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Taking Your Dog To The Vet For The First Time
Taking your dog to the vet for the first time can feel a little overwhelming. You might have all of their food, treats, and toys picked out, but establishing a good routine of vet visits is just as vital. It’s important to prioritize regular and quality vet care for your dog. According to our friends at BOND VET, Every pup should have a comprehensive nose-to-tail examination to make sure everything is working just right. During the exam, a veterinarian will: Take your pup’s vitals.Examine your pup's ears, eyes, nose, mouth, teeth, and gums.Recommend vaccinations based on your pet’s lifestyle.Answer any questions you have. That’s why making an appointment as soon as you bring them home is such a crucial step in welcoming them into your family. Whether you’re taking in a puppy for the first time or your newly adopted dog, here’s how to make the first trip a success. Making Your First Vet Appointment Firstly, you’ll want to make that first vet appointment within the initial couple of weeks of bringing a new dog or puppy home. If you adopted a dog, then there’s a good chance they’ve been to a vet recently. The same goes for puppies acquired from a registered breeder. That said, establishing a vet you’ll use for your dog is important. Plus, you might need to catch your dog up on vaccinations. Whether they’re a bit behind or just now reaching that age where they can get their routine shots, your dog’s first vet visit under your care should happen as soon as possible so that you can know the health of your new friend as well as when you’ll need to return for another check-up. What to Bring to the First Vet Visit A lot of people worry about what to bring to a puppy’s first vet visit. Even if you’ve just recently adopted a dog, this question comes up a lot as well. For your first visit, here’s what you’ll want to bring: Any paperwork you received when adopting your dog or puppy A list of any medication or supplements your dog takes, as well as what they eat on a regular basis, including food brand, treats, and other consumables Questions you might have about your dog, its behavior after the first few days in your home, and other inquires a vet might offer insight into Some vets will also request you bring in a stool sample, but you’ll be notified about that if this pertains to your first visit. Often, this occurs upon return for follow-up shots and other types of care. A first vet visit for a puppy can seem overwhelming, but that’s really all you need to bring! Ensuring the Best Vet Visit for your Puppy Beyond the things you need to bring, there are a few extra steps you can take to make sure your first puppy vet visit goes smoothly. Make sure your new friend goes potty before their visit to reduce any accidents during the appointment. They happen, so no worries if your dog still gets too excited. Also, consider how much socialization your dog has gotten up to this point. If they’re still nervous around other dogs, they might be stressed to run into new friends in the waiting room. It’s not a bad idea for more uneasy puppies to wait outside after notifying the vet’s office you’ve arrived. Until you know your puppy really well, you may not want to have them around other dogs at all. Many first time pet parents simply call the front office from their phone and remain in their vehicle until the vet is ready for them. Lastly, take time to consider why you should microchip your pet. This non-invasive procedure takes place just like a vaccination and can help you find your puppy if they get lost. This doesn’t always take place during the first vet visit for a puppy, but you can at least bring it up to your vet once you’ve looked into the benefits. Make your First Vet Visit a Success Follow these tips for a successful vet visit with your new dog or puppy. Your vet will be happy to answer your questions during this first visit and subsequent check-ups. For peace of mind, consider a subscription to a telehealth service for 24/7 access to a licensed veterinarian in case you have questions after your visit or even late at night. As always, your dog’s health is of the utmost importance, and that means making a habit of visiting or contacting a local pet professional.
Microchips + ID Tags: Partners in Reunification
It’s estimated that 1 in 3 pets go missing in their lifetime. 1 in 3!! There are 2 easy ways to avoid heartbreak and increase your chance for reunification with your pet should this ever happen to you. The first is get your pet microchipped, and the second is by having your dog wear a collar with an id tag. Microchips and ID tags are the best ways to be reunited with a lost pet because they both provide your contact information in the event that your pet gets lost. A microchip is a small electronic chip that is implanted under your pet's skin. It’s painless, we promise. The chip contains a unique number that can be scanned by a veterinarian or shelter. If your pet is lost or stolen, the chip can be scanned to find your contact information. Keep in mind that the chip must be registered in order to find your contact information. Note that this is not a GPS device and does not track your pet. An ID tag is a tag that you attach to your pet's collar. The tag typically includes your name, address, and phone number. A digital id tag (often with a qr code) allows you to update your profile at any time and you can add additional information like what to feed your pet when found, or types of behavior they might exhibit. The rescue hero will use their smartphone to scan the tag and you’ll know instantly that your lost pet has been found! Microchips are a great way to help reunite lost pets with their pet parents. However, they are not a replacement for an ID tag. An ID tag is the first line of defense in helping to get your pet back if they get lost. If your pet is found by a stranger, they will likely check for an ID tag before taking the pet to a shelter or veterinarian. If your pet does not have an ID tag, the stranger will not be able to contact you and your pet may never be reunited with you. Here are some tips on how to increase the chances of being reunited with a lost pet: Keep your pet's ID tag up-to-date with your current contact information. Microchip your pet. Pets with microchips are reunited with their pet parents more than 52% of the time! Post lost pet ads in your local newspaper and online. Contact your local animal shelter and veterinarian.
Innovation Nation: The Smart ID Tag
Everyone knows that the first line of defense is a registered microchip. To ensure a successful reunification should your pet every escape is a trackable id tag. We've come a long way since the only tag option was a heavy engraved metal dog tag. A traditional tag hangs from a pet's collar and is typically made of metal, such as aluminum, brass, or stainless steel, and can be engraved with the pet's name and contact information. Have you ever tried to read the engraving on a tag like this? It's near impossible! Picture this - you've found a dog without a leash, roaming around outside. When you finally do grab hold of the collar (hopefully it has one!), you strain your eyes to read the number on the tag. Can't do it. that's where a new qr code smart tag comes in. A smart QR code ID tag can be an excellent way to help keep pets safe and provide important information to their pet parents. Here are a few reasons why: Quick Identification: If a lost pet is found by someone, a smart QR code ID tag can help identify the owner and provide important information about the pet. All someone needs to do is scan the code with their smartphone, and they will be directed to a pet profile with all the necessary information. Updated Information: Unlike traditional pet tags, a smart QR code ID tag allows owners to update their pet's information quickly and easily. This means that if the pet parents move, change phone numbers, or get a new veterinarian, they can update the information on the tag without needing to buy a new tag. Medical Information: A smart QR code ID tag can also include important medical information about the pet, such as any allergies or chronic conditions. This information can be crucial in an emergency situation where quick access to medical information can be life-saving. Tracking: Some smart QR code ID tags also have GPS tracking built-in. This means that if a pet gets lost, the owner can track their location using a smartphone app. This feature can be especially useful for pets who like to roam or for owners who live in areas with high rates of pet theft. the Wagtopia Smart Wag Tag ID will send you a notification of the last location where the tag was scanned. Overall, a smart QR code ID tag can provide peace of mind for pet owners and help ensure that lost pets are reunited with their owners as quickly as possible.
How to Potty Train (Housebreak) Any Dog or Puppy
Training a puppy to potty outside can be challenging, but with the helpful tips and tricks in this video, you'll have them housebroken in no time. Plus, here are our recommendations for products that will make potty training a breeze: Frisco Dog Training Pee Pads from Chewy Bissell Crosswave Wet/Dry Vacuum Bissell Enzyme Action Plus Stain Remover Just Food for Dogs Salmon Bark Treats Eat Play Wag Poop Bag Holder from Chewy Earth Rated Dog Poop Bags from Chewy Bark Potty - The New Generation of Pee Pads Doggie Lawn - Real Grass Training Kit
The Litter Box: What You Need to Know
Now that you've become a Rescue Hero and brought home your furbaby, the first order of business is setting your cat up for success. This includes litter box training. Part 1: The Litterbox The cat litter box is an essential item for cat owners as it provides a designated area for cats to urinate and defecate. Here are some reasons why the cat litter box is important: Promotes good hygiene The cat litter box helps to keep the cat's waste contained in one area, making it easier to clean up and reducing the spread of bacteria and germs. Encourages good litter box habits By providing a designated area for cats to use the bathroom, the litter box helps to encourage good litter box habits and reduces the likelihood of accidents outside of the litter box. Prevents damage to furniture and flooring If cats do not have a designated area to use the bathroom, they may choose to use furniture or flooring as a substitute, causing damage to the home. Pro tip - use an exzyme cleaner for urine messes. Helps to monitor your cat's health Monitoring your cat's litter box habits can help to identify potential health issues such as urinary tract infections or digestive problems. There are even smart kitty litter brands that can show you digestive issues. Reduces stress and anxiety Providing a safe and comfortable space for cats to use the bathroom can reduce stress and anxiety, especially for indoor cats who spend a lot of time inside. Overall, the cat litter box is an essential item for cat owners as it promotes good hygiene, encourages good litter box habits, prevents damage to the home, helps to monitor your cat's health, and reduces stress and anxiety. It's important to choose the right type of litter box and litter for your cat's needs and preferences. Part 2: Training your cat to use the litter box Training your cat to use the litter box is a crucial part of cat ownership. Here are some steps you can take to train your cat to use the litter box: Choose the right litter box: Choose a litter box that is the right size for your cat and is easy for your cat to access. Some cats prefer covered litter boxes, while others prefer uncovered ones. Choose the right type of litter: There are different types of litter available such as clay, clumping, silicon and natural litters. Choose a litter that your cat is comfortable with and that is easy for you to clean. Show your cat the litter box: Place your cat in the litter box and let them explore it. Gently scratch the litter with your finger to show your cat what it is for. Encourage your cat to use the litter box: After meals, playtime, or naps, place your cat in the litter box and encourage them to use it. Praise and reward your cat when they use the litter box. Clean the litter box regularly: Keep the litter box clean by scooping out waste and urine daily and replacing the litter regularly. Address any accidents: If your cat has an accident outside of the litter box, clean it up immediately and move the waste to the litter box to encourage your cat to use it next time. Be patient: It may take some time for your cat to get used to using the litter box. Be patient and continue to encourage and praise your cat when they use it. Overall, training your cat to use the litter box is an important part of cat ownership. By choosing the right litter box and litter, showing your cat the litter box, encouraging your cat to use it, keeping it clean, and being patient, you can successfully train your cat to use the litter box. Part 3: Types of litterboxes There are different types of litter boxes available for cat owners, each with its own unique features and benefits. Here are some of the most common types of litter boxes: Open litter box: An open litter box is a basic litter box without a cover. This type of litter box is easy to clean and allows your cat to see their surroundings while they use the box. Covered litter box: A covered litter box has a hood or cover over the top, which can help to contain odors and keep litter inside the box. Some covered litter boxes also come with a door or flap, which can provide your cat with privacy and help to prevent litter tracking. Self-cleaning litter box: A self-cleaning litter box uses sensors or timers to automatically scoop waste and urine clumps into a separate compartment or bag. This type of litter box can save time and make cleaning the litter box more convenient. Top-entry litter box: A top-entry litter box has an opening on the top of the box, which can help to prevent litter tracking and keep dogs or young children from accessing the litter. This type of litter box is also good for cats who like to dig and scatter litter. Disposable litter box: A disposable litter box is made of cardboard or other biodegradable materials and is designed to be used once and then thrown away. This type of litter box is convenient for travel or for use in temporary living situations. If you can't stand the thought of leaning the litter box, this is a great option! High-sided litter box: A high-sided litter box has higher walls than a standard litter box, which can help to contain litter and urine inside the box. This type of litter box is also good for cats who like to dig and scatter litter. Overall, the type of litter box you choose will depend on your cat's needs and preferences, as well as your own lifestyle and preferences. It's important to choose a litter box that is the right size for your cat, easy to clean, and fits your budget.
Tips to Safely Introduce Your New Rescue to Your Current Furbaby
Adopting another pet? Congratulations! Already have a pet at home? Proceed with caution... Introducing a new pet to a home that already has a pet can be a gradual process that requires patience and preparation. Here are some tips to help you introduce your new rescue to your home when there is already a pet in the home: Choose the right timing Pick a time when both pets are calm and relaxed, and when you have enough time to supervise their interactions. Avoid introducing a new pet during a time of high stress, such as during a move or when there are other significant changes happening in the household. Start with scent swapping Before the pets meet face-to-face, start by exchanging their scents. This can be done by rubbing a towel or blanket on one pet and then placing it near the other pet's bed or feeding area. Introduce them through a barrier The first face-to-face introduction should be through a barrier, such as a baby gate or screen door. This allows the pets to see and smell each other without the risk of direct contact. Gradually increase the amount of time the pets spend together separated by the barrier. Supervise interactions closely When you feel comfortable that both pets are tolerating each other through the barrier, it's time to introduce them directly under close supervision. Keep the interactions short and positive, and reward good behavior with treats. Gradually increase the amount of time they spend together Gradually increase the time the pets spend together, always supervising their interactions closely. Be prepared to separate them if either pet shows signs of aggression or discomfort. Give them their own space Both pets should have their own space where they can retreat to if they feel uncomfortable or need a break. A separate bed or crate can help prevent any potential conflicts. Remember, introducing a new pet to a home with an existing pet takes time and patience. Be prepared for the process to take several days or even weeks, and don't rush the pets into a relationship before they are ready. Article by Traci Theis, National Trainer of the Year AKC
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1 in 3 pets get lost during their lifetime
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