Days of sunshine, trips to the sea, and having more time to spend with your children: for us that what summer means. However, the situation is a little bit different for your dog. Look at him now and imagine spending this boiling summer wearing a coat of fur as thick as his. Terrible, right? That is why you need to find ways for protecting your dog from overheating. In this blog from Pet Barn, you find some very helpful ideas.

Ways to protect your dog from overheating

Here are some tips and ideas that can go a long way when it comes to protecting your dog from summer’s scorching heat.

1. Get your dog’s hair trimmed

Spending summer in a heavy coat like that of your dog is not bearable, so take a trip to the groomer and give him a trim. However, do not shave your dog’s coat completely because it protects him from sunburns.

2. Keep your dog hydrated

Staying hydrated keeps your dog happy and cool. Therefore, make sure that your dog has access to a least one source of water. On days when it is boiling hot, it is a good idea to add some ice cubes to your dog’s water.

3. Avoid cement

Your dog takes in and releases heat through his paws, so walking him on hot cement will increase his body temperature quickly. Instead, walk him in the grass or dirt when you can.

4. Embrace the Shade

When sunlight gets too much, make sure that there is always a shady area available for your dog to take refuge at.

5. Set better walking hours for your pet

Regardless of the season, your dog needs exercise. Hot weather should not be an excuse to quitting walking. However, try to take your dog for walks in the morning or in the evening when there is less direct sunlight and lower temperature.

6. Play in the pool

Nothing more refreshing than taking a swim and playing with water. So, take your pet to play in the pool and feel cool. You can play fetch by throwing some toys in the pool, but make sure to get him water-safe dog toys to prevent boredom and encourage water play.

7. Watch for warning sings

If your dog is panting heavily, drooling, or vomiting, take some steps to cool your dog down and run to a veterinarian if you think your dog may be experiencing heatstroke. Overheating sometimes happens even if you are very careful, so do not ignore the aforementioned signs.

8. Do not leave your dog in a parked car

As your parked car’s temperature can increase heavily within minutes, you should never leave your dog there. This might give him a heat stroke. Some say that it is ok to leave your dog there if you leave the windows open but just a misconception. Leaving the window open will not save your dog in such a situation.

You Can Make Summer Fun for Your Dog

As you have noticed before, warm, sunny days can be fun for your dog as long as he stays cool and comfortable. All you need to do is to follow the advice given to you this blog.

Actually, summer can be a chance to trying new activities like splashing in a pool or eating puppy popsicles! Do those this summer and create fun memories for you and your dog.

What did you do last summer to protect your dog from overheating? Did you invent any games that help cool him down? Tell us about it the comments below.

You probably know how it feels to have a pet. The feeling is greater than you have ever imagined but taking care of this little furry family member is not easy. In fact, parenting has never been easy. However, you do not need to worry. It seems that you have all it takes to be a responsible pet’s parent. The mere fact that you have reached this blog says a lot. It shows that you have been doing your homework: searching the Internet and educating yourself on the matter. You might consider this blog as a reward because it is going to provide you with easy tips that help make your parenting much easier.

Easy Tips to Help You Be a Responsible Pet’s Parent

You feel like you are overwhelmed. There are a lot to do and learn to make sure that you are doing all your parenting duties and not ignoring any. Well, as it always the case, Pet Barn has got your back. Here are some easy-to-follow tips that can make your life and that is of your pet much easier.

1. Pet Proof Your Home

Whether you just got your pet or have had for quite a while, making sure that he is safe at your home is a must. Always make sure that you have put anything that your pet might harm himself with away from his reach.

2. Care for Your Pet

Probably you have dreamt of those days when you buy your pet’s colorful clothes and take photos of him. Some do and they think that what caring means. Actually, caring for your pet is much more than that. You need to take good care of your pet’s hygiene and regularly take him to the vet to make sure that he is doing well. Of course, you also should get him the right food and ensure he has a balanced diet.

3. Always Keep an ID Tag on Your Pet

What if the worst happened? What if your pet got lost or stolen? Possible huh? Show your pet that you are responsible by being prepared for the worst scenarios. If your pet has an ID tag, you can simply identify him while playing with the neighbors’ kids or running around.

4. Train and Discipline Your Pet Lovingly

Do not feel guilty about disciplining your pet but make sure to do it lovingly. Pets need structure and you are responsible for providing that structure for them. However, you are also responsible for not harming your pet physically by beating him or punishing him for things, that he cannot control.

5. Include Your Pet in Your Future Plan

One you get yourself a pet, you get yourself a family member. You cannot suddenly decide that a family member no longer fits into your life! So, do not give up your pet especially that your pet cannot do anything about it except facing the possibility of death. Think ahead before you decide to become a pet’s parent and see if you are up to it or not.

Parenting a Pet Is Not to Be Taken Lightly

When you take such a decision as brining a pet home, make sure that you are ready for the task. Remember that you going to be the pet’s parent and parenting is a task not to be taken lightly. It needs a lot of patience, love, care and discipline yet it deserves the efforts.

Being a pet’s parent is a privilege and you should be proud of being one and wear it like a badge of honor and give yourself a much-deserved pat on the back because you are trying your best.

Do you have any other tips to add for the pet parents? Share with us! Somebody might need it.

Imagine waking up after having spent the night sleeping on the rough floor!
Think of your body hurting all over after such an experience, and think of the horrible mood you will definitely wake up with. A mood that even the strongest cup of coffee won’t fix.
Difficult, right?

Well, this is the same for your dear, adorable dog. If it’s difficult for you to sleep on the hard cold floor, then it’s the same for your poor pup. Actually, if you think more about it, you will find that it’s even worse for doggies as they don’t have coffee as an option to help them get through the day after a bad night’s sleep!

Because we at Pet Barn care about dogs and know you care as much, we will tell you more about the importance of getting a bed for your dog.

 The 5 Most Important Reasons You Should Get Your Puppy a Bed

Getting a bed for your pet is not a luxury that you can simply skip. It is an essential need that can help both him and you. A bed does not only give your pet a safe space to relax and sleep but it also helps you keep your furniture sound and clean. To get a clearer understanding about the importance of getting your pet a bed, read the 5 most important reasons you should get your puppy a bed.

1. Getting a bed is essential for your dog’s health and structural safety

If you are a dog owner, you know for sure that dogs, no matter what their breed is, face the risk of developing structural health problems like hip dysplasia or arthritis, among other issues. Giving your dog a bed will protect him against these structural ailments.

In case the dog already suffers from such problems, the bed would be beneficial to relieve the pain as it would work as a supportive cushion holding the body and providing comfort and a good night’s sleep.

As your dog spends between 12 to 18 hours sleeping a day, choosing the right dog bed is a crucial decision. Make sure to consider your dog’s age, size, health, breed, and activity level. For example, senior dogs of seven years or more and overweight dogs have weaker joints and are more likely to develop structural diseases, so you may want to consider getting an orthopedic dog bed in this case.

2. Getting a dog bed improves your dog’s sleep which would improve yours as well

It’s a great feeling to have your sweet dog sleeping on your bed during the night. However, sharing the bed with your pup isn’t healthy for neither of you as it may cause sleep disturbances for you both, especially if the dog is of a big size.

You still can share your room with your dog, but it’s better if your sweet friend has a cozy bed to sleep on. In fact, a study published in the 2017 edition of the Mayo Clinic Proceedings argues that having your dog in your room during the night improves your sleep, but having that pup sleep in the bed with you does the opposite.

3. Dogs deserve a space of their own

As humans, we always seek that particular place of our own to relax, rewind when feeling down, or have some quality time alone.

Take a moment to think about it! This is the same for our dogs. They also need a space of their own to rest or nap during the day, somewhere where they could feel cozy, a hideaway to go to for a break from the hustle and bustle of your home, a place to stretch out and hang out when they are feeling stressed.
So make sure to grant your loyal companions the comfort they deserve by clearing off a spot in your home and furnishing it with the right bed, depending on your dog’s needs.

4. The dog bed will increase your furniture’s longevity

Let’s face it! Being a dog owner means having to worry about your furniture all the time as your dog, while trying to get a comfortable place to nap, may unintentionally scratch your favorite couch or leave it dirty and full of hair.

So, getting a dog bed will solve not only your dog’s problem but also yours, as it will help to keep things at home nice and clean.

5. Dog beds are easy to clean

As dogs are adorable, loving creatures, they like to crawl next to their owners on the bed during the night. If you have a dog, there’s no doubt you know the feeling of waking up in the middle of the night to find that your cute friend had missed you and thus climbed the bed next to you, looking for coziness and love. What a great feeling, right! Well, this is the good part. Unfortunately, it comes with a downside.
As you know, dogs don’t clean after themselves! You have to do it! The nightmare starts when you think of the furniture you need to clean regularly to get rid of the dirt, hair, and undesirable pet odors your dog leaves on your furniture.

Cleaning after your dog can be a challenging task, especially for people with a busy schedule.
If your dog doesn’t have its own place, it’s normal that they would look for somewhere comfortable to snooze or feel warm, especially when you are away. This place could be your expensive sofa, lovely carpet, or your bed.

By getting your dog a bed, you will reduce the effort needed to clean your bed and other furniture items and clean the dog bed instead.

The good news is that dog beds are made of easy-to-clean materials. Make sure to follow the cleaning instructions to guarantee it would last long and remain comfortable for a long time.

Because Your Pet Deserves the Best, Get Him a Bed!

Our dogs manage to bring sunshine into our homes, filling them with happiness. They love us generously and unconditionally and constantly forgive us when we are busy or away for a long time. Their welcomes warm our hearts after long days at work and their endless tricks lift our spiritswhen we feel down. They give us their best and therefore, they deserve the same attention and even more from us.

Ensure that your pup is healthy, comfortable, and happy, and get him a dog bed now.

Our pets are as susceptible to diseases as we are, probably even more. Humans can take better care of themselves. They are well aware of what they should eat and what they should not. They know the sources of health-threats from which they should stay away. Unfortunately, the case is not the same with our furry friends. They might accidentally harm themselves. To make things even worse, they are unable to tell us that they are not feeling okay. Because of that, we need to watch them very carefully to make sure that they are not exhibiting any worrying signs. If you are not sure which signs are worrying and which are not, this blog is sure to help you find out. In this blog, you will read about 5 signs never to ignore in your pet and some things you can do to help keep your pet healthy and happy.

5 Signs to Watch Out for

Some signs might be indicators of a serious medical condition. Because Pet Barn cares about your pet, we introduce several signs that you need to carefully attend to when you notice any in your pet.

1. Excessive Thirst

It is normal for your pet to drink extra water if he is on some medications that cause them to be dehydrated. Hot summer weather is another reason for extra consumption of water. However, if you notice that your pet is drinking excessively for no apparent reason, it is time to check with your vet.

Some of the illnesses that can lead to excessive consumption of water are diabetes, Cushing’s disease, cancer, diarrhea, fever, infection, kidney diseases, and liver diseases.

2. Odor Change

You might have heard it somewhere but it is true: a healthy pet does not stink. When you notice that your pet is emanating a bad odor, you need to consult with your pet. Here are several problems that can cause foul smell in your pet:

• A dental problem: The build-up of plaque and tartar on the pet’s teeth causes bad breath. Gingival Hyperplasia, the overgrowth of the gums that can harbor small bits of food, is another problem that can lead to bad breath.
• Ear infections: If your pet have healthy ears, they fight off bacteria. However, if he suffers from certain allergies, he might be prone to ear infections.
• Gas: Gas might be caused by your pet’s intolerance to a certain ingredient in their food. Yet, if the problem persists even after consulting with the vet and changing your pet’s diet, it might be an indication of another underlying medical problem.
• Atopy: Some allergies can cause inflammation of the skin. As a result, certain glands in the skin secrete excessive oil, producing a musty smell.

3. Heavy Panting

When your dog or cat is running around, enjoying some playtime, it is normal for them to pant. However, if the panting is much heavier than usual and persists even while taking a break, it is an indicator of a problem.  Your dog could be having a stroke, a heart failure, Cushing’s disease or some respiratory disorder.  Heavy panting could also be a sign of food poisoning.

4. Behavior Change

You have probably had your pet for a while. You know all about his nature, his likes and dislikes. You know that he prefers certain toys or games to others, and that he has a calm nature or an active social one. If your pet exhibits behaviors that are different from those you are familiar with for an extended period, he is trying to tell you that he is in pain. Behavioral changes can be the result of thyroid dysfunction in dogs, Hyperthyroidism in cats, or some other medical conditions such as pancreatitis, cancer, arthritis, parasites, skin allergy, heart disease or an injury.

5. Excessive Drooling

Naturally, some breeds drool more than others. Nevertheless, if drooling becomes terribly excessive, it can be an indicator of an underlying health condition. It might be an indicator of oral and dental health problems, neurological problems or even consumption of something poisoning.

What to Do to Keep Your Pet Healthy

Though getting sick is normal for both pets and humans, there are certain steps that we need to follow to make sure that our pets remain healthy and happy.

• Proper nutrition is key to a healthy pet. Make sure that your pet is eating a healthy balanced diet and drinking fresh water. Quality foods and treats help your pet stay happy and healthy.
• Exercise is important. Walking, hiking, swimming, and playing are good forms of physical exercise. Some mental exercises such as tricks, hiding treats or building obstacle courses keep your pet engaged.
• Affection is essential. Just like us, pets need love and care. When you cuddle, pet or belly rub your pet, you are building a strong emotional bond with him or her and encouraging positive interaction with other animals and humans as well.

If you follow these tips, it becomes possible to avoid many diseases, so you prevent the occurrence of the aforementioned worrying signs

One Final Note

To emphasize the importance of regular visits to the vet, we left mentioning it until the end.  An annual exam gives your veterinarian a chance to perform a variety of health screens, which help him detect diseases early and spot warning signs of serious illness. Yearly dental appointments are recommended to remove plaque and tartar buildup.

If your pet develops any of the signs discussed in this blog, check with your vet immediately. It will mean a lot for your pet. It might even save his life.

Our pets give us a lot of happiness but the poor ones cannot nag about it when they are experiencing pain or discomfort. It is our responsibility as pet parents to watch them closely and pay attention to any troubling signs.

Being a pet parent brings so much joy into your life. However, this joy comes with a huge responsibility as the general well-being of your loyal friend depends on you. They say you are what you eat. This is not only true for us humans but also for our dogs.

As a dog owner, you must have experienced the overwhelming feeling of joy and excitement that fills your heart while buying dog food, as everything is beautifully packaged, promising a high-quality meal for your dear pup. However, not all that shines is gold. The question is: how would you tell if the ingredients’ quality really matches the marketing?
The answer is simple. You need to read the back of the label on your dog’s food. Ingredients that are highest in quantity are listed first, then come the other ingredients in descending order.

In this blog will list the top 4 ingredients you should look for in your pup’s food to ensure a healthy, happy life.

4 Ingredients for a Healthy Happy Life (H1)

If you make sure that your dog’s diet has the following ingredients, you will visit your vet less and less. Not only so, but also your puppy will enjoy a longer life free of illness, tiredness and diseases.

1- Protein:

A healthy pup needs protein to grow and shine. Protein helps the development of your dog’s muscles and tissue and boosts the immune system, which makes it essential, especially for young dogs in their growing phase. Protein contains essential amino acids that are very necessary for the process of cell production. Without enough protein in her diet, your dog will become less energetic, the immune system will be less capable of fighting off diseases, and the fur will look dull and lifeless.

Protein has different sources. We have listed them below so that you would learn how to choose the right food with the right ingredients to ensure your dog is getting enough amount of protein

• Meat protein: Dogs’ love for meat is not without reason. If you are a dog parent, you must have noticed your pup going crazy for meat. Dogs are programmed to eat meat as it’s the most important source of protein and is superior to other protein sources. This includes muscle meat and organ meat. Meat helps dogs maintain a healthy weight and keeps their joints strong as they grow older.
• Animal by-products: which refers to any part of the animal that contains protein like hair, lips, eyelashes, or hoofs. Although there are some proteins in these leftovers, you should know that they are not the best source of protein as they are difficult for the dog to digest.
• Grain or vegetable protein: grain or vegetable proteins are typically soy- or corn-based. Your dog may get protein from these sources but in very small amounts. To meet their daily requirement, you need to give a lot of this food to your dog, which means that alone, they are not enough to keep your pup healthy and should be combined with other protein sources.

2- Carbohydrates:
Another essential ingredient to look for in your dog’s diet is carbohydrates, as they are great energy and dietary fiber sources and therefore come right after proteins on the list. Sources of carbs in your pup’s diet vary, including corn and wheat, which are available in lower quality foods, while high-quality food contains rice, barley, and oats as carbs sources.
Keep in mind that total carbohydrates should be about 42 percent of the dog’s balanced diet.

3- Healthy fats:
Your dog’s diet must include healthy fats as they play a vital role in encouraging proper cell functions, enhancing digestion, stabilizing the temperature, and improving your dog’s coat. Good fats sources include meat, sunflower oil, fish oil, coconuts oil, flaxseeds oil, and lactose-free dairy products.
Look for foods that are 15- to 20-percent fats to guarantee that your pup consumes enough healthy fats.

4- Vitamins and minerals:
Vitamins and minerals are very important for your dog to thrive.
Vitamins are organic compounds that are necessary to sustain life for both humans and animals. Dogs need vitamins to unlock nutrients from food, and they help the dog’s body use energy. It is crucial to realize that pups need vitamins in different amounts than people do. If ingested in excessive amounts, vitamins can cause toxicity, and if they are administered in less quantity, certain deficiencies can occur, such as weight loss and digestive issues.

Minerals are one essential class of nutrients that must be included in your dog’s healthy, balanced diet. They play a crucial role in the development and function of your pup’s body. Like all other ingredients, specific minerals must be present in a dog’s food in the right amounts to ensure optimal health.

Some of the functions that minerals perform include the formation of bone and cartilage, hormone production, nerve and muscle function, the transportation of oxygen in the bloodstream, and fluid balance regulation. Minerals work together to coordinate various body functions and maintain normal activities on a daily basis.

Wrapping things up

You know your dog would literally eat whatever you provide, but as a caring pet parent, you surely know that it’s your job to offer the best, even if the process of looking for the right type of food involved some trial and error. Checking the first 4 ingredients on the back of the dog food label is your golden rule, so keep it in mind, and don’t forget to take into consideration your dog’s needs according to his age, breed, and size.

Always remember: a healthy dog is a happy dog, and a happy dog means a home full of joy.