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Pets Can Help Alleviate Stress

by Kendall VanBlarcom
written by Kendall VanBlarcom

As animal lovers know, there are many benefits to having a pet. While it is true that pets can help alleviate stress, they are also a responsibility. If you are considering getting a pet, talk to a personal support coach about what you are expecting and how to choose the right pet for you and your lifestyle.

Having a furry friend can provide companionship for individuals who are lonely and, depending on the animal, can provide opportunities to get outside and connect with others. The right animal companion can bring so much joy to life.

Pets Can Help Alleviate Stress, Anxiety, and Depression

When you choose the right pet, you are bringing affection and companionship into your home. The love people share with their animals is clear when you listen to friends and family describe their pets as one of the family. Many find that pet ownership helps to buoy their moods.

Long-term mental health concerns can be managed, in part, with animal interactions. Pets provide emotional support and socialization. Plus, for individuals who live alone and do not have much companionship, animals bring routine and a feeling of security.

Be Sure You Choose the Right Pet

While the health benefits of pets are clear, it is important to mention that the right animal needs to be chosen. For example, if a person does not have the time or energy to care for a dog, adopting a puppy is not advised. After all, dogs will need to be taken outside at least three times every day. Plus, they need to be fed and played with regularly.

It is important to note that even low maintenance animals such as fish can help to soothe our worries. Watching them swim can be a way out of our own thoughts.

Some find researching the best animal breed to match their lifestyles helpful. For instance, some older adults find the affectionate dog breed of Bichon Frise to be a good match. This breed does not shed and they are happy with a few short walks a day.

If you are interested in getting a pet, discuss your lifestyle and pet preferences with a staff member at a pet adoption center. They have experts on hand who will discuss different pet personalities with you. Together, you can determine what be best for your situation. This will typically include discussions about your energy level, if the animal will be near children, and what expenses may be involved.

Knowing that pets can help alleviate stress, think about if a pet could improve your daily life. There are many resources to help you choose a pet. For some a cat is an ideal choice, a snuggly friend who does not need to be taken out and is happy to spend an afternoon on the couch with their human companion. Others want a dog who will accompany them on walks. Or even a fish tank may be on your mind.

Discuss your options with a counselor and a pet adoption specialist. Then, you can choose the perfect furry friend for you.

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Home & FamilyPets

11 Best Dog Breeds for Seniors

by Guest Blogger
written by Guest Blogger

Many believe that dogs are too active and high maintenance to be good pets for seniors. Now, this may be true for certain breeds, but there are literally hundreds of breeds out there and some of them are actually very well-suited to seniors. Below, we highlight 11 of the best dog breeds for seniors from corgis to Westies and explain what makes them such great companions for elderly adults

Poodle

Poodles frequently rank on lists of the best dog breeds for seniors, and that’s for good reason: They’re easy to train if you get them young, and they’re very devoted to their humans. Poodles are also low-shedding dogs. They do require some grooming, though it’s easy to take them to a groomer or maintain the puppy clip yourself. Poodles also come in three sizes (toy, miniature and standard) so you can opt for whichever one will best fit your living space and lifestyle.

Pug

Pugs are couch potatoes at heart and they’ll be happy to stay inside and watch TV with you all day, making them an excellent choice for seniors who are less mobile. Pugs may have a facial expression that makes them look cranky, but they can be very affectionate and love to be lap dogs. Pugs are also easy to groom thanks to their low maintenance short hair, so you won’t have to worry about shedding too much.

Greyhound

Many people think of greyhounds as being very active since they are used for racing, but they’re actually very lazy dogs when left to their own devices and will be content to lie around the house all day. If you’d like, you can adopt a retired greyhound and give them a forever home after they’ve hung up their racing harness. Greyhounds can be quite large, so if you’re looking for a smaller dog, you should consider an Italian greyhound.

Scottish Terrier

These regally bearded pups (affectionately called “Scottie dogs”) are a great option for those living in an apartment due to their small size. They have moderate amounts of energy and do need regular walks, but they won’t be as active as, say, a corgi. They are affectionate, love to be petted and interact well with children. Scottish terriers are also generally pretty quiet–so they won’t disturb the neighbors–and they don’t shed that much.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

This breed of spaniel stays on the small side and usually won’t get any larger than 18 pounds or so. They are extremely affectionate and are born to be lap dogs, which is why they’ve been the favored pets of royalty for centuries. They have beautiful soft coats which do require regular bathing and brushing to maintain. But since the spaniel is so small, this usually isn’t much of a chore.

Maltese

These gorgeous little white dogs were specifically bred to be companions, and they want nothing more than to remain by your side at all times. These tiny dogs adapt well to apartment living and are also easily transportable, so you can take them along with you whenever you go to visit the grandkids. Their fur can and does grow long, but you can keep it clipped short if the constant grooming is too much of a hassle for you. They look cute either way.

Corgi

If you’re a more active senior looking for an energetic dog, but you don’t have the space for a larger pup, then corgis are a great option. These pups pack a lot of energy into a small package. They’ll always be up for a walk or a game of fetch, so put on those tennis shoes and go. Corgis are also super smart (sometimes too smart for their own good) and they don’t let their big ears and short little legs stop them from doing anything.

Chihuahua

Chihuahuas sometimes get made fun of for their small size, but tiny dogs such as this breed are often easier for seniors to keep up with. Their legs are so tiny that even a quick lap around the neighborhood will tucker them right out. Extremely devoted, they love to curl up in your lap or cuddle on the couch–and they’re just the right size for snuggling. Chihuahuas come in both long- and short-haired varieties, but even the long-haired ones are still relatively easy to groom.

Pomeranian

This smart, loving dog packs a lot of intelligence and energy into a small pup. Pomeranians do tend to be rather active, but since they’re on the small side, it’s not difficult to work off their energy. They also adapt well to apartment living. They do have fluffy coats, but their fur doesn’t require regular care other than a good brushing to keep them looking good.

French Bulldog

Bulldogs are lively, fun and loving pups to have around. Their super-short coats make grooming a breeze. They’re also rather lazy animals, so they don’t require much effort in the exercise department either. French bulldogs definitely have strong personalities, and they can be a bit more difficult to train as puppies as a result. However, if you put in the work, you’ll be rewarded with a devoted pup. You can always adopt an already trained adult from a shelter if you’d like.

West Highland White Terrier

Westies are a great option if you want a small dog but Maltese, Pomeranians or Chihuahuas are too fragile for your lifestyle. West Highland terriers are still small (falling between 13 and 20 pounds) so they’re easy to handle but a little more sturdy than some of the other breeds listed here. Their coats do require some grooming, but they don’t need to be trimmed, so they’re relatively low maintenance.

If you’re a senior looking to give a furry friend a forever home, these 11 breeds are a great way to start your search for a dog. Make sure you buy all the proper supplies before you bring them home. Also, invest in a pair of comfortable therapeutic shoes for yourself so that you have the support you need while you take them for walks.

By Kaki Zell

Kaki Zell is the Vice President and co-owner of Ames Walker. After graduating from Virginia Tech she worked for Pepsi for several years before joining the family business. When she is not working she enjoys running, hiking, traveling, Virginia Tech football & spending time with family & friends.

 

 

 

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Pets

Is Pet Insurance Worth It?

by Kylie Johnson
written by Kylie Johnson

Pet insurance helps pet owners pay the cost of medical expenses if their pet becomes ill or has an accident. Pet insurance plans can cover routine checkups and wellness procedures, such as annual exams, spaying, neutering, etc. We created this simple quiz to help you decide if pet insurance is a good idea for you.

What does pet insurance cover?

Like your health insurance, pet insurance exists to make it affordable for pet owners to get their pets the medical care they need without paying exorbitant fees. It is designed to cover unexpected accidents and illnesses. The amount you’ll be reimbursed will vary depending on the plan you choose. While coverage will vary from plan to plan, here are some things that are generally covered by pet insurance:

  • Infections
  • Ear illnesses
  • Eye illnesses
  • Flea borne illnesses
  • Foreign body ingestion
  • Car accidents
  • Lacerations
  • Insect bites
  • Bone fracture or break

What does pet insurance not cover?

If you have pet insurance, you might assume that it will cover all medical issues and expenses, but many times it has exclusions. Here are some common things not covered by pet insurance:

  • Pre-existing conditions
  • Examination fees
  • Preventive Care
  • Cosmetic procedures
  • Owner negligence
  • Breeding costs

How does pet insurance work?

Pet insurance works differently than human health insurance. When visiting a veterinarian, you will pay for the services out of pocket at your appointment. After, you file a claim to get reimbursed for what is eligible. If approved, funds will be delivered to you via direct depost or by mail.

How much is pet insurance?

On average, expect to pay anywhere from $25–$50 per month for a comprehensive pet insurance plan that covers illnesses and accidents. Accident-only coverage only costs around $10–$20 per month. The cost of pet insurance varies according to your location, what type of pet you have, your pet’s age and what type of coverage you choose. Similar to human health insurance, pet insurance also has premiums, deductibles, co-pays and maximum payouts.

  • Premium: The premium is the amount you pay monthly, quarterly or annually for your insurance policy.
  • Deductible: The deductible is the amount of the vet bills you have to reach before the insurance company starts to pay. Higher deductibles usually mean a lower premium, but more of your money is invested over the initial medical expenses.
  • Co-pay: Most insurance policies will cover only a portion of medical expenses even after you’ve met your deductible and expect you to cover a portion. For example, your policy might stipulate that you pay 20 percent and the insurance company pays 80 percent. Higher co-pays will lower your premium as well but will increase your out-of-pocket payments for each expense. When determining reimbursement, also keep in mind that some pet insurance policies pay out as a percentage of the invoice while others pay out on certain amounts for certain conditions or operations, no matter what the bill was.
  • Maximum payout: Most insurance policies will determine a maximum amount of money they will give you, whether it is a certain amount each year, per event or during the lifetime of your policy. Once it is reached, you will not receive any more money.
  • Extra costs: Pets with existing conditions or advanced age may be refused coverage or might require higher premiums to cover their medical insurance. Be sure to read carefully to determine if your pet will incur any extra costs.

Is pet insurance worth it?

Pet insurance can be worth it if you anticipate having high medical costs associated with your pet. People who benefit the most from pet insurance are pet owners with older pets, first-time pet owners who appreciate the peace of mind that comes with knowing they can take their puppy or kitten to the vet without paying out-of-pocket, and owners of multiple pets who might have to pay medical expenses several times throughout a year.

If you are getting a new pet and are concerned about what will happen if your new pet gets sick or dies soon after you bring him home, make sure to research pet purchase protection laws to see what is required in your state.

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Pets

How To Choose the Right Pet Adoption

by Kylie Johnson
written by Kylie Johnson

Choosing the right pet for you or your family is an important decision that requires a lot of research about breeds, sizes and adoption facilities. Whether you want a purebred dog from a kennel breeder or a rescued cat or mixed-breed dog from an animal shelter, it is a good idea to research the pet adoption facility you are interested in.

Pet adoption locations will differ on things like adoption fees, selection of animals and additional services, depending on what kind of adoption place it is. Shelters differ from kennel breeders in their adoption process, so it is smart to inquire about each facility’s adoption process.

What are the different types of pet adoption companies?

Animal shelters and rescues

Animal shelters rescue dogs and cats that have been abandoned or mistreated. They treat them medically and give them transitional shelter while looking for a permanent home for them. Shelters typically have modest adoption fees of around $100-$150 for dogs and $60-$80 for cats.

Breed rescues

Breed rescues are generally a group of local volunteers that house, care for and place purebreds into permanent households. Consumers who are looking for a specific breed of dog can check their community for a breed rescue with the type of breed they are looking for.

Kennel breeders

Kennel breeders are a formal, heavily regulated dog breeding facilities that breed purebreds and are expected to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics. Each puppy bred at a kennel will come with registration papers that shows its lineage and breeding history.

What kind of selection do most pet adoption places have?

Pet adoption facilities generally have a variety of dogs and cats to choose from. Depending on the type of facility you visit or the type of pet and/or breed you are looking for, you can find purebred, designer mixed-breed and rescued mixed-breed dogs, as well as rescued cats.

  • Purebred dogs: Purebred dogs are dogs of a modern breed and have a documented pedigree (genealogy). They are registered with a national breeder or kennel club and come from known, registered ancestors (closed stud book) or outcrossed ancestors (open stud book), meaning the dog is bred with other breeds, usually for things like working characteristics.
  • Designer mixed-breeds dogs: Sometimes called hybrid dogs, a designer dog is a cross between two purebred dogs. Like, purebreds, designer dogs have a documented purebred ancestry. Examples of designer mixed-breed dogs include Cockapoos, Goldendoodles and Labradoodles.
  • Rescued mixed-breed dogs: Often found in rescue shelters, rescued dogs are generally mutts, meaning their pedigree is unknown. Mixed-breeds are less prone to suffer from some genetic disorders, including cataracts and some skin allergies. It can be more difficult to predict the behavioral traits of mixed-breed animals than purebred dogs.
  • Rescued Cats: Rescue shelters typically have a big selection of cats that have been found neglected and mistreated. After nursing them back to health these shelters help place them in a permanent home.

 

How much does it cost to adopt a pet?

Adoption fees are important to consider when selecting a pet to adopt. Fees can differ depending on where you get your pet, what kind of pet you’re getting and what kind of health and medical treatment it’s had.

  • Breeder adoption: Adopting a purebred dog from a registered breeder or kennel can be very expensive. Buying a puppy from a breeder can cost between $500 to over $1,000 depending on the breed. Necessary vaccines, spay/neuter procedures and other medical treatments are not usually covered by that price.
  • Shelter adoption: When you adopt a pet from a shelter your adoption fee generally goes towards the care of that pet, which is why shelter adoption fees vary slightly depending on the age of the pet. A good shelter spays/neuters, updates shots and treats animals before releasing them, so your fees include all medical treatment. Adopting a dog from a shelter can be around $100-$150, while cats can range from $60-$90.

 

Does the adoption facility keep a healthy environment?

Making sure the animals are raised and kept in a healthy environment is an important factor when choosing a pet adoption facility. Factors like facility cleanliness, proper air ventilation and behavioral enrichment activities are important for the proper development of dogs and cats. Most states have laws regarding the animals’ living environment when they’re for adoption or sale. To ensure you’re adopting from a legitimate facility or business, make sure they’re following local laws.

  • Cleanliness: Make sure the adoption facility is clean and odor free. Animal living quarters should be very clean and washed out regularly.
  • Air quality: Proper air ventilation systems should be used to maintain clean air for the animals and reduce airborne diseases.
  • Behavioral enrichment: Taking care of animals beyond their basic needs is very important for proper development. Behavioral enrichment features like companion housing, communal play areas, durable toys and more help stimulate an animal’s brain and keep them active.
  • Quarantines: To prevent the spread of disease, any ill animals should be housed away from other animals until a veterinarian deems them healthy.

Do pet adoption facilities offer additional pet services?

Many pet adoption facilities offer additional services for your new pet. Some kennel breeders provide puppy training, boarding and vet care from staff veterinarians. Shelters include vaccinations as part of their adoption fee and often include things like microchipping at discounted costs.

  • Training: If you are looking for a puppy at a kennel, be sure to ask if they offer dog training courses. Some places offer complimentary training as well as private lessons to help crate- and house-train your new puppy.
  • Boarding: Many adoption facilities and businesses also offer boarding services for your dog or cat if you purchased them from that particular facility. Some places have special requirements for boarding like only taking certain sized dogs, so it is a good idea to ask about any specific qualifications before choosing to board your pet.
  • Vet care: Most shelters and kennels include the first round of puppy vaccinations in their adoption fees.

 

 

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Why Senior Citizens Should Own a Pet
Pets

Why Senior Citizens Should Own a Pet

by Kendall VanBlarcom
written by Kendall VanBlarcom

Many people own pets, but no population needs one more than senior citizens. Owning a pet has many benefits that can help seniors feel better about their life and improve their health. If you’re considering a pet, read about all of the advantages of one here.

The Perks Pets Provide

Pets are friends. They are loyal and can gauge how you feel and what you are thinking. They know when you’re sad, happy, and will try to make you feel better. While this may sound like invented benefits from a dog lover, there’s scientific evidence behind it.

The American Heart Association has studied the effects of dogs, and have found that it can lower the risk of heart disease and can even lead to greater longevity. Some other studies identified by HelpGuide.org finds that dog owners are less likely to suffer from depression. Lower blood pressure, and higher levels of serotonin and dopamine are all associated with owning a dog. It’s even been found that people who own pets over the age of 65 visit the doctor fewer times. Why Senior Citizens Should Own a Pet

Researchers at the University of California – Davis have found that Alzheimer’s patients experience less stress and anxiety when they have a dog or cat. It’s the ability to touch the pet and the nonverbal communication that helps them stay calm.

Caregivers also find that clients who own pets are much easier to work with due to two reasons:

  1. The pet provides stress relief to the caregiver.
  2. The client or family member is much calmer, so it makes it easier to work with him or her.

Why Pets Help Seniors

The reasoning behind the therapeutic benefits of owning a dog is that humans need to touch. When they pet or hug a dog, it affects their body and mind. It calms and relaxes people, and that is what sparks the lower blood pressure and cholesterol. It also boosts serotonin and dopamine levels (related to your mood), which helps you feel happier. Why Senior Citizens Should Own a Pet

What some people don’t consider is that a pet such as a dog needs exercise. This can help a lot of seniors get out of the house, which increases their physical activity. This, in turn, helps fight many medical conditions.
Companionship is another consideration. When you don’t have anyone around you, it’s more likely you’ll feel lonely. With a pet, you’ll have that animal right by your side keeping you company.

What You Should Own

Dogs provide the most benefits, but cats are good too. The only disadvantage to owning a cat is that you don’t get the exercise, as you do with a dog. However, seniors who have limited mobility may find that a cat is perfect for them.

If dogs and cats aren’t your style of pet ownership, birds, hamsters, and other small pets can be beneficial as well. It’s the act of holding and petting animals that will help you feel better mentally and physically.

The Only Thing Pets Do Not Provide

Unfortunately, pets cannot have a conversation with you. While they do have their own way of communicating, they simply cannot talk with you like a personal confidant can. That’s why Kendall Van Blarcom is here for you. With personal consulting sessions along with a pet, you will have everything you need. You’ll be able to cuddle with your pet, get the exercise he and you need, and then have a good old fashioned conversation with someone who understands you and wants to listen to you.
Contact Kendall Van Blarcom today for more information on how personal consulting can help you.

Why Senior Citizens Should Own a Pet Why Senior Citizens Should Own a Pet Why Senior Citizens Should Own a Pet Why Senior Citizens Should Own a Pet Why Senior Citizens Should Own a Pet

Why Senior Citizens Should Own a Pet

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How Pets Keep Seniors Healthy & Happy
Pets

How Pets Keep Seniors Healthy & Happy

by Richard Bitner
written by Richard Bitner

For almost all of human history, pets have provided people with companionship and four-legged assistance. While pets aren’t for everyone, they can be a great source of joy for many people. For the elderly, they can be even more, helping seniors stay physically and emotionally healthy. How Pets Keep Seniors Healthy & Happy
In recent years, plenty of scientific study has confirmed that pets do wonders for the well-being of seniors. For those of us who care for the elderly, whether as a family caregiver or a senior care provider, these studies show that furry friends can play a key role in keeping seniors healthy in body, mind, and spirit. How Pets Keep Seniors Healthy & Happy

Pets Offer Range of Physical & Emotional Benefits

Seniors who own pets experience a wide range of benefits, including some that you might not expect. Pets don’t simply provide the emotional benefits of companionship, they also help seniors stay physically healthy in a number of ways. Here are just a few of the key health benefits to pet ownership that scientists have observed:

  • A recent study has found that seniors with pet dogs are much more active than other seniors, walking a full 22 minutes a day more on average.
  • Pet ownership is linked to improved cardiovascular health. In one study of more than 5,700 men and women, pet owners were found to have lower levels of blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglycerides.
  • Pets can literally change the behavior of seniors for the better. A review of several different studies found that nursing home residents become more alert, more relaxed, and less aggressive when they have pets nearby.
  • Owning a pet can also reduce feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and depression, helping seniors live richer and more fulfilling emotional lives.

Is Pet Ownership Right for Your Loved One?

While pet ownership can offer a range of physical and emotional benefits for seniors, owning a pet certainly isn’t for everyone. Many seniors — especially those who have never owned a pet before — simply don’t have the energy or ability to welcome an animal into their home.
Some things you might want to consider before suggesting a pet for your loved one include:

  • Whether or not your loved one will be able to feed and look after their new pet.
  • If your loved one has the experience with animals that most seniors need for pet ownership.
  • Are your loved one’s finances able to support a four-legged companion?
  • What type of animal will be best for your loved one?
  • Will you be able to find a pet with the right temperament for your loved one?

 

In cases where pet ownership isn’t possible, you may want to consider senior care services such as companion care. Companion care services provide seniors with friendly human interaction that can offer some of the same emotional benefits as pet ownership. Companion caregivers can help seniors with activities of daily living and friendly conversation without the strain pet ownership can sometimes bring. How Pets Keep Seniors Healthy & Happy

If you think companion care services may be right for your loved one, contact your local Visiting Angels office today to learn more about services available in your area.
Sources:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317842.php
https://www.agingcare.com/articles/benefits-of-elderly-owning-pets-113294.htm
http://www.petsfortheelderly.org/research.html

How Pets Keep Seniors Healthy & Happy

How Pets Keep Seniors Healthy & Happy How Pets Keep Seniors Healthy & Happy How Pets Keep Seniors Healthy & Happy How Pets Keep Seniors Healthy & Happy How Pets Keep Seniors Healthy & Happy

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Pets

What Your Dog Can Do That A Doctor Can’t

by Silverado
written by Silverado

Have you considered adopting a shelter dog month? It’s by far the kindest thing people can do for dogs, the health benefits we get in return are substantial! What Your Dog Can Do That A Doctor Can’t
Pet therapy for those with Alzheimer’s or dementia has proven to be a powerful tool for improving the health and wellness of patients. That’s why pets are more than part of a program at Silverado Memory Care Communities, they are a way of life. Incorporating pets has proven to be successful, particularly in the evenings where patients can be confused or agitated (also known as “sundowning”).. The benefits of having pets are clearly visible, including improved physical, mental, and emotional health — often decreasing the number of needed visits to the doctor.
Check out these top reasons that on-site pets fulfill Silverado’s mission of improving the quality of life for its residents.

  1. Lowers Blood Pressure
    Studies show the high success rates of integrating pet therapy with hypertensive patients, particularly because of the strong emotional connection that reduces stress.
  2. Improves Cardiovascular Health
    Studies have shown when you have a dog, you’re 40% less likely to have a cardiovascular incident, such as a stroke.
  3. Lowers Anxiety
    Pets can greatly reduce levels of anxiety, which subsequently reduces chronic pain such as migraines or arthritis. Studies have shown that people who use pet therapy post surgery need significantly less pain medication than those who don’t.
  4. Improves Social Skills
    Pet owners are generally more socially engaged than non–pet owners. Owning a pet often leads to an increase in social contact and encourages communication; after all, how can one resist stopping to pet a dog and chat for a few minutes?
  5. Improve Immunity
    Having pets dramatically improves immunity and prevents allergies. A study found that households with pets call in sick fewer days out of the year than those without pets. The more pets you have earlier in life, the fewer allergies you will develop — those who grew up on a farm, for example.
  6. Reduces Risk of Depression
    There are many known mental and emotional benefits from having pets, as they’ve been used in various forms of therapy from post-traumatic stress disorder with veterans, or for patients with depression. Dogs tend to reduce risk of depression, reduce loneliness, and decrease feelings of alienation, which also increases overall self-confidence.
  7. Increases Physical Activity
    Playing with pets provides motivation to move more and exercise longer. It also increases joint movement, increases motor skills, and improves recovery time.

    What Your Dog Can Do That A Doctor Can’t

    What Your Dog Can Do That A Doctor Can’t What Your Dog Can Do That A Doctor Can’t What Your Dog Can Do That A Doctor Can’tWhat Your Dog Can Do That A Doctor Can’tWhat Your Dog Can Do That A Doctor Can’tWhat Your Dog Can Do That A Doctor Can’t What Your Dog Can Do That A Doctor Can’t

http://www.pawsforpeople.org/who-we-are/benefits-of-pet-therapy/
http://www.womansday.com/life/pet-care/a2352/10-health-benefits-of-owning-a-pet-116238/

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Pets

Symptom Checker Could Help Diagnose Your Dog

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

When your dog is under the weather or experiencing a more serious health issue, you probably dread the thought of an expensive veterinarian bill. However, as your dog can not tell you what he or she is experiencing, you will need to clearly watch your dog to make the best guess.Symptom Checker Could Help Diagnose Your Dog
The more information you can provide to your vet, the lower the bill may be, as you could eliminate unnecessary tests from being administered. This is why you should utilize a dog symptom checker on the Internet. Symptom Checker Could Help Diagnose Your Dog
A dog symptom checker will help you to narrow down what could be wrong with your pet. If your canine has obvious problems, such as a skin condition, you would think that your vet could immediately state what is wrong. However, even something as noticeable as a skin condition is not that easy to diagnose, as it could be caused by a thyroid problem or Cushing’s disease.
The key is know what signs you should look for, so that your vet can come up with the right diagnosis, while keeping your bill as low as possible. Some of the most common things to look for is any changes in their behavior, odors, whether or not their bowel movements are normal, and their nose and ears.
When you go online and start using this tool, you should look for those that let you type the various indicators you have noticed or choose them from a diagram. After choosing the symptom that describes your dog, it will then list out a variety of things that could cause this to happen to your dog.
While you should not use the dog symptom checker to diagnose and treat your dog yourself, it can be a very useful tool for every pet owner. Obviously, if you diagnose your dog with fleas, you should treat them yourself. However, most issues are going to need the assistance of a veterinarian and you should never not take your dog to a vet because you do not think it is a serious problem

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How Seniors Benefit from Pet Therapy
Pets

Is a Dog Right for You?

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Look at that adorable little face! Can anything warm your heart as quickly and completely as the tiny soft body of a puppy… any puppy? Their little bodies nuzzle right up to you. Their little eyes melt your heart in a second. Who doesn’t really want a dog? How wonderful they are; unconditional love, unlimited cuteness, too adorable for words. But is a dog the right pet for you?Is a Dog Right for You?
This article was not intended to discourage you, but rather to help you prepare for this new addition and make sure this is the right decision for your family. There are several things to consider as your family discusses the possibility of getting a puppy.

Are your Prepared for a Puppy?

The first thing is that every puppy becomes a dog within 1-2 years depending on the breed. You’ll have up to 2 years of puppydom and up to another 13 or so years of adult dog. So don’t think about how a puppy will affect the family. Think about how a DOG will affect the family; a much bigger, not quite so cute, likely not well-trained dog. So before you go looking for a puppy, spend some time with adult dogs of the breed you’ve chosen and see if you’re still interested.

Consider the Expense of Owning a Dog

Costs will vary depending on the size, the breed, and the health of the dog. There’s the initial cost of your new pet. A truly responsible dog owner will NOT support puppy mills. Watch for future articles about puppy mills. It suffices to say that puppy mills exist only because people buy the puppies. No customers, no business, no more torturing and abusing dogs. So you’ll either get your puppy from a reliable breeder or from a rescue shelter. There will be a cost associated regardless of which you choose. Most rescue shelters charge approximately $500 regardless of the breed. Rescue shelters are non-profit. This fee pays for food and vet bills to spay or neuter our furry friends. Occasionally dogs require surgery or other medical attention. You can see that this figure is by no means an absolute. The purchase price from a breeder will vary depending on the breed of dog and the breeder.
So many of the costs are dependent on the decisions you make. Will you use a dog crate for house training or when no one is home? What sources will you use for training; books, videos, training lessons, a combination of all three? Will you provide your pet with just a bowl on the floor or a water fountain which constantly circulates the water ensuring your dog has fresh water at all times. You could spend up to $2,000 in your first year for basic essentials; licence, collar, dog walking leash (perhaps a couple of different kinds), water bowl, food bowl, food, toys, dog bed, grooming equipment, dog crate, gates and fences for the yard, vet bills (puppies need check-ups, dental checks and vaccinations just like your children did), flea treatments, heart worm medication, some dogs require professional grooming every 6-8 weeks, any behaviour training supplies.
After the first year, depending on your dogs’ health, you can expect to spend between $500 and $2,500 each year for basic maintenance; again this amount has a lot to do with the breed of dog you’ve chosen. This does not include additional carpet/furniture cleaning as a result of inevitable pet “accidents”. There is also the cost of replacing “doggie chewed” items like children’s toys, nic nacs, shoes, wallets, purses, pillows, bedding, and other items your dog naughtily entertained him/herself with. This also does not include medical emergencies like your dog eating chocolate, or aspirins, or other poisonous items, or any accidental injuries that may occur.

Next, examine your lifestyle.

Dogs are incredibly social animals. Your dog, just like your children, will require large amounts of quality time. (No wonder people get their pets confused with their children. There are so many similarities.) It’s irresponsible to bring a dog into your family and then leave him/her alone for 10 hours every day. Think about how many hours will your pooch be left alone each day? Remember to include after school or work activities like baseball, soccer, hockey, karate, ballet, tennis, overtime work hours, etc. in your “away” time.
How many people are in the family? What age are your children? Toddlers or smaller children may not be a good combination with a larger, more aggressive dog.
Puppies have little bladders and need to go out about every 1 to 2 hours; adult dogs at least 3 times a day. That’s just a “potty” out.
Your dog will also need exercise. All dogs need exercise! Think in terms of 30 to 60 minutes each day for all dogs. Beyond that you need to take your specific pet into consideration for additional exercise needs. Ignoring this means that your dog will be bored and may start behaving badly. How much more exercise depends on the breed. Border Collies, Jack Russells, Doberman Pinschers, Labrador Retrievers, English Springer Spaniels, Boxers, Irish Setters, and Huskies, typically herding dogs to name a few require at least an hour of vigorous exercise at least twice each day.
Many dogs require mental stimulation in addition to the physical. This is playtime and training time and it’s equally important as physical exercise. Time… time… time. If you can’t commit to this for your dog, you will want to consider a breed that is less demanding. Shih Tzus, Pugs, Poodles, Basset Hounds, and Beagles require much less of an exercise commitment. Will your children be able to help you walk the dog each day? Will they be able to handle a large dog or perhaps a smaller dog would be more suited to your family? Or perhaps this isn’t the right time for a dog.
I cannot impress upon you enough how important it is to seriously consider these points before making a decision. Think of this as important a decision as having a baby. You can’t “try it out and see if it works”. If it doesn’t “oh well” and do away with it. It’s not fair to you or your family, and it’s not fair to the dog. Perhaps you’re reading this and logically thinking “She’s right. I don’t have the time, or the money.” But still your heart is yearning for a dog. There is a solution. Offer to babysit someone else’s dog while they go away on vacation. If that works out well, try fostering a dog. Fostering means that you will care for a “rescued” dog until a forever home can be found. Because this is a temporary situation, once your “charge” is placed, you can choose not to take any more, if you decide that having a dog is not the right thing for your family. This is a great way to “test the waters”; to see if your family is truly ready for the responsibility of having a dog. You’ll learn a lot about training and how to deal with dogs and at the same time you are offering a tremendous service to our wonderful canine companions.
Remember to hug your dog today.
By Brigitte Synesael

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