Category Archives: How To

4 Downsizing Steps To Care for Your Precious Pet

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Guest Post by: Jessica Brody

Image via Unsplash

Downsizing happens for many reasons. Perhaps you cannot afford your current mortgage. Maybe you simply want a smaller house to maintain. Whatever the reason, the process can be tedious and challenging, especially if you have a fuzzy, furry, or fluffy pet moving with you. To ensure a smooth transition for you and your animal, follow these four steps throughout the moving process, presented by DogBlog: A Dog’s Eyes View.

1. List New Home Modifications

If you are wondering what moving tasks you need to do for your pet, you are not alone. According to one report, some state populations in the U.S. are 70% pet owners, including Idaho. This means many people have to factor in pets when downsizing.

When you’re looking at a potential new home, note what accommodations it has for your animal and what modifications are needed to create a safe and comfortable space. Maybe it has a spacious living room so you can set up an area just for your precious pooches, but perhaps the yard is not fenced in. To keep your dog safe, connect with local fencing companies to get quotes on a new fence and installation.

Before meeting contractors in person, compare online reviews for contracting companies. This provides you with a better understanding of the pros and cons of each business before you commit. Homeowners spend an average of $4,500 to install a fence; this cost can vary depending on the fence’s size, location, and materials. The last thing you want after signing a contract is to realize you could have gotten a better deal somewhere else. Be sure the installer is licensed, insured, and knowledgeable of underground utility lines.

Another possible house modification is a doggy door. If you are gone for most of the day, or you simply have an independent pet, adding a doggy door lets your pup go outside as needed.

2. Fix Pet Damage in Your Home

While pets bring joy and love into your life, they also bring more wear and tear to your home. Potential buyers will likely notice these damages, and it may dissuade them from purchasing your house. Before listing your home, fix the pet damages throughout the rooms.

Common issues caused by pets include dirty carpets, scratched floors, floorboards, and walls, unpleasant odors, and water damage. Do a thorough assessment of your home to see what needs to be updated. You might need to hire a professional depending on how severe it is.

3. Find a Safe Place for Your Pet

When moving into the new house, you might need to live somewhere else during the transition. Plan ahead, so your pet has a safe place to stay during the transition period.

If you are renting an apartment, make sure pets are allowed. If you are staying with friends or family members, ensure they make accommodations for your pet. Do not forget to compensate them for any costs they spend.

4. Introduce Your Pet to the New Home

Before moving into your new home, bring your pet for a tour so he or she can explore. This way, your animal is comfortable with the new surroundings. If you cannot do a tour before moving, walk through the home and yard with your pet first thing on move-in day.

Just as you want your kids, siblings, or parents to be protected and cozy when downsizing, you want the same for your furry family members. When you take these proactive steps, your pets will be just as excited as you are for the new home.

Preparing For a Car Ride With Your Dog

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Guest Post By: Tess Halpren
Community Outreach
The Zebra

Easiest Ways to Pet Proof Your Car

Pet proof before a trip

Most dogs love going for car rides. With their head out the window, ears blowing in the wind, dogs are the picture of bliss when they tag along for the trip.

In reality, though, car rides can be very stressful for even the happiest dogs. Whether going on a cross-country road trip or just down the street, dogs often experience anxiety during a drive. This anxiety is caused by a number of things, including the movement of the car, the sound of the engine, or the possibility of a trip to the vet’s (eek!). If you aren’t careful, you’ll land up with a jittery pup and maybe even a ruined backseat.

The following post from The Zebra gives a collection of tips and tricks for keeping you, your dog, and your car happy on your next road trip. These tips give advice on what to do before, during, and after your car ride to keep your pup calm and your car clean.

pet proofing your car

Moving Tips for Your Fur Babies – DogBlog

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Guest Post Contributor: Karli Jaenike

In all the excitement of moving some people forget that it can be an incredibly stressful time for your pup. They don’t inherently know what’s going on, and may feel unsure about their place in the move and where they are heading.

To make your dog feel extra secure, there are certain things you can do. For example, before the move, it can be helpful to have some boxes out a few weeks early so that they get used to them. You can also ensure you spend lots of quality time with your furry friend to assure them they are still #1 in your heart.

During the move, remember to keep them safe by either crating them or taking them to a friend or family members house. Ensure they always have their collar and tags on just in case they escape. After the move, it can be helpful to spend a few days around the house with your dog to reassure them that they are safe.

Our friends at at HireAHelper put together a list of tips that dog pawrents can use to keep their pets, happy and calm during a move. You can see it below!

Help your pet adjust to a new home

Tips For Camping Holidays With Your Dog

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Contribution from freelance writer Sally Writes

Camping with your dogWith more dog owners than ever in the US, 77% of people surveyed said their pets will influence their holiday travel plans.  For many, that means pooch comes along too, and why not? What could be more fun than living in the countryside for a week or so with your canine best friend for company?  The walking routes will be just a step away and it will give you a chance to detach from all the hustle and bustle of modern life and fully relax.  However, there’s just a few things to take into consideration to ensure your holiday is problem free and great fun.

Health checklist to prepare your dog

Ensure your dog’s general healthcare is up to date, in particular vaccinations (including for heartworm which is now prevalent in the US) and that your dog has recently been wormed.  If your dog takes any regular medication for ongoing conditions e.g. anti allergy tablets, then ensure you have had a recent review with your vet. Mention you are planning to take your dog on holiday and check your medication stocks are sufficient to cover that period of time.  Also, ensure any veterinary insurance policies are up to date and pack the policy details, contact phone number and your veterinarian’s contact details.  Alongside this paperwork you could also pack any medication supplies at this stage to cover the holiday period. Continue reading →

Dealing with Separation Anxiety

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Link to article about dog deparation anxiety

 

If you’ve ever come home to find that your otherwise well-behaved dog has destroyed furniture, had “accidents” on the carpet, or has been disturbing the neighbors with his loud howling, it’s very likely that your dog is suffering from separation anxiety.

This article on the Pedigree website shares a number of reasons why dogs suffer from separation anxiety and 5 ways to nip separation anxiety in the bud. READ THE ARTICLE Dealing with Separation Anxiety.

How to Photograph Your Dog

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Our son, Luke, has been learning some great photography tips from learnmyshot.com. He forwarded this link to me about how to photograph your dog, an excellent tip for our DogBlog.

This photography tutorial video teaches an effective photo and lighting technique for photographing your dog in a studio setting.