Category: Behaviors
Guest post: Introducing a new baby to your dog
August 2, 2018
This month I asked Dr. Alger to write a blog about a topic near and dear to her at the moment. Please read on for more information about what to expect when you’re expecting and already have a fur child! August is due date month for me and seemed fitting to write a blog to discuss introducing a new baby to your dog. My household consists of my husband, myself, and our 10 month old Bernese Mountain Dog, Walter, who currently weighs in at a whopping 100 pounds. We adopted Walter just before Christmas and found out I was pregnant about a week later. It is natural to worry a bit about how your pet(s) will transition to your new life and I immediately wanted to know how to prepare Walter for a baby so that I could start the process as early as possible. So, the question I will focus on this blog is: What are the appropriate steps to take to prepare a dog for the new baby? I will touch on some of the important things I found and have implemented into training and preparing my own pup for the new addition to our family. First and foremost, determine what kind of relationship you want your dog to have […]
Learn MoreResponsible Pet Ownership
February 1, 2018February is National Responsible Pet Owners Month. Pets are a joy to own, but they are also a commitment. Dogs and cats can live 10-20 years, and some pets such as birds can live even longer. They depend upon us fully to care for them, but in return they give us unconditional love. So what are some ways to be a responsible pet owner? Spay or neuter your pet. Unfortunately in the U.S., there is an overpopulation of companion animals, with many dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, and other pets living in shelters and rescues. Spaying and neutering helps prevent further overpopulation, and has some health benefits as well. Get pets from reputable sources. On a similar note, when looking to add to your family, consider rescues and shelters. There are many pure bred rescues if you want a pure bred, and mixed breed animals often have the benefit of fewer health issues. Go to the vet annually. While your pet may not require yearly vaccinations, the physical examination is the most important part of your visit. Pets are very good at hiding pain and problems, and going to the vet regularly may help catch issues earlier, when they are easier to prevent or treat. Microchip or otherwise identify your pet. Tags with phone […]
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