Fashion 4 Paws

Pet Fashion, Transport, Health and More

admin — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 11:18:56 +0000

Kittens Helping with Work

The ownership of a pet is a precious and special as a child. Many people fill the void in their lives with pets and treat them just as they would a human member of the family. Why should a pet be treated any different to any other family member?

There are so many unique fashion accessories available for pets today whether it be for a dog, cat, rabbit, horse or bird – you are able to find just what you want to make your pet unique! Fashion accessories aren’t only restricted to clothing and shoes – there are collars, leads, bedding, feed bowls and means of transport.

Transporting your pet is just as important as transporting a child. Their safety must be treated as a priority. Either harness your dog or invest in a booster seat for the car that incorporates a harness but allows them to see out the windows as well as use it as a bed. Crates and carry bags are the preferred method of transport for cats. Birds, of course are safest in the comfort of a cage.

Just as you would have a doctor attend a sick child, your pet should be no different. They must have all of their vaccinations up to date as well as regular checkups to ensure their health is maintained.

When any pet is new and young it is the ideal time to train them whether it be house-training, talking, obedience or tricks – the earlier you start with your training and maintain consistency the better. They respond to routine and repetition.

Pets can make such a huge difference to your life. They make you feel better when you are sad, make you laugh when you want to cry, comfort you when you are sick and unconditionally love you with no expectations or demands.

Make sure you feed your pet with quality foods whether they be raw and unprocessed or pre-made. As long as they are receiving their nutrients, proteins, vitamins and minerals they will remain healthy. Dry food and water are always necessary to be readily available to your pet whether they are a cat, dog, snake, bird or rabbit – they always need plenty of water particularly in the summer months when it is so easy for them to dehydrate.

The most important point in relation to the ownership of any pet is to love them and they will love you back. Spend quality time with them so they know how special they are. Play games, roll around on the floor, chase them around and remember most of all to pet them and spoil them to show them how much you care!

Any type of pet can become your lifelong companion with the right care, treatment and love.

Bedding for Your Pet

admin — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 02:29:43 +0000

When you are tired and exhausted, you had quite a long day. You are looking forward to go back home. The first thing that you will think about is lying down on your favorite sofa or your arm chair. This is exactly what your pet needs. He would like to have a comfortable bed. A bed that will make him feel relax and completely comfortable.
Many pet owners like to make their pets more comfortable. They get several beds and place them all around the house. So, he is free to choose where to relax. Others prefer to get one bed and put it inside the crate. While other owners compromise, they place the bed nearby the family gathering. This helps in making the pet has a family feeling. He is always with the rest of the family either in the bedroom or the living room, wherever they normally gather. But, it is advisable to place it in a quiet place, away from the hustle and bustle.
When you go to the market you will find a lot of kinds and types of beds. You can find a lot of colors, styles and fabrics. So, you will be able to choose the suitable bed for your pet. Pillows are the most commonly used type. It can be found in many sizes to suit your pet. Most of the time it is filled with Cedar chips which is a natural flea repellent. Besides, it gives a good smell. You can change the Cedar inside every now and then. The outer part of the pillow is made of a washable fabric and can be easily removed with the help of a zipper.
Another kind is the mat which is normally placed inside the crate. It is made of firm poly foam and covered with a washable fabric. You have another option which is preferred by some pets which is the nest. It gives a kind of security for the pet. There is foam all around it, as if it is a wall. This kind is perfect for pets who love to cuddle up.
Some pets are having joint problems; orthopedic beds are suitable for them. Orthopedic beds are very suitable for aging and overweight pets as well. They are made of some medical poly foam which helps in pain relief.
There is another option for pets suffering from joint problems which is heated beds. In addition, it will be recommended if you live in a very cold place. Of course you must be looking for your pets comfort and warmth. There is nothing like a warm bed.

Clicker Training

admin — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 01:58:41 +0000

When you decide to train your dog, this means that you are going to teach some actions or behaviors that you want him to do. The toughest part is to communicate with your dog in a way that he can understand you. May be the easiest way you can start with is to reward him on the right behavior and correct him on the unwanted one.
There are some methods for dog training that might help. Some of them are highly recommended by professional dog trainers like “clicker training”.
Recently, clicker training became very popular. It’s a very small plastic box having a metal press button. It is very easy to use. Just decide what action you want your dog to learn. It is advisable to start with basic actions like sit, stay or to recall him.
Then make a link between the clicker and a type of food which your dog likes. When you press the button it makes a remarkable sound. He will be thankful to do what you want him to do in order to get the food that he likes.
For example, if you want him to sit, you put a treat on his nose as if you are playing with him then shift it up. Naturally he will follow the transfer of the treat. Accordingly, he is resting his posteriors on the floor, now he is sitting and it’s your turn to use your clicker training and then give him his treat.

Don’t forget to praise him, he did the desirable action. By repeating this several times your dog will make a link between the sound of the clicker and the treat. After a short while he will make a link between the click and the action he is desired to do. When he is completely trained for this action or behavior, start another one using the same steps.
This method for dog training is similar to the positive reinforcement method. Few dog trainers used the negative reinforcement or punishment together with the clicker training, but it didn’t work. Physical punishment always results in unwanted actions or even losing your control over the dog. While clicker training proved to be an effective way in dog training, but maybe it is not suitable for your dog. If doesn’t work for him just try another method and never give up.
But remember, being patient and following routine is very helpful in dog training.

Pet’s Loss of Appetite

admin — Sat, 02 Oct 2010 01:19:13 +0000

To be a good pet parent, you must watch your pet carefully. You have to detect any change concerning his habits or behaviors. One of the most important things that you have to observe is his food. You must notice the amount of food your pet is eating. If you observed that he is eating less, this might be a sign that he is having a serious problem.
Loss of appetite is considered to be the first sign of a serious medical issue. Normally, any pet eats less when he is sick. The best way to get over this loss of appetite is to make sure that he is getting the right diet, a lot of water and sufficient exercising. Feeding your pet properly is the key for a healthy pet having full energy.
First, you have to make sure that his immune system is working properly. A strong immune system can fight any illness and support health and energy. This can happen by providing him with essential nutrients. Usually, the packed pet food is made of artificial ingredients. It will never provide your pet with all what his body needs to stay fit. It’s exactly like junk food. You have to give him raw and unprocessed food. Make sure that he has access to a clean water supply. Water is essential for good digestion.
Veterinarians advised that natural products are essential to keep the pet’s body healthy and fit. Exactly like human beings. Also, using natural supplements like Indian Ginseng and Mistletoe will stimulate the immune system to work properly. It is advisable to use Huang Qi if your pet is already suffering from loss of appetite. It is considered to be a natural tonic which will be a great help in improving his appetite and digestion.
Make sure that you are providing your pet with all his body needs to remain healthy and fit. A balanced diet, plenty of clean water, a lot of exercise and natural supplements will make your pet’s loss of appetite a history.
Certainly, if you are having health problems you will not hesitate to take the right decision. You will start looking for healthy food, no junk food. You will stop unhealthy habits. You will start drinking natural juice instead of fizzy drinks. You will start doing some exercises to stay fit. As a good pet parent, you are expected to do the same with your pet. To be sure that he is eating right and getting better.

Costumes for your Puppy

admin — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 02:04:52 +0000

Certainly, you went shopping looking for a suitable Halloween costume. But, did you made any plans for your puppy? As a good pet parent, you have to come up with something special for your puppy. He must look different.
First, is he used to wearing clothes? Or it will be his first experience? If it is, no worries, you still have enough time. You can train him to get used to wearing costumes. If he is not used to wearing anything at all, it’s better to start with a small thing like a bandana or a T- shirt. Of course a bandana is much easier to get used to, but he can easily take it off. As for the T-shirt, he will not be able to take it off so easy. Keep in mind that you have to make it a funny experience and he must like it. When you put any clothes on, you must give him a lot of treats and praise him. Make it look like a new game.
Once your puppy is comfortable with any piece of clothing, you may try another accessory like a hat. The most important is that when you try any piece of clothing, it must be fitting. It must be suitable for his size. Never get tight clothes, so he will be uncomfortable or loose ones, so he will look funny and he can easily take it off. As usual, let him wear it for a short while. Give him treats and pamper him.
The hardest thing for the majority of dogs is to wear shoes. At the very beginning you will notice that he is walking in a very strange way. If you feel that it’s the impossible to have the shoes on, you may tie the pair together and put them around his neck. They will still go with the whole atmosphere. Don’t ask him too much.
It doesn’t matter if the whole process was not successful and he is not getting used to the costume. He can still be a part of the big day. You may think of something different. May be you buy him a new collar and lead matching with the theme of Halloween. Or decorate a wagon and let him get into it. In case he is comfortable with the harness, you may add a piece of cloth to its sides.
The most important is to keep him healthy and don’t expect too much from him. Don’t stress him to look cute. Just be nice to him and offer him a lot of treats. Things will go the way you want. The majority of puppies accept to dress up every now and then.

How to Find Your Perfect Pet

admin — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 02:38:52 +0000

Many people like pets and they want to get more pets in the house. They know that pets are very good companions. They will never feel lonely or depressed. In addition, pets bring joy and happiness to the house. May be it will be more fun if you have kids. Kids adore pets and love playing with them.
Generally, pets are happier when they live in pairs. May be there is a few exceptions, but most of them do love to have company. When their master is away they can play together or may be teaching each other new things. They will never get bored unless you have chosen the wrong company.
If you are one of those pet lovers and you want to increase the number of your furry family you have to be aware of some guidelines.
You have to bear in mind the most suitable pet that will suite your furry family. Like for example if you have a cat and you would like to add a dog. You have to choose a calm temper dog that can get along with your cat. If you are looking for an older dog you have to take into your account that this dog was raised to be friendly towards cats.
You have to be certain that all pets are healthy and they had their vaccination on time.
You have to arrange an introducing get-together between the incoming pets and resident pets. This gathering preferred to be in a neutral place, like a public park. It is better for them to be introduced to each other in a place far from home. You have to make sure that they can live together. Some people do this even before they get the new pet to be in the safe side and to avoid any future problems.
You have to spend enough time with every pet. To make sure that the new pet feels secure and the in house doesn’t get jealous nor had the feeling that you forgot about him. On the other hand, all of them must have time alone together. It’s better to be under your supervision at the beginning. Then when you are sure they can get along you may leave them on their own.
You have to use positive reinforcement for both of them in case of good behavior. Never try to punish them. You may have a certain common language that they can understand like an effective “No”.

Helping Your Dog Overcome Grief

admin — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 00:10:35 +0000

A Compassionate Hug

You love pets and have quite a big fur family. If one of your dogs passed away certainly his companion will be in mourning. As a good pet parent you must help him to come out from his grief. Dogs are like human beings when they lose somebody they go through a mourning process. They can feel the pain of missing their companions.

First, how can you recognize that your dog is grieving? Of course your dog cannot talk and tell you how he feels but by observing him you will find some change in his behaviors such as lack of appetite, not being interested in the surroundings, not sleeping well, lack of concentration. You feel his is drifting away from you, he is quieter than his usual self and he is keeping a distance with other members of the family.
Things might get worse if your dog was not able to see the deceased after he died. Perhaps your pet died in a hospital or in an accident and the other pet doesn’t know where his companion has gone. The dog will be shocked by the sudden loss of his companion and maybe he is still waiting for him to come back home.
If you are sure that your dog is going through mourning process and you can clearly see its signs you must start helping him as soon as possible. Try to get closer to him and spend more time together. Search for new activities to do. Try to keep him busy. Naturally, at the beginning, he will resist the idea of doing new things. In other words, he is not responding. But, by the passing of the time he will begin to respond.
Some dogs show their grief in a very irritating way such as excessive barking. Don’t give attention to it. Never give him treats to encourage an end to the barking otherwise he will continue to do it. He will feel as if you are encouraging him or it is a desirable attitude and maybe he will continue doing it even after the grief is over. Just show him your love and care. Try to get closer to him.
Most dogs pass this mourning process in two weeks. But, others are more sensitive, it can take up to six months to overcome grief and be 100% recovered. If it takes longer than that and your dog seems to be severely depressed, it’s better to see your veterinarian. Obviously, he will need some medications for anxiety and depression.

Remember that everything will be just fine, by the passing of time and showing care and love for your dog.

Socialising Your Pet

admin — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:26:11 +0000

It happens that while you are sitting in a public place with your pet when someone approaches showing interest in your pet. The incomer wants to pet him/her. Of course you will find it very nice thing to do. Nobody dislikes petting or lapampering. But, did you ever think that your pet might have a different opinion about it? It will never cross your mind that your pet is fearful from strangers. Some pets cannot socialise well. They don’t feel secure with strangers. If you can understand their body language you will easily know it.

When they feel the approach of a stranger they don’t bark or show any signs of discomfort, they just stand still; they are frozen as if they are telling the stranger “Do not touch me”.

If yours is one of those pets, you have to do something about it. As a good pet parent, you have to help him. You have to encourage him to be friendly and social.
The first thing you have to understand is never let any stranger touch or even approach your pet before he is completely ready for it. Your pet must know that you are not going to let anything bad happens to him. It’s important to win your pet’s trust.
When a stranger is approaching, you might begin to give your pet some treats. Let the stranger completely ignore your pet. When you feel your pet is relaxed and he is looking to you waiting for more treats, this is the right moment for the stranger to approach. You can ask the stranger to start tossing treats to your pet. If you find your pet almost confident and nothing bothers him, then it’s time for the stranger to hand the treats to your pet.

When your pet is completely relaxed the stranger can approach. It’s advisable that the first approach will not be strokes on the head. It’s better to be strokes from under the chin this is so the pet cannot get irritated or afraid that something will harm him.

Don’t let another stranger make approach to your pet before the first approach is completely successful. Don’t ask your pet more than he can handle. Be patient with your pet and you will get the best results, even more than you can imagine.

No Dog is Too Hard to Train

admin — Wed, 19 May 2010 00:52:42 +0000

Not all dogs are the same. They cannot react with the same way to training sessions. Although most of them can easily be trained there are some that are considered to be hard to train dogs. On the other hand if you are successful in training those hard to train dogs you will find that they have positive behavior. Mainly dogs that are hard to train tend to be those that are either independent or dominant.
You can easily know that your dog is independent just by observing him. You will notice that he has a remarkable attitude. He never likes to be petted or pampered. He prefers being alone and resents grooming. He feels that he doesn’t need to please anybody. Of course he loves you but in his own way. He is not always doing his best to please you and obey your orders and he is not showing it. He will just appear as if he is not listening.
But, everything is possible. You can still train him. All you have to do is to be patient and to know what will work with him. Never use force; it will lead to losing control over your dog. If you try to hit him or use any physical punishments he will resist your orders and it will be very difficult for you to complete his training session.
The most efficient way is positive reinforcement. Sometimes it is called “cookie power”. But, you must be aware of what he likes the most. By offering him the suitable reward on doing the right action or behavior, you can get the best of him.
The other kind of hard to train dogs is the dominant dog. He will just let you feel that he is not pleased by your orders or commands. He is not like the independent dog. The independent dog will just ignore your commands. They are leaders by nature. Unless you show him your full authority from the very beginning over him, you will completely lose control over him and you will never have a successful training session. Dominant dogs always have a defensive attitude. He is always ready to begin a fight. You can have full control over him by establishing your role as a master. He must feel that you are the leader and he has nothing to do except following your orders.
Using this way will be a great help in having this training session very successful without any troubles.

How to Pack for your Pet

admin — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 00:40:51 +0000

You have a business trip but you cannot take your pet with you and you are going to miss him. You must find a way to show him how much you love him and care about him. Naturally, you cannot tell him that. But, there are some other ways to show it.
You need to find him a good caretaker and start packing for him. First, you have to choose a suitable suitcase that is washable and wide enough for his belongings. It is preferable to have a lot of pockets to be more organized and can be easily used by the caretaker.
Pack enough food for him – this would include the normal amount he is used to and some extra. Don’t add new kinds of food for your pet – it’s not the right time for taking risks. May be he will not like the new food or it may cause him stomach or digestion problems.

Give the caretaker full details about feeding schedule for your pet. Let him know the right quantity of food your pet is used to, how many times he eats daily and when. Your pet has to live a normal life doing the same daily schedule. This goes for treats as well. Don’t forget his food and water dish to keep his routine and home life as normal as possible.
Your pet must feel comfortable and that nothing has changed. You must send his bed or crate or even a blanket to make him feel at home. Don’t forget to tell the caretaker about sleeping times and habits. Also, packing his favorite toys will be a good idea. Remember, you are showing your pet how much you care for him and how much you are going to miss him.
The most important thing is medications and perhaps extra dosage will be very helpful. Your pet’s safety comes first. Provide the caretaker with a list including each medication and what it is used for. Of course the phone number of your veterinarian is very important in case of emergencies. Don’t forget to inform your caretaker if it is time for vaccinations.
Provide the caretaker with full information about how to reach you. It is advisable to leave phone numbers or addresses for at least two of your relatives or friends who are ready to take care of your pet should an emergency arise. This will be important in case the caretaker cannot reach you for any reason.
Consider leaving the caretaker a thank you gift or even a card to show him/her your appreciation that he/she is going to take care of your valuable pet as he is considered to be a member of your family.