Author: AJay

Do Dogs Smile?

Do Dogs Smile?

That’s an interesting question. And one many dog lovers wonder about. 

Eyes filled with joy, excited tail-wagging, and two beautiful pearly eyes that look brighter when you approach them. Suddenly, the weariness from the stressful day at work vanishes, and happiness washes over you. 

And all of this, thanks to the smile of your doggy, your best friend. 

But do dogs actually smile? 

And if they do smile, does their smiling mean the same to them as it means to us, humans? Let’s find out! 

Do Dogs Perceive Emotions?

Before answering whether dogs smile or not, we better understand their emotions. 

A few years ago, the idea that dogs share similar feelings and emotions with humans was something laughed about. 

But, it’s true. Dogs do have feelings. 

MRI technology shows that parts of dogs’ brains are similar to humans, meaning they experience feelings. 

According to scientific research, dogs increase their oxytocin levels when people pet them. Oxytocin produces similar sensations in both humans and dogs, suggesting they experience attachment to and affection from their owners. 

Simply put, dogs feel and experience emotions and show them through their body language. 

So, Do Dogs Smile?

In reality, dogs don’t smile as people do. The secret to understanding how a dog smiles is to pay close attention to the body language that comes with the smile. 

If your dog is baring their teeth aggressively, be careful and stay put. It could look like a smile, but if a smile is accompanied by raised neck or back fur, growling, and a stiff posture, your dog is angry. 

Animal behaviourists see a dog’s smile as an adaptive facial expression. Dogs appear to use smiling as an expression of emotion and as a social skill. When humans see a dog smile, they reward the gesture with petting, treats, or laughs. So, dogs quickly learn that if they continue to smile, there will be a positive reaction from their two-legged friends. 

The Body Language of Dogs

When a dog smiles, it relaxes its facial muscles and posture. When expressing joy or happiness for one another, dogs use their whole body to show it. And, as smiling is “contagious” in the human world, when a dog smiles, the person will likely smile back, reinforcing the body language. 

What’s more, there’s also the canine phenomenon of neoteny that may explain smiling. Neoteny is essentially the preservation of puppy behaviour into a dog’s adulthood. 

Greeting behaviours like licking, smiling, tail wagging, jumping, and even barking are adaptive behaviours in dogs when they’re young. The positive reinforcement they receive from humans during this part of their life means dogs will sustain their puppy behaviours even when they’re adults. 

Who wouldn’t smile in the face of a smiling puppy, right?

Conclusion

It’s official: dogs smile! Especially when they’re excited and happy. They will also wag their tails, perhaps do a happy dance, and relax their eyes when someone they know is approaching. Generally, though, you shouldn’t interpret your dog’s language and feelings based on facial expressions. You should factor in your dog’s whole body language before understanding how they feel. 

If something’s certain, it’s important to respect and honour the connection between humans and dogs. Each dog is complex and different. It’s an individual being with its own emotions, experiences, intelligence, and personality. 

Are you looking for content about dogs, cats, or any other animal? An accredited content writing agency can develop content for any niche, including pets. 

Pet products that feel like they’re from the future

Pet products that feel like they’re from the future

Over the last couple of months, you may have had to find new and exciting ways to keep your furry friends entertained, especially if you have returned back to the office after working from home for two years. This has led to lots of fun and innovative pet products that have been released, from tech tracking collars and microchip feeders to health trackers and video games designed especially for your doggy companions.

Here are a few of our favourite pet products that (almost!) seem like they’re from the future!

GoPro Fetch

Ever wondered what your dog gets up to when they’re exploring off lead or wandering around in the garden? Now you can find out with GoPro’s Fetch Harness Lead.

• The harness can be strapped to the back and chest for different camera angles.
• It’s washable and comfortable for your pets.
• Simply put your dog in the harness, take them for a walk and watch the interesting footage when you’re home.
• It’s waterproof too so great for typical British weather!

Subscription boxes

What’s better than receiving lots of treats, toys and supplies for your dog straight to your door every week?

Subscription boxes for pets from Wild Thought online pet shop have become extremely popular and are expected to grow even bigger in the future.

• They are a hassle-free, convenient way to get treats for your dogs.
• They include items like chews, toys and treats to keep them entertained for hours.
• They’re designed with your pet’s health and happiness in mind.
• All products featured in these particular boxes are natural, healthy and eco-friendly.
• They can often be tweaked to suit your dog’s breed, age, dietary requirements and individual likes. This way, you can make sure that they love what they get every single time!

Interactive smart toys

Just like humans, dogs need to keep their minds active in order to stay healthy. It’s expected that interactive smart toys, like challenging puzzles, will continue to prove popular over the coming years, with online platforms like Amazon and eBay already stocking thousands of products.

• These types of toys provide mental stimulation, self-entertainment, stress relief and encourage slower eating habits. They’re also great for keeping them out of trouble when you are busy or out of the house for short periods of time!
• There are lots of options available, including sensory toys, treat dispensers, vessel toys and many more.
• There are versions out there that can help with behavioural problems like fast eating, aggressive chewing and over-excitement.

We hope that this article gives you some new ideas to help keep your pet entertained both now and in the future. If you need further advice on how to deal with boredom, this article from Woodgreen Animal Charity may help.

Good luck and let us know if you have any more suggestions to try!

The Best Ways to Make Your Home Pet Safe

The Best Ways to Make Your Home Pet Safe

In the US, around 85 million families have some sort of pet, which is two-thirds of the population! Having a furry companion is an excellent way to enrich your life. Plus, you can rescue furry creatures in need too.

Do you feel like you’re ready to add another member to your household? Then you need to make some preparations before you bring Fido home. Otherwise, they can get into trouble!

Keep reading for ways you can make your home pet safe before you introduce your new furry friends.

Store Away Toxic Substances

Pets are like babies; they’ll get into anything and everything! And when they do, they’ll want to taste whatever they find.

It’s vital that you store away all toxic substances, like medications and cleaners. Even if they’re not at ground level, you should lock these items away. You never know if your pet will jump up to where they’re not supposed to be!

Consider installing latches on your cabinets as well. Get trash cans with lids too, so they can’t get into these containers.

Remove Toxic Plants

Houseplants can really brighten up a place, but some aren’t great for pet safety. While looking at munchkin cats for adoption, you should also research all the plants you have.

You should give away those that are toxic to pets. If you can’t bear to part with your plants, at least put them high up where they’re impossible to reach. While you’re at it, place your fragile items out of reach as well.

Have the Right Flooring

If possible, ensure you have hardwood floors or tiles in your home.

In general, fabric flooring (such as carpet and rugs) is bad. Your energetic pets might trip on these things.

Also, they trap hair, bacteria, and biological waste from puppy accidents. This isn’t great for people with pet allergies, so do yourself a favor and breathe easier and clean up faster with non-fabric flooring.

Avoid Light-Colored Upholstery

Light-colored upholstery will stain easily, and when you have pets, your furniture will get ruined!

Keep your furniture looking newer for longer by going for darker colors. If you can’t afford to replace things, then at least get a dark-colored throw to protect your upholstery.

Make Your Yard Pet Friendly

Your pet won’t want to be cooped up all the time, so you need to make your yard fun and safe.

Ensure your fence is at an appropriate height and there are no loose boards. Remove toxic plants or consider installing an enclosure so you can confine your furry friends to a safe area.

Make the terrain safe by leveling it. Then add plenty of enrichment toys!

Ensure Your Home’s Pet Safe

Bringing home new pets is a huge responsibility. So take some time to ensure your home is as pet safe as possible. This will save you a lot of trouble and heartbreak!

Now you have a pet-friendly home, but there’s so much more to do to make your new pets feel comfortable. Read the rest of our blog page for more information!

12 easy enrichment activities for dogs

12 easy enrichment activities for dogs

By now, we all know the importance enrichment activities for dogs have on our pup’s life. They are not only an excellent way of keeping our dogs entertained on a rainy day or when we have things to do, but they also provide an extensive list of health benefits, such as stimulating cognition, improving stress management and helping them manage frustration. 

But we also know that constantly buying new enrichment toys and tools can be quite expensive. So, today we bring you 12 DIY easy enrichment activities you can do with stuff you most definitely will have at home, such as empty toilet paper rolls, old rags and plastic bottles.

Hey, you will also be recycling! So these easy ideas are a total win-win. 

In all of these enrichment activities for dogs, you can use one of Mokai’s delicious supplements. This way, apart from enriching your dog mentally and physically, you’ll be caring for his overall health. 

1. The Newspaper SuperBowl

What you’ll need:

How to make it:

  • Make crunched buns with the newspaper
  • Place all of them on the bowl
  • Throw the small pieces of food all over the newspaper bowl
  • Give it a good mix
  • Let your pup find the food

 2. Cups Challenge

What you’ll need:

How to make it:

  • Put a few pieces of your pup’s favorite treats on all of the cups
  • Place them one on top of the other
  • Now you have a tower of cups with treats hidden inside of them that will keep your dog entertained for a while

3. Box It Up

What you’ll need:

How to make it:

  • Open the boxes and throw the small pieces of food on all of them
  • Close the lids and let your pup do the work

4. Let’s Recycle!

What you’ll need:

How to make it:

  • Place some pieces of food inside of the roll
  • Fold the tips of the rolls inwards 
  • Make some of them so your dog’s entertained for a while and has their brain and snout working for some food 

5. The Rolling Bottle 

What you’ll need:

How to make it:

  • Make some holes the size of the food alongside the bottle
  • Place some food inside the bottle 
  • Put the curtain rod through the bottle, entering through its spout
  • Stick the rod between two walls at the height of your dog
  • Your pup will have to roll the bottle so the pieces of food fall to the floor and they can start enjoying them

The mechanism should look something like this

6. Uncover The Price

What you’ll need:

How to make it:

  • Distribute the recipients all over the floor
  • Put some of the food inside each one of them
  • Now your pup can go on a treasure hunt that will enrich his mind

7. The House Of Rags

What you’ll need:

How to make it:

  • Place the pieces of food on the rags and roll them up
  • Put them all together inside the box
  • Let that snout start working and find the treats

8. Under The Sea

What you’ll need

How to make it:

  • Distribue the pieces of food inside the bowl of water
  • See your pup submerge their snout to find the food

9. Frozen Treat

What you’ll need:

How to make it:

  • Place the water into the tupper 
  • Pour some broth into it
  • Put the kibble and sliced fruits into the tupper
  • Let it freeze
  • When it’s frozen, take it out and give it to your pup so they can lick their way to the treats

10. The Treat Maze

What you’ll need:

How to make it: 

  • Place the objects together around the house, making something that looks like kind of a maze
  • Distribute the food through, above and into the objects
  • Let your dog find their way through this delicious maze

11. DIY Snuffle Mat

What you’ll need:

How to make it:

  • Roll the towel while putting the treats between each fold
  • Let your pup enjoy it

12. The Treat Maple

What you’ll need:

How to make it:

  • Distribute the pieces of food inside the maple
  • Close it and give it to your dog so they can go on their first easter treat hunt 

What are enrichment activities for dogs?

What are enrichment activities for dogs?

Most pet owners can’t dedicate more than two hours a day to giving their pups a walk or taking them to the park. That leaves our dogs with 22 hours to just sit, sleep and wait around the house. Sounds pretty boring, right? Well, it is. And, what is more, it’s not only extremely boring for dogs, but it can also develop behavioral problems. So, what’s the solution to this? Enrichment activities for dogs.

But, what are enrichment activities for dogs? And how can you put them into practice?

Let’s dive right into it.

What are enrichment activities for dogs? And why are they so important?

Enrichment activities for dogs are a series of different exercises that stimulate our dogs mentally, emotionally and physically. They allow them to have a more interesting environment, which leads to a happier life. 

But why are they so important in our dogs’ lives?

Well, in the first place, enrichment activities for dogs offer a wide range of health benefits:

  • Stimulates cognition
  • Improves stress management
  • Enhances ability to manage frustration
  • Helps manage expectations
  • Tires out your dog
  • Allows dogs to get more motivation from their food
  • Improves confidence on themselves 

Apart from improving their health, enrichment activities for dogs are also an essential tool for preventing them from getting bored. 

Imagine only having two hours a day to go outside, and then spending the remaining 22 hours of the day doing nothing but sleeping and laying on the bed, you would feel quite bored, right? Well, it works pretty much the same for dogs. By doing enrichment activities for them, we are providing them with what would be a Netflix show to watch for us, a book to read or a song to listen to.
But what’s the problem with our dogs getting bored? 

Boredom is one of the main causes of emotional and conduct problems in dogs. That’s because if a dog doesn’t receive stimulation, it will tend to find ways to enrich itself, resulting in unwanted behaviors such as continuous barking, excessive chewing, wrecking your couch and going potty inside the house. In addition, this accumulation of energy can lead to stress and emotional issues. 

That’s why enrichment activities for dogs that prevent them from getting bored are so important. 

Types of enrichment activities for dogs

Taking your dog to the park and allowing them to be enriched socially by interacting with other pups is an essential enrichment activity, but it’s definitely not the only one. Let’s take a look at the different types of enrichment activities for dogs there are. 

1. Social enrichment:

As said before, taking your dog to the park and allowing them to interact with others is an essential form of enrichment, and it falls under the social category. 

Letting them have fun with other pups in a safe environment at least once a day is key for them to live a happy and healthy life.

2. Cognitive enrichment:

This type of enrichment makes your pup work on their problem-solving and decision-making skills. By giving them a “job”, you’re encouraging physical and mental stimulation. Cognitive enrichment activities for dogs are great to combat boredom and encourage energy release.

This can be accomplished by playing sports such as fetch, practicing positive training regularly, providing food puzzles and playing hide and seek. 

3. Physical enrichment:

Physical enrichment provides outlets for positive expression of dogs’ natural behaviors. Contrary to popular belief, this type of enrichment activities for dogs aren’t exclusive for the hyperactive ones, all of them should be enriched this way. 

It goes from everything between creating an obstacle course in your backyard to providing safe toys, and rotating them to maintain the enriching effect of the toys.

4. Nutritional Enrichment

Nutritional or feeding enrichment activities for dogs allow them to not only use natural behaviors to earn food, but they also make mealtimes more fun and challenging.

What is more, if your pup is one of those that chokes down their food in no more than 20 seconds, this type of enrichment is key for them.

We mentioned puzzle feeders before and you may have wondered what they are. Well, they are an excellent tool to stimulate our dogs mentally and to make eating more challenging for them, which is one of the pillars of dog enrichment. 

You can also hide their kibbles or multifunctional treats around the house, which makes them work to find their food (instead of receiving it effortlessly), while keeping your dog healthy by implementing dog supplements in their diet that act as delicious treats . 

5. Sensory enrichment

This type of enrichment activities for dogs stimulate their five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste and touch. 

Put it in practice by placing visually stimulating objects outside a dog’s run; including auditory enrichment, such as soothing music; or blowing bubbles with a dog-friendly bubble solution as it serves as an exercise for your dog’s eyesight. 

But, wait! You don’t have to run off to buy all the dog enrichment toys you can find just yet. If you’re on a tight budget, or just want to get your creative juices flowing, here are some amazing and DIY easy enrichment activities for dogs you can do at your own house.

What Does ‘Hypoallergenic Dog’ Mean? A Closer Look For Those With Pet Allergies

What Does ‘Hypoallergenic Dog’ Mean? A Closer Look For Those With Pet Allergies

Did you know that up to twenty percent of the population is allergic to dogs or cats? Yet, as these rates rise, so does the interest and popularity of hypoallergenic pets, especially shedless dogs. 

Are you or one of your family members allergic to dogs? If so, you don’t have to give up on your dream of having a pet since there are plenty of hypoallergenic dogs. 

But what does hypoallergenic dog mean? In this post, we’ll answer that question, so keep reading!

What Does Hypoallergenic Dog Mean?

Often, people with allergies only experience symptoms when exposed to a protein in the saliva and urine of a dog. Then, dogs spread this protein to their coat and skin as they groom themselves. Gradually, dogs’ skin cells turn over, shedding the old ones as new ones are produced. 

Of course, the shed hair gets on the furniture, clothes, and other home areas, causing a reaction in anyone with allergies to dogs. 

All dogs carry the same protein that causes allergies in their saliva and urine. So what does hypoallergenic mean? Basically, some dogs shed less and are more suitable for aspiring dog owners with allergies, making them hypoallergenic. 

Curly-coated dogs are the most popular as hypoallergenic pets. This is because their coats trap hair and dander before it is released into the environment. But, if you want to keep your allergies at bay, you will need to have them groomed regularly. 

Meanwhile, some breeds have no hair, so they don’t shed. However, they still release dead skin cells into the environment, and many people are put off by their hairless appearance.  

Best Hypoallergenic Dogs

There are many hypoallergenic dog breeds, ranging from large to small. So, no matter what type of four-legged companion you desire, you’ll find a suitable breed that’s unlikely to give you allergy symptoms. You can find the right one by reviewing their care needs, temperament, and size.

For example, Poodles are great for active owners looking for a constant companion. They’re content lounging on the sofa by your side or going for a jog in the park. They come in various sizes, including toy, miniature, medium, and standard (large), making them a great breed for small apartments or spacious homes. 

Meanwhile, Bichon Frises are small dogs that don’t need a lot of exercise. They are also a good watchdog, but they aren’t aggressive and get along well with other pets. 

Other examples of hypoallergenic dogs include:

  • Chinese Crested 
  • Portuguese and Spanish Water Dog
  • Basenji
  • Afghan Hound
  • Scottish Terrier
  • Poodle mixes (Goldendoodle, Bernedoodle, etc.) 

With so many breeds to choose from, you won’t feel limited at all!

Can People With Allergies Have Dogs?

What does hypoallergenic dog mean? After reading this post, you have a clear idea!

Although no dog is entirely hypoallergenic, breeds that shed less or have curly hair are often viable options for allergy sufferers. So, these dogs may make great pets for those with allergies, depending on the severity of their symptoms. 

Moreover, you can remove allergy-causing proteins from your dog’s fur with frequent grooming. That, coupled with regular house cleaning and vacuuming, can do wonders and prevent allergy symptoms. 

If you’d like to know more about hypoallergenic pets, check out more of our online content! 

How Often You Actually Need to Walk a Dog

How Often You Actually Need to Walk a Dog

Health experts say that sitting is the new smoking. Over time, this habit can contribute to heart disease, back pain, muscle aches, obesity, and other health issues. Not surprisingly, a sedentary lifestyle has similar effects on pets and animals in general.

As a pet owner, it’s your responsibility to know how often you should walk a dog to keep him healthy. Just like their human companions, dogs need exercise to maintain a normal weight and cope with stress. What’s more, physical activity allows them to socialize with other pets and use their energy in a constructive manner.

Dogs who don’t get enough exercise are more likely to engage in destructive behaviors. In the long run, they may become withdrawn and lose interest in their favorite activities. Their joints may suffer, too.

This brings us the question, how often do you need to walk your dog—and for how long? Let’s find out!

How Often You Should Walk Your Dog?

Your furry companion needs regular exercise, but there are no set rules on how long you should keep him outside. It all comes down to your dog’s age, breed, and overall health, says the American Kennel Association.

Generally, Poodles and other small breeds need less exercise than larger dog breeds. Plus, they shouldn’t spend longer than 10 to 15 minutes outdoors when the weather is cold.

Large dogs, on the other hand, are not as sensitive to harsh weather. Some breeds can spend hours in the cold because their fur protects them against the elements.

As far as walking goes, it’s best to walk a dog three to four times per day for 15 minutes or longer. Again, it depends on his age, size, breed, and health condition.

If you have a small dog, one daily walk will do the trick. However, large dogs and high-energy dog breeds—regardless of their size—need more frequent walks.

Some pets are mostly couch potatoes, while others could spend the whole day outdoors. A Pekingese or French bulldog, for instance, doesn’t need as much walking as a Border Collie or Siberian Husky.

Generally, cattle dogs and sheepdogs require more exercise than other breeds. Some may need at least two or three hours of physical activity per day to function at their peak.

The Right Way to Walk a Dog

Walking a dog requires more than just going outside the house so he can pee and poop. You need to actually walk with him and make sure he gets enough exercise. Think of it as an opportunity for the two of you to bond and spend time together.

For starters, you’ll need adequate equipment, such as a dog collar, harness, and leash. Don’t forget about poop bags! Ideally, buy from joyrideharness.com or other reputable vendors that offer everything you need in one place.

Second, avoid common mistakes, like pulling on the leash or not letting your fur baby sniff and explore. 

Walk in front of your pet, but let him explore his surroundings. Consider going on a short run with him or bring some toys and play together.

Last but not least, reward him for being a good boy.

Make Your Daily Walks More Fun and Stimulating

Walking your dog shouldn’t be a chore. On the contrary, it’s a great opportunity to spend quality time together and learn more about his needs. Plus, you’ll get the chance the squeeze more exercise into your schedule and de-stress.

Now that you know how often you should walk a dog, seek ways to make it fun! See the rest of our blog for inspiration, expert insights, and helpful tips. Also Read – How often should you bathe your dog.

6 Tail-Wagging Signs of a Happy Dog

6 Tail-Wagging Signs of a Happy Dog

Are you aware that 7 out of 10 households in America own at least one pet?

Dogs have always been many people’s first choice when it comes to pets because they’re so cuddly, playful, and adorable. While dogs can give you a lot of joy, you also owe it to them to make their lives are fulfilling as possible.

Have you ever wondered, “Is my dog happy?” Keep reading this article so you can learn the top 6 signs of a happy dog.

1. Relaxed Ears

If you’re asking yourself, “Is my dog anxious?” then the key is to look at their ears. Happy dogs will have relaxed and floppy ears. If they’re worried, then their ears will perk up to detect danger.

2. A Wagging Tail

Another cue that you have a happy dog is that they wag their tail often. Wagging is a way that dogs get their excitement out and encourage their owners to keep giving them attention. The only time that tail wagging may be a bad sign is when their wag is slow and low to the ground.

3. An Exposed Belly

Your dog’s belly is one of their most vulnerable parts, so you know that they trust you when they lie down and expose it to you. Rubbing your dog’s belly is a special way you can bond and make your pup feel good. Dogs who feel like they need to be on guard will stand tall.

4. A Healthy Appetite

Lots of dog owners wonder, “Is my dog in pain?” Food is crucial for dog quality of life, so you can tell that something is wrong when they avoid eating. If your dog that normally loves to beg for extra treats starts skipping meals, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with their vet right away.

5. A Gentle Gaze

Nobody can resist the allure of big puppy eyes. You can rest assured when your dog looks around with a gentle gaze since they’re relaxed. You may also notice that your dog squints a little when they pant softly, which is another sign that they’re loving life.

6. Restful Sleep

One of the lesser-known signs of a stressed dog is that they’re unable to get restful sleep. They may kick around while they sleep or get up to spin or find a whole new spot to rest. Dogs that are content will be able to curl up anywhere and have a peaceful snooze.

These Are the Top Signs of a Happy Dog

Learning about the most common signs of a happy dog can help you stay in tune with your pet. Now that you know how to tell when your dog is content, you can do everything you can to ensure that they get the most out of each day.

Taking care of pets may be rewarding, but it can also be hard work. If you’d like to stay on top of the latest pet news, our website is here to guide you. Read more of our articles.

5 Signs Your Pet Should See a Vet

5 Signs Your Pet Should See a Vet

No pet parent wants their furry friend to be in pain or feel uncomfortable for longer than necessary. However, it can be difficult to tell what’s normal pet behavior and what means a pet needs to go to the vet — after all, pets can’t tell their owners when they need to visit a vet. You should be looking out for a few common signs that may require a veterinary appointment. Here are five signs you should make an appointment with a vet.

1. Difficulty Breathing or Rapid Breathing

In general, labored or rapid breathing is a sign that there may be a problem with your pet’s health. Of course, if you’ve just been outside or your pet has just played around, that’s completely normal and nothing to be concerned about. However, if you notice that your pet regularly seems to be wheezing or breathing rapidly, it’s a good idea to book a veterinary appointment to make sure everything is okay.

2. Problems Eating or Drinking

One of the first signs many pet parents notice is a change in eating or drinking habits. This may be a refusal to eat or drink, or it may be eating or drinking significantly more than normal. Either way, if your pet has started eating or drinking differently than normal, it’s a good idea to check in with a veterinarian to make sure that change isn’t related to illness.

3. Changes in Normal Behavior & Movement

When pets are in pain, they’ll often move in different ways to avoid triggering the pain. For example, they may stop going up the stairs, avoid jumping up on the bed or couch. They may try to find ways to get down from the furniture without landing too harshly. If you notice that your pet is suddenly being “more careful” than normal with their movements, it might be because of pain issues.  Booking an appointment with a veterinarian can help figure things out.

4. Red, Cloudy or Weeping Eyes

Changes in the way a pet’s eyes look may indicate an infection, issues with vision, or something else entirely. The difference in how a pet’s eyes look from healthy to not can be very different from how a human’s eyes look. However, if you spend time with your pet, you can likely tell the difference between normal eyes and eyes that may indicate health concerns. Pet telehealth is a great option to ask a veterinarian quickly about your pet’s eye condition and to get advice on how to resolve it.

5. Unexplained Aggression or Behavioral Changes

Stress or aggression from other animals may trigger completely understandable behavioral changes. However, behavioral changes can also come from less obvious sources like illness. Think about it: When you’re in pain or unwell, you’re probably a bit grumpy, right? It makes sense that you would see a similar type of behavioral change in an animal that’s experiencing pain.

Understanding Your Pet’s Behaviors Better

All five of these behaviors are signs that you should book an appointment with a veterinarian to make sure everything is okay. Telehealth solutions like Vetster with a free mobile app, make it easy to book a licensed veterinarian and get advice on your pet’s health issues from the comfort of your own home.

When the Wag Isn’t a Friendly Welcome: How to Sell a House with Pets

When the Wag Isn’t a Friendly Welcome: How to Sell a House with Pets

Many homeowners make a house a home, not just for themselves but for their furry friends as well. Millions of households all across the nation have dogs, cats, fish, and other animals — and for good reason. Pets bring personality and endless joy to households across the country, and many consider their furry friends important additions to the family. 

About 60% of those currently selling in the housing market are pet owners, nearly 50% of them being dog owners. However, as much joy and companionship as pets bring us, selling your home with pets can be a difficult process. Traces of animals in your property — like damage caused by your dogs or pet hair lining the carpets — can turn away interested buyers.

Removing the animal from the property for an extended period of time certainly isn’t a solution for everyone, and most families don’t want to be separated by their pets anyway. The good news? It’s entirely possible however to sell your home even whilst taking care of an energetic pup. Keep reading for some expert advice from real estate agents and pet experts! 

Remove all signs of pets from your property

In addition to decluttering and cleaning before you hold an open house, be sure to hide or remove evidence of your pets, as well as personal pictures and items. This allows interested buyers to imagine your home as their future home. 

When posting photos of your home, be sure that there aren’t pet belongings or half-chewed bones in the background. Before showings, get rid of litter boxes, leashes, toys, crates, food and water bowls.

Changing environments and routine can be stressful for your animals. Every pet reacts differently to moving, but if your animal seems anxious or stressed, consider speaking to your vet about how to help your pet through the transition. 

Can’t arrange accommodations for your pet before your showing?

Sometimes we don’t have enough time to find accommodations or plans fall through. If you have no option other than to have your pet home during an open house, make sure they are in a crate or kennel with a note asking viewers to leave the pet alone. 

Any top-notch real estate agent will be accustomed to dealing with household animals, but be sure to leave treats or toys for your agents to use. Don’t ever hide your pet, as viewers will peer behind doors and closets when they visit. 

When it doubt, always remember to deep clean and freshen up your property

Depending on your pet, some animals can give off odors that homeowners become accustomed to. It’s important that when all pet things are removed to deodorize your space to eliminate unpleasant odors.

Avoid using perfumed or scented products, and consider an enzyme cleaner or a pet-specific deodorant spray to neutralize smells. Steam clean your furniture and wash everything, from pillow covers to comforters. Replace the filters in your HVAC system and consider using air purifiers. 

If you still aren’t sure about how your house smells after a deep clean, invite a friend over for an honest opinion before a showing.

Repair pet damage

Potential buyers look closely at homes when viewing, and scratches and stains can give the impression that the home isn’t well taken care of. Before a showing, look at your home from top to bottom to identify problem areas. You can attempt to hide the problem during the showing by getting clever with decorations, but the smartest method is to simply fix the problem from the get-go. Hiding damage to your property isn’t recommended, and sellers could face legal issues down the line by misleading buyers. If you have a broken slab or extra bricks laying around in your garden from a renovation, then you need to sort out this concrete waste to stop them from taking one look and turning on their heel. No matter the damage, whether it is a tear from a pet or a crack from a mistimed drop, sort it out asap. 

Scratches on door frames can be fixed with putty and paint. Walnut oil can dull claw marks on wood floors and wooden furniture. Get rid of any pet waste in your yards and consider replacing torn window screens or damaged fencing before scheduling an open house. If your dog is a digger, try filling in the holes in your yard and regrowing the grass. 

When in doubt, remember your real estate agent is your ally during these times and should offer you the best advice in order to sell favo

rably in today’s market, so contact them with any pressing questions!

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