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 Dollar-Stretching Ideas for Owners
with Senior Dogs As time goes by, our dogs seem to not just grow older but also wiser and more endearing. Naturally, you want to keep your pooch in his prime, although that can sometimes be challenging, both in terms of deciding what is best for your dog and fitting it into your budget. Here are some ideas for stretching your dollars so you and Fido can savor those senior years. Supportive Equipment It’s not unusual for older dogs to experience a loss of mobility due to waning strength and joint deterioration. While your vet might be able to lend a hand with prescriptions, there are also several devices that can help support your senior pooch. An orthopedic bed can keep your dog comfortable at rest, or if your aging dog struggles to regulate body temperature, a heated bedmight be your best bet. Elevated bowls can mean eating in a more comfortable posture, and there are lifting harnesses for helping your dog navigate steps. Whatever your canine companion requires, you can shop online and save money by using offers such as Walmart coupons, which can help keep everything you need within your budget. Watching his Weight Being overweight can contribute to mobility issues in older dogs. In fact, Modern Dog Magazine describes weight loss as Fido’s best defense against arthritis. With that in mind, give your dog a careful once-over. If you aren’t sure, one rule of thumb is to feel your dog’s rib area, and if the rib cage has disappeared under a layer of fat, chances are your pooch is overweight. You should select a dog food designed specifically for seniors, as there are choices with joint support and lower amounts of fat. Follow the feeding guidelines the manufacturer recommends. If your dog is still on the heavy side, adjust his amount of food or activity level. Stretch your dog food budget by buying from stores like Chewy, who offers a discount when you sign up for automatic shipments and a wide array of senior dog foods to meet your dog’s needs. Keeping on the Go Senior dogs often aren’t as spry as their younger counterparts, but that doesn’t mean they need to become couch potatoes. Animal Wellness Magazine explains that older dogs can benefit from participating in age-appropriate sports such as modified agility competition and obedience training. You can even do things to help keep your dog’s mind sharp. In spite of the common expression, you really can teach an old dog new tricks, such as fetching particular toys, high-five, or even picking up his toys when he’s finished playing. To keep things interesting, consider subscribing to BarkBox. They will send your pooch goodies each month at a discounted price, and you can save even more by checking out their current deals. Get a Second Dog Our dogs often benefit from having a buddy to pal around with, especially if your lifestyle doesn’t lend itself to providing your dog with much of a social life. Some experts note that not so long ago, dogs led much more interactive lives than they do now, and having a second dog can often be a boon. Some older dogs don’t like change, but if your pooch is normally pretty sociable, it could be a terrific lift to his spirits and help him stay more active at the same time. Adding a dog can be a more affordable option by adopting through a shelter or rescue. The pets are normally much less expensive than those through pet shops and breeders, and they come with their vaccines, grooming, and vetting up-to-date. Those organizations will often agree to a meet-and-greet as well so you can see if your dog and the new friend get along. You can explore dogs available for adoption through websites such as PetFinder, and if you create an account, they have special offersavailable to members. Senior dogs are sweet, rewarding companions. To keep your aging friend going strong during those golden years, find ways to support his health and happiness. You don’t need to spend a fortune, and you can both enjoy the benefits.  how cold is too cold? Here is a chart. Now have a plan for your furry loved one.
 The Undeniable Connection Between Dogs and Mental Wellbeing
 Here are Some Home Buying Tips for Dog Owners
Your dog is more than a pet. She’s a member of your family. So of course you want to consider her well-being when looking for your new home. But what do you need to account for during this all-important process? This post will cover the facts to keep in mind when searching a dog friendly residence. Check the Rules Some communities do everything possible to encourage responsible pet ownership. Others try hard to discourage animal lovers from moving in. Many could care less either way, so long as you keep your pooch out of your neighbor's flower beds. It’s important to know which is the case before settling on your new place to live. Here are some problems you might run into: ● Rules that restrict the number or kinds of pets you can own. These may take the form of private covenants or public laws. Whichever is the case, you should check with the city/country offices or homeowners association to ensure your furry friend is welcome in your prospective new dwelling. ● Regulations such as leash laws, vaccination requirements, and dog owner fees. The purpose of these restrictions is to ensure both animal welfare and public safety. The penalties for disregarding them can include hefty fines or even confiscation of your pet. So take the time to educate yourself on these matters before deciding where to relocate. ● The attitude of your potential neighbors towards dog ownership. There are many ways an animal hater can make trouble for new faces. So go out and meet the locals, preferably while walking your dog. Reconsider the move if they seem hostile or hesitant towards your four-legged friend. Check the Layout Some homes are more pet-friendly than others. Here’s how to match your prospective residence to your dog’s needs: ● Most dogs love carpet - sometimes a little too much. Purging your new rugs of the flowery fragrance that comes from a puppy potty break is challenging at best, impossible at worst. This is true no matter how many anti-stain and anti-odor features the carpet is supposed to have. Many dog owners prefer flooring materials like laminate and tile are to carpeting. Perhaps you should too. ● All dogs love the outdoors. Make sure the home’s fenced-in yard is large enough for your animal, even if she spends most of her time indoors. You should also ensure the existing fencing is up to the job of reigning in your pet. Dogs are clever and tenacious when it comes to escaping the confines of safety. You must safeguard them from making a potentially fatal mistake. Helping your Dog Adjust to a New Home Relocating can confuse or frighten your pet. She may have a hard time understanding why you’ve uprooted them from familiar surroundings. Here are some ways you can help her adjust to your new home: ● Provide your dog with familiar objects like a favorite bed or chew toy. Your pet will recognize the smells of home and associate them with her new location. ● Show your pooch a little extra love during the first few weeks after the move. Give her extra treats, walk her more often, and do everything you can to help her identify the new home with praise and rewards. ● Maintain familiar routines. Keeping your schedule as close as possible to patterns in your old home can reassure pets that everything is okay. And Now Some Tips for Selling Your Current Home Selling your existing home before you move is wise. Otherwise you may find yourself saddled with two mortgages or rent payments. Here are some tips for making sure your current residence sells in a timely fashion: ● First appearances are everything. Make sure your home’s exterior is as welcoming as possible. ● Fill dark corners with light and empty spaces with furnishings. Buyers want to picture themselves enjoying life in the home. It’s hard for them to do so when the place seems empty or foreboding. ● Freshen the air. Pet owners often accustom themselves to odors that may assault the noses of new arrivals. So make an extra effort to clean up pet stains and keep everything smelling as pleasant as possible. Never try to cover malodors with sprays or other products, however. This will only alert the buyer that you’re trying to hide something. Keeping these tips in mind will help every member of your family to feel at home in your new residence. Good luck and happy pet owning! Congrats to Azaria for her First place finish in the Royal Cannin National Dog Show in Orlando Florida |
AuthorSandra Kimble Archives
August 2019
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