Whether times are tough or you are just looking for additional ways to be frugal, the best ways to save money is by shopping. This doesn’t mean spending money every place you go, but price hunting for one that fits your budget. Where many people go wrong is by accepting the recommendations from veterinarians as an End All solution. However, these offices are businesses and as we know all to well - businesses revolve around making money. Another great way to keep your wallet fat and bills lows is to find out best bargain and even to DIY (do-it-yourself). It may take a little while to develop a savings plan, but once you have it in place, you’ll be glad you took the time and made a little effort. Here are a few ways to save a little money without cutting corners with your pet’s health.

Veterinary care: Never sacrifice veterinary care to save money! But also don’t think that just because one office prices an item (including mediation) at a certain prices that it is set. As you will hear from every dog in the park “a healthy lifestyle prevents health issues.” But it is not always the case that you pet falls ill and you weren’t taking care of them. Many times they get sick even with a healthy lifestyle. How do you save money then without sacrificing their health? There are numerous ways you can save on that dreaded trip to the vet. More than likely, you have a few veterinarians in your area. For whatever reason, you have probably chosen one specific vet that you are faithful to. The way this should be approached is that if you are loyal to a vet, then shouldn’t they be loyal to you? Many people are turning to online stores to get their pet’s medication for a lower price, which has spiked offices price matching avenues. If you think about it, a price match is the best way to keep a steady stream of income in an economy that is presently unpredictable and their earning constituents trust. If anyone knows that medications and other procedures can be expensive it is the one in the White Coat that see’s everything. (more…)

It’s no secret that secondhand smoke can have harmful effects. However, you probably overlooked the fact that smoking around your pets is just as dangerous as lighting up around your children. For whatever reason, we often overlook simply health matters when it comes to our beloved companions. Besides, aren’t pets supposed to adapt to the owners’ lifestyles? As an owner, you have a responsibility to maintain the health and well-being of your pet. So for your dog or cat’s sake, you should come up with ways to keep the secondhand smoke out of your pet’s life. (more…)

If you have ever taken your pooch for a jog through the neighborhood or a play date at the dog park, then you may have dealt with a soon-to-be aggressive situation. It’s not uncommon for dogs to meet enemies, so you should not worry if your pooch is not playful with all canines. However, you should know how to identify a tension-filled situation and how to avoid one.

Like many other aspects of your pooch’s life, prevention is key. For example, if your pooch has never been to the dog park, then it is unwise to leave the leash at home. Even the most lovable, socialized dogs can encounter a foe, so you cannot leave your pooch’s wellbeing in fate’s hands. Instead, you should be responsible in all of your dog’s actions. Anytime you are exercising your dog where other animals may be present, you should at least be carrying a leash. But, carrying a leash is not enough. Many owners have never had to use the leash; therefore, they do not know how to properly use one. An animal that has never experienced a leash will have just as many problems as the owner. So, make sure you have control over your dog when he is on a leash. (more…)

Every once in a while, the news will present horror stories about pets biting children or neighbors. As a responsible owner, it is up to you to make sure your pooch will never put anyone else in danger. Whether he’s a guard dog or a favorite at the local dog park, biting should not be something he is taught to do. Instead, you have to teach him not to do it! If you have a puppy or a full grown dog, you can teach him not to bite.

The inclination to bite normally develops as a puppy. You bring home that cute little ball of fur, and overlook his biting tendencies; passing them off as playfulness. When a dog is young, then his biting may be a form of play or it may be a way to establish his rank in your home. Many behavior experts turn to the pack animal drive as an explanation to biting. Either way, it must be stopped early. But before you start an anti-biting training regimen, figure out if your pup is biting or just chewing. A puppy likes to chew things, and if your hand is there then he will chew it. Give him toys, and do not allow him to chew on your hand. He may not have a biting problem after all! If the toys are not a distraction and he obviously likes to bite, then take action immediately. Enrolling in an obedience class is the best way to handle the situation. However, not everyone can enjoy the luxury of professional training. In these cases, you must take training into you own hands. If he tries to bite, give him a firm “no” and remove your hand. As he starts to understand that you do not want him to bite, you can slip him a treat when he doesn’t bite or when he responds to the “no” command. (more…)

Did you know that studies have proven simply owning a dog can help boost your child’s self esteem, mature their level of responsibility and teach them empathy? Although it should not be expected that you buy a dog and “Abracadabra!” - your child and dog get along. This is where the parent comes in. Upon the first arrival of a pet dog, the parent must monitor the interaction closely and show the child how to take care of the dog.

As a parent with all of the responsibility, how do you know where to start: what breed? What supplies? How much time, money and patience? Let’s get started. (more…)

In a time when everyone resorts to capsules to relieve their pain, a new form of treatment is growing in popularity. Across the world, dogs are being used to help people cope with mental and physical hindrances. Therapy dogs are a subcategory of service dogs; they undergo extensive training and can help people cope with mild to major disabilities. In addition to the trained dog, everyday puppies and adult dogs are used to help treat depression. Caring for a dog promotes a sense of responsibility and provides companionship for those who need it most. So how exactly can a dog be used as a treatment for depression? (more…)

Whether you are spending time with your dog or out in public around others dogs, situations may arise when you or your child is threatened by an aggressive dog. Keeping calm and understanding what actions the dog interprets as threatening can make all the difference between a pat on the head and a bite on the arm. At home, there are things you can do to keep your dog from being aggressive towards others.

What signs determine an aggressive dog?

Dogs do not have to be vocal to be exhibiting signs of aggression. A stiff dog with his body arched is on the defense. Other signs include showing teeth, growling or barking, and maintaining a direct stare. If you notice any of these behaviors, then do not approach the dog. (more…)