As chicken coops have spread beyond farming communities and across the backyards of modern suburbia, more and more people have found themselves struggling to introduce their pet dogs to their new chickens, or even wondering if they should do it at all.

In this article, we鈥檒l cover the ins and outs of living in harmony with a dog and a flock of chickens.

Should I Introduce Them at All?

This is a common question, usually based around concerns for the safety of the chickens, and on some level, it makes sense. In broad strokes, we tend to think of dogs are predators and chickens as prey, two groups which don鈥檛 really mix.

It鈥檚 hard to imagine training can be stronger than those base instincts. After all, aren鈥檛 they natural enemies?  

Actually, not really. Wolves are natural predators, and the red junglefowl from which modern chickens are descended wouldn鈥檛 have made a bad prey item for them.

Dogs, however, have had those killer instincts bred out of them for millennia, and your pet lab also won鈥檛 have a real motivation to kill your birds, since they are already well-fed.

In fact, some breeds, known as , have been bred and trained for centuries to actually embed in herds and protect livestock from exterior threats, i.e., predators.

While they were traditionally used with sheep and goats, a modern resurgence in their popularity has shown them to be just as effective as a full-time guardian of poultry flocks.

Of course, not all breeds have such a reassuring history. If you have a hunting breed, like a setter or terrier, or any dog with a higher prey drive or level of aggression, safely introducing them to a flock of chickens will be trickier. This doesn鈥檛 mean it can鈥檛 be done, but it may take a little longer to fully acclimate an aggressive or prey-driven dog to your flock.

When Should I Introduce My Dog and My Chickens?

The key principle to keep in mind while introducing a dog to your flock is the idea of acclimation, or slowly getting used to a new situation by easing into it. This will be important for both your chickens and your dog, as throwing them in together right away will almost certainly lead to stress and conflict.

The question of when to introduce them will depend, to a certain extent, on which you had first, and how old they are. Puppies are obviously more volatile and unpredictable than well-trained older dogs, and chicks are much more easily stressed out and frightened than adult hens. However, there鈥檚 also something to be said for introducing the two as young as you can, before they鈥檝e learned a routine or any behaviors around dogs or birds that they鈥檒l have to relearn. 听听听听听听听听听听听

In general, after an adoption, try to start introductions as soon as possible after the newcomer has settled into their home. Again, this will be an extended process, so you can always slow down or revert a few steps if needed. After giving the new animals a few weeks for the stress of the move to wear off, though, there isn鈥檛 really any reason to delay.

Step by Step: How to Introduce a Dog to Your Chickens

1. Keep everybody happy. Like people, dogs and chickens are much more likely to be open to new relationships or situations if they鈥檙e healthy, happy, and well-fed. Don鈥檛 make introductions right before dinner, for instance, or both sides will be hungry and cranky and not inclined to be patient. In fact, right after dinner is probably the best time to start this process. Both the flock and the dog will be .

2. Let them get used to one another from a distance. Put your dog on a lead, and bring them into the yard while the chickens are in their run. Both sides will probably notice the sights, sounds, and smells of the other, and you should let them both investigate this new situation at their own pace. These early meetings can be short, like 10 minutes. Stay at this stage until both animals seem calm and largely unconcerned with each other.

3. Move things in closer. Once your animals can calmly share space from across the yard, you can start slowly bringing them in closer together, moving at whatever pace they set with their comfort levels. Each day, bring your dog a little closer to the coop, then let them sit or walk around on their lead, staying at each distance until they seem unconcerned with the birds. Eventually they should be able to get right next to the run without either your birds or your dog seeming stressed.

4. Let your dog off-lead. This is, in a way, the moment of truth, when you鈥檒l find out if your dog is fully acclimated to your coop or not. A dog that immediately rushes the coop or seems terrified of it will need more on-lead training before they鈥檙e ready to be out in the yard on their own. Even if your dog seems calm, someone should always be in the yard with them for at least the first few weeks to ensure the training has fully sunk in.

Despite the concerns many people have, dogs and chickens very much can get along, and introducing them is a slow but simple process that should have them peacefully coexisting in no time.    

The post How to Safely Introduce a Pet Dog to Your Chickens (The Right Way!) appeared first on Blog | 皇冠体育app.

It’s safe to say that moving to a new place is just as nerve-racking as it is fun for most people.

A new home can usually mark a feeling of positivity and excitement, a fresh start somewhere new. However, our pets don’t see it that way.

Moving to a new place is confusing and sometimes even traumatic for your pet, whether it be a dog, cat, rabbit, bird, reptile, etc. This is because most pets need routine and familiarity. Once a familiar environment and way of life is established, it becomes difficult for them to get adjust and become socialized to something new.

Unfortunately, pet owners either forget this fact or completely overlook it, resulting in their pets becoming extremely stressed out without their owners realizing why.

It’s crucial to learn how to effectively prep and guide your pet through the moving process and how to adjust. To get some tips on doing this, keep reading and learn about some of the most common mistakes to avoid while moving with your fluffy, feathery, or scaly friends.

Keeping Them Around During the Moving Process

Moving can be a messy and downright chaotic process. Therefore, it isn’t hard for pet owners to overlook their animal friends. If free to roam around during this process openly, it can be easy for a dog, cat, or smaller pet to get into some trouble, whether that be getting lost in the mess of the room or running the risk of something accidentally falling on them. To prevent these issues from occurring, you have to put your pets somewhere safe.

Dogs should preferably be kept in either sleeping boards or at a trusted friend or family member’s house. Anywhere that isn’t near the hustle and bustle of moving.

Cats and smaller pets, on the other hand, should ideally be kept in a separate, less busy room or part of the house. Rodents, birds, and reptiles should also be kept in their cages or tanks to ensure they stay safe and don’t get overwhelmed.

Washing Their Things Before Moving

The next mistake you could make is washing your pet’s things before moving. Washing off a toy, bed, blanket, litter box, or feeding bowl鈥檚 familiar scent can cause your pet a great deal of distress and anxiety when they’re placed into their new setting.

This is because . So the smell of something familiar to them, such as their old home on their things, can help adjust them to their new environment.

Don’t wash your pet’s things before a move. Instead, let the scent stay on their things for as long as possible.

It would help if you also wait to pack your pet’s things last so they’ll feel even more comfortable as you’re preparing to move and can have more moments with their things in their old environment before they move to their new place.

Failure to Establish a Safe Room

Another big mistake you can make while moving with a pet is changing your pet’s setup too much. Instead, try to create a safe room for your pet to roam before spreading their things around.

In the case of cats, you’re going to want to put all of their things into a single room before moving them to different areas of the house. This will give them a special room where they can establish a sense of comfortability and become more at ease when exploring other areas of the house.

You should arrange your dog’s setup in areas similar to where they were in their old house. For example, if their crate was in the living room, it should be in the new house’s living room.

Completely Changing Their Routine

Pets of all species thrive off of routine and typically prefer their routines to stay intact. If they鈥檙e fed at 7 a.m., this should stay the same. If they鈥檙e usually walked at 8 a.m., you should continue to do this.

Switching up a pet鈥檚 routine can significantly confuse and distress them, even more so after a big move. When moving with a pet, try to keep their schedules as stagnant as possible to keep them happy and comfortable in their new environment. Also keep an eye on their behavior and know the or .

Failing to Pet-Proof Your New Home

A new home means new potential ways for your pet to get hurt. Therefore, it will be important for you to pet-proof your house as you see fit.

Cats, dogs, rodents, and reptiles should be kept away from anything breakable, medicines, chemicals, cords/wires, trash bins, food cabinets, poisonous plants, open windows/doors, and open washers/dryers.

Cats should also be provided scratching posts and toys to keep them from scratching up any furniture, while dogs should be given plenty of toys to keep them busy from chewing up anything unwanted.

Birds, rodents, and reptiles should be kept in a cage or tank when alone or correctly supervised by you.

Failing to Calm Pets Down Before and After Moving

Whether you know it or not, your pets can typically sense when there’s about to be a big change before it even happens. This is especially true with dogs and cats. They notice when things start to change, both because of the emotions and energy you give off and the very obvious boxes piling up in the corner.

This sense of change can make your pets just as nervous as you are; however, unlike you, they don’t know what this change will entail. Therefore, it will be important for you to check up on and calm your pet during these moments of anxiety they may feel.

Please stop what you’re doing and take some time to sit and talk to them gently. Play with them and make them feel as if everything will be okay. This can help your animal cope in all the right ways, both before and after moving.

Summary

Moving is a life-changing event, not only for you but also for your animal friends.

Remember, it鈥檚 important to show your pets a lot of love and understanding during this stressful process. Cater to their needs and observe how they adjust to their new environment. These creatures of familiarity and routine will have their lives completely turned on their heads and will need help getting through this confusing and anxiety-ridden time.听 Even though it may seem stressful at first, this big change will become the new normal one day.

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It鈥檚 not surprising that moving home is one of the most stressful life events. All that organizing, packing, sorting and sometimes even new schools and jobs; there鈥檚 a lot going on! 

It鈥檚 often easy to forget that our pets can become stressed too. 

While you may have the most laid-back dog or aloof cat, studies have shown that both cats and dogs can pick up on how you are feeling. So instead of , we can make them feel worse.

Not only can they mirror our emotions, but they may also have some worries of their own when their bed and toys are being packed into a van. So how do we keep it as stress free as possible?

We鈥檝e combined our top tips for before, during and after the move. Read on to learn more. 

Pre-Move

Where possible, it pays to take your dog to the new home. 

Even if you can鈥檛 get access to the new home yet, walk around the general area and sit on the wall outside. , take plenty of treats.

Your dog will probably treat it like every other walk, not understanding that this will be their new spot, but you are at least starting to make good associations.

If you see some neighbors, introduce yourself and your dog. At least when you move, you鈥檒l have some friendly faces that you recognize. 

When you鈥檙e packing, if possible, leave the pet鈥檚 space until last. So, leave their toys, beds etc. unpacked until the van is ready to leave. It can help if your dog is crate trained; no matter what is being moved around them, they still have their safe space. For cats specifically, it could be worth keeping them in one room of the house (even if they are outdoor cats). You don鈥檛 want them to get that unsettled they choose to leave one day and not come home.

Moving Day

Some owners ask friends or family to take their pets for the day. You don鈥檛 have to worry about doors or gates being left open accidentally by movers and runaway pets. This also gives you time to pet-proof the new home before they are brought back. 

If you are keeping your dog with you, as much as your routine will be out of the window, take him for a walk at the start of the day and try to keep his meal times the same. 

He may not eat, but you鈥檝e at least tried. The same applies when you arrive at the new home. Head for a walk and offer his meal at the usual time. He just needs to know that even in a new place, nothing changes. 

If you have a cat, pheromone sprays and diffusers are a great option throughout the moving process. If your cat gets stressed travelling, spray their carrier with a pheromone at least 30 minutes before putting them in. 

in the new home and spray sofas and areas when you arrive. 

After the Move

Set up a quiet place for your pets as soon as you arrive. 

Whether this is a crate/den or a room. Ideally you wouldn鈥檛 have washed their bedding before the move, so their scent is still present. Again, pheromone diffusers are great for both cats and dogs to help reduce stress. 

Pet proof the garden and home, ensuring all your pets are safe. If possible, take some time off work to help your pets settle into the new home and monitor their behavior. Be mindful that they may toilet inside with it being a new space; clean and disinfect immediately to neutralize the odor. 

Explore the neighborhood with your dog and take things at their pace; provide plenty of treats so they associate the new area with good things! If your cat is an outdoor cat, it pays to keep them inside for a couple of weeks until they get their bearings.

Remember to and address details on their microchip or other ID! 

Most pets adapt incredibly well to a move. If you are concerned about any of your pet鈥檚 behavior during the move, seek the advice of your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist.

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As many as in the U.S. have allergies to cats and dogs, and cat allergies are twice as likely as dog allergies. Allergies happen when someone鈥檚 immune system is triggered by something, such as pollen from flowers, or dander from pets. These allergies can cause itchy watery eyes, a runny nose, sneezing and rashes just to name a few, and it can make owning a pet extremely uncomfortable. 

However there are , regardless of whether you have allergies or not; fish and reptiles are a couple of examples. You may be happy to hear that there are also a few breeds of cats and dogs which are much less likely to trigger reactions than other breeds and can be kept by people who are usually sensitive to them. 

These animals are known as hypoallergenic breeds. Here are some of the best pets for allergy sufferers. 

Cats

Some cats produce less allergens than others which make them a much better match for people who suffer with allergies. It鈥檚 the protein in an animal鈥檚 dander and saliva which triggers most allergies, so finding a pet which creates less of this protein is the key to living with a pet when you have allergies. 

Here are a few popular breed choices for hypoallergenic cats:

• The Oriental Shorthaired cat is one of the most popular hypoallergenic breeds, they shed very little hair. 
• Cornish Rex cats shed very little hair and only possess the undercoat layer known as the down hair. 
• The Sphynx cat is hairless and so therefore doesn鈥檛 shed at all and has no hair to trap the allergens. 
• The Russian Blue is a great choice if you want a typical furry cat; he has a shiny blue coat which is short haired. 

Dogs

If you鈥檙e a dog person at heart but can鈥檛 stand the sniffles that come along with cuddling a cute pooch, then you might be in luck with a hypoallergenic dog breed.

Similarly to cats, these breeds don鈥檛 create as much dander and so they don鈥檛 trigger allergies in many people.听

These are the most popular hypoallergenic dog choices:

• The Bichon Frise is a beautiful cuddly teddy bear dog with fluffy white fur. 
• Poodles are well known for their hypoallergenic traits. They have tight curly hair which traps shedding hair. 
• Miniature Schnauzers shed a very little due to their short double coat which has a wiry outer coat.
• Portuguese Water dogs are playful and laid-back as well as only having a single coat and shedding minimally.  

Rabbits

Rabbits can make great pets; they don鈥檛 require as much attention as cats and dogs but can still be cuddled and played with.

Just like cats and dogs, there are some breeds of rabbits which are less likely to cause allergic reactions. Mini Rexes are the best breed choice for people with allergies. They have short velvety hair and they produce less dander than other rabbits. 

If you do experience an allergic reaction around rabbits, make sure it鈥檚 not their hay that you鈥檙e allergic to because this is also a common trigger for allergies. If it is the hay, there are plenty of other choices available or you can ask someone to help with handling the hay.  

Fish

Fish may not be able to interact with you are much as the other animals listed here, and you can鈥檛 get them out for a cuddle when you need cheering up, but they are very good for cheering you up in other ways. 

Keeping fish has actually proven benefits in . Spending five minutes after a busy day at work, watching your fish swim around will help to calm you down. 

Fish can bring plenty of color and personality to your home. Depending on the space you have, a fish tank can either be a centerpiece in your front room or a small tank in your kitchen. These pets won鈥檛 trigger any allergies and they are much easier to care for than other animals. 

Reptiles

Reptiles are normally a great pet choice for people with allergies because they don鈥檛 produce the proteins which are found in warm-blooded animals. 

You will need to spend time caring for them and keeping their cage clean. Ideally you鈥檒l wear a mask and gloves when cleaning their home out to avoid any allergies being triggered. 

Some of these animals require humid temperatures which can create a lot of moisture and easily result in mold if you don鈥檛 keep on top of their maintenance requirements. 

Concluding Thoughts 

If you have allergies and have put off having a pet because you鈥檙e worried how they will affect you, there are plenty of options which are available to you!

Always spend time around the animal you鈥檙e considering giving a home, before you bring them into your home permanently. 

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Bringing a new pet into your home can be one of the most exciting life changes. Pets can bring so much joy and company, but they come with their fair share of responsibilities even before they arrive home for the first time. Here鈥檚 how you can prep your home for a new pet.

But first, here鈥檚 something to keep in mind鈥�

When adopting a pet into your home, you should brace yourself for potential damages. A kitten or puppy can often have accidents in the house during training, so keep this in mind as you get your home ready for a new furry friend. Wood or linoleum floors and leather or vinyl furniture are the easiest to clean. As always, if you鈥檙e renting your home, be sure to check with your landlord before adopting a pet.

Clean your house from top to bottom

Just as you would want to clean your house before having visitors over, you鈥檒l also want to clean before taking in a new member of your family. If you are introducing a pet into your home for the first time, it鈥檚 a good idea to start with a clean slate. We recommend cleaning your entire home from top to bottom. This way, you can go over every room and ensure that it is clean and orderly (and make sure there aren鈥檛 any forgotten messes or areas that your new furry friend may get into).

Pet proof your home

After giving your home a deep clean, it鈥檚 time to make it pet-proof. Much like baby-proofing a home, pet-proofing requires assessing the areas that your pet will be able to access and make sure they are safe. Ensure your cabinets aren鈥檛 easily accessed so your new pet can鈥檛 get into any food or harmful chemicals. If you can, opt for washable area rugs instead of carpet, in case your new pet has an accident. One of your main priorities should be to secure all door and window screens (and secure your yard or patio area, if you have one) to make sure your pet won鈥檛 be able to escape your home.

Organize a personal space for your new pet

Next, we recommend finding an area of your home that can be your new pet鈥檚 personal space. As humans, we value having areas in our home that are designated for relaxation, and your pet will value this, as well. Organize a sleeping area for your new pet, an area for their food, and an area for the litter box if your new pet is a cat. Having an official area for sleeping will help your pet feel right at home. If you鈥檙e adopting a cat, try purchasing a scratching post or tower to prevent damage to your furniture. If you鈥檙e adopting a dog, make sure you have plenty of toys.

Overall, pets can bring so much life and joy to a home, but keep in mind how much maintenance they can be.

This post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. The point of view and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of 皇冠体育app International. This post was written by Bailee Abell.听Bailee Abell is a writer born and raised in California. A graduate of University of California, Santa Barbara, she loves reading classic literature, sipping warm beverages, and visiting theme parks every chance she gets. Find her at听

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We all love our four-legged family members, but sometimes your home isn鈥檛 set up for the hustle and bustle of pets. Whether its cats, dogs, birds or hamsters your family has taken in, all pets have different needs around the house.

Home builders are adapting by creating ways your home can be more pet-friendly and unique to each pet need. Below are a few amenities that families are opting for just to keep their furry friends happy.

Pet Nook

Many pets like to sleep with their owner听or have their favorite seat in the house, but what if you could create a space just for them that they could feel comfortable and still see what鈥檚 going on around the house.

A pet nook is a great way to have a built in bed in your home and to keep the dog or cats blankets in one spot so pet hair isn鈥檛 dragged around. They also can be hidden away like under a staircase or beneath the cabinets in the laundry room.

Pet shower

It鈥檚 never easy getting a pet to take a bath, especially if your shower or bath isn鈥檛 the right size for your pet. A way to avoid this problem is having a built in pet wash station.

Consider the mudroom or laundry room for a听 washing听蝉迟补迟颈辞苍. These rooms already are meant for cleaning and that way the animal doesn鈥檛 need to track any dirt throughout the house or on furniture. For those large pets, make the bath or shower a walk-in, to avoid having to lift your pet and make them more comfortable getting in.

Built-in play space

Cat runs or a fenced in area in the backyard is a way for your pets to play even while the owners are away. If a dog has access to go outside where they can keep their toys and have some room to run around, they won鈥檛 feel cooped up all day while you鈥檙e at work. For cats, a cat run is a great way for them to use their claws and feel free throughout the house without having to scratch at your belongings.

No matter what you choose to do, they are all ways to make your pet feel at home just as much as you do.

Feeding Station

We鈥檝e all had a pet dish tipped over, stepped on or spilled.听 Save some clean-up time with a built in feeding station!

This amenity is one of the easiest ones to fit into an already designed home. It鈥檚 small and can be easily put into a kitchen island or cabinet. The feeding station could help you avoid messes and makes it easier on the owner during dinner time. Bonus tip: if you want to go all out鈥� put a mini water faucet in to avoid having to remove the bowls from the station at all!

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It is estimated that over half of people internationally have a pet living with them, and statistics show pet ownership steadily rising every year. With so many people welcoming pets into their families, it stands to reason a pet鈥檚 specific needs would eventually make its way into home design. But, while some people go all-out building, the best design schemes marry a pet鈥檚 comfort with their human鈥檚 convenience without busting the budget. Here are six affordable home renovations for your pet that are stylish, functional and won鈥檛 cost you an arm and four legs

1. : These tasteful panels are easy to install, come in several styles and colors, and will accommodate pets large and small. The best part, unlike a, 听there is no need to cut a hole – the panels snap and lock to your sliding door track, so when you move, you can take it with you.
2. Pet Feeding Station: 听No more tripping over food bowls and cramming bulky pet food bags into cabinets. With a pet feeding station, you have everything your pet needs at meal time conveniently tucked away when not in use. Whether you,, or, a pet feeding station will help keep your pet鈥檚 food organized with style.
3. Pet Nooks: Dogs and cats love to keep an eye on their people, but the places they choose to hang out are not always convenient. Eliminate this problem by creating designated nooks for them in rooms you occupy the most. 听A built-in space in the kitchen, an, or a allow your furry friend to be near you without getting underfoot.
4. : Keep muddy paw prints to a minimum with the addition of a to your laundry or mud room. 听Washing Fido before he dirties carpets and walls will save you time and money in the long run and you can also use it to clean items such as air filters or patio accessories 鈥� things you just don鈥檛 want in your kitchen sink.
5. 听: Fulfill your indoor cat鈥檚 desire to go outside with a custom indoor/outdoor catio. Catio Spaces provides in four different designs that you can customize to suit your cat鈥檚 needs.
6. : No matter how clean you keep your cat鈥檚 litter box, it鈥檚 still unsightly and malodorous. 听The solution? Convert an existing cabinet to contain your cat鈥檚 litter box. An will also cut down on litter box smell and give your cat its coveted privacy 鈥� a win-win.

This post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. The point of view and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of 皇冠体育app International. This post was written for 皇冠体育app by Estelle Weber, a freelance writer living in Los Angeles. You can read more of her work.

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Although buying or selling a home can bring about exciting changes for you and your family, it can introduce stress for your four legged loved ones. As a seller, having strangers coming in and out of your house can be alarming and upsetting to your pets. As a homebuyer, you want your new home to be safe and comfortable for every member of your family 鈥� even the furry ones. Whether you鈥檙e buying your first home or getting ready to put your house on the market, these pet safety tips for homebuyers and sellers will help make the process easier on you and your pets.

Pet Safety Tips – Buying a Home

• What Kind of Home Best Suits Your Pet? Consider your pet鈥檚 current and future needs when viewing potential homes. Is your pet young, old, big, small, a roamer, a digger, a jumper, a chaser? 听A young, active pet would appreciate a large yard whereas an escape artist might need a high backyard fence. A mid-life to senior pet could be spared mobility issues later by living in a single story home with no stairs.
• Double Check Outdoor Decor. 听Your new home might come with lovely landscaping and an entertainer鈥檚 dream yard complete with swimming pool, but is it safe for your dog or cat? Make sure the plants and flowers around your house are , and consider replacing beauty bark and decorative gravel with larger scale materials that are impossible for pets to swallow. Swimming pools and spas pose a grave risk to pets unfamiliar with such things, so make sure they are fenced or covered when not in use.
• Create a Safe Room. 听On moving day, it鈥檚 easy to lose track of where your pets are in all the bustle and confusion. At your old house, contain your pets in one quiet room where they will be out of harm鈥檚 way and unable to escape an open door or gate. Do the same in your new house when transferring your belongings there. For especially nervous or shy pets, you may opt to keep them in the safe room for several days so they can decompress from the stress of all the activity. Before letting pets have free rein of the new house, do one last walk through to make sure nothing dangerous was left in any of the rooms or the yard.
• ID is Crucial. 听Many pets become lost in the time period surrounding a move; firstly, because of all the distractions and the many opportunities to escape; and secondly, because they don鈥檛 know their new surroundings. If your pet gets lost in your new neighborhood, he may go back to your old neighborhood expecting to find you. If you鈥檙e moving cross-country and your pet escapes during the move, he could end up anywhere, which is why it鈥檚 so important to have a microchip and visible ID on your pet at all times.

Pet Safety Tips – Selling a Home

• Make Your Pet鈥檚 Presence Known. While some home sellers may temporarily relocate to another property while their house is on the market, for many, this isn鈥檛 feasible. So make sure your real estate professional knows there is a pet on the premises and ask that this information be included in your home鈥檚 listing details. You may also request that agents call first before visiting your property, or show your home by appointment. 听Your real estate professional can help you determine the best approach to take.
• Make Yourself Scarce. 听When you know you鈥檝e got a potential buyer coming to view your home, it鈥檚 a good idea for you and your pets to leave the premises or become as inconspicuous as possible. Take your dog for a walk, or ask a friend or neighbor to temporarily pet sit during the property showing. If your pets must stay in the house, another option would be to contain them in a carrier or pet cage in a low traffic area (not the kitchen, bedrooms or bathrooms as these rooms are ones buyers definitely want to see).
• Never Leave Your Dog Alone With Strangers. 听Dogs, no matter how friendly, should never be left alone and uncontained at your property when a potential buyer comes to call. Aside from the fact that this poses a huge liability issue for you should something happen, not everyone loves pets, and a barking or excited dog could be enough to cause a potential buyer to move on.
• Keep ID on Your Pet. 听Make sure your pet wears a collar with visible ID. If your pet gets out during the showing or moving process, the easiest and most effective way for the finder to get in touch with you is by looking on your pet鈥檚 collar and finding your current phone number.
• Microchip and Register Your Pet. 听As a failsafe in case your pet loses their ID, make sure they are microchipped and your corresponding information updated in a universal database such as in the US, or in Canada.

This post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. The point of view and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of 皇冠体育app International.

This post was written for 皇冠体育app by Estelle Weber, a freelance writer living in Los Angeles. You can read more of her work.

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Winter weather can create extra challenges for homeowners, between shoring up vulnerable areas against wind and rain, and winterizing structures against freezing cold. 听But wintertime can pose serious risks for your pets, too, so follow these tips to help keep your home a safe and comfortable place for your pet in winter weather.

1. Keep them inside your home. Domestic pets don鈥檛 have inherent traits that protect them from extreme conditions any more than you do so if it鈥檚 too nasty for you to be outside, it鈥檚 too nasty for your pet. Keep domestic pets inside and make sure outdoor livestock has adequate shelter, dry bedding, and blankets, if necessary, to protect them from cold, wind, rain, ice and snow.

2. Hydration is key. Dehydration isn鈥檛 just a problem in hot weather. If your pet relies on an outside water source, make sure you have a way to keep it from freezing. Pets cannot get sufficient water from eating snow.

3. Gear up for outdoor activity. Whether strolling your neighborhood or taking in local outdoor amenities and attractions, if your pet enjoys time with you outdoors, make sure they鈥檙e equipped for the conditions. 听To keep them warm and dry, a rain slicker, coat, or sweater serve as more than just cute accessories, and weatherproof booties keep paws dry and provide extra traction on frozen ground. Make sure you don鈥檛 stay out longer than is safe for your pet, and monitor activity and behavior to make sure they don鈥檛 become.

4. Check underneath. 听Ice loves to cling to hair and fur. Keep your pet鈥檚 paw hair neatly trimmed, and if your pet has been outside, clean off and dry wet bellies and inspect paws and tail for ice balls.

5. Beware of toxic chemicals around your neighborhood. 听Where there鈥檚 ice, there鈥檚 antifreeze. 听This is highly poisonous to pets and the neon green puddles can be tempting for pets to try to drink from when all other water is frozen. 听Likewise, de-icers such as salt and other chemicals can be harmful to pets who walk on ground that has been 鈥渄e-iced鈥� and later lick their paws, ingesting the toxins. 听If your pet has been exposed to de-icers, make sure to rinse paws in warm water and thoroughly dry.

听6. Chase pets from dangerous 鈥渉iding places鈥� around your home. 听Cats and other small animals frequently look for warm places to burrow, such as next to the warm engine of a parked car. Before you start your car, knock on the hood or honk the horn a few times to scare away stowaways 鈥� you will be saving their life.

听7. Pets鈥� joints hurt in cold temps, too. Like some of us, older pets can experience arthritis flare ups and increased discomfort during cold weather. A trip to the vet for a check of your senior pet prior to the onset of winter can ensure your pet鈥檚 health and medications are on track. Remember to handle sore older pets extra careful, and diligently keep up medications during cold snaps.

8. Be prepared for emergencies. 听Have you just relocated to a new area? One of the most important parts of settling into your new home is preparing for emergencies, and this includes prepping for your pet鈥檚 care. In the event you need to evacuate your home, make sure you have pet necessities packed and ready: 听food, water, litter, medication, towels, blankets, and a favorite toy or other comforting item for your pet. 听A recent photo of your pet is also a good idea in case you get separated. Many times, pets are not allowed with their owners at evacuation shelters so have a plan for this ahead of time too. 听Research local pet friendly hotels, or make arrangements to stay with a friend or family member who lives in a safe area.

9. ID is a must. Above all, keep a collar and tag on your pet with your current phone number. 听If your pet gets lost, the first place the finder will look is on your pet鈥檚 collar. Additionally, your pet should be micro-chipped and registered with your current info. Check your microchip registry and update your information anytime you move or get a new phone number.

This post was written for 皇冠体育app by Estelle Weber, a freelance writer living in Los Angeles. You can read more of her work.

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Approximately听 own a domestic pet. Pet ownership has steadily increased over the years, with more and more homeowners bringing a pet into the home. Pet ownership requires responsibility and constant care of your four legged loved one. The daily tasks of pet ownership can be made easier with these home tech products. Combine these resources of technology and your pet鈥檚 needs and you have solutions to some of the most common pet owner problems.

Automatic water bowl

Your pet, whether cat, dog, or guinea pig; requires a daily source of fresh water. An automatic water bowl keeps fresh water running for your pet all day long. The automatic water bowl can ensure that your pet is well watered throughout the day, even if you forget to fill the bowl before leaving the house. This technology-inspired bowl also filters out the water for a cleaner and fresher taste.

Pet chat system

Are you the type of pet owner who leaves the TV or radio on for your pet when you leave for work? A lot of pet owners do not like leaving their pet home alone, without any sound. Pet chat systems were designed specifically for that purpose. Think of pet chat systems as a way to communicate with your pet, from anywhere. Some systems like also allow you to monitor noises, view your pet, stream TV stations designed pets, and even give your pets treats remotely.

Automatic pet feeder

Some pet owners feed their pets once a day. Others prefer more frequent, smaller meals every couple of hours. Puppies especially, . Regular feedings can be difficult to keep up with if you work long hours or are forced to spend many hours away from the home. With an automatic pet feeder, you can ensure that your pet is fed on your schedule. Automatic pet feeders also make it easier to schedule your pet鈥檚 meals and to stick to strict eating times.

Features that pet owners should look for when house-hunting

Invisible fence

Not all homes come equipped with a fenced-in yard. Installing a new fence may not be in the budget, or it may be prohibited by the local community. Owning a dog in a household without a fence can be inconvenient and worrisome. You either have to take your dog out on a leash for every bathroom break or trust that they will not leave the perimeter of the yard. An invisible fence can solve the problem of no fencing. It sets up an invisible boundary for your pet. The听 them to stay within your yard, without having to install a fence.

Interactive play

A lot of pet owners feel some level of guilt when leaving their pets home for extended periods of time. What if you could play with your pet without ever leaving your office? Newly designed interactive play devices allow you to do just this. Interactive devices like the allow you to operate toys from your smart phone. They also serve a dual purpose, giving you the opportunity to engage in physical activity with your pets or check up on them. This interactive pet cube works for both cats and dogs. The app even gives you the opportunity to release a treat, aiding in pet training from your mobile phone.

With a little preparation and the right technological devices, you can interact with, feed, and check on your pets from anywhere in the world. Equipping your home with any of these pet friendly devices will make pet ownership much easier.

听

This post was written for 皇冠体育app by Heather Hardy. Heather is an avid writer who has contributed to numerous blogs and internet news sources. 听While she writes on a variety of topics, her specialties include real estate, home improvement, and travel. After obtaining two degrees, Heather has found her passion in writing content that improves both readability and knowledge.

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