Therefore, it is vitally important to choose your dog sitter wisely.  You will have the peace of mind of knowing that someone who is skilled, honest, and great with animals will be taking care of your pets, and you will know that your pets are at ease, rather than stressed, while you are gone.  

5 Questions to Ask While Searching for a Dog Sitter 

1. Is this person a genuine animal lover?  Does this dog sitter have pets of his/her own, or has he/she had pets in the past?  You will want to hire someone who is a pet lover, just like you are.  You do not want to hire someone who is in the pet sitting business just for the money, but rather you want someone who thoroughly enjoys spending time with all types of animals and who has a genuine concern for their well being.

2. Is this person able to handle dogs of all sizes and temperaments comfortably and with confidence?  What kind of training does they have that qualifies them to handle dogs of various breeds, personalities, and sizes?  No matter what type of dog you have, you want to know that you are hiring someone who has worked with a variety of dogs, from tiny breeds to giant breeds, and from docile dogs to those that may have a negative attitude.  If the dog sitter can prove that they can handle any kind of dog by showing you a dog training certification, that is definitely a plus.

3. Is this person certified in Pet First Aid?  Will he/she know what to do in an emergency?  You want to hire someone who is able to assess an emergency situation and respond to it quickly.  It could mean the difference between life and death.  In a pet first aid course, an individual learns many things, including how to perform CPR on a dog and how to stabilize an animal until the pet is brought to the emergency veterinary center.  Ask to see the sitter’s certification as proof of having completed the course.

4. Is the pet sitter interested in learning all about your dog before the job starts?  This includes learning what your dog likes and dislikes, what their usual temperament is, what type of food they can and cannot eat, what type of exercise or medication is required, who your veterinarian is, etc.  The more the dog sitter wants to know about your dog, and the more genuine concern he or she takes in the welfare of your dog, the better.  You will definitely want someone who pays attention to detail.

5. How long has the pet sitter been in business?  Do they use contracts that indicate what services and fees you can expect?  You want to hire a dog sitter who has been doing this work for years and has a good reputation.  Search online, ask others for reviews of the dog sitter’s work, and make sure that the reviews are positive.  You will also feel better with a written and signed contract between yourself and your dog sitter that makes it clear what you can expect of the dog sitter, and what you will be expected to pay.  And don’t pay up front; it’s best to pay at completion of the job, if possible.

About the Author

Jane Warren is a freelance writer and animal lover who enjoys sharing tips and information with fellow pet owners.  In addition to fostering animals in need, she loves to travel the world and explore the oceans by scuba diving and participating in various water sports.   She has also been known to pet sit from time to time, for family and friends in need!  Visit her website, http://www.pamperthepets.com, to get some great tips for pampering your pets!

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Keep your pet’s bed clean

Cats and dogs have their noses to the ground, and so they are most exposed to the chemicals that are used to clean carpets and floors. And because of their sensitive respiratory systems and acute sense of smell, their health can be adversely affected by everyday cleaning products you use around your home.

Therefore, in addition to dusting, you want to be sure you keep your house clean with natural cleaning products. Here are some suggestions that will help you convert your average cleaning product into a less harmful, more natural cleaning solution.

Ingredients to Avoid in Cleaning Solutions

Read the labels on your cleaning products, and make sure to avoid the following harmful ingredients that can harm the health of your family and your pets. Here are some of the top offenders to avoid:

1. Chlorine – Pets should not swim in chlorinated pool water, and they should not be exposed to this harmful ingredient around the house, either. It can cause symptoms including vomiting and dizziness.

2. Artificial Fragrances – Pets are very sensitive to scents, and artificial fragrances, from scented carpet deodorizers to air fresheners, can cause many major health issues in both people and animals.

3. Glycol Ethers – This ingredient can cause health problems in both humans and animals, including liver and kidney damage. Check your glass and carpet cleaners and spot removers for this ingredient, and stop using these products if they contain it.

4. Bleach– The thick fumes given off by bleach can be harmful to sensitive animals.

Safer Cleaning Alternatives – The Best Natural Cleaning Solutions

1. Purchase cleaning products derived from natural ingredients, and from companies that do not test on animals and use plant-based cleaning agents that are healthy for the planet, people, and pets. Many “green” companies are now available to give you a host of options, so you can pick and choose which products work best around your home.

2. Use natural cleaning agents made from ingredients you can combine yourself at home. For example, you can clean your tub and sink with a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar. You can also combine white vinegar and water to create an all-purpose disinfectant spray that can be used all over your home.

3. Avoid using carpet powders. In addition to vacuuming regularly, consider purchasing one of the many carpet-friendly steam mops that are available. They will disinfect your carpet naturally, and leave no chemical fragrance behind.

4. Purchase unscented or naturally scented cleaning products whenever possible to avoid the use of artificial fragrances that are toxic. Avoid air fresheners, and instead freshen your home with safe-for-pets soy candles that use natural oils. Avoid the use of artificial potpourri, which is especially harmful if a pet ingests it. Let fresh air in through open windows or turn a fan on to get air circulating as well.

5. Mop using only water and even steam, but avoid using chemical cleaners on your floors, where your pets spend most of their time, where they eat, and where they sleep.

Other Ways to Keep Your Pets Healthy

In addition to good cleaning practices, you want to make sure to feed your pets a wholesome, healthy diet, provide the safest and best dog flea treatment, and get your pet to the vet for regular check-ups or whenever he/she is showing signs of illness.  If your pet sleeps on a washable pet bed, be sure to keep in cleaned, and only wash it in non-toxic cleaning solutions or laundry detergents

About the Author Jane Warren is an animal lover and freelance writer who enjoys sharing valuable information and money-savings tips with pet owners who want to help their pets live long, healthy, happy lives. In addition to caring for animals, Jane enjoys shopping online, researching new products and services, and traveling.  Visit her site for  more helpful information at www.pamperthepets.com

The post Clean Home, Healthy Pets – The Best Natural Cleaning Solutions appeared first on Atlanta Mama.

By making a few small changes, you can turn your kitchen into an energy efficient, earth-friendly space that will have a positive effect on your health, pocketbook and overall lifestyle.

Buy Locally

Your food’s origin can have a huge environmental impact simply because of how far it has to travel before it finds your refrigerator. If you can buy local, you should. By reducing the amount of miles your food has to travel, you are reducing the carbon footprint of your next meal. In addition, local farmers use less pesticides and harmful chemicals.

If you are unable to buy local, take action steps to reduce waste at the grocery store. Buy in bulk to cut down on packaging. Use reusable grocery bags or find ways to recycle the ones the store provides. Also, buy fresh, unpackaged foods to avoid more garbage.

Reduce What You Throw Away

One of the biggest culprits in wasting food is fruits and vegetables spoiling — 52 percent in fact. A vacuum food sealer is a great way to cut back on this number. It’ll lock out the oxygen of your food, preventing bacteria from getting in so you can enjoy it longer. You can also take the salad in a jar approach to save lettuce for up to week.

Organic foods will also be healthier for you, but they can spoil quickly. This will force you to only buy the amount of food you know you will consume, saving money and waste.

Recycle Everything, Even Your Food

Hopefully, you’re already recycling glass and plastics, but you can do the same with food. Instead of throwing your scraps of waste in the garbage, create a compost pile. Composting turns your wasted food into an organic substance that can help your plants grow bigger and stronger. If you do not want to compost, many local farms and recycling organizations will gladly take your decomposing leftovers. The Happy Housewife has a great step by step guide no how to start composting.

Change the Way You Cook

Choose the right cookware and appliances will be more costly but will make the biggest impact on turning your kitchen into a green space. First, this means no Teflon. Use cookware that is durable and long-lasting, such as cast-iron or stainless steel. Upfront costs may be higher, but high-quality products will last longer and reduce cleaning costs.

Energy efficient appliances are important green living contributors. Gas stoves are more energy efficient than electric because you can control the temperature settings and can stop heating immediately. If you’re looking to replace old appliances, check out their EnergyStar rating to find the best green models.

Waste Not the Water

Water is a precious, necessary resource, but can easily be wasted in your kitchen. Reduce water waste by installing a low-flow aerator to your sink faucet. When washing dishes by hand, plug the drain instead of using running water. Avoid thawing frozen under running water and if you need hot water, find another use for the flowing current while it warms up.

Going green in the kitchen does not have to be complicated or overbearing. Simple steps can be taken to start living a healthier, more eco-friendly life.

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Clicker Training Your Dog Works

Clicker Training Your Dog Works

The most obvious benefit of reward-based training is that it works! Clicker training uses principles of classical conditioning. Classical conditioning has repeatedly been demonstrated to be one of the most effective methods for altering a variety of behaviors, and it works even with animals that aren’t very intelligent. Factor in the intelligence and desire to please of the average dog, and reward-based training is an absolute recipe for training success. Reward-based training is highly effective because it doesn’t require any special knowledge of dog behavior, and your dog doesn’t have to be a genius to master the simple concept of good behavior equals reward. The only requirements of reward-based training are consistency and repetition. The more often you train and the more consistently you reward your dog, the quicker the technique will work.

Clicker Training Your Dog is Humane

Dog-training techniques of the past often required punishment and harsh corrections such as the use of electro-shock collars. While these techniques worked with some dogs, they could spark fear-based behavior problems in others. In some cases, these techniques were dangerous. Shocking a small dog could cause heart problems or seizures, and choke chains and other punishment collars have injured or even killed dogs. Even worse, punishment-based techniques made training miserable for both dogs and their owners. Dogs learn best when training sessions are fun. When a dog knows training is going to mean punishment, he’ll do anything to avoid it. Loving owners also dread doling out punishments, which makes it difficult for either a dog or her owner to stick with punishment-based methods for very long.

Clicker Training Your Dog is Fun

What dog owner doesn’t love seeing her dog’s tail wag? When training is fun, owners are more likely to stick with it. Even better, a dog who looks forward to training sessions is a dog who is ready, willing and eager to learn. Reward-based training techniques give you an easy, rewarding activity to do with your dog — an activity that, it’s worth noting, doesn’t require much effort from overworked and exhausted dog owners. Several studies have shown that people can benefit from spending time with their dogs, and playing with a dog can even reduce depression! Reward-based training techniques give you a great opportunity to reap all of the benefits of playing with your dog, without the stress of trying to decipher your dog’s behavior or punish her.

You Don’t Have to Be a Dog Psychologist To Train Your Dog

Previous dog training methods required that you first figure out the reason for your dog’s behavior before treating it. This left people debating whether their dogs were dominant, submissive, undersocialized, fearful, smart or stupid.

Reward-based training works regardless of the reason your dog behaves the way he does. This means that you never have to worry that you misinterpreted your dog’s behavior, and don’t have to become a dog psychologist to train your dog. You just have to click and treat your way toward better behavior.

About the Author: Jane Warren is a freelance writer providing valuable tips and advice for pet owners looking for the best ways to care for and pamper their pets. Her articles on her site, pamperthepets.com, cover topics ranging from the best dog crate bedding to complex dog training issues.

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Treat Your Dog for Fleas

Flea treatments have come a long way in the last twenty years. No longer do pet owners have to line up at their local pet store for weekly flea dips. Instead, highly effective pet meds such as Frontline can help prevent fleas entirely and treat serious flea infestations.

Unfortunately, many pet owners have trouble completely eliminating fleas. Here is your all-inclusive guide for controlling fleas on dogs – permanently eradicating these pesky monsters from your dog’s life:

Flea Medications for Your Dog

Prescription flea medications are the first step toward eliminating fleas. Faithfully giving your dog her monthly dose can help you prevent flea infestations completely. If your dog is not on flea medication and develops fleas, it’s important to know how flea medications work. Some work by preventing fleas from breeding, while others kill adult fleas. If your dog has a severe flea infestation you may need two separate flea medications: one to kill the eggs and another to kill the adults. Talk to your vet about the most effective flea medication for your dog’s condition.

While over-the-counter flea medications are available, not all are good choices for your pet. Flea collars can result in allergic reactions, and topical over-the-counter flea treatments are not always the right dosage for your pet. While a trip to the veterinarian may cost a bit more, you’ll save time and money in the long run by using highly effective prescription medications rather than constantly buying less effective over-the-counter flea treatments.

Preventing fleas is much easier than eliminating them once an infestation has already started, so it’s vitally important to keep your dog on flea medication twelve months a year, even if she’s never had fleas before.

Healing Hurting Skin on Your Dog

Getting rid of fleas is often only the first step in stopping your dog from licking and scratching. Many dogs suffer from allergic reactions to fleas. If your dog continues scratching even after the fleas are gone, ask your veterinarian about a cortisone injection, which can stop the cycle. Sometimes dogs scratch so much that they damage their skin, so stopping the scratching is key. If you choose, give your dog 1mg of Benadryl per pound of body weight for several days. This can allow her skin the time it needs to heal.

Oatmeal baths can also reduce itching and help hot spots heal more quickly. Most pet stores sell oatmeal baths designed for dogs with dry, itchy skin. If your dog has developed hot spots — small irritated patches of skin — try using a hot spot spray twice per day on the affected area.

House Cleaning to Prevent Fleas

After you’ve gotten the fleas off of your dog, the fleas may begin hiding in carpets and biting you! To fully eliminate flea infestations, wash any bedding your dog sleeps on in the hottest water safe for the fabric. Vacuum daily to eliminate flea eggs. Thoroughly brushing your dog outside can also help remove any remaining flea eggs that might be transferred to your couch and carpets.

If fleas are still a problem, you may need to call an exterminator, who can help you determine the safest way to fully eliminate fleas from your life. While flea bombs can effectively remove fleas, they also pose dangers to children and pets, so it’s better to consult with a professional than to try to poison the problem away on your own.

About the Author:  Jane Warren is a freelance writer who loves all types of animals. She has fostered many pets who needed a permanent, loving home. In fact, her husband is convinced that the animal community knows where she lives; they have had several critters dropped off at the house, knowing they won’t be turned away!  You can read more on her posts and tips on how to pamper your pets at http://www.pamperthepets.com/.

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Until then, here are some ideas on how to puppy proof your house.

Puppy Proof from Chewing

When it comes to finding things to chew on, puppies are a lot like babies. Puppies are at the same eyelevel as a crawling baby and if they find something to explore, it automatically goes in the mouth. Chewing and tasting is how babies learn about their environment and puppies are no different; they are just “baby dogs.”

To prevent puppies from chewing on things they shouldn’t, you need to keep valuable items out of their reach or stored somewhere they can’t get into. They also need to have alternatives they can chew on, like dog toys and bones.

Because you can’t suspend your furniture up in the air to protect it, you will have to use an alternative method to break this specific habit of chewing on your furniture. At your local pet store you can find a product that you place or spray on your furniture to make it taste awful. Then when your puppy goes to chew on it, they won’t like the taste and it will break them of doing it anymore.

Puppy Proof from Scratching

Scratching the door and furniture may be the two biggest scratching hurdles that you face with a new puppy. Damage from both types of scratching can be prevented with a little creative thinking on your part.

Until you are able to break your puppy from scratching at the door, I would recommend putting a piece of cardboard up to protect the door. Once the puppy has learned that scratching is not acceptable, you can take the cardboard off and you won’t have to replace or repaint the door.

To protect your furniture from scratching, provide the puppy a set of carpeted dog steps to get up to where they want to go (if allowed).

Puppy Proof from Peeing

If you are going to skip the puppy pads and go with the traditional methods of housebreaking, protecting your flooring is the priority.

First, do not let the puppy roam around the house unsupervised. This will make it easier for you to catch them if they are making the motions of getting ready to go; then you can put them outside. It will also allow you to discipline them if they do go on the carpet. A puppy does not understand what he is in trouble for unless you discipline them as soon as they do the unwanted behavior.

Second, when you are gone, always isolate your puppy on flooring that can handle water, like linoleum. To protect it even more, put down a layer of newspaper or absorbent pads to soak up any liquid.

If you are having trouble housebreaking your pet, they may be having anxiety issues. Your vet will be able to assess the problem and may be able to prescribe a pet medication to calm your puppy’s anxiety.  Or you may want to consider puppy training classes that are available at local pet stores, or a private trainer.

“There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face.” Ben Williams

About the Author

Jane Warren is a freelance writer, puppy lover and foster mom to many pets that were unwanted by their original owners. To the unwanted pet, Jane’s door is never closed.  Read more about Jane and her animals at http://www.pamperthepets.com/.

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If you don’t know much about Jersey Boys, it’s about Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, and how the group was formed in the beginning and how it changed through out the years. It’s told through the viewpoints on Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi. It was very interesting to see the story through each of their eyes. The Four Seasons wrote their own songs, invented their own sounds and sold 175 million records worldwide – all before they were thirty. They weren’t musicians when they started, they were just blue collar boys growing up on the wrong side of the tracks. They had lots of talent and big dreams.

Image from Jersey Boys Info

There was a scene in the second act, where I just teared up. Other scenes where I just wanted to sing along, I mean, how can you not help but sing to “Big Girls Don’t Cry” or “Walk Like a Man”? But my absolute favorite song was when “Frankie Valli” came out and performed “Can’t Take my Eyes Off of You”. It’s a song that touches my heart everytime I hear it. And to hear it live by such a great singer as Jarrod Spector, it was perfect.

If you want to relive some memories by hearing Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons or create some new memories, Jersey Boys will be playing at the Fox Theatre from now until June 10. The performance schedule is Tuesday-Saturday evenings at 8 p.m.; Saturday matinees at 2 p.m. and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. A special weekday matinee will take place on Thursday, June 7 at 1 p.m.

Tickets for JERSEY BOYS begin at $28 and are available through authorized ticket sellers at the Fox Theatre Box Office, Ticketmaster outlets, online at www.broadwayinatlanta.com or by phone at 1-800-982-2787.  Orders for groups of 10 or more may be placed by calling 404-881-2000. Performance schedule, prices and cast are subject to chance without notice. For more information, visit www.JerseyBoysTour.com or www.broadwayinatlanta.com.

Disclosure: Brave PR provided these tickets to Jersey Boys. As always, the thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own. 

The post Review: Jersey Boys appeared first on Atlanta Mama.

We are all looking for heroes and champions in our lives. The latest movie trends indicate that people enjoy stories of people helping others – whether the story is true or imagined. What we may not realize is that we can be a hero by considering the adoption of a pet from a local shelter or humane society.

Right now, there are many wonderful dogs and puppies in kennels and shelters that need good homes. Anytime I hear of someone adopting one, it just makes me smile. They probably have no idea of what a difference they have made in that animal’s life and in the lives of those who have worked to save that dog or puppy.

Giving an unwanted dog a good home is a noble act, but I still have to advise people to be cautious when adopting. There are a number of factors that you have to take into account when adopt a dog, so that you don’t end up having to take the animal back if it doesn’t work out.

How Much Space Do You Have For A Dog?

The amount of space you live in will ultimately determine the type of dog you should adopt. If you live in an apartment in the city, a smaller breed of dog like a Terrier, Dachshund or a Chihuahua would work better than a Great Dane for that small of space.

Likewise, a larger breed of dog, like a Border Collie or Labrador Retriever, would be better suited at a home with a fenced in yard where they have room to run and play. Having a home that allows your dog to exercise and run freely is good for their health and temperament.

Do You Have Children That Need to Adjust to A Dog?

Not all dogs are good with children. Before adopting, you need to ask if the particular dog you are considering gets along with kids. The workers at the facility should be able to tell you from the behavior they have seen since the dog has been in their care, or from the owners that surrendered the dog. If they do not know, then err on the side of caution and take a look at another animal.

Even when you decide on the dog, test to see if the dog really does well with children. Have your kids spend some time together before you take her home. Always stay next to your child while with the dog; this will allow you to observe firsthand how the two get along, and be able to protect your child from harm, in case the dog does react negatively towards them.

This also gives you a chance to see how your child reacts to being around a dog. Some children are frightened of dogs, and may not be able to adjust. If the child refuses to go near the dog, do not adopt the dog at that time. You may think that your child may eventually get used to the dog once it is home, but there is also a chance that they will not, and you would again be faced with taking the animal back to the shelter or kennel.

Do You Have Other Dogs?

For those of us who have owned dogs, we realize that bringing another dog into the family is like having another child – there has to be time to adjust. You have to make sure that the dog(s) you already have and the adopted dog are going to get along. You can let them interact before bringing the new animal home or there are some agencies that let them spend time together at your own home. As with children, be around when the dogs are getting to know each other, and be aware of any aggressive behavior that either may exhibit.

Fortunately, most groups that adopt out dogs have already taken steps toward minimizing issues that can occur when brining another dog home. Most shelter dogs are spayed or neutered, treated for parasites and heartworm, and may also be trained and housebroken. You will also need to be prepared to continue with preventative care with annual medications, and quarterly treatments. If you are adopting a dog from a private owner, be sure to find out what has been done by their vet, and have something like Frontline flea treatment for dogs available so that the new dog doesn’t bring fleas home to your dog.

Can You Afford a Dog?

Dogs do require care and day-to-day attention. They need healthy food, clean water, toys to chew on and play with, collar or harness and leash, kennels, crates or beds, and so forth. If your dog has special needs or is older, you may need other items like pet ramps and steps. As you can see, there are expenses to plan for beyond the cost of adoption.

Yet dog owners know that the joy and unconditional love we receive from our family dog far outweighs the cost of ownership. It’s a responsibility and privilege that we can all enjoy.

Will you be a hero today?

About the Author

Jane Warren has been a foster parent to a wide variety of dogs. She enjoys writing about what she has learned and experienced as a way to help other pet owners on her blog www.pamperthepets.com.

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World of Coca-Cola at Night

With summer quickly approaching, it’s time to start thinking about what we are going to do with the family for summer vacation. One idea is to visit the World of Coca-Cola and their new exhibit, Vault of the Secret Formula. The Vault holds the Secret Formula of Coca-Cola and you can get within a few feet of this secret! It’s been secure in the vault for 125 years and this is your chance to interact with different exhibits that will teach you and your family the origin, mystery and magic of the Secret Formula.

One of the things that you can do is match the wonderful taste of Coca-Cola in the virtual Taste Maker. You and the family can also go through an interactive zone that has legends and myths about the Coca-Cola Secret Formula. You will can also protect the secret yourself by participitating in an interactive game that will take you to the various locations where the Secret Formula has been kept.

Here’s a video to show you more: World of Coca-Cola Vault of Secret Formula

That’s just all part of the new exhibit, Vault of the Secret Formula. Don’t forget about all the other activities at the World of Coca-Cola including the Coca-Cola Loft, Happiness Factory Theater, Character Greetings, Milestones of Refreshments, Bottle Works, Secret Formula 4-D Theater, Pop Culture Gallery, and the ever popular Taste It! room.

Does this sound exciting and something that you want to do during your family’s summer vacation? Then you are in luck, because I’m giving away a pack of 4 tickets for your family! I will draw a winner randomly on Monday, June 4th, therefore all entries need to be in by midnight EST Sunday, June 3rd.

In order to enter this giveaway, all you need to do is one or both of the following:

1. In the comments, please tell me what your Secret Formula for a Staycation in Atlanta is.

2. Share this giveaway on either Facebook, Twitter or your blog and leave a comment below with the link where you shared the giveaway.

For further information on the World of Coca-Cola and the Vault of the Secret visit:

Website: www.worldofcoca-cola.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/WorldofCocaCola

Twitter: @WorldofCocaCola

Disclosure: The World of Coca-Cola provided these tickets and those I will use to visit the attraction. As always, the thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own. 

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Once she got home, she and her son heard a scuffling sound coming from the basement bathroom. Running down the stairs, her son opened the bathroom door and out bounded a yellow, fuzzy puppy! Sharon (who was a single mom, finishing her degree, and working three jobs) told me that all she could think about was how much more complicated her life just got.

Years later, Sharon and her husband are still together. The dog, however, was only with them for less than a year. The puppy that her husband was so excited about ended up being the source of a lot of conflict between them.

I have talked about in the past how much work it is to be a pet parent. There are a lot of hidden issues that can occur, such as allergies, your family’s temperament, and even finances that may make it even more difficult. That is why it is really not a good idea to bring home a “surprise” puppy.

Here are some things to consider if you want to give puppies as gifts:

Allergies to Puppies

If you or your family members have not been around dogs, you may not know if they are allergic to them or not. Dog allergies can make a person miserable and you may not want to deal with family members having to avoid the family pet. More than likely, you will have to return the puppy, which can be emotionally difficult for you as well as for the animal. If allergies do exist, you can always adopt or rescue a dog that is less prone to cause allergies, like a poodle or goldendoodle. Our neighbors adopted a little toy poodle because the dad is allergic to dogs, and there have been no problems.

Flea Control for Puppies

Most new puppy parents don’t think about fleas and other parasites when they first get caught up in the excitement of a new puppy. Many times flea control isn’t even considered until the fleas are already in the house.
It’s best to be proactive in this area. You can easily get rid of fleas on dogs with Frontline, which is topical treatment (this is what I use on my dogs). You can choose your flea control product based on weight, and we usually wait until the puppy is at least 8 weeks old before the first treatment. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package.

Supplies for New Puppies

Puppies have special needs when you first bring them home; many of them are still useful as the dog grows up. You always need water and food bowls; appropriate puppy food; the right size collar and identification tag; a leash and harness for walking them. Have a good dog brush or comb, as all animals need to be brushed (unless they are hairless!). Be sure you have chosen a good, local vet and take them for an examination as soon as possible.

If the puppy will be outside, be sure to have adequate shelter, and spend time helping the puppy get used to his outside surroundings, including the dog house or shelter.

If the puppy will be inside, you may want it to be crate trained, or have its own doggy bed. Or if you want the little puppy to be able to get up on the bed or couch, you may choose a dog steps ramp, so they don’t have to jump or whine for you to lift them up. The dog ramps are also helpful for some breeds that are prone to hip problems from jumping up and down.

Have some good chew toys and chewable treats for them, for both training and play time. Puppies usually have lots of energy, so you’ll want to make sure they get enough exercise and playtime.

As you can see, adding a puppy to your family is the kind of commitment that should be discussed beforehand. If you love to surprise others with gifts, take my advice – give jewelry or tickets to fun events!!

About the Author
Jane Warren is a writer providing valuable advice and reviews for pet parents at her site www.pamperthepets.com. Jane loves all animals, and has cared for many pets that needed a loving home.

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