Monday, May 27, 2019

Top 7 Reasons To Foster A Pet


While sitting on a sofa with a cup of coffee, in a relaxing mood with all the weekend vibes, do we even realize how privileged we are to get this utmost comfortable and protected environment which we call home? It is bliss for us to be blessed with the ability to communicate our emotions and everything we go through. But, have you ever thought of those homeless and voiceless animals that struggle with many issues every day. Obviously, there are shelters and rescue organizations ever ready to keep and nurture pets but, it becomes arduous even for them to provide space to all the animals who come to them in need.

In such cases, you can be a foster parent by bringing home a pet and temporarily care for a pet in need. So, if you’re dicey about being a foster parent, here are the reasons that will concrete your idea of becoming one.



Fostering is a Short Term Commitment

Fostering a pet is a highly convenient option if you are not looking for a long-term commitment like adoption. Knowing a fact that the pet is in your house only for some time, makes it easier to accept their responsibility. You can manage to give your time and take their utmost care. Moreover, fostering is also flexible. So, if you lack the time to become a full-time foster parent, you can also take an animal over the weekend.  

It Can Help In Adoption

If you are willing and planning to adopt a pet in the near future, being a foster parent can be a great opportunity to test whether you are truly ready for the responsibility or not. Adopting a pet is a big decision. Hence, fostering a pet can eventually provide you with an experience of caring for a pet without a long-term commitment in a way that trains you to become a permanent pet-parent.

It Can be Good for Your Other Pets

Fostering a pet will not only benefit you but it will also be helpful to your pets if you already have any. Bringing another pet into your home can help your existing pet learn more social skills, get better at dealing with stress and become more comfortable when meeting strangers. Additionally, you also add a bit of variety in their daily routine.

You Make a Difference

The shelters and rescue organizations are always in need of foster parents because they don’t have much capacity to keep all the animals that come their way. When you foster a pet you not only change the life of one pet but also make more space for other animals at the shelters. As a foster, you are the one who knows the pet in and out and also the shelters rely on you to get information about the pet to find a perfect permanent home.

You Build Trust

Those poor little pets will always have that prejudice of the negative human interaction that they had so far. So, when you foster a pet and pour out all your love and care towards them, a pet will learn how to trust human companions. This is a phase where you eventually earn the trust of the pet by unleashing them in the newer and happier world.

It’s an Act of Kindness

It is practically impossible to help each and every pet in the world. Therefore, being a foster parent serves as a great opportunity for you to contribute your help in a small way until a home can be found. This is known as an act of kindness put into action.

Help Adopters to See Pets at Their Best

It is overwhelming to see how a pet has changed under your guidance, protection and training in a way that makes all your efforts worthwhile. Fostering a pet is such a noble deed as it not only gives a home to a pet but your training, skills and love also makes a positive difference in finding a permanent home for that pet. A foster home makes a pet’s true personality shine in a way that adopters can get a good idea of how they would be in a home.

Fostering doesn’t come easy as it demands all your time and efforts. But, it also comes with benefits for you by opening your doors and hearts for shelter pets and the amount of difference you make in their lives.

Monday, May 20, 2019

Fun Activities to Do With Your Dog


Generally, animals love to wander into the wild. Dogs are no different; they will take any chance to go out of the house. Can you tell when your dog is the happiest? It might be when you take out the leash and indicate that it’s time for a walk. So, it’s essential to indulge in tasks that keep you and your furry companion active. The best way to initiate is through playing fun games together. 

Your four-legged pal will never deny any opportunity of playing outside, so why not make this experience memorable for both of you? First, observe how enthusiastic your dog is for the activities. If he’s hesitant, try to ease him with small activities like playing fetch. Remember not to overwork your dog on the first day and don’t go for strenuous activities if your dog is not ready for it.

Outdoor activities can be really fun if you approach it correctly i.e. if you have a large dog, it’s okay to play aggressive and physically challenging games, but if you have a toy dog, it might not be a good idea. Here we have shared a list of activities for your dog.



Camping

We believe that the best way to spend the weekend is to go camping. What’s better is your dog can also tag along with you! This will give your pooch a chance to explore new places. Finding new trails is always fun and so is just curling up in your tents at night after a fun-filled day. Make the best of it and enjoy your day with your dog.

Sniffenger Hunt (A New Game Discovered)

This is a scavenger hunt, but for dogs. They love to sniff everything so imagine their joy when you set up a sniffing game for them. We as adults love playing scavenger hunt and so will your dog is if you change the rules a little. All you need to do is hide a few of their favourite toys and treats in the bushes and see how much your dog enjoys this game.

Hiking

If you love hiking, next time take your dog with you. Always ensure that your dog is on a leash whenever you take him along. Pack all the essentials and plenty of water so neither of you gets dehydrated. If the path has bushes and plants, consider spraying your dog with flea and tick repellent spray so your dog doesn’t get infested. Frontline spray is very effective in preventing infestation.

Digging at The Beach

Do you ever get annoyed when your dog keeps digging everything? In that case, take your dog to a nearest beach and play the game of hiding his different toys into the sand. Then let him do the digging. Your furry pal will have a time of his life playing this game! 

Play Flying Disk

This game is the simplest one. Playing with flying disk will give your pooch a much needed exercise and teach him to always come back to you. It will also give him a sense of accomplishment when he catches that flying disk.

We assure you that these activities will be fun for both you and your dog. We understand that not everyone can go camping with their pets, and that’s why we have also shared few activities that you can arrange in your backyard or a nearby park.
So, what are you waiting for? Go out and have fun with your furry pal!

Click on this Link 
www.discountpetcare.com.au

Sunday, May 5, 2019

Congestive Heart Failure in Pets – Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment


Pets getting diagnosed with any kind of disease is terrifying, more so when it’s Congestive Heart Failure (CHF). It progresses gradually and might be difficult to diagnose in the early stages. Keep on reading to get an insight into the disease, its symptoms, diagnosis, and possible treatments.

Congestive Heart Failure is a very common disease among animals, especially dogs. The condition of CHF occurs when the heart is no longer able to pump sufficient amount of blood in the body. And when the heart cannot pump properly, the blood flows back into the lungs, causing the fluids to accumulate into body cavities, usually abdomen or lungs.
The first and foremost sign of CHF is change in respiratory rate in pets. The ideal respiratory rate is less than or equal to 30 breaths per minute while resting. So, if you want to check manually, see that the pet is sleeping comfortably, and then record his breathing rate.


Main signs of Congestive Heart Failure
  • Lethargic
  • Bloated
  • Not indulging in activities
  • Dizziness
  • Coughing·
There Are Two Types of Congestive Heart Failure

Right-Sided Heart Failure – Where the fluid accumulates into abdomen, resulting in swelling.

Left-Sided Heart Failure – This is more common among dogs. It happens when the fluid seeps into the lungs tissue, causing ‘pulmonary edema.’

Diagnosis

Whenever the pet shows any of the mentioned symptoms, the first step should be to consult a vet. They will do a primary diagnose and check for any disturbance in the pet’s breathing rhythm using stethoscope. Along with normal heart beats, there will be an additional noise, something like murmuring, which is the sound of fluids around the lungs. That noise indicates the danger of CHS.

These symptoms can be of any underlying heart disease, so it’s crucial to do a proper diagnose. Chest X-Ray is done to study the working of the heart, and to check if any fluid has accumulated in or around the lungs. As a heart has to put more effort in pumping blood around the body, its size will also change, which can be detected in an X-ray.
Electrocardiogram (ECG) test is conducted to measure the electrical activity of the heart. This will record the pattern of heartbeat, so if there are any changes in breathing, this will reflect the abnormalities.

Echocardiogram is an ultrasound which provides pictures of the chambers and valves of the heart and helps in evaluating any heart contractions.  

Treatment

While there is no cure for CHS, many different treatments are available which eases the symptoms and prevents it from spreading or becoming life-threatening. The treatment for CHS is different for every animal as many things are taken into consideration. So, ensure that your vet knows the medical history of your pet.

One of the most common treatments is diuretics. It increases the excretion of water from the body and helps remove the accumulated fluids. This strengthens the heart for as long as you use the treatment. Low salt diet is also incorporated to prevent edema after treating it.

From years of research, doctors have found that Vitamin E is very beneficial for the pets with heart condition. Medicines are temporary treatments, its effect will cease when you stop using them. Vitamin E prevents the formation of excessive scar tissue, which is the main cause of CHS. In some conditions, the pets may have to be treated with medicines, but if you want to prevent the disease, giving a diet consisting of Vitamin E is suggested.
A change in lifestyle has also shown a considerable amount of progress in pets suffering from CHS. Discussing the diet with vet would be the best option, as they will recommend food with low sodium. You will also have to ensure that the dog lives in a stress-free environment. It’s important to take care of their mental health as it is directly related to their heart functions.

Prognosis

As there is no cure for this, you will have to rely on treatments to sustain with this disease. Taking care of your furry companion and providing necessary treatment is the best you can do. Preventive measures could also be taken so that your pet doesn’t have to suffer from such deadly disease.

This is indeed a life-threatening disease if left untreated. Always ask your vet for advice, even if it’s a small thing, it’s better to run it by a vet and follow the given advice. These are very sensitive cases, so you should always seek a help of a professional. We always wish that our pet remains healthy, though sometimes we have no control over things, so it’s better to be prepared and take immediate actions.

https://discountpetcare.com.au