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Author: Shelley

  • Reasons Your Dog Needs Vaccines

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    Vaccinations have become quite controversial in recent years. Increasingly, parents aren’t vaccinating their children, despite their pediatrician’s recommendations. And the whole country is in a state of uncertainty about the new Coronavirus vaccine that has been released. Many are rushing to get protected, while others are simply unsure about it yet.

    This also leads owners to question whether their pets need to be vaccinated. This is even more true with pet owners who have seen a vaccine reaction in their dog. Though it can be a simple puffy face, the truth is that vaccines can sometimes cause a serious problem. Others simply don’t want to worry about vaccinating their dog because they don’t want to spend the extra money.

    However, not vaccinating your dog can be a big mistake. Here are some reasons why your dog should be vaccinated.

    It is the law

    All states require both dogs and cats to be vaccinated against rabies. This disease can be spread to humans, which is why it is the law. In fact, you could find yourself in a lot of legal trouble if your dog hasn’t had a rabies shot.

    You should protect yourself and your entire family

    The truth is that dogs can pass certain diseases onto people. These are called zoonotic diseases.

    Simple vaccinations can help prevent the spread of certain diseases, such as Rabies. Leptospirosis is another such disease. It can cause kidney and liver problems in both dogs and people. To protect yourself and your family, consider vaccinating your dogs.

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    And your dog

    Vaccines were developed to protect dogs from certain diseases that are easily passed from one dog to another. The distemper shot, also known as a DHPP, alone covers Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus.

    Ask any veterinarian that you know, and these diseases have not been commonly seen for the past few years. However, as more people decide not to vaccinate their dogs, we are seeing a rise in various diseases, some of which can be highly infectious. Some are even fatal.

    Vaccines will also protect other dogs.

    While your own family and dog should be the most important to you, the truth is that, by vaccinating your dog, you are helping to protect other dogs too!

    You should think about all the dogs that aren’t healthy enough to be vaccinated, as well as those that aren’t vaccinated for any number of reasons. You wouldn’t want your dog to catch any disease, simply because you didn’t vaccinate him or her.

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    It’s not just about the vaccines

    When you take your dog to the veterinarian for his or her vaccines, you should realize that it is not only about the vaccines. Your veterinarian will conduct a thorough examination to ensure your dog’s health. This is also a good opportunity to identify and address any issues early. It is also much easier to treat problems before they get even worse (and become more expensive to treat).

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    If you are undecided about whether to vaccinate your dog, it is essential to understand the reasons why vaccination is beneficial. You need to protect yourself and your family against diseases that can be spread to you, such as Rabies and Leptospirosis.

    You should also think about your dog. Not only that, but you don’t want him or her to get some diseases, just because you didn’t get him or her vaccinated. It is also essential to consider the examination that accompanies the vaccines. You need to make sure that your dog is as healthy as possible.

    ***

    Please note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please get in touch with a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe This Fall

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    Many people love this time of the year. The temperatures are falling, and the leaves start to change color. It is a popular time of year due to Halloween. Many love to spend crisp fall evenings in front of a campfire.

    Though it is a great time of year, you also need to consider your pets’ safety. Here are some tips to keep them safe this time of the year.

    Watch your pets in the colder weather. 

    Though it is a great break from the humidity and heat of the summer, the truth is that it can be too cold for many of our pets. Make sure that you keep an eye on your younger and older pets. Smaller breeds may also have more trouble than some of your bigger ones.

    You may want to let your dog’s hair grow longer. 

    Just like you would wear a coat in the colder weather, your dog is going to need the extra protection. If your dog doesn’t have long hair (or even if he or she does), you might want to buy a coat so that he or she can be comfortable no matter what the weather.

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    Use caution when playing outside. 

    There are many toxins that are more commonly found during the fall weather. Though apples are generally safe, the seeds do contain cyanide, which can be dangerous in large doses. You should keep your dogs away from wild mushrooms. Though plenty are safe, the ones that aren’t can be deadly! Acorns can also be dangerous for pets.

    Just because the weather is getting colder, you need to keep your pet on heartworm preventative, as well as medications for fleas and ticks. 

    In fact, they can be worse during this time of year because they are cold and looking for a better home.

    I recently wrote an article about this topic. If you would like to read it, you can check it out here.

    Watch out for wildlife. 

    Many animals are starting to prepare for winter, which can make it worse for your dog. The most common animal bite during this time of year is from snakes. If you live in an area with snakes, you will want to keep your dog on a short leash!

    Rats are often another problem animal during this time. Because of it, many people put out poison for them. If your pet eats this product (or even a mouse that was poisoned), it can be deadly!

    Get ready to deal with the back-to-school boredom. 

    Not only are your children used to being home, but your pets are going to miss the attention. You and your children are going to have to find ways to give your pets extra attention in the morning and evenings. You may even want to invest in some extra toys that will help to keep your pet occupied while everyone is away from the house.

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    Though we all are ready for the colder weather, the truth is that it can be a bit of an adjustment. Some pets (just like people) seem to do better when the weather is colder, while others struggle. For those, make sure that you have a sweater or coat for them. You may also want to let your pet’s hair grow longer during this time of year.

    You also have to be careful outside. Pets can become ill if they ingest apples, acorns, and even mushrooms. In fact, some mushrooms can be deadly to pets. Rats can become a problem this time of year, so you need to make sure that you keep poison away from your pets. However, even if they eat a rat that has been poisoned, he or she can become ill!

    Back-to-school boredom is also a problem. Many dogs and cats become used to having their family home during the summer months, and they struggle to adjust back to their new routine.

    ***

    It is important that you understand that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Even though I am a veterinary professional, this blog is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • Ways to Care for Your Dog on a Budget

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    Most people can’t imagine life without having a dog by their side. They give unconditional love, without expecting much in return. They are just happy to spend time with you.

    However, most people also know that dogs cost money, so there are times when it might not be feasible to have one. They know it is not fair to add a new dog into their home when the budget won’t allow it. The simple truth is that there are ways you can fit a dog into your budget.

    Here are some ways to help you care for your dog on a budget.

    Put it in the budget.

    In order to have money to pay for your dog, you need to put his or her needs into your budget. You can start by putting a few dollars each month toward your dog’s care. After a time, you may be able to put more toward the budget. It will add up over the next several months (or years).

    Say no.

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    The simple truth is that your dog doesn’t need everything that you see in a pet store. When you go to the pet store, you may be overwhelmed with all the things that you think your dog needs.

    He or she doesn’t need much. You will need to purchase a food and water dish, along with a leash and collar. You may want to buy a few toys, including chew toys.

    Be your own groomer.

    One of the most expensive parts of owning a dog is grooming. This is especially true for dogs that require it every few weeks. You may want to spend a few dollars to buy a set of clippers and do all the grooming yourself (or choose a dog that doesn’t need to be clipped regularly).

    You may want to look at a clipper set, such as this one, which is available on Amazon.

    Clipper Set Available on Amazon

    Don’t skimp on vaccines.

    Though you may want to avoid taking your dog to the veterinarian, vaccines will keep your dog free from common diseases that dogs get. It can also save your family from some diseases that pass from dogs to people, such as rabies.

    Annual examinations are also important. Your veterinarian will look for any problems that your dog may have. It is much cheaper to treat them in the beginning than to wait until your dog is really sick. Your dog may not even survive if you wait too long!

    I recently wrote an article about the reasons why you should vaccinate your dog. If you want, you can check it out right here.

    Spay or neuter your dog.

    Though this will cost you money, it will save you money (and heartache) in the long run. It keeps pets home because they won’t be roaming the neighborhood looking for a mate. They are less likely to hit by a car. Unspayed females can also get an infection, which can be deadly. The only way to fix it is by spaying (though it will cost a lot more due to illness).

    I recently wrote an article about the benefits of spaying and neutering your pets. If you want, you can check it out right here.

    Keep your dog out of trouble.

    Emergencies are the most expensive (and unexpected) expenses that come along with having a dog. For this reason, you need to be careful (and watch your dog). You can keep your dog safe by keeping him or her on a leash. Keep things out of reach that could harm your dog, such as grapes and chocolate.

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    Having a dog doesn’t have to be too expensive. There are many ways to save money, including doing all the grooming yourself. You also don’t have to buy everything that you see at the pet store. Just get the basics and your dog will be just fine! Make sure that you take your dog to the veterinarian regularly to keep him or her as healthy as possible.

    ***

    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

    ***

    It is also important that you understand that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • Reasons to Spay and Neuter Your Pet

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    When you get a new puppy or kitten, there are a lot of veterinary visits that you may or may not have expected. He or she will need to have vaccines every three to four weeks, until your puppy or kitten is over sixteen weeks of age. If you get him or her later in life, your puppy or kitten will need at least two sets of vaccines in order to be fully protected.

    However, that is not all. Then, when your pet is the proper age, it is time to think about getting him or her fixed. Although you may not want to do this, there are several compelling reasons why you should.

    Here are some reasons why you should spay your cats and dogs.

    Spaying that is completed before a cat or dog has had a heat cycle dramatically reduces their risk of breast tumors. 

    These tumors can be cancerous. In fact, around ninety percent of breast tumors in cats are cancerous, while the number for dogs is closer to forty percent.

    Heat cycles in dogs can be messy, as they often involve a significant amount of bloody discharge. 

    Though many dogs take extra care cleaning up after themselves, the truth is that if you have a dog in heat, you are going to be cleaning up spots of blood throughout your home.

    Cats in heat can exhibit odd behavior, such as howling and rolling around. 

    They are usually very vocal and can completely change their regular behavior. They can go in and out of heat every few weeks, so this can occur often.

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    Spaying prevents a life-threatening disease called a pyometra. 

    This hormonally induced disease of the uterus causes the uterus to fill with infection. The only way to cure this disease is to spay your pet. However, it isn’t ideal because your dog or cat won’t be feeling well to begin with. She will need intravenous fluids and extra care after her procedure to make sure that she makes a full recovery. If not treated (or if you wait too late), it could be deadly.

    Spaying prevents unintended pregnancies. 

    There are too many unwanted animals, and every litter of puppies and kittens just adds to this. It also cuts back on the overpopulation of pets. Too many animals are euthanized daily due to overpopulation. If you want to make sure that you don’t have a surprise pregnancy, you should spay your pet as soon as she is ready for it.

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    Here are some reasons why you should neuter your cats and dogs.

    Dogs that aren’t neutered tend to mark things by urinating on them. 

    This can be trees, bushes, your furniture, and even you!

    Unneutered male cats develop an offensive urine odor. 

    This smell can be quite strong, and your entire home can be overcome by this smell.

    Dogs and cats that aren’t neutered are more likely to fight. 

    Male dogs and cats are typically more aggressive and will fight others.

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    They can even be more aggressive with you. 

    Some dogs can be hard to handle when they are not neutered.

    Unneutered animals are more likely to roam, looking for a female in heat. 

    They are more likely to get lost, as well as get hit by a car, because they are too worried about looking for a female.

    These dogs are at an increased risk for prostate enlargement, prostate inflammation, anal tumors, and testicle tumors. 

    That being said, it doesn’t prevent prostate cancer.

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    The most common reason why people don’t spay or neuter their pet is due to the worry that their pet will gain weight after. However, that is not what causes them to become heavy. In fact, it is overfeeding, as well as a decrease in activity. Many cats and dogs slow down once they are about a year old, which makes them gain weight shortly after they are fixed.

    ***

    Please note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • The Vacuum That Actually Tackles Pet Hair and Allergies

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    Pet hair everywhere, lingering odors, and that never-quite-clean feeling? We’ve all been there—especially if your furry friends shed like it’s a full-time job. No matter how much you vacuum, it can feel like you’re just moving the mess around rather than actually getting rid of it.

    That’s where the Rainbow Vacuum Cleaner steps in—and let’s just say, it’s a total game-changer.

    Photo Courtesy of Amazon

    Unlike traditional vacuums that rely on bags or dry filters (which can clog up and release dust back into the air), the Rainbow uses advanced water filtration. What does that mean for your home? It means pet hair, dander, and dust get trapped in water, not your lungs. No more musty smells or allergens getting recirculated into the air. Just a genuinely clean home that feels and smells fresh.

    Whether it’s deep-cleaning your carpets, refreshing hardwood floors, or tackling pet-stained upholstery, the Rainbow gets the job done—and then some. It’s especially handy for multi-pet households or those with allergy sufferers in the family. You’ll notice the difference after just one use.

    So if you’re tired of fighting pet mess with underwhelming tools that leave more behind than they pick up, it might be time to upgrade. The Rainbow isn’t just a vacuum—it’s a whole-home cleaning system that actually works.

    Your nose (and your couch) will thank you.

    ***

    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

    ***

    You should also note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • Reasons to Buy an Omlet Chicken Coop 

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    I was introduced to an Omlet chicken coop a year or so ago, and it has quickly become my dream coop. I would love to have one (or more) coops for my silkies. If I could get a few, I could even separate them by color, which could help my breeding program. 

    Here are some reasons why I love these coops. 

    They are easily movable.  

    If you have chickens at all, you quickly realize that the outdoor coop that you build will never be big enough. Chickens rapidly consume all the grass and weeds growing in the yard. Before you know it, you have a field of dirt, which can quickly turn to mud! 

    With a movable coop, you can relocate it every few days (or even daily) to ensure that your chickens have access to fresh grass at all times. 

    They are also suitable for those who don’t have a lot of acreage. 

    Since they are movable, you could easily keep a few chickens in your backyard. Even if you only have an acre or two, there is plenty of room to move these coops around. 

    If you are planning on raising bantam breeds (like silkies), you can easily keep up to ten birds in one coop. 

    Photo Courtesy of Canva

    The large chicken coop is designed to fit up to ten bantam chickens comfortably, which is plenty if you just want a few eggs every day to feed your family. 

    Omlet runs have anti-dig skirting to help keep predators out. 

    Predators alone can deter many people from keeping chickens. However, as long as you use caution, you can safely have chickens. 

    I recently wrote an article about keeping your chickens safe from predators. If you want, you can read it right here.

    I also really like how easy it is to clean. 

    Since it is plastic, all you need to do is get a hose and wipe it clean. You could do this multiple times a year to ensure that your chickens stay healthy. 

    My dream coop would be an Omlet. If you are looking for a coop that is easily movable and cleanable, you may want to consider one of these options. It would easily accommodate a few chickens, so that, regardless of the amount of land you have, you would be able to have fresh eggs daily. 

    ***

    My dream chicken coop is an Omlet! These plastic coops with fencing are easy to clean and move, so your chickens can have fresh grass every day! 

    If you can’t afford an Omlet, you may want to look at their automatic doors for your chicken coop. This will ensure that your chickens get put away every night, and you don’t have to worry about predators getting them. 

    Chickens need enrichment to have a good life. If you are looking for quality accessories for your chickens, you should check these out. 

    ***

    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

    ***

    It is also important that you understand that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • Reasons to Microchip Your Pet

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    What is a Microchip?

    A microchip is a tiny device that gets placed under your pet’s skin. It is usually placed between the shoulder blades so that others know where to look for it, if your pet is ever lost.

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    It is only about the size of a grain of rice and is quick and easy to implant. It only costs about forty dollars, which may include the registration fee.

    Here are some reasons to microchip your pet.

    It helps you find your lost pet. 

    This is the main reason that microchips were designed. If your pet gets lost and he or she is taken to the veterinarian (or even local shelters), they will get scanned for a microchip.

    When this happens, your pet’s microchip number will be read. The database will help the veterinarian or local shelters get in touch with you once your pet is found.

    Microchipping is a quick and mostly painless procedure. 

    It only takes a few seconds to implant a microchip into your pet. Despite the needle being larger, most pets don’t even seem to flinch. They don’t usually get sore afterward either.

    The chip will stay in your pet, so it can’t get lost. 

    Though collars and tags are a great way to help return your pet, the truth is that they can get loose when a pet is missing. Tags easily fall off collars, which can easily come off if your pet gets stuck on something like a fence.

    That being said, if your pet has a microchip, it will always be implanted in him or her. It may shift positions slightly, but it can still be found.

    The database is national, so regardless of where your pet is located, it will be found. 

    Even if your pet crosses state lines or gets lost while you are moving, anyone who finds your pet and gets him or her scanned for a microchip will be able to find you.

    It is really easy. 

    If you don’t want to have to worry about losing your beloved pet, all you need to do is talk to your veterinarian about getting a microchip implanted into your pet. Then, all you have to do is fill out the paperwork, and you are good to go!

    In Pennsylvania (and possibly other states), a microchip can also serve as a lifetime license. 

    Instead of having to get a license every year, you can pay one time for a lifetime license for your dog. You used to be able to do that only if you got a tattoo on your dog, which required anesthesia.

    Here are some reasons why you might not want to.

    The chip may move. 

    The truth is that the microchip can travel a little bit in your pet’s body. Because of this, most veterinarians and animal shelters recognize that they can’t simply scan one area. They scan all over, just to make sure that the microchip hasn’t moved.

    For this reason, it wouldn’t hurt to have your pet scanned for a microchip whenever you take him or her to the veterinarian. This will give you some peace of mind, knowing that the chip can be found.

    Some pets have a reaction to microchips. 

    That being said, they are usually mild. You may notice some inflammation where the chip was placed. There is also a small risk of cancer developing in the future.

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    Deciding whether to microchip your pet is a personal decision. If you are serious about getting your pet back if he or she is ever lost, you are definitely going to want to consider a microchip. It works even better than tags and collars at returning your lost pet, even if he or she is found in another state!

    ***

    Please note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice.

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • Cat Water Fountain Benefits (and Why I Won’t Go Back)

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    Worried your cat isn’t drinking enough water? You’re definitely not alone. A lot of cat parents deal with this—especially since many cats are surprisingly picky about how they hydrate. Still water in a regular bowl often doesn’t cut it. And when cats don’t get enough moisture, it can lead to dehydration, urinary tract issues, or even kidney problems over time. It’s one of those sneaky little health concerns that can go unnoticed—until it turns into a vet visit.

    That’s where a cat fountain can make a big difference. Instead of stagnant water sitting in a bowl all day, a fountain keeps it moving and fresh—just the way most cats prefer. The gentle stream mimics running water in nature, which cats are naturally drawn to. It’s like flipping a switch: suddenly your cat is way more interested in drinking regularly, and you can feel better knowing they’re staying hydrated.

    Fountains also come with built-in filters that help remove impurities, hair, and debris, so the water not only looks cleaner—it is cleaner. And if your cat is a bit of a water snob (most are), that fresh taste can be the thing that finally encourages them to drink more throughout the day.

    Another bonus? They’re surprisingly low-maintenance. Most models only need to be topped off every few days and cleaned weekly. Some even come with dishwasher-safe parts to make things easier. No more constant bowl refills or wondering when your cat last drank.

    Product Available on Pet Cube

    If your cat turns up their nose at their water bowl, or you’re simply looking for an easy upgrade to support their long-term health, a fountain might be the game-changer you’ve been looking for. It’s one of those small switches that can have a big impact—and your cat will thank you (probably by drinking more and knocking fewer cups off the table). Hydrated cat = happy cat.

    ***

    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

    ***

    It is also important that you understand that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Even though I am a veterinary professional, this blog is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. 

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • Tips to Protect Your Flock From Predators

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    As the weather heats up, more and more people are spending time outside. Then, when you go to Tractor Supply and other farm stores, it can be hard to pass up the cute little chicks that they have for sale.

    That being said, once chicks have grown into full-grown chickens, you still have to work hard to keep them safe. There are many predators in your yard looking for their next meal, and chickens are pretty easy targets.

    If you are unsure about how to keep your chickens safe, here are some tips to help.

    It helps to know what you are fighting against.

    Depending on your location, you may be dealing with many different types of predators. Though hawks, raccoons, and foxes live almost anywhere, you might be dealing with something you never imagined. You might have bobcats, wolves, bears, and other hungry creatures looking for their next meal.

    Photo Courtesy of Canva

    Once you understand what you are dealing with, you can develop a plan. If you have bears, you may need a sturdier house for your chickens. Weasels can even come through a chain link fence, so you might need smaller wire fencing if you are dealing with these critters.

    If you do lose a chicken, try to figure out what happened.

    Though you may not want to think about it, the truth is that you can learn from your loss. If you can determine what happened, you can make the necessary adjustments to prevent it from happening again.

    If you didn’t lock your chickens up at night, you may realize that you need to do so. If something swooped down and got them from above, you may need to add something on top of your coop to keep your chickens safe. You may even find a hole that needs to be fixed.

    That being said, you may want to review and update your protection plan regularly.

    Unfortunately, predators are smart, and they will figure out when you are trying to mess with them. If you have balloons, owls, and scarecrows around trying to scare them, you are going to want to move them every couple of days.

    Product Available on Amazon

    Know what you are allowed and not allowed to do with any predators.

    Though you may want to kill anything that is after your chickens, you could seriously get into trouble if you harm the wrong animal. Many species, especially hawks are protected, and you could face serious penalties if you harm one!

    Free-ranging chickens aren’t always a good idea.

    Though many people like to let their chickens roam their property, the truth is that it makes them vulnerable to many predators. If you want to do this, you may want to ensure that they have plenty of hiding spaces where they can retreat. This may include bushes and small shelters.

    Photo Courtesy of Canva

    If you do free-range, you may want to have a good rooster. They are great at protecting their “ladies.” They watch out for danger, and if they find anything that they are worried about, they will do whatever it takes to keep their hens safe. Not only that, but they may move them into a safer location. Some roosters will even die trying to save their flock!

    Remember that your pets may not like the chickens as much as you do.

    Though most people are worried about wild predators, the simple truth is that our own pets, including our beloved dogs, may also hurt and kill our chickens. Not only that, but you may also have to worry about your neighbor’s dogs, who might be looking for a treat!

    Photo Courtesy of Canva

    Keeping your chickens safe means knowing what you are up against. Do you have weasels in your area? You will need to close up every small hole that you find in your chicken house. If you have bears, a chain-link fence may not be enough to keep them out. If you have hawks, you will need to install a roof on your chicken pen.

    If you lose one, it helps to understand what happened so you can do things differently. That being said, you need to be cautious with how you interact with some of the predators. While you can shoot some, some are protected, and you could face jail time if you hurt one.

    That being said, you also need to consider your dogs. Many dogs will attack chickens, so you either need to keep them separate or train them to behave properly around chickens.

    ***

    My dream chicken coop is an Omlet! These plastic coops with fencing are easy to clean and move, so your chickens can have fresh grass every day! 

    If you can’t afford an Omlet, you may want to look at their automatic doors for your chicken coop. This will ensure that your chickens get put away every night and you don’t have to worry about predators getting them. 

    Chickens need enrichment to have a good life. If you are looking for quality accessories for your chickens, you should check these out. 

    ***

    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

    ***

    You should also note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice.

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately. 

  • Things to Consider When Looking for the Right Pet For Your Family

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    When you decide to add a pet to your family, it shouldn’t be taken lightly. It can be both exciting and scary at the same time! It is essential to choose the right pet to complete your family. You need to take the time to find the right pet, or you may not have a good experience. That being said, it does sound really difficult, though it doesn’t have to be that way.

    Here are some key considerations to keep in mind when selecting the right pet for your family.

    What type of pet do you want? 

    Take your time to figure out what kind of pet you want. You may feel like a cat person or a dog person. Would you prefer a cat who would be happy to play at your feet? Do you want a dog that needs to be taken outside for walks or playtime? Do you want a smaller dog that doesn’t need as much exercise?

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    You may also want to consider other types of pets. What about a tank full of colorful fish? What about pocket pets? You might want to check out hamsters or even guinea pigs. You may also prefer lizards, turtles, or other amphibians. You may prefer to watch your new pets in their cage environment.

    Figure out what your expenses will be, both now and in the future. 

    By thinking about your expenses, you may be able to narrow down your top choices when it comes to the type of pet that you want to have. You may not be able to care for a cat or a dog. The yearly veterinary costs may be too much for you to consider.

    You may be better off buying a fish or a pocket pet to keep you company. That being said, you will need to invest some money to get the right setup for your new pet. An aquarium needs to have a filter, a lid, lights, and much more. Your rabbit may require an outside pen. Your lizard’s setup could cost more than you realized.

    When considering expenses, don’t forget to factor in food. 

    Your fish may go through a batch of food twice a year, while your fifty-pound bag of rabbit food should last several months. Your eight-pound cat may eat a can of food a day, while your eighty-pound dog may go through a bag of food every two weeks. The same bag may last months for a five-pound dog.

    You also need to consider your lifestyle. 

    If you are home a lot, you may have the time to spend with a dog. You can take him or her outside multiple times a day for walks and play. If your children are in sports every night of the week, you may have to reconsider. You may do better with a cat who is self-sufficient. Your fish, pocket pets, and exotics don’t need as much time as other animals. They will do fine, as long as they are fed and their home is clean.

    Photo Courtesy of Canva

    Deciding what type of pet you want can be challenging. However, you have to be honest. It is not fair to a puppy if he or she spends most of the day and evening in a crate. You might do better with a cat or an exotic pet.

    You also need to consider expenses. Though it may cost more to set up a fish tank or a cage for an exotic pet, you shouldn’t have too many expenses with them, other than food. Your dog may eat a bag of food a week, plus the veterinary bills. Though they make wonderful pets, they might not be right for you at the moment!

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    If you get a dog and want to unleash his or her potential, you may want to check out Dogo’s tailored training programs. After taking a survey, you will receive a customized training plan for you and your dog. They also offer courses for your new dog, no biting, potty training, basic obedience, tricks, and more! 

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    Please note, this article contains affiliate links, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.

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    You should also note that the information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. Although I am a veterinary professional, this blog should not be used as a substitute for professional veterinary advice.

    If your pet is experiencing a medical problem or concern, please contact a veterinary health professional immediately.