Owning a pet and being a pet parent requires more than just play time or feeding. Being a pet owner is similar to having a baby which is why it comes with huge responsibility.

If you ever think of getting a pet, you should be prepared to spend a good amount of money on pet supplies, vaccinations, and food. Most importantly, you should be ready to invest your energy and money into turning your home into a safe environment.

Your house and the simple details in it play a major role in ensuring your comfort and that of your little one.

In this blog, Pet Barn is going to provide you with multiple ways you could make your house pet friendly. Here are some of them:

1- Say no to Light Colors

Whether it is your sofa, your carpet, or your kitchen cabinets, try to refrain from choosing light colors to furnish your home. You never know how things might spill or how your pet might accidentally turn them dirty. Maintaining them in their brand new condition might be extra hard when having a pet around!

2- Replace Fabric with Leather

Fabric is really hard to clean when they get stained especially because it absorbs anything that spills and it gives out really bad odor.

We are sure that you do not always have the time to wipe this fabric clean, this is why your safe option is choosing a leather sofa. It is really easy to wipe clean and leather does not absorbent.

3- Think Twice about your Flooring

The ideal choice when it comes to flooring is to choose wooden tiles such as oak, maple, cherry, elm, sycamore and mahogany.

There are many reason why pet owners recommend that but the most common reasons they suggest are:

– Tiles do not function as a place where hair and bacteria can hide. They are easy to clean and they are more hygienic for both you and your pet
– Usually, having carpets at home with a pet are linked to higher risks of allergies
– Tiles are scratch resistant
– Pet’s paws or nails do not get stuck into them

If you are a carpet freak and you prefer having a carpet, make sure you choose a dark colored carpet with flat surfaces so that it would be easy to clean. Make sure you clean them on regular basis because as mentioned earlier, bacteria and dirt stick more often to carpets.

4- Keep Valuable Items out of Reach

It would be a bad idea to put fragile and delicate pieces of furniture in a place where your pet can touch it.

If you have a vase, your dog or cat are most likely to break it because they are curious and they would do anything to get it. This is why you should place it somewhere your pet cannot reach.

5- Stay Away from Household Toxins

Make sure you keep chemicals such as medication, detergents, soap, etc. in a safe space because ingesting them could be fatal to your pet.

In addition to that, plants could be dangerous for your pet. This is why you need to make sure that whatever you place at home is pet friendly and not harmful.

For example, some plants such as the Mistletoe, Philodendron and Poinsettia are poisonous to your dog. If your dog ever ingests them, you should instantly take them to the vet.

6- Make Sure You Hide Cables

It is most likely that your pet would chew on any cable they come across to at home. This is why we suggest that you run to the nearest hardware store in your neighborhood.

When you get there, shop for a cable protector that would hide all your electrical cables. This valuable and useful piece would also be chew-proof which makes it safe for your pet.

7- Consider your Trash Bin

Say goodbye to short lidless baskets as trashcans and replace them with tall covered trash bins. Otherwise, you will suffer from your pet randomly jumping into the bin and taking out food leftovers or used tissue paper.

This is a very good detail to think about especially that picking things out of the trash might be risky for your pet because there often would be a risk of infection.

8- Create a Safe Space for your Pet

No matter how much your pet likes laying randomly on the floor next to you, they definitely still appreciate having their own private space.

Make sure you get creative and invest in buying comfortable beds for your pet and placing them in a specialized space for them at home. This way they would feel special and they would resort to this space whenever they want to take some time off and feel secure.

Owning a pet is not as simple as you think. You have tons of details you should worry about such as your choice of furniture, your way of décor, and much more.

We would love to hear how you have turned your home to a pet friendly space. Share with us some ideas in the comments section below.

Whoever is owns a dog knows that having a dog to take care of is like having a baby. Just like us human beings, dogs require vitamins and supplements for healthy and stabilized growth.

You might wonder, how do dogs get their vitamins?

Well, dogs get the vitamins they need from commercial food, but they also get them from supplements that you can find in markets, pharmacies, and pet shops.

It might be very confusing to shop for supplements because you would be wondering which type suits my little one. We already know this struggle and we are here to help you!

In this blog, you will have the chance to find the most important vitamins that your dog needs for a healthy living. Based on our experience with dogs, we have included a list of the most important vitamins in this blog.

Here is the list of the crucial vitamins for your little one’s balanced nutrition and well-being:

1- Vitamin A
Vitamin A is important to maintain your dog’s overall health and that includes: skin, coat, muscles, and nerves. If you ever come across a dog that has rough skin or dull hair, it could probably be a sign of Vitamin A deficiency.

The way that this vitamin works is that it gets stored in the liver’s fat cells and then uses it whenever the dog’s body needs it. It is a very important nutrient for growth, muscle improvement, and skin maintenance. A risk from this vitamin deficiency for dogs could be night blindness. This is why it is crucial for dogs for this vitamin to be a part of their diet.

2- Vitamin B
Vitamin B could also be known as Vitamin B complex and it is very necessary for your dog’s health.
It could be helpful to the wellbeing of your dog in many ways. Here are some of them:
• B12, Niacin, and Riboflavin support the proper functioning of enzymes. They are very important in protein synthesis and they are responsible for the creation of red blood cells in your dog’s body.
• Thiamine has an effect on your dog’s central nervous activities as it has a vital role in increasing their carbohydrate & energy metabolism.
• Pantothenic Acid also plays a role in energy metabolism.
• Folic Acid has an important role when it comes to amino acids metabolism and to protein synthesis.
• Last but not least, Vitamin B6 is most important vitamin since it has a positive effect on immunity, hormone regulation, and production of red blood cells.

3- Vitamin C
This is very important since it has antioxidant properties and improves cognitive development. It also has an effect on cancerous cells since it improves dogs’ immunity. It behaves like an anti-inflammatory agent and it reduces the risk of disease.
This vitamin is also needed for muscle growth in significant quantities.

4- Vitamin D
This is a fat-soluble vitamin and it is also known as the “sunshine vitamin”.
That is due to the fact that the body becomes able to synthesize this vitamin when it is exposed to sunlight. This vitamin has many benefits such as:
– Development of bones and muscles
– Improvement of the nervous system
– Regulates levels of calcium and phosphorus
– Reduces the risk of cancer, congestive heart collapse, and bone diseases like rickets, osteomalacia, etc.
– Promotes healthy skin and coat
However, an excessive amount of this vitamin may lead to serious health problems that could be deadly and it might lead to intoxication. Make sure you provide your little one with the correct doses to avoid any problems.

5- Vitamin E
Vitamin E is another fat-soluble compound which has anti-oxidative properties. It is very important for proper cell function and metabolism.
It supports the cardiovascular system of your dog by improving blood circulation through the blood vessels and the heart. It promotes the skins’ elasticity and coat as well. Basically, it is very important for productivity, delaying cognitive age, and fighting many diseases.

6- Vitamin K
Another fat-soluble vitamin which has the ability to help your dog’s body to clot. It acts to reverse the process of coagulation which is mostly caused by the ingestion of rat or mouse poison in your dog’s digestive system. This is definitely a health problem that must be treated as soon as possible.
Vitamin K deficiency might lead to infiltrative intestine illness, intrahepatic cholestasis, biliary obstruction, etc.

7- Choline
Choline is mostly found in several forms of food and it is also known as phosphatidylcholine (PC). Its min benefits have to deal with liver regulation and proper brain functioning. It is also part of the epilepsy therapy for dogs and cats.

Most importantly, Choline is a vitamin that reduces the risk of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) which is the Alzheimer Disease for dogs and cats.

In general, dogs require the following 7 vitamins for a healthy life: Vitamin A, Vitamin B, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, and Choline.

Make sure you take care of your dog’s health, and always seek help from a professional.

How did you find this blog? Please tell us in the comment section below.

If you are looking for dog vitamins and supplements, please click here to shop.

Some people might ask you whether you are a cat person. Well, this might be an easy question to many of us and we might be comfortable choosing one.

However, it is completely okay to be a cat and dog person at the same time. They are both loveable and delightful!

The problem comes when you decide to bring them both into your home. Have you ever thought what it is like to own both a dog and a cat at the same time?

Cats and Dogs have Different Personalities

Expect to be dealing with two types of animals that have distinct personalities.

For example, dogs will be a great companion for outdoor walks and hikes while cats prefer to stick around the house and just sleep in.

Also, dogs have the ability to take orders from their owners, especially if they are properly. However, this is not the same with cats. Cats find it harder to understand that they should abide by their owners’ terms.

They just roam around the house and seek attention and affection when they feel like it. Cats almost never act submissive to their owners, unlike dogs who seek their owners’ love and approval.

Cats and Dogs have Different Needs

If you have both pets at the same time, you are going to notice that your dog will require more effort from your side. They will be dependent on you for their dog food, water, and grooming.

Dogs will also require you to walk them around and take them for exercise more than cats.

Cats, on the other hand, are considered resourceful fuzzy little creatures as they are able to self-clean and feed themselves better than dogs.

Cats could be left alone for a longer time than dogs and you would not worry about them as much since they are less in need for maintenance than dogs.

Cats and Dogs Prefer Different Ways of Playing

This is a very important factor to consider because it is going to affect the harmony and level of tension in your household.

In general, cats prefer games where they stalk things and pounce them. On the other hand, dogs prefer to play fetch and chase things to catch them.

These two game preferences might be a cause of tension or misunderstanding. For example, a dog chasing a cat might think that they are playing, but the cat might actually be scared to death.

Maybe you are throwing a dog toy for your dog but you cat is simply not amused, which might drive the cat to feel ignored or not cared for.

Cats and Dogs Are Enemies by Nature

Remember episodes of Tom & Jerry where Tom the cat was always in a feud with the dog?

This applies to real life where newly introduced dogs and cats might be aggressive towards each other.

You should expect this kind of tension inside the household if you have both a cat and a dog at the same time, especially if they are not socialized and if they haven’t gotten used to each other yet.

We are not saying that owning a cat and a dog is impossible, but we are highlighting some of the challenges that might arise upon owning them at the same time.

We understand that some of our readers might own both pets now and they face no trouble, but we believe that reaching this stage requires a lot of time and commitment from us as owners.

Here is a list of tips that would help you as owners deal with having both pets at the same time:

• Provide proper guidance for both pets and make sure to be consistent about ground house rules.
• Make sure you are financially stable before getting both pets because they require many supplies such as dog and cat food, vitamins, shots, and much more!
• When you are introducing them for the first time, make sure you hold them well to avoid any kind of attack.
• Be patient because the process with take some time.
• Feed your pets in separate areas because they might be defensive if they feel that the other pet might share their food with them.
• Give them private and separate personal spaces to relax and rest.
• Make sure to get them their own bathroom areas.
• Give both pets individual quality time to bond with you.

We hope you enjoyed reading this blog!

Are you a cat & dog owner? Did you relate to this blog?

Share with us your thoughts in the comments section below, and share with us more tips or information that may be helpful.

Should Pregnant Women Avoid Cats?

Many people hear from those around them that “pregnant women should not be around cats” at least once throughout their lifetime.

But, is this true?

Actually, this is a very debatable topic and the answer to that is yes and no.

Despite the fact that cats do pose danger on pregnant women, there is no reason for pregnant women to get rid of their house cats. Safety measures can be taken that could eliminate any risk of infection or threat.

Why might cats be risky?

Toxoplasmosis is an infection that gets transmitted to humans and animals through a parasite. In most cases, this infection goes unnoticed or causes mild symptoms. However, cats are capable of transmitting the infection orally through their feces.

Cats might carry this infection after eating raw or uncooked meat that carry this parasite, but this infection is not dangerous for the cat. However, the parasites that cats transmit when they are infected cause a huge threat to some who is expecting.

When a pregnant woman cleans the litter box of an infected cat, she is putting herself and her fetus at risk. The complications that result from this infection might affect the fetus at different stages and maybe even later in life.

According to American Pregnancy, when a woman gets infected during the weeks 10-24 of her pregnancy, the fetus is at five to six percent risk of getting serious problems and complications.

This parasite has resulted in a number of cases where the fetus had eye problems or brain damage. In addition to that, toxoplasmosis was linked to blindness and intellectual disability.

In general, some of the most effects might be premature birth, low birth weight, fever, jaundice, retinal abnormalities, and mental retardation.

Why is this topic debatable?

Housecats are at lower risk of being infected with this parasite since they follow a specific commercial diet that is almost always free of infection. Most cats who carry this parasite are cats who live outdoors and feed on preys to survive. These cats are at a higher risk of being infected since they do not follow a specific diet.

Since this parasite is transmitted through undercooked infected meat, it is most likely for a pregnant woman to get the infection from her diet rather than from her cat.

The simple act of holding meat and not washing hands afterwards can contribute in a pregnant woman’s infection

Also, what is interesting is that if a woman is introduced to this parasite before, she will not transmit it to her fetus since she develops a certain kind of immunity. This is why some blood tests that women undergo at the beginning of their pregnancy detect whether or not the body was exposed to this parasite before.

What should you do if you are pregnant?

There is absolutely no need to pack your little one’s bag once you start expecting. All you have to do is follow a list of necessary precautions to minimize the risk of having such a parasite around you at home.

BabyCenter and Dubey have suggested precautions to be followed. Here are some of them:

• The parasite in the litter box does not become infectious until one to five days. This is why it is better and safer to clean out your cat’s litter box on a daily basis.
• Try to find someone who is not pregnancy clean out the cat’s litter box
• Wash the litter box with water more often
• If you have no other choice but to clean the litter box yourself, make sure to use disposable gloves. After you are done, wash your hands very well. Also, it is recommended to wear a mask from some parts might by airborne and they might cause a risk of infection.
• Make sure your cat eats packaged food and well-cooked meat. Be careful not to let your cat feed on preys or raw meat.
• Keep your cat indoors to avoid any contact with mice or other rodents.
• Keep your cat away from surfaces you use for dining.
• Always wash your hands after petting your cat and before eating.
• Do not place your hand in your mouth unless you are sure it is perfectly clean.
• Make sure about the quality of meat you eat and make sure it is not undercooked.
• Do not play with outdoor and stray cats.

In conclusion, you do not have to get rid of your favorite furry friend if you are expecting. Just be careful and follow some recommended precautions in order to lower any risk of danger on your fetus.

Tell us if you found this blog informative. We would love to hear some feedback in the comments section below!

Dogs, the domestic mammals that we know today, come from the gray wolf. Being a subspecies of the gray wolf, the dog is also considered related to foxes and jackals.

The dog has evolved from the gray wolf into four distinct and unique breeds that exist up until this day today. Their evolution was also greatly dependent on humans as they were the ones who used genetic engineering to breed dogs based on their needs and desires.

If we look back to history, it is evident that dogs have fulfilled several societal roles alongside the human. What is very interesting is that the perception of dogs in different parts of the world varies.

For example, in the western countries, the relationship between dogs and humans is of great importance. This is due to the characteristics that dogs have portrayed throughout the history such as friendliness and loyalty.

Unfortunately, some countries fail to perceive dogs like that and give them little to no value. In fact, some countries solely use dogs as guards or for food. It is more common for western countries to domesticate dogs while protecting them and giving them affection.

Here are some of the most interesting roles that dogs have played throughout history:

• God-like Creatures

In Ancient Egypt, dogs were believed to have god-like characteristics which made them superior to other animals. People who owned dogs and domesticated them were thought to be of a higher class in their community.

In fact, dogs were pampered and spoiled by their owners. If you ever take a look at Ancient Egyptian pictures, you cannot disregard the dog with jewelry and gold. They even had the fanciest food at their service.

Dogs were not only a best friend, but also a protector. Their servants relied heavily on their protection to the extent that they even wanted the dog to protect them in the afterlife. Once a servant passes away, they bury their dog with them.

• Hunters and Protectors

Dogs have been such an important aspect of human evolution and human life. They were among the first animals to be domesticated!

In hunter-gatherer societies, dogs were added to the community as a helper in the hunting process and a protector against predators.

The fact that dogs proved to be faster and stronger than humans has given them a lot of value and admiration in such societies. They could also see and hear better which makes them a great fit in a community that relies on hunting and gathering for a living.

Also, around 7,000-9,000 years ago, when people started adding livestock such as goats and sheep to their lives, dogs were part of that too.

They were responsible to protect the herds from danger. In other words, they were herders or guardians.

• Companions and Partners

As mentioned before, humans have bred many dogs to serve different societal functions based on the community needs and desires.

For example, it is said that the terrier breeds were found mainly in England to hunt down rodents from farms and granaries. In addition to that, the Chihuahua was a breed that was intended to fulfill the need of companionship. These small dogs are referred to as lapdogs and they are considered small pets for company and play.

The dogs’ roles were not restricted to that. In fact, dogs have become an integral part of the police departments in many countries. You probably often see trained dogs alongside police cops in a crime scene. This is because their sense of smell and sight allows them to be a great resource in such situations.

Also, dogs are now recommended to blind people who require guidance and companionship during their daily life.

• Therapists and Healers

Recently, we have been seeing that a lot of awareness is being raised about mental health and wellbeing. Well, dogs are part of that too!

You often see people who resort to their dog for emotional support. In facts, having a pet has proved to improve mental health for many people.

They are bubbles of joy who bring a sense of comfort and serenity to those who enjoy their company!

Dogs have also been used as part of nursing homes and hospitals to motivate patients into healing faster.

The relationships between dogs and humans have existed for a while now. It is very interesting to see how dogs have marked their prints in our live. They protect us, they give us company, and they even have a healing power over us!

We certainly do love dogs. Do you?

Let us know what you think by adding your comments below.