#and they have a very specific set of care needs including their diet and vet care that are pretty much impossible to meet

[gaydogmarriage]

tighnari fans stop posting pictures of neglected/irresponsibly kept exotic pets because they remind you of your blorbo challenge

[macdonaldstorgaard00]

Feline Care Tips For The brand new Cat Owner

There are many parasites that can feed on your current cat. Fleas and even ticks are a couple of of the popular parasites, but you will find numbers more that individuals forget about. The sole way to quit these parasites is usually with knowledge. Understand how to fight them and continue to keep them from preying on your cat with this content. Let kittens and even cat-friendly pet dogs get to know the other slowly. Set up child gateway to keep pups in one room while your brand-new kitten gets applied to its area. Supervise carefully when the kitten ventures towards the gate to meet the dogs. Any time the kitten feels safe, it is going to climb the gate. If it feels threatened, it will pop right back out in order to safety. As your cat gets older, changes in behavior may signal pain. If your current cat doesn't just like to jump or perhaps climb any longer, this may be inside pain. If your cat stops using care of brushing or stops making use of its litter box, pain may be typically the cause. Be sure to have your older cat inspected by your veterinarian if you see behavior alterations. Feed your cat a proper diet. Cats are carnivores in addition to have specific eating needs. Feed them quality cat foods that has recently been given the green light by AAFCO or the Association associated with American Feed Control Officials. If a person wish to choose your cat's food on your own, make sure you speak with some sort of vet about essential supplements or specific recipes that the cat has to eat. unique cat bed Wash your cat's bed at least one time some sort of week to take out all of the bacteria through it. Set up bed looks like it really is clean, it may usually have toxins throughout it that could trigger your pet for being sick. Replace typically the bed every 6 months to take care of cat in a sanitary environment. Get your cat sprayed in addition to neutered to stop diseases and attacks that form throughout the reproductive technique. This can likewise lessen the opportunity for overpopulation throughout the country, while only one male that is not neutered can produce approximately half a million offspring over the course of the life. In case you abandon the house with your cat, create sure that the girl is within the scruff of the neck with tags. This specific way, if anything happens and a person two become divided, anyone can get her and realize how to achieve you. Your cat might not exactly like the collar at all times, nevertheless when she's out of our home it can conserve her. Do you have more as compared to one cat? When so, then you should have more as compared to one litter package too. Having one for each and every of the cats will offer all of them multiple spots to go. If the odor gets also much you can include a little baking soda pop to the cover to freshen that up. Watch cats around kids. A new child under 5 should not be left alone with a pet. You might not have noticed a problem when you discover them together, nevertheless very kids do not really understand they can inadvertently harm or destroy a kitten. While children get more mature, decide whenever they show the maturity to take care of a small animal. If you see that your own cat is not employing the litter box just as much as usual, you should go and take them into a vet right away. There are several health issues that can cause the cat to stop using the package. Problems include urinary problems, constipation in addition to diarrhea. Most cats love to lounge right on your clapboard. As cozy since this can get, it is far from always easy. If your cat has a favorite spot, such as on your lap at the computer it can easily be hard in order to get things completed. Getting a dog bed for the cat and perching it right next to your chair can help meet your cats must be near you. When you want a new cat to come your way, it might be a good thought for you to be able to avoid looking in them. Cats do not like this men and women look these people directly in the eye, so they will are likely to go typically the other way. This particular is why it seems like cats always gravitate towards people who are usually certainly not fond of animals. If you believe your cat features sprayed in your home but can not get the area, there is definitely hope. Purchasing the inexpensive black light-weight can save you from having to be able to rip up your carpets and rugs. Your cats a stream of pee will glow below the black lighting, showing you exactly where to completely clean. Oftentimes it seems since if your cat is sleeping most of his nine lives away, however , this is properly normal. It is usually not unusual regarding cats to sleep as much as 16 hours every day, and perhaps more. Much associated with their sleep is usually light sleep, a great instinct that maintains them ready within the event that a predator is definitely nearby. About 25 percent of their own sleep is heavy sleep, where they dream and conserve energy. Cats really like to sleep-a whole lot! This article showcased a number involving tips for coping with cat parasites. These types of parasites should certainly not be taken softly. If ignored, they can possibly give you a cat diseases, place them from getting nutrients, and even eliminate them. Never let the health regarding your cat be taken for granted. A person have the ability in order to save them, so use it.

[literaly41]

9 Tips When Choosing The Best Dog Food For Your New Pet

Pets are a part of the family. If you truly want to live by this, it's crucial to treat them properly, starting with choosing the best dog food. Lucky for you, Pet and Patio Treasures provides you with the best tips, reviews, and a list of choices you have as pet lovers. From pet supplies and pet food to patio furniture, we got it! Here are some of the tips to consider when buying pet food. Consider the type of dog food available The type of pet food available includes wet food, dry food, home-cooked, special diets, and raw-based diets. Each of these types has its own list of pros and cons. It would be beneficial for you as a pet owner to go through each of them and decide then. Read the food label Another thing you should remember is always to read the food label. We know that being a pet owner can be overwhelming because you are literally taking care of another life. This is why we ensure that you are appropriately guided at Pet and Patio Treasures. Go to the vet and ask for advice One of the most neglected tips for feeding your new dog is asking your vet for recommendations. Your vet knows the kind of diet your pet should be undergoing. If your research is not taking you anywhere, it’s best to ask the experts for help. What are your dog’s activity levels? Stemming from the previous point, if you go to your vet for advice, your vet may ask you some basic questions about your pet. One of the questions would be the activity levels of your pet. Depending on their activity levels or even the lack thereof, your vet can introduce them to a diet that will better balance their energy levels. What is your pet’s age? Another reason why it’s important to read the food label is that these would typically include the appropriate age for your pet’s food intake. Pet food and supplies are typically divided into categories like puppy food and adult dog food. What are your pet’s nutritional needs? When shopping for pet food, consider your pet’s nutritional needs. Every pet has its own unique set of nutritional needs. You also need to take into account any food allergies they may have or certain health conditions to watch out for. What are the different nutrients your pet should eat to stay healthy? Know what to avoid Similar to food allergies you should watch out for, there are some food types that certain pets are not allowed to have. Avoid animal byproducts, as well as generic meat, as these are very difficult to digest. In addition, artificial additives provide little to no nutritional value so you'll only be wasting your money on nothing as these may only provide flavor to the food. Consider your pet’s breed and size Your pet’s breed and size are also factors to consider when shopping for pet food. You may want to research pet food with the most protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, minerals, and vitamins. Buy endorsed pet food and pet supplies Lastly, buy from endorsed products. Whether that’s food, supplies, or even patio furniture, it’s important that you buy products promoted by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) or authorities in your specific city, state, or country. Shopping at Pet and Patio Treasures for all your pet needs is the way to go. Visit our website at www.petandpatiotreasures.com.

[augiepets]

Common mistakes we make while handling pets and how to avoid them

Making your pets feel at home

Adopting a pet is exciting, especially if you don’t have that much experience in handling pets. It opens a whole new world of love and care for an animal like no other.

Getting your first pet, and handling them for the first time, gives you a significant lifestyle change and comes with many challenges of its own.

They may make your life challenging if you don’t offer them with regular direction, consistent training, and enough exercise.

While having a furry buddy in your life is a delight, handling pet, also comes with a level of responsibility. Because animals cannot care for themselves, you are solely responsible for their health, happiness, and well-being.

It’s not always simple when it comes to handling pets to live their best life as a pet owner. Regardless of whether you have a dog or a cat, they may as well be considered one of your children, and you must undoubtedly spoil and care for them.

However, because your pet is so important to you, it must be in good health

Why pets need our care

Having a pet can be great for our health. Animals are always happy and lighthearted, and they always make us laugh.

Additionally, they teach us how to be kind and empathetic, to love unconditionally, and to enjoy life to the fullest. A dog in the right home is like an extension of the owner: they take care of their owner and care for each other.

If you have a dog, he becomes your partner, and you're not just a slave to your cellphone anymore. However, we also need to remember that we have to give our pets a chance to live their best lives. they require a lot of love and care.

If you don't provide them with constant guidance, consistent training, and sufficient exercise, with proper animal handling techniques they can make your life quite difficult and make it bad to describe your experience handling pets.

10 proper ways of handling pets

1. Trips to the vet/ Skipping regular checkups

Cats and dogs have adapted to disguise pain and sickness by putting on a brave front. Unfortunately, that implies that they're in agony when you discover something is wrong and can't disguise it any longer.

Your veterinarian is qualified to recognize the subtle signs of a disease or sickness. Minor symptoms, such as changes in breathing, heart rate, eyes, and even tiny swellings, can be detected during regular wellness checkups by your veterinarian. Veterinarian are pros in handling pet.

Veterinary checkups regularly can help your pet enjoy a long, healthy, and happy life. Annual or biannual checkups catch growing health concerns early and help you extend your pet's life with you.

Early identification and action allow your veterinarian to treat a disease in its early stages, then control it with medication or simple lifestyle modifications.

Your veterinarian can also provide you advice on how to assist you in handling pet in living the healthiest life possible and avoiding medical problems.

How to avoid: Schedule your calendar accordingly, to plan for vet visits. Make sure you're your pet's checkups are regular.

2. Not prioritizing training/ lack of physical exercise

Consult your veterinarian before beginning an exercise regimen for efficient handling pet.

Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to determine how much and what sort of exercise your pet need.

Pets require exercise for a variety of reasons, in addition to the health benefits. It encourages them to expend energy, making it simpler for them (and you!) to get a good night's sleep.

Exercising a pet's brain can also be beneficial. That is why many animals like sports such as chasing a ball. Games allow them to exercise both their muscles and their minds.

Even indoor games provide pets with the daily dose of mental and physical simulation needed to keep themselves healthy.

How to avoid: Set some time aside every day to give your pets some exercise. Providing your pet with all your attention during this time will also increase your bonding and gets you closer to your beloved pet.

3. Avoiding socialization

One of the common mistakes dog owners make is not socialize their dogs enough. Dogs are very social animals. They know it when they receive love, and they are masters of reciprocating it back.

A dog who hasn't been exposed to good new experiences is more likely to be terrified of anything unfamiliar.

That garbage bag blowing in the air or the garden statuary at the edge of a neighbor's yard may be enough to make the dog flee.

Fear frequently masks aggression, so even if a reactive dog appears to be attacking in an aggressive manner, it's conceivable that the display is based on fear.

A dog who was never introduced to handling activities as a puppy is likely to be fearful of grooming since it never learned that a comb isn't a torture weapon.

That makes basic husbandry, like nail clipping and tooth brushing, challenging, if not impossible.

How to avoid: Dogs can only stay sociable if they are constantly introduced to new people.

Continued positive interactions with strangers reinforce the concept that strangers are good news in your dog's head.

Dogs can only stay sociable if they are constantly introduced to new people. Continued positive interactions with strangers reinforce the concept that strangers are good news in your dog's head.

Make an effort to avoid walking the same path every day. Allow your dog to explore a range of surroundings, including sidewalks and gravel roads.

This will give much-needed cerebral stimulation for your developing canine.

4. Not getting pet insurance

Life is unpredictable enough already, but when you have a pet, it just takes it to another level. Not having a pet insurance might make a huge hole in your wallet in the time emergency.

To properly engage yourself in handling pet. That is why it's always advised to be prepared. In fact, according to recent research1 from insurance market specialists Consumer Intelligence, more than half of pet owners think that not having insurance is too dangerous given the possible expenses of treatment.

Despite worries about the many plans offered and the terms and circumstances, 53 percent of those polled believe not ensuring their pet is too much of a worry.

Around two-fifths of pet insurance clients (41%) perceive plans to be perplexing.

How to avoid: Get a pet insurance with a trusted company as soon as possible. This gives you a plus when it comes to handling pet and your pet the advantage and courage to face any problems that may arise.

5. Overfeeding

When you overfeed your pet, there are both short- and long-term risks.

According to Banfield's Applied Research, one in every three cats and one in every four dogs is fat.

Heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes are all connected to these illnesses if their weight is not adequately managed.

As a dog owner, it is your obligation to keep track of your pet's health and responsibility in handling pet because it lacks the ability to reason. You want your pet's quality of life to be as good as possible, and you are free to seek professional pet health guidance.

They are unable to engage in physical activity, such as playing or exercising. As a result, you must do all possible to prevent them from being ill.

How to avoid: When it comes to food, a dog's size, age, exercise level, and medical problems should all be considered.

It's difficult to keep a dog's diet under control if they get a lot of goodies or eat your leftovers every day.

Dogs are opportunistic feeders, meaning they will eat more than they require if given the chance, viewing food as a valuable resource.

6. Overlooking TICKS

When it comes to handle how to handle a dog, one of the most important things we need to know about is ticks! Ticks usually lead to ear canal infestations can cause significant discomfort in both dogs and humans.

These ticks' toxins have the potential to paralyze you. There have been reports of secondary infections caused by larval screwworms.

Q fever, tularemia, Colorado tick fever, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever are all transmitted by Otobius megnini ticks.

Ticks may be found all over the world. Some tick species feed on specific animals, whereas others prey on a wide range of animals, including people.

Depending on the species, blood-sucking behavior differs. Ticks may go for months or even years without eating if the conditions are right.

How to avoid: Handling pets with ticks can be tricky, the most efficient approach to prevent tick exposure is to keep animals away from tick-infested regions.

Ticks prefer certain microhabitats, such as long grass or the transition between forested and lawned regions. Tick numbers are reduced when these microhabitats are destroyed.

Trimming plants and removing tall grass and weeds can help safeguard your animal. Ticks can be reduced partially by treating plants with insecticides.

7. Not spaying/neutering

When you get a pet, there is a procedure called Spaying/Neutering that is usually done to make your pets infertile. It helps to reduce the population of dogs and help you in properly handling pet.

India alone is said to have a stray dog population of 30- 40 million, and many of these dogs are not given proper treatment.

Male dogs' testicles (or gonads) are removed during neutering, a de-sexing surgery.

Castration refers to the removal of a male dog's testicles, whereas spaying refers to the sterilization of a female dog.

The ovaries and uterus of a female dog are removed in this procedure, which is known as an ovariohysterectomy.

Advantages:

· Spaying your female dog will prevent periods of her being in heat.

· Spaying your dog prevents your female canine from getting pregnant.

· Whether intentionally or accidentally, Breeding can become a significant financial and time-consuming burden for dog owners, which also comes with health risks and responsibilities.

· Paying your dog will eliminate the risk of your female dog developing cancer of her uterus, cancer of ovaries, or reproductive tract.

When these organs are removed, you will have fewer things to worry about regarding your dog's health.

8. Misinterpreting body language

Actions like tail wagging are usually interpreted as happiness. Unfortunately, it may not always be the case.

Sometimes dogs stiffen their tail and move it back and forth to show aggression. Similarly, dogs bare their teeth and growl when they're feeling aggressive, scared, or defensive, but it's also totally normal body language for them to express a play growl, too.

Eye contact might signify different things depending on the human and the dog, like in the prior case.

Humans should avoid making eye contact with puppies they have recently met as a general rule. This nonverbal communication might be regarded as a threat.

Dogs, on the other hand, are known to make eye contact with their owners when they wish to communicate.

They'll even look into the eyes of someone they trust with affection. Yawns aren't just for when dogs are sleepy.

Surprisingly, the reverse is true. When our dogs are worried, confused, or agitated, they frequently yawn.

They can also expand their jaws wide in anticipation of an exciting event, such as a stroll or a vehicle ride. When meeting new people, dogs yawn as a non-threatening soothing gesture.

How to avoid: Educate yourself! The very first step to buying/adopting a pet is educating yourself about behavioral patterns and basic dog handling techniques. The more you know, the better you get at handling pet. Its also very important to familiarize yourself with safety tools when handling animals.

9. Feeding your cats milk/only vegetarian food

Surprisingly enough, some cats, like people, have trouble digesting lactose, a milk sugar present in dairy.

This is because the only period in a cat's life when its body contains enough of the enzyme lactase to digest lactose effectively is when it is born and in its early years. This allows the cat to drink its mother's milk. Following that, lactase production decreases, potentially leading to increased digestive complications.

Cats, unlike humans, cannot thrive on a vegetarian diet. Humans are omnivores, meaning we can eat both meat and vegetables, but cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they must consume meat to survive (or at least thrive).

As a result, unlike humans, cats do not acquire much nourishment from veggies.

How to Avoid: Make sure your pet gets a balanced diet it is the most important step in handling pet. Canines need meat to survive. A good quality cat food will contain all the essential nutrients to feed your cat and keep it healthy.

10. Physically punishing pets

When you use punishment, it's simply to halt the conduct while you're around.

In fact, the pet may rapidly learn that when you are not around, the conduct does not result in punishment, and may fast learn to stop while you are present and resume when you are not.

Mild reprimand (pushing away, eye contact, talking to the dog) is interpreted by some pets as a kind of attention, reinforcing the undesired behavior.

Another major worry is that using physical punishment (striking, jabbing, pinning, rolling over, or seizing the pet's collar) may inflict unnecessary suffering and increase the pet's anxiety level when approached in the future in a similar fashion. It is one of the most common mistakes at pet.

How to avoid: Instead of penalizing what is undesired, training should focus on teaching the pet the desired reaction to get better at handling pet.

Distraction (such as a loud noise, hand clapping, or a "no") and redirection to a more acceptable activity is the greatest response if you observe your pet indulging in undesired behavior. Describe your experience handling pet.

Some concluding pointers

· Taking your pet regularly to the vet is necessary!

· A proper diet gives a healthy pet

· Learn more about the behavioral pattern before getting a pet

· Don't feed your adult cat milk

· Spaying/neutering your dog will give you and your dog a peaceful life.

How can Augie help you?

We have an ideal mix of Products and Services that can aid you in your efforts to take care of your pets. We work with different pets viz. Dogs / Cats / Other pets

You can reach out to us and we can aid you. Looking forward to working with you

Have a great Day Ahead!!

[carnegiemuseumnaturalhistory]

Cat Adoption Guide

Adding a new feline friend to your household is a process that can be both exciting and scary, especially for first-time cat owners and even the cats themselves. With so many things to consider, it can feel as though a million things could go wrong. Thankfully, there are many things you can do to make the transition as smooth as possible!

Part 1 — Before

In every case, the best way to ensure a new pet adoption goes smoothly is to prepare beforehand. If you are considering getting a cat, there are a few things you should ask yourself first:

1.     Am I ready to be responsible? While a new animal is always very exciting, remember that there is more to pet ownership than having a cuddly companion. It costs money to care for a pet its whole life; food, toys, litter, and veterinarian visits can add up. Caring for a pet, especially when you first bring them home, also takes time to ensure the transition runs smoothly. Do you have room in your budget and schedule for pet care? If you adopt a cat with special needs, will you be able to provide specific care for them?

2.     Will this addition go over well? Make sure all members of your household—including other pets—can handle the change!

3.     What do I know about caring for a cat? If you are going to be a first-time cat owner, take some time to read online about the sort of care your new friend will need. Take time to research what different needs cats may have— adopting a kitten can be different than adopting an adult or senior cat. Cats with special needs may also require different sorts of care.

Once you’ve determined that cat ownership is right for you, you can begin to prepare your home and search for your new friend! Here are a few things you can do before you bring your cat home to make the process more comfortable:

Figure out your space. Determine where you can put things like litter boxes, food, and beds. If you have other pets, make sure you can set aside a room away from them for your new cat to spend time in for the first few days. Make sure the area has enough space for their litter box, food (which should be placed away from the litter box), and areas for your new friend to hide in so that they feel safe and secure.

Determine your game plan. Who will be there when you bring your new cat home? If you have small children, it is always a good idea to remind them that your cat may need their own space for a few days before they want to come out and play. If you are a first-time pet owner, or if you’ve moved to a new area, make sure to do some research beforehand to choose what veterinarian in your area you plan to go to with your cat, and be prepared to make an appointment for soon after you have adopted your cat.

“Kitty-Proof” your home. On the day you know you will be bringing your furry friend home, make sure the area you plan to let them adjust in has no open windows, dangling or exposed electrical cords, dangerous chemicals, or delicate objects.

Part 2 — During

Remember when choosing your new family member that all cats have different personalities and needs. Are you prepared to care for a kitten, or would an adult or senior cat be a better fit for your family? Are you able to properly care for a cat with special needs? Are you looking for a cat who doesn’t mind sharing their home with other pets or children, or are you looking for just one pet?

Make sure when you’re adopting your cat that you communicate these things to the people or group you are adopting from. Often, these groups have a great understanding of their cats and can help to match you with an ideal companion. It is also important that you know the medical history of your new cat— are they spayed or neutered? Do they need to take medication? What is their vaccination history? The place you are adopting from may also be able to tell you what sort of food and treats your cat likes, which can take the guesswork out of buying their diet.

Part 3 — After

This part can often be the most stressful for both people and pet; a new space, filled with new sounds and smells, can be confusing and scary for a cat. Experts often recommend doing the following:

Set up a vet visit. It is always a good idea to take your new pet to the vet about a week after their adoption. Make an appointment with the vet of your choice and be sure to take you cat’s medical records with you.

Set a schedule. Try to feed your cat at the same time every day. A routine is a good way to make your cat feel at ease in a new space. It is normal for a cat to not eat much at first, but if you notice that they have not eaten or drank for more than a few days, contact your veterinarian.

Give them their space. Remember that area you decided to set aside for your new friend? Allowing your cat to have one area of the house to get used to and feel comfortable in can lower stress for everyone involved. If you have other pets, make sure you do not introduce them to your new cat for at least the first few days. Introducing pets can take a long time; be sure not to rush the process. Additionally, allow your cat to approach you and other people within the room when they feel comfortable doing so. It is not uncommon for your furry friend to hide for a few days in a new environment until they feel more comfortable.  

Establish trust. Recognizing a friendly face can make your cat feel more at ease. Sitting on the floor and allowing your cat to get used to you and your smell can build a relationship that makes them feel comfortable. Remember to always let your cat come to you; do not chase or corner them. Speak in a soothing voice and be sure to tell your new kitty how happy you are to have them in your family!

Allow them to move at their own pace. Once your kitty has begun feeling comfortable in the space you gave them, determine how to safely allow them to explore the rest of your home. Again, make sure that the spaces your cat is in are safe for them; close your windows, make sure chemicals are out of reach, and make sure your cat cannot chew on cords or access human food that could be harmful for them.

Provide Enrichment. Many cats love to play and being active is an important part of keeping your cat happy and healthy. Provide them with plenty of toys that they can bat around, chew, pounce on, and scratch. Over time, you may start to notice which toys your cat likes best. Play time is also a good time to build a relationship with your cat— just remember not to overwhelm them. Crafting home-made toys for your cat can also be a great family activity, but remember to always use materials that are safe for a cat to play with. Many websites offer free tutorials on how to make great cat toys!

Remember that patience and respecting boundaries are two key things to ensure your new family member adjusts well to your household. Giving your cat the opportunity to take things at their own pace removes a lot of the stress that the both of you may feel. Planning ahead to make sure your cat receives quality care means that they can enjoy their new forever home to the fullest!

Emma McGeary is a Gallery Experience Presenter as well as an Outreach Educator and Animal Handler in CMNH’s Life Long Learning Department. Museum staff, volunteers, and interns are encouraged to blog about their unique experiences and knowledge gained from working at the museum.

[moniq31gamer]

TS4 STARTING OVER CHALLENGE

Starting Over is a task-based challenge, which requires you to build or refurbish all of the neighbourhoods in your sims 4 world. You can start with an empty world (one is available  here - updated for the pets expansion) or you can refurbish existing neighbourhoods.

In order to complete each neighbourhood you must:

Build or refurbish community venues;

Unlock jobs/careers;

Complete a set number of gameplay tasks/events; and

Complete a set number of social tasks/events.

When you have completed each level you can move on to the next.

NEIGHBOURHOODS & LEVELS

Each neighbourhood will have a certain style/vibe (called ‘levels’) based on the description of maxi’s neighbourhoods found here. The types of sims, homes, community lots, jobs and tasks available will depend on the level you are playing. For example, the level 1 neighbourhood in Oasis Springs is made up of trailers and abandoned buildings in need of refurbishment. The sims here are poor, with no money and very little job opportunities. @pictureamoebae has the perfect starter neighbourhood for Bedrock Straits in Oasis Springs: Sandtrap Shack, Sam’s Bar, Nookstone Bunker, Pebble Gas and Johnny Zest’s Trailer which i use in my own game. See ‘Neighbourhoods’ section at the end of the script for a description of building styles in each district.

Each district (Willow Creek, Oasis Springs, Newcrest, Windenburg and San Myshuno) are made up of 4 neighbourhood levels:

Level 1 will be a poor, run-down neighbourhoods with few job opportunities;

Level 2 will be a working-class neighbourhood with low-rent homes but better job opportunities;

Level 3 will be a mix of well off residences and commercial neighbourhoods with good job opportunities; and

Level 4 will be a wealthy neighbourhood where professional careers are available.

As you move up through the levels there will be different careers/lots available and tasks will become more difficult as you progress.

SIMS

You can use any sims with any skill levels, either existing maxi’s sims or your own sims, but you must use sims that reflect the type of level you are playing (trailer trash, poor but respectable, slobs, snobs, wealthy elite); so, for example, the Llandgraabs would not live in a level 1 neighbourhood. You can use any of the households that you have moved into your neighbourhoods to complete tasks, but you may need specific types of sims to complete certain tasks (ie. single sims, married sims, teenagers, toddlers etc), so be sure to add appropriate households to accomplish your tasks.

(Optional) Your sims will begin with a capsule wardrobe, with a few items worn over different categories (see this post for an example of a capsule wardrobe). Once you have a clothing store your sims can have as many outfits as you wish, but until then your sims can only have 3 everyday outfits and 1 of all other categories.  

Homes will be purchased using the ‘freerealestate’ cheat but households will start with no money (a list of cheat codes can be found here). However, opportunities for making money (through jobs/careers and tasks) will increase with each level. You can also move your sims to a better neighbourhood once they can afford it.

JOBS & CAREERS

Until jobs/careers are unlocked your sims can only earn money selling goods they have crafted or collected. A list of all collectibles can be found here.

There are set jobs/careers available for your sims depending on what neighbourhood your sim lives in – job opportunities increase as you progress through the levels, and you need to build/refurbish certain lots to unlock these careers. There are also requirements for custom careers if you have these (links included). You may take a lower level job/career if you are playing a higher level neighbourhood, but you cannot take a higher level career if you are playing a lower level neighbourhood (a sim in a level 1 neighbourhood cannot take a level 4 job but a sim in a level  3 neighbourhood can get a level 1 job/career ).

Level 1 & 2 Jobs/Careers:

Fast-food Employee                     -              need a Diner

Retail Employee                           -              need a Retail Store

Manual Labour Employee            -              need Furniture/Hobby Store

Criminal Career                            -              need a Dive Bar

Culinary Career                            -              need  a Bakery

Welfare                                         -              need a single parent

Babysitter                                     -              need a Baby/Toy Store

Barista                                          -              need a Café

Tech Guru                                     -              need an Arcade/Bowling Alley

Writer                                            -              need a Library (can be a School)

Painter                                          -              need an Arts Centre

Detective                                       -              need a sim in the Criminal Career

Education                                      -              need a School (set as a Library,

                                                                    Teen Hangout or Generic Lot)

Self-employed                               -              if you have this mod

Vet                                                 -              need a Vet Clinic

Level 3 & 4 Jobs/Careers:

Athlete                                           -              need a Gym or Pool

Business                                        -              need 2 new Retail Stores

Entertainer                                     -              need a Lounge

Social Media                                  -              need a Nightclub

Scientist                                         -              need a Museum/Gallery

Fashion                                         -              need a Beauty Parlour or

                                                                     Photography Studio

Military                                            -              need a sim in Detective Career

Biology                                            -              need a sim in Science Career

Doctor                                             -              need a Spa

Critic                                               -              need 2 Restaurants (not Diner)

Politics                                            -              need a Clubhouse

Secret Agent (Diamond Agent)      -              need to max the Detective Career

                      (Villain)                    -              need to max Criminal Career

Astronaut                                        -              need Athletic Training (a sim in

                                                                     Athlete Career)

HOW TO START

Select a Level 1 neighbourhood in Willow Creek, Oasis Springs, Newcrest, Windenburg or San Myshuno;

Build or refurbish homes in a level 1 style (see ‘Neighbourhoods’ section                   at the end of this script);

Build or refurbish any community lots you may need to unlock level 1                       jobs/careers (these can be built in any district or neighbourhood)’;

Choose or randomize Gameplay Tasks/Events that you need to complete                 (see ‘Gameplay Tasks/Events’ below); and

Choose or randomize Social Tasks/Events that you need to complete (see               ‘Social Tasks/Events’ below).

When you have completed the tasks for this neighbourhood you can move on to Level 2 in the same district or start a Level 1 neighbourhood in a new district.

Please tag #TS4 Starting Over so we can see your challenge posts

GAMEPLAY & SOCIAL TASKS/EVENTS

You will select by choice or randomizer (find a randomizer here) a set number of tasks depending on the neighbourhood level you are playing.

Level 1 neighbourhood         -              complete 3 Gameplay Tasks/Events; and

                                                            complete 2 Social Task/Event

Level 2 neighbourhood         -              complete 3 Gameplay Tasks/Events; and

                                                            complete 3 Social Tasks/Events

Level 3 neighbourhood         -              complete 4 Gamplay Tasks/Events; and

                                                            complete 3 Social Tasks/Events

Level 4 neighbourhood         -              complete 5 Gamplay Tasks/Events; and

                                                            complete 4 Social Tasks/Events

Level 1 & 2 Gameplay Tasks/Events

1.        Wish for money at the Wishing Well;

2.        Win on a scratch card – add $1,000 to family funds

3.        Unexpected bill – deduct $200 from family funds

4.        Fined for J-Walking – deduct $100 from family funds

5.        Failing – do no school homework or job-required tasks for 3 consecutive                   days

6.       Your sim is arrested – evict a sim from the household (move in new                           household if property is empty)

7.        Taken into care – remove a toddler, child or teen from the household

8.        Make $200 from computer hacking

9.        Visit the Flea Market in San Myshuno

10.      Go to the gym and increase fitness skill by 2

11.      Ask 2 sims for a loan

12.      Go Bowling with friends on a Saturday night

13.      At the weekend, order pizza and watch a movie with the household

14.      Woohooty Call – trawl the local bars and have woohooty with a sim you do               meet there

15.      Go on a weekend camping trip to Granite Falls

16.     “Always bringing home strays”: adopt the frst homeless pet you come across

17.     Laundry Day (if you do not have laundry facilities at home then build and                  visit  a community laundrette)

18.     Apply for a $500 bank loan - roll odd number for a yes, even number for a no

19.     Day Trip - take the family on a day trip to Deadgrass Isle, in Bridlington Bay

20.     Welfare (if you have this mod) - have a single parent quit their job and go on            welfare

21.      Adopt a toddler, child or teen

22.      Glamping – rent a cabin in Granite Falls for the weekend

23.      Have a sim max a skill

24.      Make a wish at the Wishing Well

25.      Gone to University – have a teen sim move out of the home and into a                     low-rent apartment

26.      Library books are overdue – visit the Library and spend 3 hours reading

27.      Visit a Festival in San Myshuno

28.      Give a sim a makeover (new hair and clothing style)

29.      Snow Day – children/teens have no school for 2 days

30.      Home makeover – redecorate and refurnish 2 rooms in your sim’s home

31.      Write a book in your sim’s favourite genre

32.      Join/Set up a club and spend 3 hours at a club hangout

33.      Complete a sim’s aspiration

34.     Dance/Karaoke Marathon - spend 5 days practicing singing or dancing and               on Saturday night head to a bar or club and dance/sing the night away.

35.      Host a toddler’s playdate, at home or in the Park

36.     Fireworks night – invite friends to a bonfire (at home or a community lot)                   and end the night with fireworks

37.      Go on a diet – visit the gym and only eat salad for 3 consecutive days

38.      Faking it – call in sick for 2 days and spend both days at community lots

39.     Bake Sale – you baked extra goodies, take them over to a neighbor

40.     Day Trip – visit The Bluffs, Ancient Ruins or Von Haunt Estate in                               Windenburg

41.     Become a Vet - there are so many pets in your neighbourhood that it’s time              to build and run a Vet Clinic

42.   Go on a weekend camping trip to Salvadorada and discover the local culture           (reach level 5 of the Salvadorada Culture skill)

43.    “The Cat Lady” - move in a strange neighbour and have them adopt 3 cats

44.     Secrets - Discover and visit a Secret Lot

45.    “Puppies For Sale” - adopt a puppy

46.   The Repo Man - your sim cannot pay the bills and the repo man comes for                your stuff. Sell all items in 1 room (and deduct their value from family funds).

47.     Grocery Day -  an empty fridge means it’s time to head to the Grocery Store.           Build/visit a Grocery Store and stock up.

48.    Seasons are here - build a new seasonal clothing store and buy some new              clothes (for example a Summer Swimwear Store, a Winter Woolies Store).

49.    Earthquake - you live in an earthquake zone (set as a lot trait). Eventually                 you will experience an earthquake. When the next earthquake strikes you                must turn your sim’s home into a quake disaster zone (pull down walls, tatty             decor, boarded up windows etc) until you can afford to rebuild.

Wait, did you have disaster insurance?

                                    roll odd number = yes, add $5,000 to family funds

                                    roll even number = no insurance, unlucky!

50.    "I want to Believe" - it’s time to search for the illusive Sixam. Find Sixam,                  meet an alien and attend a party there, before returning to Simsdom.

Level 1 & 2 Social Tasks/Events:

1.       Fishing Trip - spend 1 day fishing at different locations. On the next day, hold            a BBQ for friends/family and only serve the fish your sim caught.

2.       Visit 2 neighbours

3.       Have a BBQ and invite all the neighbours

4.       Get a single sim pregnant and claim child support – add $500 to                               household funds once the baby is born

5.       Make an enemy and have a fight

6.       Become a stalker – get to level 3 Mischief Skill by pranking the same sim

7.       Make an enemy at home (sibling, spouse, parent, roomie etc)

8.       Have a single sim woohoo with 2 different sims

9.       Teenage Menace – have a teen perform 10 mean and 10 mischief                             interactions

10.     Go to a Karaoke Bar with friends

11.      Throw a Gold Star House Party

12.      Meet 2 new sims

13.      Befriend a neighbor – become good friends or lovers

14.     Divorce Settlement – one spouse gets the house and kids, the other must                 move out to a low-rent apartment

15.      Get married - build a Church or Wedding Store and throw a Wedding                         Party

16.      Have a married couple try for a baby – complete when pregnant

17.      Single parent – a single sim must get pregnant and have the baby as a                     single parent

18.      Date Night – go on a date with a spouse or loved one

19.     Retirement – move out an elderly family member and move them into a                     retirement home, apartment or make them homeless

20.      Accept all invites made by phone for 1 sim week (date, celebration, party,                club outing etc)

21.     Throw a Birthday Party and age up a sim

22.     Go on a Singles Night at a Bar

23.     Have a teen go bowling with friends

24.     Have an affair – a married sim must begin a romantic relationship with                       another sim

25.    Spend 2 days at school with a child or teen (build a School lot, set as a                     Library, Teen Hangout or Generic lot) and do kid/teen stuff

26.    "Having a Bad Day" - your sim has a bad day at work and comes home to                 take it out on the kids. Have them argue and punish a child/teen.

27.     Throw a Party - throw any kind of party at home just because you want to.

28.     Go to a burger joint with the family (build a lot if you do not have one)

29.    BULLY! - Your child/teen sim is being a bully at school. Choose a child/teen              sim of the same age and do negative interaction and pranks on them until                they are enemies.

30.     Unrequited Love - have a sim date a non-commital sim and have them be                rejected for a marriage proposal

31.     Family Photoshoot - it’s time to get some family photos done. Build/visit a                 photography studio and get photographs of the whole family.

32.     The Hangover - you will pay for that one drunken night! Go to a bar or club               alone and make only inappropriate interactions with all other sims.

33.     Suspicious Minds - have a sim follow their spouse/partner to 3 different                     locations and watch them from afar (do not interact with them). Are they                   having an affair? You decide…

34.     Male Bonding / Girlie Weekend - send 2 guys or 2 girls (not friends) on a                   vacation together to GF or Salvadorada and have them do activities that                   involve 2 or more sims (fishing, exploring etc) until they become friends or                lovers.

35.     Complete Autonomy - turn on full autonomy and have your sim do what they            will for 2 consecutive sim days.

Level 3 & 4 Gameplay Tasks/Events:

1.         Your numbers have come up in the lottery – add $50,000 to household                     funds

2.        You lost all of your money in a Real Estate scam – move household into a                dingy apartment and start over with no money

3.          Spend at least $2,500 on landscaping

4.         Invest in a Store - buy an existing business (using ‘freerealestate’) and                     transfer $2,500 to Business Funds. You can keep the store or sell the                       business the store is has a net profit of $5,000

5.         Complete a collection for a bonus of $10,000

6.         Moving on up - move to a nicer house or apartment (in a Level 3 or 4                       neighbourhood)

7.        Start a Business from scratch – buy an affordable empty lot and use only                 household funds to furnish and run a business

8.         Grow up well – have a toddler max all skills, then age up to a child

9.        Homeless – following a series of unfortunate events, one sim must be                       evicted and remain homeless

10.      Have a child/teen get an ‘A’ grade at school – reward them with something               new (toys, computer etc) up to the value of $1,000

11.      Real Estate Mogul – sell current home for 2 x the value (use money cheat                 to add double the value to household funds) and move into a new,                             affordable home.

12.       Get a drunken tattoo – select a sim who would not normally have a tattoo

13.      You’ve been burgled – place all electronic equipment in the home into the                 household inventory for 1 sim week (you can then replace them,purchase                 more or return items from inventory)

14.       Have a sim be abducted

15.       Complete a sim’s aspiration

16.       Mid-life crisis – have a sim quit their level 3+ job and start a new career

17.       Demoted (use this demotion cheat)

18.       Find and visit a hidden lot – take photographs to hang on the wall at home              or at work

19.      Spa Day – your sim will visit a Spa and get 4 treatments (manicure,                          pedicure, sauna, yoga, mud bath, meditation, massage)

20.      Become a vegetarian – change a sim’s trait to vegetarian and the                             household can only cook vegetarian meals for 1 sim week (after this, non-                 vegetarians in the household can cook meat again)

21.      Have a family vacation at a Villa in Salvadorada and discover a relic worth               more than $1,000

22.      Feeling Friskie - your pet wants a companion and a family (complete when                your female pet has a litter of kittens/puppies)

23.      "All About Clutter" - spend $1,000 on clutter for your home

24.      Back to Basics - a family member must age up and move out of the family                home into an apartment with only the basic needs and no money (use free                real estate and money cheats)

25.      Pay Grade increase - Your sims has worked hard and finally earned a                     degree - start them at level 5 of their chosen career

26.       Income Tax Evasion – pay a fine of $20,000 (deduct from household                         funds)

27.       Make 5 donations (to charities or political causes)

28.       Buy (use ‘freerealestate’) and run a successful  restaurant with a star                       rating of 3 or more

29.       Visit a Museum/Art Gallery and spend $2,500 on new art for the home

30.       Bankrupt – reset family funds to $0

31.       Early retirement – a YA/A sim will cash in a retirement plan of $100,000                     and retire (cannot have any other job/career)

32.       Max a Level 3 or 4 career

33.       Complete a sim’s aspiration and cash-in all aspiration reward points

34.       Find your inner peace – health and personal growth is more valuable than                money – visit the Spa and max the Wellness skill

35.      Bad Hair Day - make over a sim with a bad hairstyle and keep it for a sim                 week (after a week your sim can keep the style or fix it).

36.      Musical Prodigy – have a child/teen reach level 5 of all musical skills                         available to them

37.     Kill off 2 random townies (you may build a church or graveyard to display                 headstones)

38.    Inherited a Mansion – move into an unfurnished  Level 4 mansion or                         penthouse apartment (use ‘freerealestate), using household funds to                         redecorate and refurnish

39.     Cowplant Suicide - have a sim die by cowplant.

40.    Retail Therapy – send your sim on a day out with friends and go on a                       shopping spree valuing $5,000 (if you cannot buy retail items of this value                 then you can deduct $5,000 from household funds)

41.    Looking for adventure - have a sim quit their job and become an explorer                  (complete when the secret temple has been discovered and treasure is                    found)

42.    Pedigree -  have your pedigree cat or dog breed with another pedigree and              sell a litter of purebred puppies/kittens

43.    "Life’s a Gamble" - your sim has become addicted to gambling and has put               up the family home as collateral - roll a dice: even numbers will result in you             winning (add $150,000 to family funds), an odd number will result in your                 sim losing the family home and becoming homeless (move the entire                        family in to an empty apartment and set money to 0)

44.   “The Pen is Mightier than the Sword” - write 3 best-sellers and receive a                    $100,000 advance for your next book

45.   “City Slicker” - once your sim has maxed the Social Media or Critic career,                move them and their family to a Penthouse apartment with a Butler (use free            real estate cheat)

46.    New Restaurant - a new restaurant has opened up. Build/visit a new                         restaurant with the family.

47.   Pyromaniac!!! - Have your sim set a fire (by cooking, lighting fires, fireworks             etc) and let it get out of control until someone dies.

48.   Corner the Market - where is there a niche in the market? What sort of store             is missing from your game? Do you need a bookstore for your genius                       /bookish sims? A toy store for your childish/parents? A comic store for your               geeky/gamer sims? Build and visit a store that meets your current sim’s                  needs.

49.   Flower Garden - design a beautiful garden of approx 5 x 5 in size (can be                 bigger depending on the size of lot) and use landscaping features and only               perfect flowers (you do not need all flowers for this challenge but what                       flowers you use must be perfect).

50.    The Red Carpet - a new club or lounge has been opened and they are                     having a red carpet opening event. Attend the event and get glammed up for            the cameras. Post screenshots of your sims at this event.

Level 3 & 4 Social Tasks/Events:

1.       D.I.V.O.R.C.E – sell the family home, move both spouses out and split the               household funds. Each spouse must then buy/rent an affordable home or                 apartment

2.        Make a good sim become evil (use cas.fulleditmode cheat) and make an                 enemy at work

3.         Have a teen sim ‘Mess Around’ with another teen sim

4.         School Reunion – throw a party for friends only (no acqaintances or                         family)

5.        Girl’s/Boy’s Night Out – go out in a group (can be a club group) and play                   pub games (cards, bowling, darts etc)

6.          Caught breaking curfew – have a teen be caught breaking curfew or                         sneaking out late at night

7.         Slumber Party – On the weekend, have a child/teen invite friends over to a               sleepover (make sure there are plenty of group activities to keep them                       busy)

8.          A brief affair – a married sim must have an affair with another sim but                       break up after woohoo

9.          Feeling adventurous – woohoo in 3 public places

10.        Looking for Love – go on 5 dates with 5 different sims

11.        Join/Start a club and go on 2 club outings

12.       Seclusion – spend 2 days alone in Granite Falls to work on skills/                             collections in the peace and quiet of the countryside

13.        Netflix & Chill – watch a movie at home with a romantic interest and follow               the movie with woohoo

14.        Playdate – visit a friend’s house with a toddler, child or teen

15.        Eat out at a romantic restaurant with a partner, spouse or romantic interest

16.       Gold Digga – a YA sim must marry a wealthy A/E sim

17.       Take the family to a Photography Studio for some new family portraits

18.       Let’s do Lunch – go for lunch with friends at a café, bar or restaurant

19.       A Trophy Wife (or husband) – a wealthy sim must divorce their spouse                    and remarry a YA sim

20.       Have a One-Night Stand – romance a sim, woohoo with them, then never                 speak to them again (this will take longer than one night)

21.       Unexpected argument – perform 10 mean interactions with a friend

22.       Pool Party – have a teen throw a pool party

23.       Have a sim start a new romantic relationship

24.       Throw a Gold-Star Dinner Party

25.       Spend the day with the family at the Park

26.      Have a cat/dog person neglect their pet for 3 consecutive days.

27.     Growing Pains - have a child age up to a teen with a renegade style (punk,               emo, goth, biker etc) or any other fashion statement.

28.     Family Dinners - it’s time to spend some quality time with your family. Have               breakfast or dinner with all household members for 3 consecutive days.

29.     Separated a Birth / Evil Twin - An identical twin you were separated from at               birth turns up on your doorstep (use CAS cheat and add your sim’s twin,                   and add them to your household). Roll the dice:

         Roll even number = befriend your twin

         Roll odd number = your twin is evil - become enemies.

30.     Teen Angst - have a teen sim become enemies with 1 or both parents.

31.     Unlucky in Love - have a sim go on 3 disastrous dates.

32.   Frenemies - have 2 siblings in the same household make as many                          friends/enemies in a sim week. One sim will make friends, the other will                     make enemies. The LOSER must move out.

33.     A new wine bar has just opened – build an exclusive club, lounge or bar                  and go on a night out with friends

34.   Graduation – a teen sim has graduated. Throw a party or prom for teens                   only (at home or build a school/prom venue)

35.    Spend Saturday night with friends, order pizza and watch a movie

NEIGHBOURHOODS

Oasis Springs:

Level 1 - Bedrock Straits               Low-class neighbourhood made up of                                                                         cheap trailers, dingbat style homes and                                                                       run-down  community lots

Level 2 - Parched Prospect           Moderately-priced single storey homes in the                                                             mid-century modern style

Level 3 - Skyward Palms              Expensive Spanish Villas in a gated                                                                           community

Level 4 - Acquisition Butte            A wealthy neighbourhood with 2 luxury                                                                       mansions with beautiful landscaping

Oasis Springs Commercial District    The main commercial district overlooking                                                                the sea can also be set for residential use

Dessert Bloom Park                           A great place for wilderness buffs with                                                                        many collectibles

Willow Creek:

Level 1 - Foundry Cove                Small and cramped shotgun style homes that                                                              are affordable but need plenty of TLC

Level 2 - Courtyard Lane              A moderately priced are made up of Craftsman                                                         Bungalows, with good-sized gardens close to                                                              the river

Level 3 - Pendula View                A pleasant but pricey neighbourhood with                                                                   Colonial style homes arranged around an                                                                   intersection

Level 4 - Sage Estates                Exclusive neighbourhood consists of 2                                                                       southern-style mansions with extensive                                                                       landscaping

Commercial District                     Located on the waterfront, the commercial                                                                   district has many historical southern-style                                                                  buildings for commercial or residential use

Magnolia Blossom Park              A historical community park set in a lush, green                                                         environment

Newcrest:

Level 1                                        There is no level 1 neighbourhood

Level 2 - Bridgeview                    Affordable neighbourhood with craftsman style                                                           homes built across the bridge from the canal

Level 3 - Llama Lagoon              Middle-class neighbourhood of American                                                                    colonial homes

Level 4 - Ridgeline Drive             Affluent neighbourhood overlooking the high-                                                             rise business district across the lake, featuring                                                           a mix of moderne and split-level style homes

Magnolia Promenade:

This riverside plaza is the main retail district built in a post-modern urban style. Although built for retail use, there are also apartments built above the retail units that can be turned to residential use. The Hospital and Police Station are within view of the promenade.

Windenburg:

Level 1 - Old Town                    A mix of residential and community lots in an                                                             open-spaced area built in a Tudor style

Level 2 - Waterside                   A modern area with many amenities close to the                                                        ocean built in a range of modern architectural                                                              designs

Level 3 - Countryside               The countryside is dominated by large, expensive                                                     timber-framed houses and some affordable                                                                cottages

Level 4 - Island                        An exclusive neighbourhood with a range of                                                               different building styles (from simple beach                                                                 houses to grand estates) surrounded by cliffs,                                                             beaches and ancient ruins

San Myshuno:

Level 1 - Spice Market             Low-end neighbourhood offers cramped                                                                     apartments in need of TLC, with brownstone                                                               buildings and dockside warehouses

Level 2 - Arts Quarter              Low to mid-rent apartment buildings in a                                                                     bohemian style overlooking a large, spacious                                                             plaza

Level 3 - Fashion District          Luxury apartments with spacious rooms and                                                              generous views of the city, features buildings                                                              with modern glass designs

Level 4 - Uptown                      High-class neighbourhood is home to the rich                                                              and famous, with luxury penthouse apartments.                                                          The spacious high-rise apartments give                                                                     panoramic views of the bay and civic plaza

Myshuno Meadows                  A large Centre Park surrounded by trees and                                                             expansive cityscapes, perfect for outdoor events

Brindleton Bay:

Level 1 - Whiskermans Wharf  Low-end harbor docks with refurbished warehouses                                       and cheap apartments above run-down community                                         buildings

Level 2 - Sable Square            Mid-century restored homes built along a charming                                                     square, with plenty of space for families and pets

Level 3 - Cavalier Cove           Sprawling coastal properties and secluded cottages                                                  all overlooking the coastal shores of the Bay

Level 4 - Deadgrass Isle         Once the site of a mysterious shipwreck Deadgrass                                                    Isle is home to the Brindleton Lighthouse and some                                                  mysterious apparitions…

Granite Falls:

Vacation district with campgrounds and rental chalets/cabins for exploring the wildrness

Salvadorada:

Vacation destination in a new culture, with camping or family villas full of excitement and adventure

[dogcarecenter-blog]

How To Look After Your Dog's Functions Desires

As a pet operator, you want to be aware that you are currently taking management of your furry friend. This usually means fulfilling your pet's fundamental should make sure its wellbeing insurance and enjoyment along with learning about dog maintenance. Appropriate diet, preventive maintenance, health tracking, dressing , somewhere to call its own, and plenty of affection and workout will make an environment in. Each of these factors are relatively easy to give your pooch.

Before You Begin

Properly caring for your pet dog begins with the perfect perspective. Canine ownership should perhaps not be considered a chore, but as an adventure that enriches your life and that of your furry friend. Like people, dogs want water, food, and shelter. Nonetheless , they also require care, emotional stimulation, and nurturing to thrive. Offering these specific things is a crucial portion of maintaining your dog safe and healthful and sets the base for a life with your dog.

That Which You Demand

Quality dog food

Crate, bed, or doghouse

Toys

Grooming supplies

Time for exercise

A connection with a veterinarian

Attachment and Care for offer

Right Nutrition

A healthier, balanced diet is still an essential portion of dog maintenance. Do a little research into food companies which pledge to use ingredients and invent foods that are nutritionally healthy and complete. Pick an excellent diet that your dog loves. Spending tons of dollars on a low-carb diet may perhaps not be mandatory nevertheless, also you shouldn't worry either.

A Space of Its

Dogs are social creatures and they are generally not content when excluded from your family device. Though some circumstances could necessitate puppies to call home outside, many will thrive whenever they're with"their" individuals inside.

Your pet ought to get an region of the house as being its space recorded, including bed, crate, or for instance a crate. This really is wherever your dog can proceed to get some time that is down if things become a tiny overwhelming. Establish, enforce off-limit areas of your home, and welcome your dog into areas.

Physical Care

Continue to keep your pet healthy with exercise and preventive care. Establish an exercise regime, even if it really is simply a stroll round the block once a day. Depending on the strain, your pet may require more physical exercise to burn off extra energy and maintain it all fit. Check out our site for fruitful information about Pet Stuff Guru now.

Set a very good relationship with a veterinarian and program a wellness check-up for your furry friend or two. Until your pet displays signs of illness quite usually, possible issues could be recognized and taken care of. Within only two or three visits, then your vet will be able to learn you and your dog and be able to make strategies to any wellbeing, nutrition, or even behavior questions you might have.

Nurturing Your Pet

Puppies thrive about consistency and arrangement. Good teaching is paramount to your pet's wellbeing. Select an exercise plan that works for the way you live along with your pet's demands, then follow along with it.

Sustaining the bond is important for your furry friend and is just really a component of dog maintenance that lots of folks dismiss. Bear in mind that domestic dogs are social animals which need interaction with human beings. Setaside time to you as well as also your dog to bond every day. Having fun toys petting your dog, discussing, or even going for a walk or automobile ride are some ways you can fortify and preserve that particular bond.

Preventing Issues

Any of these weather of dog care can be customized for your preferences and exactly what your dog accepts. Many dog owners, so for example, find that is exactly where their pet spends much of its time and that dog training is essential. Then again, many men and women train their dog to comply with property rules and prefer more of an open dwelling arrangement. The secret to bear in mind is that if something is not working out, there is another you may decide to try that may possibly do the job.

Consult your vet whenever you are in doubt about your dog's basic wants. Beyond wellbeing issues, vets ought to be certain that the creatures they care for live as happily as you can, thus tend to be more than willing to aid with almost any questions you've got.

[azworkingdogs]

Dog Dental Treats and Chews, What You Need to Know About Your Dog’s Oral Health

One of the most important and most preventable diseases that your dog (or pet) will undoubtedly face in his lifetime is dental disease.  The Royal Veterinary College of London (RVC) published a PDF in 2002 that stated periodontal disease is the most common infectious disease of adult dogs.  Did you know that it affect over 87% of dogs that are over the age of three?  That is a lot of dogs, living with a preventable disease!

The truth is that your dog’s oral hygiene and care of his teeth and mouth is just as importance as your oral hygiene and the care of your teeth and mouth!  Not only will good oral hygiene play a major role in freshening breath; it will give your pet healthier teeth and reduce plaque and tartar

Could you imagine what your teeth would look like if you only brushed them once a month, once every 6 weeks, or perhaps never at all?

I often hear pet owners tell me that the groomer brushes their pet’s teeth every 6 weeks or so when they take them in for a haircut or bath.  But, let me tell you that only caring about your dog’s breath or pet’s breath and oral hygiene every 6 weeks is not nearly enough for his teeth, mouth and all over body to remain healthy.

You see, pretty much immediately after your dog eats his dog food or even a treat, bacteria, combines with saliva, food and other substances (that were already in his mouth) to form an adhesive or gooey film; also known as plaque.  This plaque then sits on top of his teeth and gums.  Interestingly dogs have a more alkaline or acidic mouths than his human counterparts, which promotes more plaque formation.  If this plaque is not brushed off or dealt with using dog dental treats or dog dental chews; it forms a hard calcified deposit known as tartar or dental calculus.

Plaque which leads to dental calculus and dental tartar can cause serious infections and gum disease.

Why?

Once plaque begins to form, long term, your dog’s body (or your body if we are talking human periodontal disease) sends white blood cells to defend or attack the foreign matter that it does not recognize.  Due to the bacteria which is located in the sticky plaque causes the white blood cells to release enzymes that in turn also break down even healthy gum tissue.

This bacteria and addition of white blood cells can lead to severe infections that can even affect your dog’s heart, kidneys, and liver.

This break down and infection leads to destroyed tissue both healthy and infected, inflamed gums, and loss of bone.  Infections can spiral out of control quickly and cause swelling around the jaw and even up underneath the eye socket causing severe pain in and around the ocular nerve and around  surrounding tissue.  This often leads to refusal to eat and lethargy.  The swelling can even get to the point that it ruptures and oozes either outside the face and eye or inside the mouth.  The veterinary oral health council can also provide more information for those pet owners who want to stay in the “know”.   The veterinary oral health council has a lot of great information.

At this point, a canine dental cleaning and the extraction of teeth is required to relieve the pain and the promotion of healthy and regular eating habits to reemerge.

  Effective dental cleanings require anesthesia and often dental x-rays.  These will help your veterinarian to locate problems and clean up under the gumline.  Awake canine dental cleaning (dentals without sedation or anesthesia; often offered by non-veterinarians) are unsafe and can be dangerous if your dog swallows, breathes or ingests a lot of paste or water.  Your vet will be happy to speak to you about the risks and advantages for your specific dog.

Did you know that canine dental disease can even lead to a change in behavior and increase the likelihood of bites and aggression?  When we or your furry friend are in pain, it often causes a change in behavior which can lead to a shorter fuse and more signs of aggression.

Common Signs of Dental Disease

Bad breath

Build up of yellow deposits on the teeth by the gums

Red swollen or bleeding gums

Blood in drinking water

Pawing at face

Head shyness or not wanting to be touched on the head or snout

Trouble eating and obvious pain when chewing

Increased salivation (sometimes bloody discharge)

Sneezing or nasal discharge (sometimes bloody) because advanced gum disease can destroy the bone between the nasal and oral cavity.

The good news?

Advanced dental disease is almost completely preventable and avoidable!

There was a veterinary study done on 53 Labrador Retrievers that discovered some very interesting information!  Essentially age, breed, diet and nonregular veterinary canine dental cleanings largely contributed to periodontitis and lasting effects as well as loss of teeth.   It also stated that some areas were difficult to assess by dog owners and recommended regular assessment by a qualified veterinarian (which sometimes might include sedation).

What Can You Do?

Daily tooth brushing for your pet is best! Most people brush twice a day!

Provide a nutritious hard (also known as dry) dog food. Some veterinary diets or dog foods are even formulated to help scrub your pet’s teeth and prevent plaque and decay.

Dog dental treats

Dog dental or oral care chews

Oral rinses

Water additives

Gels

Yearly and sometimes biannual (especially older at risk dogs) dental checkups with your vet

Not only will these things assist your pet with good oral health and the reduction of bacteria, it will help keep his heart, kidneys and liver strong all while providing fresh breath.  This reduction in infection and disease can help your pet’s longevity and help him live a longer and happier life.

Get your puppy or kitten used to a brushing regimen and these products early in life; this will prevent a struggle with a full grown or adult pet and condition him that these habits are happy and a normal part of a healthy life!  Remember dogs learn best and acclimate better when they are puppies.

I, for one, would do just about anything to extend my dog’s quality of life and give him more days, weeks, months or even years to spend with me.  After all, our pets don’t live long enough.

Specially formulated Dental Dog Food

Most of the dentally formulated dog foods or pet foods are sold through prescription or your veterinary office only these tend to be slightly more effective.  If in doubt even a handful of a prescription diet like Science Diet’s TD will help with your pet’s oral health.

    Just a note.  Avoid grain free diets!  Grain free diets have been proven to cause some major heart issues in dogs that the veterinary world has just discovered.  Grain free diets are not recommended and not safe.  Stick with big dog food companies and brands and avoid the promises of small claims.

A few of those are:

Science Diet TD which combats plaque and tartar

Purina Pro Plan DH which combats tartar

Over the counter diets include:

Science Diet Oral Care for dogs which combats both plaque and tartar

Hills Healthy Advance Oral Care for Dogs which combats plaque and tartar

Eukanuba Adult Maintenance Diet which combats tartar

Dog Dental Treats and Chews

Ingredients Matter

Many of these dental treats for dogs include vitamins and minerals that not only help with freshening breath, these nutrients are also crucial to your pets  development.  Many of these vitamins, nutrients and minerals may not be found naturally.

One of the other ingredients in some of the dog dental chews is chlorhexidine.  This ingredient is safe to ingest in small doses and helps to combat the bacteria that can reside in your best friend’s mouth.  This ingredient also helps to freshen breath and keep plaque from adhering and forming tartar.

Enzymes are another ingredient that helps to break down plaque and tartar that are beginning to form. Just like enzyme cleaners help to break down pet urine, enzyme as an ingredient in treats for dogs, chews, water additives, gels, and toothpaste can help break down plaque and tartar.

C.E.T. manufactured by Virbac ® is one of the largest and most effective brands available. These products can be found online or at your veterinary hospital for purchase.

Just chewing something for an extended period of time will be helpful, like bully sticks. Dogs love bully sticks. Chewing helps to reduce tartar but if you want the best bang for your buck, research the ingredients that each product offers.

Different ingredients provide a different level of care for dealing with and reducing tartar and dealing with doggie breath. No one likes doggie breath. And, all good products will provide you with an ingredients list. Ingredients can also be researched online.

Greenies ®

One of the biggest and well known brands of dog dental treats and chews is Greenies which have been around since the early 2000’s, as I recall.  But, controversy has followed Mars Inc. the pet care giant  (and the company that owns Greenies).

In 2006, CNN exposed a story that revealed 13 dogs t had died after ingesting or biting off large pieces of one of the Greenies dental treats, touted to reduce tarter for healthier teeth and freshen breath.  Dogs loved Greenies but these large pieces were not easily digested and some had to be surgically removed from several dogs.

One set of owners, Michale Eastwood and Jenny Reiff brought a 5 million dollar suit claiming that their dog, Burt, died after consuming a Greeny.  The suit was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount.

Interestingly, several months before CNN brought to light the story and the dog owners brought suit; I had decided to quit feeding Greenies to my dog.  He had continually vomited large pieces of undigested matter.

Thankfully, the suit brought about changes to the Greenies brand and Greenies were reconstructed and made more digestible.  Dogs love Greenies still!

Years later Mars Inc. was again sued for touting Greenies as being the #1 veterinary recommended dog dental treats and chews.

Greenies are, however, still available and still very popular among veterinary staff and dog owners.

Dental issues can be avoided, as can bad doggie breath if you encourage chewing, brush your dog’s teeth, and implement some other great ingredients.  You can even extend your dog’s life with good oral health care!

  The post Dog Dental Treats and Chews, What You Need to Know About Your Dog’s Oral Health appeared first on TheDogTrainingSecret.com.

from TheDogTrainingSecret.com https://ift.tt/36NVGvs via IFTTT

[tser]

so I recently acquired a panther chameleon (found it crossing the road) and I was wondering if you knew anything about proper husbandry for chameleons, or if you knew of any resources for this sort of thing? I really want to take good care of him.

Wow, what a wild way to find a cham!

I’ll start out by saying chameleons are not considered easy to care for. They are far more delicate and sensitive than many common pet reptiles.

Also a disclaimer: I have not kept a cham in a long time, though both my wife and I have (separately) had them, and I have never personally kept a panther. Though I have kept up with their care info and available equipment out there, there are better people to ask than me. I’ll tag reptiblr in this so current cham owners can check my info, and I’ll link some resources at the bottom!

The first thing to do is to take the cham to a qualified reptile vet. Making sure the chameleon is healthy now will go a long way toward long term success. Since this cham has been out in the wild, do this as soon as possible. Get a fecal, as well as a generally wellness checkup.

Some things will vary based on the age of your chameleon. This information is for ADULT panther chameleons. Please do research if it’s a baby or a juvie on the differences.

Some basics:

Handling is very stressful to chameleons. Handle only when necessary. I know there a lot of people who handle their chams quite a bit, but it’s not in the cham’s best interest. A chameleon is a display animal.

Enclosure: Well ventilated is very important. Screen cages are necessary. The bare minimum is 24" by 24" by 48" high (2 feet by 2 feet by 4 feet high). You can use a ReptiBreeze X-Large for example. You can build an enclosure using PVC-coated, SS, or aluminum hardware cloth or fiberglass screen over a pvc pipe or other frame as well. (Do not use galvanized hardware cloth.) There is some danger to the nails of large chameleons like panthers in a screen cage, so a hardware cloth cage is a good choice. Adult male panthers get 18 inches long, and up to 20, so an adult male panther chameleon will require a larger homemade enclosure. 

Decor: Lots of branches and vines. There are flexible vines available as reptile decor which work well, as well as magnetic vines, and “trees” which are mounted on a base. You can use bamboo and other branches horizontally. Offer fake leaves and leafy vines as cover so that the chameleon will feel secure. You can also use a potted plant “tree” or use magnetic planters such as from Magnaturals to include live plants, which can help keep your humidity up. However, make sure they are organically grown (I suggest buying from a vivarium specific store), and that the soil they are planted in is also organic! Covering the substrate with large river pebbles or another barrier is a good idea. There are various ways to mount these vines and branches in the screen enclosure, such as plastic coated plant mounting wire, magnets, or zip-ties. Some people also use expanding foam (Great Stuff) to anchor stuff to the sides, but you will have to wait for it to cure up to a week, and you can’t re-position things later with this method.

You will need a digital thermometer, digital hygrometer, and a temp gun. Do not use analogue (dial) thermometers or hygrometers.

Heat: Provided by an overhead basking light in a wide 10″ dome fixture, on top of the enclosure, and be sure to use a thermostat! With sensitive animals like chameleons, an expensive, proportional thermostat such as a HerpStat is a safer choice than a cheap thermostat like a JumpStart, but it will work in the short term. You should also have a timer on the heat source for 10-12 hours. This can be a regular incandescent light bulb or incandescent bulb of the right wattage. This will depend on your ambient temps so it’s hard to say which you’ll need but you can probably go with a 40 or 60 watt. You can move the light further from the basking branch if it is too warm (mounting the fixture above the enclosure instead of setting it on top). The chameleon should have a branch at a slight angle under the heat source, and the temperature should be measured on this basking platform.  Make sure the chameleon can’t get too close to the bulb and burn itself. For an adult panther chameleon, this may be 6-8 inches from the bulb. The distance will depend on the strength of the bulb, the size of your cham, and your ambient temperature. The angle allows them to thermoregulate and choose how warm they want to be. The maximum temperature on the branch for the basking spot should be 85-90 degrees (not for baby/juvie panther chameleons!). The temperature will be cooler towards the bottom of the enclosure, and the ambient temperature should be 80 around the middle and 75 near the bottom. A temperature drop at night is desirable. A drop to 60-65 degrees is good (not below 50f). The enclosure should be entirely dark at night, do not use a night light. 

Light/UVB: The UVB light should be on top of the enclosure near the heat source, over branches allowing the chameleon to self-regulate, and on a timer like the heat bulb. You will need a long fluorescent ReptiSun 5.0 or 10.0, or an Arcadia 6% or 12%, replacing the bulb every 6 months. 

Humidity: Though Panther chameleons need very good ventilation, they also need moderately high humidity. This means you need to mist the enclosure with dechlorinated or distilled water at least twice daily. You should aim for roughly 70-80% humidity. It should dry to There will generally be a humidity gradient through the enclosure, dryer at the top and more humid lower in the enclosure, so the chameleon can self-regulate.

Water: Chameleons are notorious for not drinking from standing water (such as water dishes). Misting may or may not be adequate. Twice or more daily misting is recommended along with a secondary water source in the form of a dripper. There are commercial versions (like the ZooMed Little or Big Dripper or Magnaturals Magnetic Dripper), and many DIY guides online. It should drip onto a wide leaf (real or fake) that the chameleon can drink off of, and should drip for at least a couple hours per day. It may be a good idea to install an automated misting system such as a Mist King. In their wild habitat it rains off and on through the day. Some keepers recommend at least 15 or 20 minutes of misting total per day, or even more!

Food: Chameleons are insectivores who benefit from a wide variety of invertebrates in their diet. Panther chams can eat roaches, crickets, hornworms, silkworms, and locusts, with other insects like fatty waxworms occasionally. Adult panther chameleons eat every other day. Young chams will need to eat every day.

Supplements: Feeders should be dusted with proper supplements. As I’ve mentioned in other posts, chameleons can suffer from hypervitaminosis D. With a 5.0 or 6% UVB light, you should supplement calcium with D3 twice a month; if you are using a higher output UVB (10.0 or 12%) you may want to go down to once a month, but I suggest consulting a chameleon-saavy reptile vet, and checking out articles on the subject! Plain calcium (no D3) should be used at nearly every feeding that you are not using the calcium w/ D3 or multivitamin, and a multivitamin (without D3) two times a month. It is controversial but some evidence suggests at least some species of chameleon can’t convert beta carotene into vitamin A, meaning the supplement should have preformed vitamin A. Zoo Med Reptivite without D3 contains preformed vitamin A.

Feeding Dishes: Insects are typically fed in deep elevated dishes, as chameleons do not go down to the floor of their cage (a cham on the bottom of an enclosure is usually a sick cham), though some will go low enough to zot out of a dish set on the floor. Alternately, they can be fed from tongs. There are some great designs of elevated feeders out there now that make feeding chameleons so much easier, made from PVC or empty plastic bottles, DIY or purchased! I wish we’d had these around in the old days. Some examples are the Blinky Bugbar or Camo Grid Feeders. Here’s a DIY guide using a vinyl fencepost, and here’s a very economical DIY design from a small plastic jug. 

Resources:

Chameleon ForumsCham Heat Sources and Burns

Hopefully others will weigh in as well!

[awilkebranding02-blog]

How Much Are Bearded Dragons Worth?

To buy a bearded dragon is likely to cost you somewhere between $40 to $500 odd, or £20 to £350 depending on where you are. The specially bred color morphs will cost the most. But that is not the most significant cost of owning a bearded dragon.

To own a bearded dragon you will need an appropriate enclosure, lighting, heating, humidifier (depending on your environment) and consumables such as food, supplements and substrates at the very least. If you live in Australia you will also need to consider the cost of a licence to keep a bearded dragon. If you decide on having more than one, well then you will also increase a number of other costs, it's not a two for one deal. If they have come from different locations, then consideration must also be given to quarantine and therefore more than one enclosure and all its equipment.

Like all pets, a budget should also be allowed for vet visits, not just emergency care but biannual check ups.

Generally the costs attributed to housing your bearded dragon are associated with maintaining them in an enclosure that is under shelter whether that be in the home or other structure. However some people will also keep them outside. Keeping your beardie outside will require a different set up to that of indoors and is only appropriate if the climate you live in can safely support the practice. But outside doesn't necessarily equal less associated costs, merely a different set up.

Many a new enthusiastic owner will go to the local shop and buy their starter kit for their bearded dragon only to realise later that it is inadequate. Before buying anything, ensure you have done your homework on their requirements. Some of the best places to talk to are zoos, local animal protection association (they may refer you to the right resource), herpetological societies, local vet and similar authorities in specific reptile needs.

Small enclosures are of course more attractive to pet owners simply due to the reduced initial purchase cost and room it will take up. Generally in starter kits all you will get is a small tank or other enclosure, perhaps along with some lighting and other bits and pieces. But not all enclosures you may be tempted to purchase are adequate.

Ensure you know how big your bearded dragon will get (each species of the Pogona genus are different). The shortest floor dimension of your enclosure should equal your beardies length. So if it will grow to 24" (60 cm) then the enclosures width should be at least 24" (60 cm). The length must obviously be greater and there is certainly a huge range of opinions out there. So rather than get into the size argument (of which I am for the big side), perhaps look at some of the Australian state government departments policies on enclosure sizes. After all, Bearded Dragons are Australian right? The New South Wales government department, Environment and Heritage, is one of the departments that maintains a Code of Practice for the Private Keeping of Reptiles which specifies basic conditions that should be met.

The correct heating is absolutely vital and is a very commonly misunderstood requirement, just ask any reptile vet or even look on the internet to see how bad heating can be when incorrect. Your bearded dragon needs to be maintained at specific temperatures in captivity which must encompass the correct temperature gradient. Even though it may endure greater fluctuation of heat or cold in its natural environment, it is not in its natural environment. Heating is provided through lamps and ceramic heat emitters.

There is no need to purchase heat mats, caves and rocks. In fact, do not buy heated rocks. The thermostats on such equipment are generally not of a great standard and apart from the fact they could (and have been known to) even start a house fire, your beardie can be burnt by them. Invest in a good heating lamp straight up and ensure it is set up correctly including the right height. Reptiles are not like humans or other mammals which will naturally recoil rapidly from excessive heat that could burn.

You will also need UVB lighting. This is not just a start-up cost but also a consumable as the light bulbs need changing. How often UVB lights need changing depends on the manufacturers instructions which need to be followed, probably around every 6 months. This cannot be ignored, it is vital that it receives UVB light.

Timers should be purchased for lighting to ensure that it switches on and off supporting the day/night and even summer/winter cycles.

Other equipment needed include thermometers, hygrometer, a means to transport to the vet where temperature is maintained at correct transportation levels, water bowl that is difficult to knock over and so forth.

Substrates are what you will put on the enclosure floor and are a consumable. You could use anything from newspaper to specific types of sand, many variables and many opinions loose on the internet as to which should be used. But this article is on costs not recommended substrates, so just ask your vet what they recommend. It could save you some big vet bills in treating your bearded dragon for using the wrong substrate.

Food for your bearded dragon may be a whole new world for you. Can you handle a roach? Will you breed crickets (noisy things) or will you be buying live food? Again, research and ask your vet when not sure. Not that roaches and crickets are all they eat, they eat a wide range of insects and as they grow to maturity their need for such foods lessens and vegetation takes over a great deal of the diet so if you are keeping a single bearded dragon it may be simpler to buy live food as needed. private label beard oil

There is also a need for supplements which are readily available although it is wise to be aware that pet supplements are not generally regulated and therefore what you think you have bought and what you have bought may vary. So be aware to buy trusted products. If you are ever unsure, remember your vet is your new best friend.

To summarise you can see that how much your bearded dragon will cost isn't a simple question. Consider the big picture. Although this article doesn't cover the full spectrum of what you need, it is a long way into it. For avid beardie lovers, they are worth it!

[hfgujgu]

Best Dog Food for Shedding in 2021 Reviewed by a Dog Trainer and Owner

📷

Best Dog Food for Shedding in 2021 Reviewed by a Dog Trainer and Owner

Searching for Best Dog Food for Shedding? As a reality, no dog proprietors need their pets to have dry and weak hair. It is surprisingly more terrible when a dog experiences dry skin, patches, or hair sparseness. We as a whole need them to have soft, smooth hide that we can generally run our hands through. what kind of dog food helps with shedding? Sound dogs shedding happens for reasons that incorporate pregnancy, season like spring or fall and because of the kind of breed. In any case, exorbitant balding can be brought about by different factors, for example, hypersensitivities stress, diet irregularity, stress, dry skin, and hormonal lopsidedness. Practically these components can be lightened by taking care of your dog the right food. This is the reason this article is committed to reviewingdog food that helps with shedding that can help in limiting or disposing of shedding.

Best Overall

Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy Food, Chicken and…

Keep an eye on Amazon

Chapter by chapter guide

9 Best Dog Food for Shedding Reviewed

1. Purina Pro Plan Dry Puppy Food – Best Dog Food for Shedding

2. Long for Adult Dry Dog Food – Best Food for Shedding Dog

3. Blue Buffalo – Life Protection Formula for Large Breeds

4. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Adult Dry Dog Food

5. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Dry Dog Food – Best Dog Food for Shedding

6. Nature's Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food – Dog Food for Shedding

7. Slope's Science Diet Dry Dog Food – Dog Food for Less Shedding

9. Entire Earth Farms – Natural Dry Dog Food with No Grains

Dog Food Supplements to Restore Healthy Coating

1. Pet Vitamin Co – Krill Oil Shed-Free Soft Chews for Dogs – Best Shedding Supplement for Dogs

2. Sound Coat – Best Dog Food for Shedding

3. Lambert Kay Linatone Shed Relief Skin

4. Wild Fur Skin and Coat Supplement for Dogs

Test These Products on Your Dog and See Which One Works the Best

9 Best Dog Food for Shedding Reviewed

As a rule, you as a client will ask, what kind of dog food helps with shedding As a mentor, I can just suggest brands, however a ultimate conclusion on what to purchase lies on you. As far as purchasing dog food, here are a portion of the variables that I have come to figure out how to impact a client's choice:

the formula utilized;

client surveys;

the standing of the Best Dog Food for Shedding;

dog food cost.

1. Purina Pro Plan Dry Puppy Food – Best Dog Food for Shedding

Purina Pro Plan Large Breed Puppy Food, Chicken…

Keep an eye on Amazon

It is safe to say that you are searching for dog food that will help with shedding brand that takes part in sufficient examination of formulas utilized? Purina might be the best brand for you. As an item, been in the business for long, it has an enormous number of nutritionists who work with in creating formulas. They likewise help in testing the items formed before discharge into the market. One thing that puts the brand on the map among the dog proprietors is simply the way that it prides in having meat as its most huge fixing. This makes it the best brand for protein-rich dog foods.

One of their imaginative items under the Pro Plan brand is the Purina Dry Puppy Food. Its fundamental fixings incorporate tempting chicken, brewers rice, and barely enough fish oil. This successfully makes the sustenance structure of the pup food to around 28% for protein, 13% for the fat and around 6% for fiber. The protein, principally from the chicken helps in guaranteeing that your doggy becomes solid and dynamic. The fish oil help gives the DHA part key in needed for the advancement of the doggy's cerebrum and vision. These unsaturated fats are additionally fundamental for creating sound skin and wonderful hide. This is the reason this Best Dog Food for Shedding is a normal suggestion among vets for dogs with skin rashes and outrageous tingling. We should not forget about their extraordinary taste. One of my dog preparing customers lets me know her dogs can't quit swaying their tails when eating them.

Up-sides

DHA for solid skin and vision advancement

High calcium content for more grounded bones and joints

High protein levels for more grounded development

Negatives

A few clients disdain the high carb content

2. Long for Adult Dry Dog Food – Best Food for Shedding Dog

Long for Grain Free Adult High Protein Natural Dry…

Keep an eye on Amazon

With Crave Best Dog Food for Shedding, you are ensured of high protein and carbs content, and afterward you are likely contemplating Crave Adult Dry Dog Food. To place it into setting it contains an organization of around 34% in protein, 31% in sugars, and around 18% in fat substance. Therefore, even without a very remarkable audit, I can tell you with conviction that it is an appropriate decision for dogs that participate in undeniable level exercises. This is on the grounds that they make an enormous piece of Max's and Dexter's eating regimens, both of whom we include in significant level preparing and regular hunting trips.

The brand accepts that a dog ought to essentially have the option to copy the eating regimen of a wild wolf that feeds on undeniable degrees of creature protein. This is the reason the organization uses authentic sheep as the primary element for the grown-up food class. The other explanation I love about this brand is that they have figured out how to see one more incredible wellspring of creature protein and DHA for dogs, the sea fish. This specific fixing additionally guarantees that the food is plentiful in nutrients and contains the important minerals for a profoundly dynamic dog.

Further, for those of you that have dogs with sensitivities for poultry and grain items, you can afford to unwind. This brand contains no chicken and grains in the fixings. You can likewise cheer up in the way that this organization has not had any food reviews since its foundation in 2007.

Up-sides

No food reviews since the foundation

High protein and carb content for dynamic grown-up dogs

Appropriate for unfavorably susceptible dogs as it doesn't contain chicken or grain-related items

Truly affordable for such great food

Negatives

The high starch content may not be great for dogs that are not exceptionally dynamic

Appreciating you perusing Best Dog Food for Shedding you need to peruse best dog food for immune system infection

3. Blue Buffalo – Life Protection Formula for Large Breeds

Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Natural…

Beware of Amazon

This Life Protection Formula is delivered by Blue Buffalo, an organization that has devoted itself to giving exceptionally nutritious dog food. The association separates itself by utilizing genuine meat in the creation of all pet foods to guarantee that dogs and felines assimilate most extreme supplements.

This brand contains expressly predominant chicken protein, which is extremely basic in building solid muscles for dogs. The association utilizes chicken fat and flavor to make these delectable chewy.

Blue Buffalo likewise has natural products as significant fixings. For instance, it contains pumpkins, apples, berries, carrots, and spinach. It additionally has yams, pea, and earthy colored rice, garlic, and nutrients like taurine, phosphate, and glucosamine.

With this load of fixings, Blue Buffalo offers different advantages to a dog. The primary one is the improvement of the advancement of solid skin. This ability makes it great dog food that helps with shedding. There is a period Max had flaky skin, and on investigating and discovering that this food would help, I got it. Consistent with the web-based proposals, the brand won't ever disillusion. Within about fourteen days of offering it to him, I could see his hide beginning to turn out to be soft and sparkly.

It additionally empowers pets to foster solid bones, muscles, and joints. These parts then, at that point, permit a huge dog to have the option to move around cheerfully. It additionally works on the resistant arrangement of a dog, along these lines permitting the pet to remain liberated from illnesses.

It is regular, and the association readies the chewy on an extremely low temperature to guarantee that it doesn't lose supplements. The bundle weighs just thirty pounds.

Up-sides

It has normal fixings that are ready on low hotness to keep away from loss of supplements

It reestablishes solid skin to a dog

It has a taste that is recognizable to most dogs. Subsequently, it is delightful

It doesn't contain any counterfeit flavors

Negatives

It is just appropriate for huge variety dogs

4. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Adult Dry Dog Food

Blue Buffalo Wilderness High Protein Grain Free…

Keep an eye on Amazon

The Blue Buffalo is a fame brand among the dog managers since it has practical experience in delivering quality food utilizing just normal fixings. Remembered for their product offering is the Blue Buffalo Wilderness Adult. The sans grain food primary parts incorporate a chicken, chicken feast, and fishmeal. The piece of these components is custom-made to the nutritious and energy prerequisites of a grown-up dog. All things considered, it contains 34% protein, 15% fat, 6% in fiber, and around 10% in dampness.

The presence of various kinds of supper helps in giving the protein needed by a dog for strength and muscle develop. Forming the blue wild ox Best Dog Food for Shedding are LifeSource Bits that consolidates all essential components for the wellbeing of your pet. This load of help in boosting the body's protections of your dog. You can rely on the high fiber content to support the food's processing. Note that despite the fact that they are sans grain, other sound choices, for example, peas and yams give the necessary sugars.

Therefore, your dog's dynamic way of life is very much provided food for. For instance, it forms a piece of Max's eating regimen due to the many hunting trips we make together.

Up-sides

Contains just regular parts

Affordable evaluating

Uses regular carb sources

Negatives

They use pea as a fixing, which a few dogs might have an issue processing

5. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Dry Dog Food – Best Dog Food for Shedding

Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Dry Dog Food

Mind Amazon

Taste of the Wild product offering extraordinarily accentuates on offering dogs what kind of dog food helps with shedding. Ba

[tuneplane40]

Beginning A Resort For Pet Cats

Choosing A Boarding Cattery

Content

What The Latest Lockdown Policies Mean For Resort Remains In Britain.

Join The Icatcare Neighborhood.

Your Dogs Very First Year.

Boarding Kennel Advice As Well As Alternatives.

Mapped: Dog Breeds In The Uk.

Consolidated Catteries As Well As Kennels.

How Much Does It Cost To Kennel A Dog Or Pet Cat In The Uk?

Of course, they will enjoy to see their favourite human when they return. Also if your pet dog or cat is staying with buddies and also you recognize they'll be ruined, it's still tough to say goodbye when you take place trip. Honestly, no one actually recognizes what takes place inside a dog's or cat's head yet if they're left in qualified hands they will certainly deal much better. A dog kennel is an additional alternative for when you're away on holiday, but do see to it that your dog would fit in this type of environment. Although several pet kennels have open area for workout and play time pets will remain on their very own in a crate or kennel, and therefore can be rather lonesome and isolating. If your pet struggles with splitting up anxiousness this could not be the very best alternative for you both.

Some nations still have additional special conditions, as well as demands for various countries change routinely, so prior to you take a trip with your cat consult DEFRA to see exactly how you're impacted. You can discover info on their website or call the PET DOGS Helpline on.

What The Most Recent Lockdown Rules Mean For Hotel Stays In Britain.

Whether you're taking place a weekend break getaway or lengthy vacation, one point is for sure, your pet deserves the most effective treatment while you're away. Guarantee you have satisfaction when they're far from you right here are a few places they can remain. There are times when your family pet can not come on vacation with you - depressing, we know - yet don't worry, here are a few suggestions for you as well as your pet dog, to ensure you both have a satisfied vacation.

Besides, household holidays wouldn't coincide without your family pet! However, there are a few points that you'll need to arrange in advance, specifically if you're leaving the country. Rover We've partnered with the globe's biggest network of pet dog caretakers and pet walkers, Rover.com. all pets and also pet cats are to be approximately day with flea and worm therapy. ' initial sessions' with your animals brand-new carer will certainly assist them settle in for when you get on holiday.

Join The Icatcare Neighborhood.

A close friend may additionally even offer to stay in your house specifically if you live in a preferred area of community or in the nation! If your close friends have cats then the favour can be reciprocated. Their are many different alternatives around such as pet cat boarding in somebody's residence or a cattery, cat resorts, cat caretakers and stay in pet cat caretakers, boarding at a veterinarians or friends houses. I always utilized to leave mine at house with a neighbour can be found in to feed and also water. I don't assume it's harsh to lock him inside and I believe most cats would favor their own residence to a cattery. Pet cats are frequently looked after in their own house so they may not be as concerned as dogs when their proprietor leaves. As long as they have their little comforts and also their regimen does not transform too distractly they will cope fine.

A vacation is an ideal way to kick back, rewind and soothe everyday tensions. Nonetheless, before you triggered on your travels there are a couple of points to set up and also arrange - one being pet care. For more information pertaining to taking a trip with your cat after Brexit, inspect the main assistance. It's perfectly possible to go on holiday with your feline as long as you prepare ahead of time. Taking cats on holiday might mean a little additional organisation; as long as everything is arranged in excellent time, and also you understand your cat can cope with the journey, you need to be fine. A missing proprietor or modification of regimen can be demanding for your pet. Having somebody look after your family pet in your home is normally the best alternative, as it permits you to keep things as familiar as feasible for your animal.

Your Pet Dogs Initial Year.

When you reach your lodging, your feline will certainly value lots of time to work out in. Just leave them in their service provider in a silent location while you unload, after that safeguard the room and allow her out of the provider to explore at her very own area. Go with your cat if you can, moving between rooms up until they've all been explored and also your cat is comfortable. Most of the times your cat won't call for unique medicine prior to going on vacation; but if you're unclear, ask your vet for comfort. All the same, it's an excellent concept to seek advice from your veterinarian concerning your feline's viability for a lengthy journey, as every family pet is different and also there might be things that you haven't thought about.

BBB warns people of online kitten scam - ABC 36 News - WTVQ

BBB warns people of online kitten scam - ABC 36 News.

Posted: Mon, 08 Oct 2018 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Picture just how he would certainly feel being eliminated from this area for 2 weeks. Feline Hotels and boarding in veterinarians produces stress and anxiety since the odor of various other pets or other felines can, no doubt, be overwhelming. On top of this they are maintained in a restricted area potentially having the ability to see various other cats too. The exact same can be stated for individuals who board cats in their very own home. I heard of one girl that boarded a blind pet cat only to have the cat roaming around her residence for days crying because it no longer felt secure as well as no longer recognized where any one of the furnishings was placed. That is something that shouldn't have actually even been considered to begin with.

Boarding Kennel Suggestions And Alternatives.

I'm sure he will be great in your home on his very own for a number of weeks, it seems like he obtains great deals of gos to and also individuals come in to give him a little bit of company. He is really timid, reluctant and also anxious and would DISLIKE to visit a cattery. He doesn't like unfamiliar people either as well as if we take him to stay at my parents he simply hides under my old bed all week. If family members, friends or neighbors can't help you out, a dog boarder is a great choice for pet dog treatment. A dog boarder generally cares for a canine in their own home, making them a part of their family and life for the days they spend with them. This is a wonderful alternative for pet dog owners that are searching for a more home-like feeling to their canine's treatment, as there are no cages or cages utilized.

Other choices, for felines that are used to travelling by automobile as well as that have outbound positive personalities, are to take them with you. Some cats have actually been trained to travel with their owners from kittens as well as enjoy the process. However, the majority of mogs do not travel well and are not used to holidaying with their proprietors therefore this write-up is for them and their owners. When we are away our 2 are shut in constantly, generally the feline flap is open throughout the day. They seem great when the feline sitter comes round and do not seem to be seeking to go out when she is here.

Mapped: Pet Types In The Uk.

Whether cattery corby staying in the nation or travelling, you ought to acquaint on your own with taking a trip with your feline by aircraft or auto. You can generally take your pet cat on vacation, whether you're remaining at house or travelling.

A lot of cattery proprietors additionally run kennels on the same property.

The cattery needs to have ample ventilation and air voids in between units.

We're a little unsure regarding the various organisations which claim that only their members have respectable catteries.

It sets you back cash, as well as some smaller catteries won't take into consideration the expense reasonable.

The typical pet cat, maybe a little disorientated in its brand-new lodgings, won't wish to invest its day listening to what appears to be a barking competition.

If a long boarding kennels northamptonshire article from cattery365.co.uk are out show and tell, you need to ask why.

Royal Canin partners with specialist family pet nutrition service providers who have the ability to assist you choose the correct tailored nourishment for your cat or pet. Because of this, Royal Canin can be discovered in the best stores, including expert animal stores as well as veterinarians. It's this type of assistance for proprietors that Royal Canin has originated, guaranteeing you select the best diet plan for your incredible family pet. If you would certainly such as more information on taking a trip with your pet cat or have any type of various other queries, call our PETCARE SPECIALIST GROUP. 10 days prior to you take a trip, go back to the veterinarian for an animal wellness certificate that includes evidence of your pet cat's vaccination background, microchipping day and also the effective rabies antibody blood test result.

Combined Catteries As Well As Kennels.

cattery yaxley is particularly real if you've obtained a pet cat, rabbit or tiny animal as they wont recognize with travelling and also checking out new locations. As pet cats can be cautious regarding strangers and also the brand-new smells they bring right into the home, it's a great idea to invite an animal sitter round for a meet-and-greet prior to your separation. Allow them have fun with as well as stroke your feline, and also possibly feed puss a prized treat or 2, aiding your cat to create positive associations. If taking a trip with your cat is inevitable, you'll require to make sure that the atmosphere at the destination is ideal and has the best veterinary care as well as offered room. Everybody requires a holiday far from their precious felines yet our cats do not need to go anywhere! Don't underestimate pals who would want to help out. If a pal is neighborhood after that they may well enjoy to pop by day-to-day to invest some time with your cat.

[lovemychinchilla]

How to Tell If Your Chinchilla Is Depressed

While chinchillas are social and communicative, it can be difficult to tell how they feel. Figuring out whether and why your pet chinchilla is depressed is easier said than done.

Is my chinchilla depressed? They can be if their cage mates die, or if they're neglected e.g. fed the wrong food, not given a chew toy, or not kept in a suitable cage. Depression causes abnormal behavior like lethargy, not eating and fur chewing. To help a depressed chinchilla, monitor your pet and improve its care. If it lost a cage mate, consider getting it a new one.

As an owner, learning that your chinchilla is depressed can be a shock. After all, you care for it as best you can. But don't take it personally if your chinchilla is unhappy; instead, check that you're caring for it as best you can. If you want to know how to help my chinchilla when it's depressed, the guide below will help.

Signs of Depression in Chinchillas

There are many signs chinchilla depression causes. Depressed chinchillas will do things that they wouldn't normally do, or stop doing things they should be doing. You will see these if you spend time observing your pet.

1) Abnormal Behavior (Lethargy, Aggression, Not Eating)

Depression changes behavior in chinchillas. A chinchilla which formerly was hyperactive can become uninterested in playing. A chinchilla that spends most of its day foraging can suddenly go off its food. Here are three common behavioral changes you may spot:

Lethargy. Lethargy is an almost complete lack of activity. Your chinchilla stops playing, eating, and interacting with cage mates or with you.

Not eating. The worst side effect of lethargy is that your chinchilla stops eating. This includes both your chinchilla's daily hay and pellets, and any snacks you offer it.

Fur chewing and tail biting. These are signs of stress, which can accompany or cause depression in chinchillas.

These behavioral changes will persist even when they're inconvenient or harmful. So, your chinchilla will hardly eat even if it's hungry and hasn't eaten for days. But be cautious when diagnosing your chinchilla with depression (or with any health issue). Its best to rely on an experienced vet's advice.

Alternatively, your chinchilla may lash out. Whereas before it enjoyed spending time with you, now it avoids you. It may be aggressive towards you or cage mates. This is not strictly speaking a symptom of depression, but of stress. Chinchillas become stressed after changes in routine, which will be the case if its cage mate dies. So, while this isn't related to depression, it's still something you need to be aware of.

2) Observing the Causes of Depression in Chinchillas

Depression isn't the same as being upset, although the two can be linked. Rather, depression is the result of hormonal and neurochemical imbalances. This can be caused by constant stress, chronic lack of enrichment, chronic neglect or mistreatment, or a sudden upsetting event. So, in part, the question becomes "Is my chinchilla depressed or is my chinchilla sad?"

As for what causes depression in chinchillas more specifically, the following reasons are particularly common.

Does Fighting with Cagemates Cause Depression in Chinchillas?

Petty fighting between cage mates is a regular occurrence, and isn't normally serious enough to warrant intervention. This doesn't cause depression.

But if one of the chinchillas is bigger than the other, one will be dominant and one submissive. If the dominant one constantly picks on the smaller one, this can cause depression. That's because the smaller one feels helpless as it can't get away. When this happens, you have to separate the pair, otherwise the bigger chinchilla might kill the smaller one.

Do Chinchillas Grieve If Their Cagemates Die?

Chinchillas don't have consistent responses to the loss of cage mates. How your pet might react depends on its temperament and how close it was to its cage mate.

Some chinchillas will grieve, or at least become unhappy and lethargic after a loss. Others seem slightly down for a day or two before going back to normal. Others still show no reaction at all.

This can be unnerving to the owner, but there is no wrong way for your chinchilla to react to the loss of a cage mate. Contrary to popular belief, chinchillas don't mate for life, and can quickly move on. In a way, this is better because it means your pet won't become depressed!

Do Chinchillas Get Depressed If They're Neglected?

Neglect is a leading cause of depression in chinchillas. Neglect involves leaving your pet without adequate food/water for extended periods of time, or without toys, or without any interaction. Neglect doesn't necessarily involve being cruel to your pet; you can neglect it by accident.

When animals are kept in an unnatural environment that doesn't meet their needs, they become depressed. That's why depression in zoo animals occurs. Neglect causes depression because:

Animals become bored easily when there isn't much to do.

Animals need to express natural behaviors, e.g. grooming each other or foraging for food as part of a group.

Neglect can cause ill health.

Fortunately, while chinchillas are exotic pets, we know what they need to keep them safe and happy. So, you can fix this issue through the guidelines below.

You Might Like...

How to Help a Depressed Chinchilla

The way in which you help your depressed chinchilla depends on why it's depressed. So, if you have a lonely chinchilla, spending more time with it will help. But if it's constantly stressed and doesn't feel safe, it would benefit from less handling and having somewhere to hide.

As such, the first step is to figure out why your chinchilla is unhappy. The issue likely relates to its enclosure, its food, or fighting with another chinchilla. If it's not one of these things, talking to a vet may be the quickest fix. Below are some more ideas that might help in the meantime.

Assess Your Chinchilla's Living Conditions

Even experienced owners can make mistakes. Through time and effort, you can avoid basic ones like putting plastic accessories in a chinchilla's cage. But whether you've been busier with work or school, or something else has come up, you may have missed something that's gone wrong with your pet's care.

So, assessing your chinchilla's cage setup and diet is a good place to start. In brief, check that:

Your chinchilla is getting enough hay, and hay of the right kind

Your chinchilla has everything it needs in its cage, including a hide and substrate e.g. fleece

Your chinchilla has enough chew toys

Your chinchilla is getting enough dust baths

Your chinchilla has a way to exercise: either a chinchilla-appropriate running wheel or a play pen

Your chinchilla is getting enough time outside its cage over the course of the week

Your chinchilla's cage isn't too warm, too cold, or in a place that's too bright

Your chinchilla is getting enough stimulation from handling, time outside its cage, and things happening where it can see them

You likely aren't neglecting your pet. But by ensuring your chinchilla gets all of these things will go a long way to lifting its mood.

If you feel unable to provide for your pet's full list of needs, consider rehoming it or letting a rescue look after it. Chinchillas are exotic pets, so have lots of needs which can be more difficult and expensive to meet than those of other pets, so it's no shame if you can't look after one. Consider your pet's condition and think about the situation as rationally as you can before making a decision.

Try Not to Stress Out

Chinchillas are social animals, and can imperfectly understand your intentions and moods. But if you're like most owners, your chinchilla's depression will affect your mood too. If that's the case, you may be stressed or unhappy around your chinchilla whenever you spend time with it.

This can further aggravate your chinchilla's depression. Spending time with your pet can be a great comfort to it, especially if it's depressed because of the loss of a cage mate. But if you're upset and stressed too, your chinchilla won't get comfort from being with you. So, lifting your mood as much as possible (almost like when you support a loved one through something difficult!) can help.

Be Careful with New Cage Mates (How to Help a Grieving Chinchilla)

Your first instinct may be to help your grieving chinchilla by getting it a new cage mate. Having company would lift your pet's spirits. But this may not be the best idea. That's because introducing two chinchillas can be difficult at the best of times, let alone when your chinchilla is depressed:

Introductions involve fighting. The pair will take time to get used to each other, even if you introduce them perfectly.

The new chinchilla could bully the old one. If it's much bigger, it could take your grieving chinchilla's food or fight with it.

Your grieving chinchilla could be overly aggressive. This would further make introductions difficult.

All that being said, getting your chinchilla new company can make it feel better. As such, consider getting a new chinchilla cage mate for your pet, but be very careful when you introduce them. You must follow proper introduction guidelines to ensure that the process goes smoothly.

The best way is to use the split cage method. This is used for more common pets as well as chinchillas. It involves keeping each pet in a different cage or cage compartment to begin with before putting them together. You have two options: buy a split cage, which has a wire wall running down the middle; or buy two cages that you put close together. Most owners opt for the latter option as two individual cages are more useful than one split cage.

Begin by placing one pet in each cage. The cages should be set up as if they're permanent cages with food, water, chew toys, substrate and platforms. Place the cages a couple of inches apart. The pair may be wary of each other at first, and try to intimidate each other. But they should get used to each other over a week or so. You can have the pair play together outside the cage to hasten the process, separating them if they fight.

You can tell that the pair have bonded when they stop being threatening, and sit as close to each other as possible through the cage bars. You can then put them in the same enclosure.

Monitor Your Pet

Depression in chinchillas can quickly lead to destructive behaviors. Your pet may start chewing the fur of its tail, and can create bald patches and even cuts in minutes.

As such, you'll need to monitor your pet more than usual at this time. If possible, spend more time handling it and playing with it than you usually would. You could also try giving your pet some treats.

This has two effects. First, it cheers your pet up because you're keeping it company. Second, it nips negative behaviors like fur chewing in the bud.

Some owners report that their pets begin displaying negative behaviors as soon as they're left alone. So, you might spend the weekend with your pet, but when you need to go to school or work on Monday morning you could come home to your pet chewing its fur. If possible, have somebody else keep your pet company at this time. If this is impossible, there's little you can do.

Talk to a Vet

If nothing you do will help your pet, talk to a vet. There is no replacement for a vet's advice, so the vet may suggest things that you hadn't thought of. They can also treat any underlying health problems that your pet has, which can cause or exacerbate depression in chinchillas. They can also, if asked, advise you on certain aspects of caring for a chinchilla that you may not already be good at.

Below, you can find our chinchilla quiz, new posts for further reading, and a signup for our Chinchilla Newsletter!

You might like:

#chinchillas #chinchillahealth

[fbwzoo]

I’m sorry if this has already been asked before but I / really / want a hedgehog but haven’t found any reliable care sheets for them that I trust. Thankfully, I follow your blog and your hermit crab care is astounding so I was wondering if you could maybe run down the basics of their care and what I should potentially feed it? :)

Hedgehogs were my first love, so I’m usually pretty happy to talk about them! :) I’ve been a moderator on these forums for a number of years & joined back in 2009, shortly after I got my first hedgehog - http://www.hedgehogcentral.com/forums/ They’re not perfect, but I think there’s a fair amount of good information, especially for new owners.

The stickies (threads at the top of the forum section) have a lot of good basic information. Here are some of the really important ones to check out:

Health: Health FAQ section

Nutrition:Beginner Nutrition Guide

Advanced Nutrition Guide

Safe Treat List

Insect Guide

Fresh Food Guide

Raw/Home Cooked Diets

Enclosure & Toys:Heating Info

Enclosure Examples

Enrichment & Toys

Behavior:Behavior Expectations

Biting

Other:Traveling

HedgehogsofAsgard’s FAQs 

Hedgehog care tag on my blog

Common Misconceptions

Some more basic care info that may not be listed in above links:

Enclosure: Should be a minimum of 8 square feet. Solid floor, and solid walls up 8-10″, at least - they like to try & climb & can injure themselves in falls. Keep heating in mind - if you’re in a cold climate or keep your house cold, a vivarium is a better choice. Best to keep cages as one level, but if you want to use multiple levels, make sure ramps & second levels are enclosed. Hedgehogs have poor depth perception & will often walk right off an edge.

Temperature: Should be 73-80F (23-27C). Best to keep temperature relatively steady - some do okay with fluctuation, but drops over more than a couple degrees can cause a hibernation attempt in sensitive hogs. They can also become more temperature sensitive as they get older. They handle hotter temperatures better than cooler, but every hog is different. Typically best to start around 75-78F & adjust from there as you get to know your hedgie.

Heating: Do NOT use heating mats - space heater, CHE set up, or radiating heat panel (RHP). The third have not been used for hedgehogs much yet, but I hope to get one for Bindi at some point. More info on heating set ups in the link above.

Lighting: Not enough light can also cause hibernation attempts. They should have 12-14 hours during the daytime - don’t depend on daylight, as it gets too short in the winter & storms can make it too dark. Best to have a light for the cage or put a lamp near the cage. Timers help with keeping light schedule regular & eliminating the concern of forgetting to turn it on/off. No light on at night - it can discourage many hedgehogs from normal behavior.

Nutrition/feeding: This is mentioned in the links above, but to stress the point -  hedgehog foods are crap. Cat foods are not ideal, but the best option we currently have. Check out the Beginner Guide for specifics on protein, fat, and ingredients. The Advanced Guide goes a bit more in depth with ingredients, choosing brands, etc.

It’s really preferable to have insects included in their diet - they need more fiber than cats (insect exoskeletons) & the majority of their natural diet is insects/invertebrates. The US hedgehog community doesn’t tend to stress insects enough, really. If a hedgehog won’t eat them, it won’t kill them not to have them. But every effort should be made to include insects in their diet daily. 

Do a lot of research if you want to try out a home-cooked or raw/natural diet. There’s not a lot of specific info known for hedgehogs, but @hedgehogsofasgard has a great post on hedgehog nutrition in her FAQ & we’re working on getting more of a community going for English-speaking hedgehog owners who want to feed raw/natural diets. It’s already fairly common in some other European countries, like Germany, Russia, and I believe some others.

Grooming: Hedgehogs poop on their wheel, so usually need foot baths, sometimes even nightly. Just a half inch or of water to get their feet clean is fine. Full baths shouldn’t be given more than every other week or so - it dries out their skin & most hedgehogs don’t like water & are very distressed by baths. If they get dirty more often, you can use a warm wet cloth to wipe them down. For full baths, use an oatmeal-based body wash (not shampoo) if you need to use a soap of some kind.

Nails should be checked frequently & will need to be trimmed weekly or every other week. It can be difficult, so go slowly & be patient. Work at getting your hedgie used to having feet played with during your nightly bonding time by lightly grabbing, rubbing, and pulling them out to look at them. You can use cuticle scissors, regular human nail trimmers, baby nail trimmers, or pet nail trimmers - whichever is comfiest & easiest for you. Back nails typically grow faster, but front nails typically grow curved & should be watched carefully for curling so they don’t start to injure the paw pad. 

*** Do NOT use nail trim inserts on the wheel! Hedgehogs run on the pad of their foot - these inserts will rub their foot raw & do nothing for their nails. Inserts of any kind should not be used on hedgehog wheels due to the risk of getting tangled on their feet/legs - just wash the wheel daily or as often as needed to clean poop off it.

Bedding: Another area the US differs a lot on. Fleece/fabric liners are popular over here. They’re reusable, easy to change out & clean, look cute, and they don’t have a lot of safety risks. The biggest risk with them is if you have long hair - it clings to the fabric & hedgehogs can get hair wrapped around their legs (or penis, for males) & cut off circulation. But they don’t allow for digging, which is a major natural behavior. People try to accommodate this by giving dig boxes with natural substrate, fleece strips, craft pompom balls, etc., which some hedgehogs will use.

Other options include aspen or kiln-dried pine (risk of mites & getting caught in penile sheaths), paper bedding (minor risk of mites, can be dusty & cause dry skin & sneezing), or a naturalistic/bio-active set up. There’s more info on that last one in Hedgehogsofasgard’s FAQ link and also a FB group.

Vet Care: Be prepared for vet bills. Hedgehogs are notorious for racking up big vet bills. If you’re in the US, look into vet insurance - Nationwide is the only one that currently offers an exotics plan. It’s only about $8/month for a hedgehog, well worth it! Have a vet fund ready, with at least $500 in it. Also check into CareCredit, a credit card specifically for vet/health costs. High interest rate on charges less than $200, but 6+ month payment plans with no interest for amounts $200 & over, so it’s helpful for surgeries or expensive diagnostic tests like biopsies, x-rays, etc.

Have a vet located before you get your hedgehog. Exotic vets are harder to find & often more expensive. Find out how experienced they are - whether they’re just willing to see hedgehogs, but haven’t seen many or any, see hedgehogs a few times a year, or if they’re pretty well experienced. Less experience isn’t necessarily bad, but make sure they’ll be willing to work with you to find the best treatments & care for your hedgehog.

Those are most of the main topics I can think of. If there’s any major ones I missed, let me know and I can expand on it! :)