June 2023 - Support Pets

June 30, 2023August 21, 2023

How to Prepare Your Furry Friend for the Fourth of July: A Whisker-licking Guide

Hey there, fantastic pet parents!

Do you remember thinking sparklers were magic wands, and fireworks were dragons bursting in the sky? If you nodded to those, you know how much fun the Fourth of July can be! How about when you tried eating hot dogs like it was a race, and your cousin ended up with mustard on their nose?

Now, let’s imagine a world seen through the eyes of your cuddly pets (yes, even the grumpy cat). It’s like being in a sci-fi movie. One moment, they’re sleeping on their favorite chair, and the next—KABOOM! Fireworks! But for them, it’s like aliens attacking outer space!

So, here’s your ultimate guide to making your pet’s Fourth of July a paw-some one!

Step 1: All Aboard the Training Train!

Days before the big event, start getting your pet used to loud noises. It’s like practicing for a big game, but this time it’s for the Big BOOM. You can play fireworks sounds on your phone (at a low volume, please!) during their fun time. But remember, it’s all about being a cool cucumber, not scaring them into next Tuesday!

Step 2: The Great Hideout

Let’s be honest; our pets love their hidey-hole. Whether it’s under your bed, in a closet, or even inside a shoebox, they all have their favorite spots. Make sure these are clean and comfy for the Fourth. Add some extra blankets, your favorite toy, or even your old T-shirt. It’s like their personal fireworks fort!

Step 3: The Belly-full Strategy

Remember that food coma after Thanksgiving dinner? The same goes for our pets. Feed them earlier and a bit more than usual (but not too much, we don’t want them sick!). A full belly could make them sleepy and less aware of those scary sky-booms.

Step 4: The Magic of Music

Create a playlist of calming music or nature sounds (think birds chirping or rain falling) and let it play in the background. It will mask some noise and give them something else to focus on. Who doesn’t love a good jam, right?

Step 5: Tag Em!

In the off-chance your pet becomes an escape artist on the day, ensure they have proper identification. A collar with your current contact details or a microchip will help your furry Houdini find their way back home.

The Big Day: The Fourth of July

Now, for the main event! Please keep your pets inside, in their safe place. It might be tempting to let them join the party but trust us, they’d rather miss the humans wearing funny hats and overeating.

Stay with them if possible, and keep the windows and doors closed to muffle the noise. Remember, your company is the best comfort for them.

Uh-oh, Houston, We Have a Problem!

If your pet still manages to run off, don’t panic. Look for them calmly and call your local animal shelters. And remember the golden rule: prevention is better than cure. So take these steps, and you’re sure to make this Fourth of July a blast in the best way possible!

Now, go forth and conquer the Fourth, super pet-parent! Your pet might not be able to say it, but they’ll definitely be thanking you with wagging tails and purrs of contentment. (talk about GT opportunity here)

When in Doubt, Reach Out to the Vet!

If you notice that your fur baby is showing signs of extreme anxiety or distress during the Fourth of July festivities, it’s essential to contact your veterinarian for guidance and support. They’re the experts who can provide tailored advice for your pet’s specific needs.

Some pets might require additional help to stay calm, such as anxiety-reducing medications or natural remedies. Your vet can discuss these options with you and guide you in finding the best solution for your furry friend.

Remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your pet’s well-being. So don’t hesitate to give your vet a call if you’re unsure or concerned about your pet’s behavior or reactions to the fireworks.

Alright, now we’ve covered all the bases! Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be a true pet superhero on the Fourth of July. Enjoy the celebrations while keeping your furry companions safe and happy. Have a blast, and remember to capture some adorable moments of your pets enjoying the day (in between their power naps, of course)!

June 19, 2023August 21, 2023

The Complete Guide to Raising a Service Dog From Puppyhood to Adulthood

Are you ready to embark on a lifelong journey with an amazing companion? Raising a service dog is no easy feat, so you must go in prepared. Lucky for you – this blog post has all the information necessary! We’ll provide insight into every process step, from selecting your pup to training them for their future career. Get ready; because we’re about to take off together!

Choosing your dog

If you want a service dog, some specific attributes should be considered. Any breed can be well suited for being a service dog. Although, it is helpful to remember the tasks you need them to do when deciding on a dog. Depending on the tasks they need to be trained on, they may need to be a specific size or have certain attributes to be successful.

You can self-train, but it may take some extra training depending on your dog’s personality. Of course, these breeds come in many sizes and shapes – but three of the most popular types which meet all these requirements include Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and German Shepherds!

Any dog can be trained to be a service dog, and you might find the perfect one looking for a home. One way to ensure this is by asking well-informed sources like veterinarians or trainers familiar with responsible breeders in the area. Check out your local humane society or other programs with adoptable dogs to find your ideal match. If you can’t find one you can adopt, always purchase from humane and effective breeders.

Training your dog

Training your pup is an important part of their development and career as service dogs! Get them off to the right start by teaching basic commands like sit, stay, come, down & heel as soon as you bring them home. Check out the ICTI training course! Ready for more?

More than 50 lessons.
Covering everything from basic training to specific service dog tasks.
Information about the rights and responsibilities of service dogs and their owners. The service dog training course includes the following:

Step-by-step instructions are provided for teaching dogs basic commands, fun tricks, and necessary service tasks.

As your pup matures, their education should too! Training and socializing are the cornerstones of having a happy dog. After all, pets trained in obedience carry an air of authority wherever they go – plus, it’s really impressive to show off those tricks you’ve taught them (talk about pride). Socialization also plays a big part in crafting confident canines by exposing them to different people, places, and situations. Not only will this help make sure your bestie is comfortable around others, but it could reduce any potential aggression or fear-based reactions down the line as well. The best way to do that is to take them out into the world with you as soon as possible.

Service dogs can provide a plethora of amazing services and support for people in need – from guiding those with vision issues, helping children or adults access hearing aids, assisting folks with mobility impairments, as well as providing emotional comfort through canine therapy. It’s up to you to find the proper job fit for them! Once your furry friend is ready, it’s time to think about their future career path.

While there are no certification requirements for service dogs, we encourage taking the ICTI training class, followed by the k9 good citizen test. It may seem like a lot of work, but with practice (and lots of treats), even the most ambitious pooch can make it through! Once you and your pup have figured out the perfect job, it’s time to get them prepared for their new career.

Working as a team with your furry companion will bring great rewards but can also be challenging. Your job is to make sure that wherever you two go, from bustling city streets to peaceful country roads, they’ll stay focused on performing all of their amazing duties with commitment and consistency during training sessions both at home and out in public places. Together you’ll create an unstoppable duo capable of tackling anything life throws its way!

You need to reinforce training, take them to new places, and take them with you all the time. They must be re-trained if they cannot do as they were initially trained.

Conclusion:

If you’re feeling ambitious and thirsting for a unique challenge, consider taking on the rewarding duty of raising a service dog! With this task comes plenty of rewards as your furry friend learns how to independently provide vital services – all while bringing joy into your life.

Imagine a partnership where your beloved pet doesn’t just bring joy, but also provides essential support as a Psychiatric Service Dog (PSD). This journey of growth can deepen the bond between you two, transforming your pet into a reliable companion. Curious about this unique opportunity? Click here to kickstart your PSD training journey today.

June 19, 2023August 21, 2023

How to Safely Clean Your Pet’s Stuff: A Guide to Pet-Friendly Cleaning Products

If you have a pet, you know keeping their things clean is essential. This blog will discuss the best ways to clean your pet’s items and share some pet-friendly cleaning products. This helps your pets stay healthy and keeps your home smelling fresh.

Picking the right cleaning products

When you choose cleaning products for your pet’s stuff, ensure they are not toxic and safe for pets. Avoid products with ammonia, bleach, chlorine, and formaldehyde, as they can harm your pets.

Here are some pet-friendly cleaning products:

Nature’s Miracle: This brand has unique products to remove stains and smells from pet messes.
Simple Solution: They offer safe pet cleaning products, like stain removers and cleaners for different surfaces.
Seventh Generation: This eco-friendly brand has safe cleaning products for pets and the environment.

Cleaning pet bedding

Pet beds and blankets can get dirty and smelly. Washing them often will keep your pets clean and healthy. Here’s how to do it:

Remove any loose hair or dirt from the bedding.
Use a pet-safe detergent and wash the bedding in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with warm water.
Dry the bedding on low heat or let it air dry to avoid shrinking or damage.

Cleaning pet toys

Toys can get dirty and carry germs that can make your pets sick. Cleaning them often keeps your pets safe and healthy.

For hard toys, like plastic or rubber, wash them in warm, soapy water with a pet-safe detergent. Rinse well and let them air dry.
For soft toys, check the care instructions on the label. Most can be washed in the washing machine with pet-safe detergent and air-dried.

Cleaning food and water bowls

To stop harmful bacteria from growing, cleaning your pet’s food and water bowls daily is essential.

Wash the bowls in warm, soapy water with a pet-friendly dish soap, and rinse well.
You can also wash them in the dishwasher in a high-temperature setting.

Cleaning pet carriers and crates

Pet carriers and crates should be cleaned often to remove dirt, hair, or other things that can build up.

Take out any bedding or toys from the carrier or crate.
Use a pet-safe disinfectant or cleaning solution to clean the inside and outside surfaces. Rinse well with water and let it air dry.

Conclusion

Happy cleaning! Cleaning your pet’s things is vital for their health and happiness. Using pet-friendly cleaning products and following these tips ensures your pets have a clean and safe environment. Always read the labels of your products and ask your veterinarian for more advice.

June 14, 2023August 21, 2023

Top 10 Reasons Why We’re Thankful for Pets

There are a lot of things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, but one of the things at the top of our list is pets. Pets provide us with unconditional love, they make us laugh, and they keep us company. In honor of Thanksgiving, we’ve compiled a list of the Top 10 Reasons Why We’re Thankful for Pets.

Pets provide us with unconditional love. No matter what happens during our day, we know that our pets will always be there for us, ready to give us a cuddle and make everything better.
Pets make us laugh. Whether it’s watching them play or seeing them do something silly, pets always seem to know how to make us laugh. And we all know that laughter is the best medicine.
Pets keep us company. There’s nothing better than coming home to a wagging tail or a purring cat after a long day. Pets provide us with the companionship we need, and they never judge us – no matter what.
Pets help us stay active. Dogs, in particular, need daily exercise, which means we have to get up and out of the house for a walk or run. And even cats need some playtime, which gets us moving, too.
Pets teach us responsibility. Caring for a pet requires time, effort, and patience. But it’s all worth it when we see the joy that our pets bring into our lives.
Pets lower our stress levels. Studies have shown that spending time with a pet can help to reduce stress levels and blood pressure. So petting a dog or cat for just a few minutes can actually be good for your health!
Pets give us someone to talk to. When we’re feeling down or just need someone to listen, our pets are always there for us. And sometimes, it’s nice to just talk out loud without having to worry about being judged.
Pets help us meet new people. Dogs, in particular, are great icebreakers. Walking a dog around the neighborhood or taking them to the park is a great way to meet new people and make new friends.
Pets provide us with comfort. Whether we’re feeling sad, anxious, or just need a hug, our pets are always there to offer us some much-needed comfort.
Pets remind us to enjoy the simple things in life. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle and forget to just relax and enjoy life. But our pets can help us slow down and appreciate the little things, like a sunny day or a quiet moment at home.

So this Thanksgiving, we’re extra thankful for our furry (and feathered) friends. What about you? Why are you thankful for your pets?