What to do before boarding your dog at a Pet Hotel

If your pet is healthy and gets along well with other pets, then boarding them at a pet hotel or a kennel might be a good option. How much comfort, pampering and personal attention your pet is likely to receive depends on how much you’re willing to spend. Before you do  so, here are a few things you should do before you sign up with them:

• Make sure your pet’s vaccinated. In addition to rabies, distemper and canine parvovirus vaccinations, your dog may also be required to receive a Bordetella vaccine prior to their kennel stay. Many pet boarding facilities require a health certificate from your veterinarian as proof that they’ve had all their shots and are in good health.

• Rid them of fleas, ticks and other parasites. If your pet is on a regular prevention protocol, this may be included on their health certificate.

• Prepare enough of their regular food to eat during their stay. Because switching foods quickly can cause both dogs and cats to experience upset tummies, many pet hotels and kennels require that you provide food from home.

• Prepare their medication, along with instructions. If your pet takes regular medication, provide enough to get them through their stay. Also, write out detailed instructions for the boarder and share your vet’s contact information.

• Let them bring something from home. While it might be tempting to let your pet bring their favourite toy, it’s better to bring something that they won’t miss if it gets destroyed or left behind. An old T-shirt or blanket that has your scent on it will help give them comfort and reassurance.

• Take them to visit the facility before your trip. If possible, bring your pup or kitty to the facility a few days before your holiday starts, and let them become familiar with the space and the people who work there. This will help your pet feel more comfortable when you leave them there for an extended stay.

The first five are here

6. Dogs Make You More Attractive

If you’re looking for a date, it might be time to get a dog. A dog’s presence may make people appear more likable and attractive. In a series of studies, men were more likely to get a woman’s phone number when they had a dog with them. In another study, researchers asked individuals to rate people in photographs. The individuals found that people looked happier and more relaxed when they appeared with a dog. A study by Pet Wingman found that men and women swipe right more often in dating apps on profile photos with dogs. Women benefited more than men with dogs in their profiles.

7. Dogs Make Us More Social

Walking with a dog can make us more approachable and give people a conversation starter. Think about how many times you’ve talked with other people, whether they’re your neighbors or new friends at the dog park. Researchers have found that about 40% of dog owners had an easier time making friends. Dogs can provide the perfect way to get to know strangers and form new friendships. A study at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University concluded that people who have a strong attachment to a pet often feel more connected in their human relationships and their communities.

8. Dogs Are Made to Be Irrestible

There’s a reason why puppies are so irresistible. A dog’s facial features possess an “infant schema.” These “social releasers” can trigger an innate caregiver response in humans. So the next time you can’t stop watching that dog video, know those big eyes and floppy ears are scientifically appealing.

9. Dogs Make Us Happier

Just looking at a dog can lift your spirits. A 2009 study in Japan found that staring into your dog’s eyes can raise your level of oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone.” Besides the general health benefits of owning a dog, dogs can be natural mood boosters. People with AIDS may be less likely to suffer from depression if they own a pet, according to a 2017 study.

10. Dogs Can Have Positive Effects on Seniors

Studies exploring the effects of dogs on seniors found positive results. One study found that pet therapy can improve the cognitive function of residents in long-term care with mental illness. Another study showed significant decreases in agitated behaviors in seniors with dementia, as well as improved social interactions. A dog provides unconditional love and support, which is especially important during tough times. Though people may think we’re taking care of our dogs, it’s mutual. Dogs also take care of us, and science confirms it.

This is way back in my younger days. I was 21 years old so this was back in 1997. The setting is in Mattancherry and a bunch of us are at our grandmother’s house. There is a wedding possibility in the works (arranged marriage being discussed). And I guess it was August or September. Anways, I had heard just the most disturbing news from one of my cousins, in fact that very same cousin who was getting married. The thing she told me was so devastating and it was the first time I had ever known of this happening to someone I loved and someone who was related to me, that I kinda of went into a bit of a trance.

I didn’t talk to anyone else for the rest of the morning. My grandmother asked me to walk to one of the medical shops nearby and buy her medicine for her. I took the money from her and walked by myself  but couldn’t find the medicine in any of the pharmacies nearby. I ended up in Thoppumpady, 3 kilometers away when one of the guys at a pharmacy told me to go to the city area as the medicine would be available there. So I took the bus to go the next couple of kilometers and then realized that I had left quite a while back. This was ofcourse well before we had easy access to mobile phones. Anyway I got the medicine and then checked my watch and saw that it was over 2 hours since I left. I took the bus back and went to the house – only to find out that a couple of my uncles and my male cousins were out looking for me.

When we went back into the house I saw that al the aunts, my mom, my grandmother were out on the front of the house all with a worried look on their faces. Funniest was that my youngest cousin, who was about 5 at the time was also there! They thought I was missing. I can never forget the look on their faces.

Here are some of the simple things you could get up to indoors with your kids:

• Play a board game – maybe a game of monopoly to get the whole family involved and entertained for hours!
• Complete a puzzle – maybe make it a challenge to see who can complete their puzzle the quickest.
• Get out your old photobooks – and enjoy looking back at old pictures with your kids. Or if most of your photos are digital, maybe you and your children could get creative and design and order a printed photo book with their favourite pictures.
• Family movie night – You could get baking during the day and make a few cupcakes, ice lollies or any snack of your choice ready to eat with the movie! Maybe if you decide to make a sweet treat, your kids could even help decorate those treats! And if you can’t decide what movie to watch you could write down a film onto a small piece of paper, throw it into a bowl and have someone pick one out to decide which movie you could watch. Making a den to watch the movie in is also a creative way to keep little ones busy whilst using their imagination!
• Create a scavenger hunt – Firstly you just need to create a couple of clues and hide them, each clue should be a clue to find the next one. It would be a great idea to leave some sort of a ‘hidden treasure’ at the end for your kids to find. It could maybe be some sweet treats or you could create a coupon to have an ice cream that they could use by the end of the day.

It’s not uncommon to want to spoil your dog by sharing your favorite people food snack instead of a dog treat. Make sure that you feed your dog the safest ones. Here ate 5 vegetables that is safe for your dog”

Broccoli
Yes, broccoli is safe for dogs to eat in small amounts, and is best served as an occasional treat. It is high in fiber and vitamin C and low in fat. However, broccoli florets contain isothiocyanates, which can cause mild-to-potentially-severe gastric irritation in some dogs. Tough broccoli stalks have been known to cause obstruction in the esophagus in dogs. So, if your dog likes broccoli, it’s better to offer them cooked broccoli to help avoid these issues. (Or, let them gnaw on a broccoli-shaped dog chew toy while you dig in to your beef & broccoli takeout.)

Brussels Sprouts
Yes, dogs can eat Brussels sprouts. Brussels sprouts are loaded with nutrients and antioxidants that are great for humans and dogs, alike. Don’t overfeed them to your dog, however, because they can cause lots and lots of gas. Cabbage is also safe for dogs—since Brussels sprouts are basically tiny cabbages—but sharing cabbage with your dog comes with the same flatulence flag. Don’t say we didn’t warn you! If your dog is a big fan of Brussels sprouts or cabbage, and you’re cool with the results, you might want to consider some dehydrated dog foods that include these leafy greens as a component.

Carrots
Yes, dogs can eat carrots. Carrots are an excellent low-calorie snack that is high in fiber and beta-carotene, which produces vitamin A. Plus, crunching on this orange root vegetable is great for your dog’s teeth. Carrots are included as an ingredient in many dog foods as well as plenty of carrot dog treats.

Celery
Yes, celery is safe for dogs to eat. In addition to vitamins A, B, and C, this crunchy green snack contains the nutrients needed to promote a healthy heart and possibly fight cancer. As if that wasn’t enough, celery is also known to freshen doggy breath. Find celery dog chews for an option any dog would enjoy.

Green beans
Yes, dogs can eat green beans. Chopped, steamed, raw, or canned – all types of green beans are safe for dogs to eat, as long as they are plain. Green beans are full of important vitamins and minerals and they’re also full of fiber and low in calories. Opt for no-salt canned green beans for dogs for adding to food, or frozen green beans can be fun enrichment snacks.

Well there are a few ways. Buying them little or big gifts just for the same of it and not waiting for an occasion is one such way. Nothing wrong is buying gifts on a birthday, anniversary or holiday but just any run of the mill day is also a good thing. Something as big as a mobile phone or as simple as some flowers of their favourite chocolate is an idea. Purchasing an item they like will bring them joy, and it is a reminder that you love them. Catch your family member doing something good and praise them in public for it.Nothing makes a person’s day by being recognized and praised!

Speaking of food, buying them/treating them for a good lunch or dinner is yet another way to do so. Also share as many family meals together as possible throughout the week. Maybe it can’t always be dinner, but kicking off the day together by enjoying breakfast as a family is equally as important. Sharing a meal with family members can build better relationships and create exceptional social skills. Eating a meal together can allow family members to discuss how their day went or discuss a topic on their minds.

Spending time with your loved ones is an excellent way to display your love for them. You can plan family trips, movie dates, outside activities. You all can participate in an activity that is fun and only for the family. Making time for family bonding can show your loved ones the level of importance they have in your life. And finally involve them in your life. If you have an event coming up, invite them. If you have a hobby, share it with them. That is an excellent way for them to know and understand who you are as a person.

Prompt from Lalilo February ’22 Writing Prompt Calendar at Lalilo

1. Most older dogs have already been housebroken : It would be rare to find an adult dog that still needed to be housebroken, so right off the bat your new adult dog can enter your life without any of the mess or stress that comes with a puppy that isn’t housebroken.

2. Older dogs can form deep connections with you :

An older dog can bond with you just as deeply as a puppy. When you rescue an older dog it may feel like they instantly know that this fantastic new person has come to their rescue and changed their life forever. Older dogs are ready to love and are incredibly appreciative of the love you’re bringing into their life. You may notice your new adult dog only wants to be in the room that you’re in, and he’s always open to an impromptu cuddle session.

3. Adult dogs have probably been trained, and may be more receptive to new training

The amount of training your new adult dog has under his belt will vary, but no matter the amount, it’s all icing on the cake. Simple commands such as sit, and stay are most likely already in your dog’s arsenal, and if you’re lucky, your new dog will come leash-trained as well.

An older dog is also more receptive to learning new commands. Older dogs with prior training can be quicker to pick up on new command cues. With the firm bond you two share, there will be more concentration from your dog towards each one of your actions. This natural awareness will make your new dog much more receptive to learning new commands.

4. Older Dogs Have a Calmer Temperament : With age comes not only wisdom but also a more relaxed state of being for dogs. This may not true be for every dog. There will always be the ageless wonder who never wants to stop playing. For most dogs though, the older they get, the less exercise they need and the less energetic they are throughout the day. For seniors living a more relaxed lifestyle, adult dogs can make the perfect companions.

5. Older dogs have better manners than younger pups :  Dogs with calmer temperaments will often have better manners than youthful, more excitable dogs. When the UPS truck rolls up, an older adult dog may give it a sideways glance, rather than jump off the couch barking at the new intruder. Older dogs often have the benefit of being socialized previously with both other dogs and with other humans, making them more likely to have positive interactions in the future. Older dogs have also likely gone through some kind of obedience training, which should help make them more well-mannered.

6. You can bond with the dog you’ve always wanted : So, you’ve always wanted a purebred husky puppy but just cannot afford one. Well, guess what, an adult husky is sitting in a shelter somewhere right now waiting for you to come to adopt him or her. When adopting an older dog, you know in advance what to expect from their behavior, rather than rolling the dice with a younger dog without a fully developed personality. When you’re adopting an older dog, you also have the advantage of knowing their entire medical history in advance. Vaccinations have been taken care of, and vet trips should be less frequent than if you adopted a puppy.

(via howimetmydog)

I really hate the circle of life and death. Which is why in the fictional world I have created, much in the future where science and technology is so advanced that we have eliminated poverty, thirst, hunger, homelessness and all accidents and diseases as our technology helps us to avoid them no matter what. In this fictional world I imagine it is a few 1000 years later. Now, I have talked about humans, but what about dogs & cats or other pets?

The way I look at it, the death of a beloved pet can be equally as devastating as that of a human loved one, sometimes more. And when I say more it is because they love us unconditionally and they can’t speak to us to tell them that they are ill or in pain and when they pass away, it always breaks our hearts. So in this fictional world, that is not a problem. When someone gets a dog or a cat, the first thing is a device is inserted into them so they understand most of your commands. Like to stay back as it is dangerous or don’t stray out of our yard. You know, just those kind of things. So that puppies & kitten don’t get lost or run away by accident.

Also they can tell us when they feel ill so we can administer the medicine to fix them up. Oh and they live a lot longer, much longer so yay! So bring home the cat and dog and make them part of the family. When they are young you can place them in specialized bed that are almost like cribs and with a technology built in to make them sleep the whole night through without waking you up. Also toilet training them will be a breeze and they also won’t eat anything that you have not designated as their food due to this advanced technology that imprints your commands onto their brains. Also based on the age of the owner, the pets will also live as long as you do.

Lower stress: Studies have shown that petting a dog or cat can release the oxytocin hormone and decrease levels of the stress hormone cortisol, resulting in a more relaxed state. Incidentally, scientists have confirmed that dogs reap the same benefits from being petted. In recent years, dogs have been brought into airports, nursing homes, even school campuses to help relieve stress and pressure.

Healthier hearts: A study dating back to the 80s found that touching or even talking to a dog can lead to lower blood pressure. In 2002, another study found that married couples who owned a pet had significantly lower heart rates and blood pressure levels than people without pets. Furthermore, in 2003, the American Journal of Cardiology published a reported that claims heart attack survivors who own pets are eight times more likely to live another year if they own a pet.

More active lifestyles: Need to amp up those steps or drop a few pounds? Owning a dog may be the kick-start you need. A 2011 study by Michigan State University researchers found that 60% of dog owners who walked their pets regularly met the recommended criteria for regular exercise. “There appears to be a strong link between owning and walking a dog and achieving higher levels of physical activity, even after accounting for the actual dog walking,” said epidemiologist Mathew Reeves, who led the study.

Fewer feelings of loneliness: From feeling obligated to get out of the house to walk their dogs as well as attracting attention by the presence of a dog, people who own dogs are proven to be less lonely. A study published in 1993 found that “dog owners reported significantly less dissatisfaction with their social, physical and emotional states.” Recently, researchers at the University of British Columbia, Canada, determined that homesick college students could benefit from dog therapy.

Fewer allergies: According to the Department of Pediatrics, infants in homes with dogs are significantly less likely to develop allergies. “Children who had a dog at home as newborns were much less likely to have allergic dermatitius (12% versus 27%) and wheezing (19% versus 36%) by their third birthday,” the department claims. Also, researchers are examining whether the bacteria in dogs’ mouths may have a probiotic-like effect on humans after licking their owners.

Labrador retrievers are the most popular dog breed in the world. When I was younger I think in India the Germans Sheppard was the most popular breed but the Lab has overtaken them in the last decade or so. There are numerous reasons for the desire to have one at home, ranging from their friendly nature and outgoing attitude to their willingness to try almost anything.

1. Labrador retrievers are stable, friendly dogs.
Although every breed can have individual dogs develop conditions that can promote instability in their character, mood, and behavioral reactions, Labrador retrievers are generally sweet and happy most of the time. They connect with humans on an emotional level, which is why they are so effective as support dogs. You are almost guaranteed a smile every day when you share your home with one. As long as you don’t mind taking time out of your day to play, whether that’s out in the backyard or out at the beach, then you will have a friend for life.

2. These dogs are exceptionally patient.
Labrador retrievers will put up with almost anything if they think it has the potential to be a good time. They work well with kids because they can put up with the tail pulling, fur yanking, ear grabbing behaviors of young ones without an adverse reaction. Give this breed a bed near your favorite chair or the fireplace, and they will be eternally appreciative of a spot that they can call their own.

These dogs are willing to try new things, invent new games, or horseplay on a quiet afternoon. Their personalities develop into a complementary role with your family, which is why they seem to fit right in all of the time.

3. Labrador retrievers are very easy to train.
This breed is one of the most intelligent dogs that you will find today. They are easily trained because they love to satisfy the needs of their owners. Playing fetch is a necessary skill for anyone who wants to have a Labrador retriever for a friend. Although their smarts can get them into trouble sometimes, especially if they figure out how to open the refrigerator door, it tends to be a better relationship since you are working together in life instead of telling the dog what to do all of the time.

Because they have a strong food motivation, treats are an effective way to get your Labrador retriever to learn new behaviors. You’ll want to be careful about the number that you offer because problems with weight can develop quickly.

4. This breed loves water as much as they love you.
These high-energy dogs love to go for a swim. If there is any water around for them to find, then you are going to have a pup swimming around all day long. Most are well-behaved, which is why a trip to the beach is often the best trip for this breed. A dog park where they can run without a leash and have access to a pool is another great option to consider. Since they have lots of energy, the low-impact exercise of swimming can help to wear them out so that their destructive boredom behaviors don’t come out when you get home.

5. Labrador retrievers are generally healthy dogs.
This breed is generally healthy from an overall perspective. Responsible breeders will screen for issues like hip dysplasia and elbow issues. Heart disorders, muscle weakness, and eye conditions can happen in this breed at times as well. There is also a condition called Exercise Induced Collapse that can happen with some young adults.

Today is my baby cousin’s birthday and the rest of us have wished her from the morning. September 1st is always very special to me because it’s not just her birthday but it is also the birthday of another beloved family member, one who has passed away but I always think of this family member every day and especially on this day of all days.

Today is also the birthday of Shawny, my late dog. Shawny was a Golden Retriever who was born on this day way back in 1994. She was second of 2 pups left when I decided on getting a Golden and went with my cousin to the home of the breeder who had about 20 dogs of different breeds and took such good care of them. My cousin and I went and she asked me which one would I pick of the two – one was a boy pup and the other a girl. At that time I had no idea if I wanted a boy dog or a girl dog but the decision was made for me — by Shawny! The bredders has taken all the dogs inside their kennels, except for the mum Golden and the two pups. While the breeder’ wife held the mother dog inside, I and my cousin went to see the pups, who were 6 months old at the time.

The male pup didn’t seem to want to be with us but the girl puppy was not only playing with me and let us pet her but when I was looking away, she started biting my shoe laces and wouldn’t let go. I just had to pick her and carry her in my arms and she started licking my face. I knew that she was the one and so did my cousin. I agreed terms with the breeders and paid them and then took the roly poly girl to our car and brought her home. At first she was scared and stuck to me but once we were home, she wanted to explore. The next 11 years she was my best friend and companion but after she passed away in 2005, I have so many regrets. It is never enough and I want to see her every day.

Happy birthday Shawny and even though I don’t believe in an afterlife, I do hope there is one and if there is I am sure you are impatiently waiting for me to come and throw a ball for you to fetch. I miss you so much.