There is something to be said for having pets. Pets can make life less lonely. They can be a cuddle buddy. In most families, they are a part of the family. When we talk about pets, there are numerous types of pets to choose from. There are dogs and cats, which are the two most common. Some families also choose pets that are more exotic. Which is right for you? This is based on what you want, what you can afford, and more.

Choosing the Right Pet

Pets, whether common or exotic, will require a certain amount of care. Some breeds of dog are prone to health problems that others aren’t. Birds require a lot more care than a pet lizard. Which is the right pet for you? There are several things for you to consider.

• How Much Time Can You Devote? If you have a large breed dog, you will need to spend a healthy portion of your day ensuring it is exercised, fed, and more. A person who works 12 hour days or travels constantly may not be able to handle caring for a dog that requires so much. They may need to consider a more independent cat, fish, or hamster.
• Expense of the Pet? Often, you can find a pet pooch for free. The same is true for cats. In other cases, a specific breed could end up costing you hundreds or even thousands. A lot of exotic pets may require frequent vet visits, which can also be expensive. Financially, are you able to handle their care?
• Temperament? Kids and pets go hand in hand often. However, there are some that are more kid-friendly than others. Does the pet that you are considering have a personality that suits your household? If not, you nor the animal will be happy in the long run.
• Lifespan? Every animal has an expected, optimal, lifespan. We expect dogs to live 10-15 years. Cats are about the same. Some breeds may live longer or shorter time frames. When you get a pet of this kind, you should expect to have that pet in your life for that amount of time. There are some exotic pets, such as snakes, that can live 40-50 years. Do you want that level of commitment?
• Are There Restrictions Based on Location? Apartment life may not allow you to have a dog, but gerbils are going to be okay. Some states may not allow you to have a pet python or a turtle in your home, but may allow you to have other exotic pets. Is there anything in your area that may hinder your ability to have that pet? If you are unsure, you may need to find out what is allowed.

Make Good Choices for Your Pet’s Future

When you have a pet, they depend on you to care for them. Too often pets lose their owners because the owner failed to embrace the responsibility of them. Exotic pets, snakes especially, may end up released to the wild because their owner wasn’t ready to commit to a lifetime of care. Dogs, cats, and other types of animals end up at animal shelters or abandoned on back roads where they suffer.

We urge you to be ready to devote yourself to a pet before you bring one home. Then, if your situation does happen to change, we ask that you give the pet to someone who can take care of it the way that they need to be cared for.

Pets are an extension of humans and some even consider them part of the family. This leads to people going over and above for their pets. This comes in the form of pet hair color, accessories and transportation.

Pink Poodles, Purple Chickens & Blue Dogs

We’ve all seen the pink poodle but some go even further with custom patterns for their pets.Purple chickens, red cats and blue dogs; it seems like a Dr. Seuss book, but this is very real. With different color and flair, the question becomes; is this safe for the part. For the most part, pet-dafe products are used with is not harmful to the pet. The increased attention however, may be too much for the pet.

Almost everyone admits that their pet is an extension of family, if not already considering them a child of some sort. As more more humans become much closer with their pets, customization of all sorts come to life. Whether that be custom dog tags and collars, dog bowls, or bandanas, there is always flair that can be added to up an individuals “pet game.” Some go as far as purchasing pets their own beds, pillows and home décor.

Home Decor For Pets

Nowadays its almost expected that a pet have their own bed. No longer are the days of “you’re sleeping in the dog house.” These come in all shapes and sizes depending on the dog size and breed. And let’s admit it, there are plenty that still allow their pets to sleep with them in their own bed! [We may or may not be guilty of that as well]. For those that do allow their pet in bed with them, many opt for pet steps to make it easier for dogs, especially smaller breeds, to jump up in bed. The reality is many have both steps for access to human beds as well as multiple doggie beds.

Outside of the almost obligatory beds is home décor. Many larger dog breeds opt for custom food bowls to lift the height of the food bowl slightly higher so as the dog to not have to bend down as far. Many vets and large breed specialist recommend this for the safety of the dog and longevity of the animal. As with dog beds, many of these dog bowls come customizable. For example, imprinting the dogs name on the side of the device or within the bowls itself. Another creative option is to add a wood name cutout above the area where the dog frequents, such as the dog bowl, a den or garage. Nothing claims a space more than a custom name claiming the territory!

Enter Dog Rooms, Too Far?

Some super pet enthusiasts dedicate an entire room of their living space to the pet. Welcome to 2023, where Dog Rooms are very much a thing. We also see many dog dens which may utilize space under the stairs, small home offices converted to dog spaces or basements. The one nice feature of a dedicated dog space is to organize all of the animals belongings into one area of the room. Now, this won’t stop the never ending need for picking up dog toys, but can certainly help to isolate where a majority of them congregate.

At the end of the day, everyone needs to find a happy and healthy balance of what works for their space and their style. There are endless accessories and customizations when it comes to pets. Let your imagination run wild and spoil your pet as much as you enjoy, no one is judging. We all love our pets and they deserve the very best from all owners. Here’s to all the happy fur babies out there!

Every one knows that taking care of pets is not something that is always easy. They are a lot like tiny humans in the fact that they cannot always tell you what is wrong. You simply have to keep trying to figure it out or take them to the vet. Did you know that some of the things you have in your home could make them sick as well? There are many household items which could pose a danger to pets.

Surprising Hidden Dangers

Plants and cleaning products are two very commonly known hazards for pets. A lot of it stems from the fact that pets, especially dogs, love to eat and chew. There are also some far less obvious things to keep away from your pets.

• Chocolate. A little bit of chocolate could end your dog’s life, especially if it is dark chocolate. It causes toxicosis and seizures.
• Grapes. These harmless to human fruits may cause renal failure in pets. The same is true for raisins, which are just dried grapes.
• Sugar Free Gum. Candies and gums that are sugar free have Xylitol in them occasionally. This maybe somewhat healthy for you, but for your dog, it is something that can make them sick.
• Onions. Not to mention stinky breath and gas, your dog may have other negative consequences of eating onions. This includes losing blood cells that keeps them healthy, which can lead to Heinz Body Anemia.
• Macadamia Nuts. These nuts may taste great to us, but to a dog, they are pure poison.
• Chicken Bones. Dogs and scraps go hand in hand. However, chicken bones may splinter and tear up their insides. It is best if you leave them giving puppy dog eyes if you are serving up chicken tonight.

Most people do not think about the cookie they are giving their pooch. They don’t worry about a dog getting into the garden and eating something they shouldn’t. We know and understand that things happen, but we urge you to pet safe as much as you can.

More Obvious Risks and Dangers

Plants, cleaning products, and art supplies, oh my. All can cause dangers for your pet. Simply because you love using a pinch pot fish, doesn’t mean that your pet should be near it.

Your medication or even your pets medication should always be kept away from curious nibblers. Your dog should never be given medications designed for humans without a vets recommendations. Doing so could make them very sick since it may interfere with their oxygen levels.

Insecticides, rodenticides, fertilizers, detergents, and de-icers may poison your pooch in various ways. All of them could mean expensive vet bills or a pet memorial. If you look at antifreeze, you should also know that your dog loves the smell and cannot wait to sample it. The problem is it is very toxic.

Are You Pet-Proof?

If you have any doubt about whether your home is pet proof or not, we urge you to speak to someone or look it up. Ask questions that can keep your pets healthy and happy. If you are worried that your pet may have ingested something they shouldn’t have, immediate medical help may be in their best interest. Much the same as you would with a small child, it could be the most important thing you do for your pet.