cleaning for last when you are bathing your dog. Add the vet-approved cleaning solution to your dog’s ears one ear at a time. From there you will need to then gently massage their ear for around 30 seconds.

3. Finishing Up

Your pup will likely want to shake their head after the cleaning process. Let them do it! This might get a little messy, so keep the towel handy to shield yourself from any messes.

Once your pup has gotten all of their head shakes out of the way calmly tell them to sit and proceed with the cleaning. You will need to take the cotton ball or gauze from your supplies and gently wipe away any excess debris from their ears. When cleaning your pup’s ears be sure to never go deeper than a knuckle.

Pro-Tip

If your dog is behaving as if they are in pain during an ear cleaning it might be a sign that something is not right. Never ignore your dog trying to communicate with you.

If you see signs of pain contact your veterinarian to schedule an appointment for your dog as soon as possible.

How to Clean Your Dog’s Ears Like a Pro

Cleaning a dog is not an easy task, however, with this simple guide you now understand exactly how to clean your dog’s ears like a professional! Always stay calm when it is bathtime or cleaning time.

Dog hygiene is much simpler if your pup is calm, so do your best to maintain your composure to not get them worked up. If you have a larger pup you might want to enlist a little help to make sure the job is done effectively.

Remember, keeping a few treats on hand will help keep your furry friend happy and comfortable!

Want to read more on all things puppy? Good, because we have all the articles for you! Visit our site today for more reads like this one!

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If you know someone who has recently said goodbye to a pet, you may be wondering how best to comfort them, and help them to get through a difficult time in their life. Here are ten ways that you can assist someone who is grieving the loss of a pet.

1. Validate Their Grief

Sometimes losing a beloved animal friend can be even more painful than losing a close relative. Even if you have never experienced the death of a pet, it’s vital that you allow your friend to grieve.

You should not judge them based on your opinion of how important the pet was to them. Ensure that you know how they feel and can empathize with them in their moment of loss.

2. Remind Them How Much the Pet Loved Them

One of the reasons that people purchase or adopt pets is because of the unconditional love that they offer. Pets are there for their humans in good times and bad, making the relationship especially unique.

When your friend experiences loss, you can remind them that their pet loved them and saw them as their best friend. Your friend will no doubt find comfort in knowing they gave their pet the best life possible.

3. Send a Thoughtful Gift

If you’re unable to pay a visit to your friend, or you simply want to offer them more, you should consider sending a gift. Flowers can be a classic, but you can also look into gifts specifically for those who miss their deceased pet.

Many loss of pet gifts can express your condolences in an appropriate way. You will be able to pick out something personal and thoughtful, to truly express your sorrow for the grieving owner.

4. Communication Is Key

Sometimes when one goes through the grieving process, they may just want to talk about what they’re feeling. Talking through emotions can be incredibly therapeutic, and a healthy way to cope with deep emotions.

If you know your friend or loved one prefers to discuss their feelings as a way to cope with them, offering an ear can be one of the best things for their healing. Offer to come over if they’re comfortable, or if not, a phone or text conversation can be effective.

5. Share a Memento

If you happen to have a photo, video, or another item that was important to the pet, you should consider bringing it to their owner as a memento. These types of visuals hold powerful feelings that can help with bereavement.

Items can bring an immense amount of comfort to the owner, especially if it is something that reminds them of their pet. You can even make photos into a personalized album or a customized card.

6. Give Them Time

Because grief is unique for each individual, you should always remember that your friend may need more time to memorialize a pet than you might need. Therefore, make sure that you are still being sensitive to their feelings and needs, and working around their timeline.

Most importantly, you should not try to push your loved one to do anything before they tell you that they’re ready. It can be seen as insensitive or callous if you try to force them to stop grieving, even if you believe that is what’s best for them.

7. Take Care of Chores

When one has suffered a loss, the last thing they want to do is take care of things around the house. If you have a good relationship with your friend, you may feel comfortable offering to assist them with basic household needs.

It may not seem like a huge difference, but cooking a meal or cleaning the kitchen can lift a weight off of their shoulders. If they have children, ask if you can take the kids to the park or out of the house for a while, to give parents time to relax.

8. Offer to Plan a Memorial

Many pet owners consider their furry friends to be an honored family member. As such, pet memorials and funerals have become more of a popular option for them to honor their beloved companions.

With permission from the owners, try to plan something that honors the pet and its family. You can purchase a beautiful engraved stone or plaque as well, to create a space for the family to remember their pet.

9. Help Out Animals in Their Honor

If your friend or loved one has a passion for animal welfare, one of the most selfless things you can do for them is to donate to an organization for animals. Many give recognition or memorial packages as a token of appreciation for donations.

You can also volunteer and help other animals find their forever homes. If your friend considers getting a new pet, then you may have the perfect option for them in the future.

10. Help Them When They’re Ready to Move Forward

You should make it a goal to always be present for your friends, especially through their grieving process. However, they may approach you when they feel that they have moved into the acceptance phase.

If they express that they’re interested in getting a new pet, then you should be supportive of that choice. You can even help them to look for a new furry friend to add to their family unit.

Grieving the Loss of a Pet Is an Individualized Process

When your friend is grieving the loss of a pet, you should keep in mind that every person copes with loss differently. What works for one loved one may be completely different for another.

Looking for more advice on being a good pet owner? Have a look around our blog for all of the pet content you could possibly want.

The post 10 Ways to Help Someone Who Is Grieving the Loss of a Pet appeared first on ILoveDogsAndPuppies.

Dog potty training is a daunting task, though, and it can take 4-6 months for your pup to get it right every time. Unfortunately, this period can get much longer when dog owners fail to establish good potty training habits.

While this isn’t a full-on survival guide to the weeks and months ahead, the tips and tricks below can help you learn how to potty train a dog, without the common mistakes that cause your furry friend to backslide.

Decide on a Single Cue to Help Your Dog Understand

Your dog needs to know what to do when it’s time for a potty break, but multiple cues can overwhelm and confuse your efforts.

Instead, get with your family to decide what the single potty training cue should be. Some people have their pets bark at the door, while others opt for a quieter bell. Some have them sit in a certain area, or simply wait until they stand by the door.

Whatever you decide, it’s important to choose just one cue, and to stay consistent with it. Whenever your pup performs the action associated with “potty time,” you need to be there to open the door. This teaches your dog that they can depend on this cue when they need to go out.

Consider Easier Alternatives for How to Potty Train a Dog

If you want to make things even easier on yourself, skip the cue entirely! Instead, you might want to train your pup to use a small piece of fake grass to do their business, both inside and outside the home.

This keeps any mess they make in one easy to clean location, and it means they can roam around your home instead of being locked up. The training process is a little different, but if you’re interested you can check out this artificial grass guide for dog owners.

Know Your Puppy’s Bladder Limits

Your puppy has a pretty small bladder, so you’ll need to pay attention to them during the housetraining process.

A good rule of thumb is that a puppy (up to a year of age) can hold their bladder for the number of hours corresponding to their age in months. In other words, a four-month-old pup can hold it in for about four hours. However, you should observe your pup to learn their specific rhythms.

You’re Training Yourself and Your Family, Too

Don’t forget, potty training only works if everyone in the family follows the rules. This is why it’s so important to have one single cue that everyone understands.

When this cue is ignored or the rules aren’t followed, your pup can easily backslide into old, messy habits. Be careful not to blame your pup for human error!

Have Patience While Learning How to Potty Train a Dog

Remember, your dog will stray off course sometimes. It’s only natural. But as you and your family work to develop consistent routines for how to potty train a dog, your pup will respond to the changes over time.

Be sure to offer up plenty of positive reinforcement, and to stick to your basic cue through it all. And if you’re looking for more tips and tricks, don’t forget to check out our other posts!

The post Tips and Tricks on How to Potty Train a Dog appeared first on ILoveDogsAndPuppies.

If this tugs on your heartstrings, do not sit there feeling helpless and sad. Take action!

Keep reading to learn 5 easy ways you can help pets in need.

1. Donate Money

Monetary donations help shelters with all of the expenses related to caring for pets. It costs about $500 a year, per pet for care.

This adds up quickly when a shelter fills with animals and does not take into consideration the cost for rent/mortgage, powering the facility, or hiring sufficient help. The cost of caring for shelter pets could also significantly increase because many of the animals come from abusive or negligent homes and need extra medical care.

Before donating to shelters, know where your money will go to make sure you believe in the cause. Some people do not want to contribute to shelters who euthanize pets, and many do. Look for no-kill shelters and do your research about the care they provide.

2. Give Supplies

A percentage of donated money often goes to overhead costs. Sometimes people do not like that idea and would rather know that al of their efforts go directly to the animals when they donate to a cause. If you feel this way, buy supplies and donate them directly to a local shelter.

Collars, leashes, and tags help them keep track of the fur friends and get them out for walks. Blankets and other bedding will keep the animals warm and comfortable.

Food and treats keep the animals fed and happy. Ask the shelter if they need special feed for sick animals, or buy them your favorite feed.

Kennels often need toys and other enrichment items. This allows animals to play and feel comfortable while there.

Try to stick to toys manufactured specifically for pets. Children’s toys may tear easily and pieces can come loose, turning into a choking hazard.

Shelter pets need grooming, so supplies like pet shampoo, towels, nail clippers, toothbrushes, and fur brushes come in handy. To make sure that all the fur friends live in a clean environment, you may also donate cleaning supplies like pet safe cleaners, sponges, and rags.

3. Volunteer at a Shelter

Never underestimate the gift of your time. Money and gifts go a long way, but a positive presence and physical care provide things you simply cannot buy.

Many of these animals need extra love on top of regular care. They need people who will enjoy taking them out and show them a better way of living than they ever knew.

Shelters often fill to capacity, leaving them overwhelmed. Hiring more workers takes donated money away from direct animal care to pay for help. Volunteering saves money for other important aspects of care.

Working with animals also offers a ton of benefits to you. First and foremost, animals bring solace to the soul and actually reduce stress levels.

This type of prosocial behavior will make you feel really good about yourself as well. You will find a unique sense of purpose and meet other compassionate and like-minded people.

4. SearchKibble

If you cannot offer money or time, but truly want to help, simply search for the answers you need to know. The SearchKibble search engine donates kibble to shelter dogs.

You can literally sit home at your computer and feed dogs in need. Watch the kibble amount add up beneath the search bar as people from all over the country choose this engine.

Need ideas on things to search for when you’re bored? Try some of these fur friends inspired searches:

• How to care for a >insert animal of preference<
• Local animal shelters
• Funny cats
• Cute baby animals
• “Teddy Bear” the porcupine
• Dog Snapchats

It doesn’t matter what you search, only that you do so that pooches get kibble!

5. Adopt a Pet

Adopting a pet will change their life and yours. Though this act of kindness cannot help them all, it will mean the world to one.

But, do not make this decision based on emotion without thinking it through. Pet adoption requires a real commitment, and backing out can cause devastation for the animal.

Understand that dogs can live over 12 years and cats might make it 18 or more. So, prepare yourself for a long-term commitment.

Do not adopt a pet if you cannot afford to take care of it. They can get expensive, especially if they run into health troubles.

Make sure you can spend time with them each day. They need and deserve lots of love and attention.

Consider who else lives in your home and make sure a pet will fit into the environment. You also want to consider how much space you can offer compared to the needs of your potential fur family.

If you decide you can manage to give back in this way, then enjoy it. Pet adoption is incredibly rewarding.

6. Foster an Animal

Maybe you cannot make a long term commitment, but still want to help by taking animals in briefly. Consider fostering.

When you foster a dog or cat, it means that you take them into your home, as opposed to them going to a shelter. They stay until somebody adopts them.

During the time they reside with you, it becomes your responsibility to take care of their needs as you would your own pet. This rewarding experience also comes with serious considerations.

You may develop a strong bond and then need to release the pot to their adoptive family. This can be extremely difficult for some people.

Also, consider how the animal came into homelessness. Some may require extensive health care while others might act aggressively due to the abuse they experienced. Only take on this responsibility if you can handle these types of situations.

Give Back to Pets in Need

Animals bring us comfort and joy and offer companionship. Giving back to pets in need is a great way to show appreciation for the happiness they bring.

Looking to help a local shelter? Search for one on our website!

The post Sponsoring Hope: 6 Easy Ways to Give Back to Pets in Need appeared first on ILoveDogsAndPuppies.

The tracking ability of dogs, to our best estimates, have been used for human purposes for around 12,000 years. The ability of dogs to smell also depends on breed, heritable qualities, and training.

That said, what is the comparison between dog sense of smell vs human smelling abilities? You might be surprised to find out that we’re comparable in some respects.

Let’s take a closer look.

Dog Sense of Smell vs Human Smell

Humans are actually a lot better at smelling than we tend to give ourselves credit for.

When we smell, we take in molecules that activate our olfactory neurons. These molecules come off of different things in our environment and linger for different periods of time.

Factors like smells already present in the area or wind can drastically reduce the number of particular molecules we take in. We have about 400 olfactory sensory neurons that work as receptors to translate olfactory information to the brain.

So, when we smell an orange, these neurons identify it and let our brains know that an orange is in the area. This function helped us evolutionarily to sense predators, find food, and avoid things that will cause us harm.

Over time, those stimuli that were positive for us lead to more enjoyable responses to the smell, while things that were dangerous seemed more repugnant. Of course, it’s not always the case that a dangerous mushroom, for example, will smell bad to everyone.

We’re also tuned to smell things that direct our social interaction. The smell of tears can reduce a person’s testosterone levels, for example. Precisely why this happens is up for debate, but the fact is that tiny signals are picked up by our brains and we respond accordingly.

Dog Sense of Smell

Now, you might be wondering “Why do we need dogs if we can smell something as fine as a tear?”

You don’t see people getting hired to use their nose to track down a wounded animal or a poacher escaping through miles of African desert. Additionally, there aren’t “drug-sniffing humans” waiting for you at an airport terminal.

Doctor Sniffs Bed Bug Dogs service uses canines to identify bed bugs, while there aren’t any humans we can find that could identify a bed bug with their nose.

The dog’s sense of smell has adapted to its needs in the wild and subsequently been fine-tuned through breeding. Dogs are geared for hunting prey and avoiding predators. Humans have the same basic needs, but our capabilities for thought, coordination, and our original environments elevated other senses.

As a result of those factors, dogs can pick up on extremely fine or limited molecules in the air or on the ground. Some estimates say that their sense of smell is thousands of times better than ours when it comes to scouring an environment for a particular smell.

That analogy is a little inaccurate, though, because humans can smell things in a different light than dogs. For example, we can use our sense of smell to craft a really great meal or fine-tune perfume. So, in some respects, we are better at smelling than dogs, while dogs are far-superior at identifying and tracing certain smells.

Interpretation of Smells

As we mentioned earlier, we have somewhere around 400 olfactory receptors working to identify smells. Mice have around 1,000 of them and dogs are much better equipped than mice.

The relationship between neuron count and ability to smell isn’t a direct one, though. Sure, more neurons present help you to pick up on fewer parts per million in the air.

In other words, if there were 6 cocaine particles floating in a sea of 1,000 other smell particles, you’d be better able to smell them if you had more neurons picking up scents.

The piece that sets humans apart from other animals, though, is something called a glomerulus. Glomerulus help to identify and discriminate between smells in a way that’s logical to the brain.

You can think of a creature with thousands of olfactory receptors as someone with a lot of muscle mass, whereas a creature with more glomerulus can use finer, more specific movements.

Humans are equipped with far more glomerulus than dogs or mice are, which gives us the ability to appreciate and understand smells in a more refined way. Dogs are equipped with glomerulus as well.

They serve as a sort of “odor map” that help us to identify different categories of odor and even specific sources of the odors themselves. Of course, our maps become more refined as we experience life and connect smells to their sources.

All smelling animals need these maps because they serve as the guideline for using smell in response to the environment to stay alive.

What Are Dogs Capable Of?

Super smellers that design colognes, perfumes, and product lines are certainly impressive, but some dogs have abilities that are hard to fathom.

Let’s look at the bloodhound, for example. We’ve relied on these furry friends to find and track down criminals for hundreds of years. One interesting use of bloodhounds is in Africa, where a t-shirt left behind by a poacher can serve as the only clue needed.

A bloodhound is equipped with around 40 times as many olfactory cells as humans, and the area of their brain needed to use all of them is much larger than humans.

Something left behind by a human for a few days can be found, analyzed, and used as a tracking device for a bloodhound to find a person who is hundreds, or even thousands of miles away.

Interested in Learning More About Canines?

The dog sense of smell vs human sense of smell is quite impressive. Both of us are equipped in ways that are fine and specific, but dogs really take the award in the debate.

There’s a lot more to learn about man’s best friend, though, and we’re here to put you in touch with it. Explore our site for more information about animals and their relationship to humans.

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