Bringing a puppy home must be overwhelming for many of us. You are happy and excited to have a pet, but at the same time, you should feel that you are responsible for this puppy’s wellbeing.

One of the many questions we receive in our pet shop is regarding the vaccinations that puppies should get in order to be safe and healthy.

This blog is especially for you if you have been wondering how to make sure that your puppy has received all their needed vaccines.

It is generally said that puppies are to receive their vaccinations when they become 6 to 8 weeks old. If you ever decide to bring a puppy home, make sure you get their medical record as well in order to be familiarized with their history and make arrangements with their vet accordingly.

It is recommended by some veterinarians to give the first vaccine to your puppy at 6 weeks old and then give them booster shots after 3 weeks until they reach 16 weeks of age.

However, this is debatable because other vets recommend starting vaccines later than 6 weeks old and using booster shots less frequently.

Before going through the important vaccinations listed in this blog, it is important to note that deciding on the series of vaccines for each dog might differ depending on different situations. This is why it is important to always ask for a professional opinion and seek advice from a vet.

Some of the factors that are determinant in the series of vaccines needed for your puppy are:

• Their medical record and that of their nursing mothers
• The duration which they were nursed
• The environment they were raised in
• Their age
• The number of puppies they were raised with
• The country/region they come from
• The anticipated lifestyle (would they go on hikes with you? Will they go to dog daycare? Will they stay in your garden? What will their diet consist of?)

Before we share with you the list of vaccinations, it is important for you to distinguish between core and non-core vaccines

• Core Vaccines: these are vaccines against some of the most infectious diseases that dogs get. They are easily spread between dogs (or even humans) and this is why getting their vaccines is crucial for any dog no matter what. These include Distemper, Parvo, Canine Infectious Hepatitis, and Rabies.
• Non-core vaccines: These are vaccines that are not necessarily needed by all dogs because they are less severe and not spread easily. These include Lepto, Lyme disease, Influenza (“Dog Flu”), Kennel Cough, and Parainfluenza.

6-8 weeks

• DA2P (a.k.a. “Parvo” or “Distemper shot”) — core
• Bordetella (a.k.a. “Kennel Cough”) — non-core
• Canine Influenza Virus (a.k.a. “Dog Flu”) — non-core

Following these vaccines, if your dog does not show any side effects, they can:

• Meet other puppies (given that they are vaccinated and healthy)
• Go to parks or walk on streets (why did you highlight parks?)

9-12 weeks

• DA2P (a.k.a. “Parvo” or “Distemper shot”) — core
• Bordetella (a.k.a. “Kennel Cough”) — non-core
• Canine Influenza Virus (a.k.a. “Dog Flu”) — non-core

Following these vaccines, if your dog does not show any side effects, they can:

• Play with other puppies (given that they are vaccinated and healthy)
• Avoid sidewalks and parks if they are not cleaned

12-16 weeks

• DA2P (a.k.a. “Parvo” or “Distemper shot”) — core
• Bordetella (a.k.a. “Kennel Cough”) — non-core
• Canine Influenza Virus (a.k.a. “Dog Flu”) — non-core
• Rabies — core
• Lyme disease — non-core
• leptospirosis — non-core

Following these vaccines, if your dog does not show any side effects, they can:

• Play (toys) with other puppies (even if they are unknown)
• Go to sidewalks and parks with more comfort

15-17 weeks

• DA2P booster — core
• Lepto booster — non-core
• Lyme booster — non-core

Following these vaccines, if your dog does not show any side effects, they can:

Finally, be free and do whatever they want!

Getting your puppy vaccinated is extremely important especially because they are at high risk of being infected with various diseases. For your own safety and theirs, make sure to book appointments for check-up with the nearest vet.

Also, finishing the vaccination schedule at 17 weeks is sometimes not enough as some puppies require additional boosters throughout their entire lives.

The series of shots used for puppies varies from one dog to another. This is why you should always make sure that you are following vaccinations that suit your dog and their lifestyles.

We hope that this blog was informational.

Please share with us your thoughts and your questions if you have any in the comment section!

Have you ever caught your dog staring at you for a long time? Doesn’t it bother you when you do not know the reason behind this constant act of staring? Should you be concerned?

As human beings, we tend to become self-conscious when being watched or observed by anyone, even our dogs and cats.

Staring is a form of communication that dogs use to express certain emotions or needs, not because they want to make us feel uncomfortable. However, we might lack the knowledge to acknowledge that.

This blog is for you if you are looking for reasons to explain why your dog keeps staring at you

They want your attention

Dogs are pets that require care and undivided attention, especially from their parents. It is very common to find your dog staring at you if they feel ignored or lonely. They might just be waiting for this one look from you to make their day!

Throw them a ball, hand them a treat or some dog food, or simply rub their belly. This would be a simple way of satisfying their need for being noticed and loved.

They have a desire

Don’t be surprised if your dog is smart enough to know what they are asking for. They might be staring at you because they want something specific.

They might be waiting for you to get their leash and take them out for a walk. They could be feeling that they want to relieve themselves and they are trying to tell you to take them outside by a simple stare.

Observe your dog’s behaviors and patterns so that you cab decode this very complex form of communication they use!

They are confused

Similar to how we have a certain body language when we are confused, dogs often show confusion by staring with their eyes.

They might be trying to make sense of your behavior so that they know what you want from them. In other words, they might be looking for a clue or a hint from you.

Or, they might be simply observing you and what you are doing because they are just curious.

They need direction

Let’s say you are walking your dog on the street. They are used to you pulling their leash to walk or giving them several commands along the way. If your dog is disciplined enough, they might stare at you along the way waiting for your next command so that they do not disappoint you.

Dogs, being very loyal pets, would do anything to make you happy. This is why these long and random stares might be their way of waiting for your signal in order to please you.

They are being aggressive

Most dogs do have cute eyes.

But you shouldn’t always mistake their stares for innocent stares.

Sometimes, you could run into a stranger’s dog who starts staring at you. If you look closely, you might notice that the dog is standing still with bared teeth. These are signs of aggression.

If this is the case, you should avoid eye contact with the dog to lower the tension.

They love you

Think about a person you love. Think about how you would look at them if they are standing in front of you right now.

You would stare and gaze, right?

This is exactly what might be happening with your dog.  They look at you admiring and loving your presence.

Azabu University in Sagamihara, Japan has conducted a study that revealed how the act of mutual staring between us and our pets releases oxytocin, the love hormone. This hormone is released between a mother and her infant when they bond.

Should you be concerned?

Staring is considered to be one of the indicators of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction, or CCD. It’s the canine version of Alzheimer’s disease and usually occurs in senior dogs.

Staring is not the only symptom of CCD; it usually comes with other symptoms such as:

• Not responding to commands
• Losing their sense of direction in familiar areas
• Frequently moving unsteadily
• Strolling around the house for no reason

Please take CCD seriously and take your growing dog to the vet in case you observe these symptoms. They will be able to assist you in accommodating your dog’s condition by giving you advice and tips.

Share this blog to raise awareness, we hope you liked it!

There you are, having your coffee on your couch in the afternoon. You feel uncomfortable.You don’t know why. You eventually realize that your cat is constantly staring at you and you have no idea what is going on in that tiny little head.

Did that ever happen to you?
First of all, relax!

Your cat’s stares are not harmful, but they do have certain meanings.

Your cat might be:

• Hungry: Sometimes we forget to feed our cats on time and they are definitely not okay with this. They will keep staring at you until you drop whatever you’re doing and go get them their cat food. Just get up and get that food mat for your cat!

• Curious: It is any cat’s nature to find anything and anyone interesting. This is why it could be completely normal for your cat to be staring at you just to observe what you are up to. Just observe your cat when you go outside for a walk. It will be very clear that your cat’s eyes will be all over the place trying to explore everything.

• Affectionate: You might notice frequent moments where your cat is just gazing your way to show you affection. Cats use this kind of non-verbal communication to express their feelings.
  

Your cat simply loves you!

It might not always be very clear why your cat is staring. This is why it is extremely important for you, as a cat parent, to read their body language.

The way that cats are postured can say a lot and it can help us indicate the reason behind their gazes and stares.

Your cat is comfortable

If your cat looks relaxed and calm while staring at you, this could probably be a sign that the cat is curious or just showing you affection.

Even though cats stare a lot, they still blink. If you also find your cat blinking, you should not feel concerned. Blinking is a sign of friendliness and your cats would just want to cuddle with you and feel your warmth.

Such body gestures imply that your cat is in a calm and relaxed state, which is no reason to worry at all!

Your cat is angry

If you have a cat, you would know that cats are also capable of being annoyed.

In terms of body posture, and angry cat would mostly have a stiff posture, dilated pupils, and a swinging tail.

If you notice these gestures along with a long gaze, you should be alarmed.

In this case, you should try to avoid eye contact with the cat so that it does not attack. Try to deviate the attention of your cat by making some noise or by throwing some cat toys.

Breaking the eye contact in such situations is extremely important in order to resolve the bad energy. Be careful not to stare back at your cat as this might feel threatening.

After you feel that your cat is feeling like less of a threat, try to express some of your love and affection to lower the tension.

Your cat is scared

Sometimes you might see that your cat is ducking with their tail underneath their body.

In this situation, you should know that there is something your cat is afraid of.

You might have moved quickly or acted strangely. The cat might have heard something loud or new which have brought feelings of fear.

Their defense mechanism consists of this posture along with the stares they give you. They just keep an eye for anything that might be dangerous.

When this happens, you should not make any sudden moves because this would make your cat feel more threatened.

Take a few deep breaths, move slowly, and go get some cat food. There is a huge variety of cat products online in our pet store website which would make a great way to make your tiny creature feel better!

Another method you could use to calm your cat down is using a cat scratcher as a way to lower the tension your cat is feeling.

It is very important to observe your cat’s behavior in order to decode their stares and find out what they are trying to tell you. Get to know your cat the same way you would want to know your own child, if you decide to have any!

This is what we have to say about cats staring. If you want to find out more about your cat, check out our blog post about cats purring and what it means.

One of the most common assumptions we hear about cats is that they purr when they are content and happy. Is that always true?

As a matter of fact, purring is simply something cats do to express their feelings and communicate their needs. But, it does not necessarily mean that they are always happy.

BBC Future mentioned in one of their pieces that there are many reasons as to why cats might use purring. You would actually be surprised when you find out!

Here are some of the reasons your cat might be making these purring sounds frequently:

Obviously, to show happiness

Even though being happy is not the only reason why cats might purr, it is still very common. If your cat has eyes half open and tail still in a relaxed environment, it is probably the case that your cat feels pleased and content.

To bond together

The first thing that newborns feel when they come to this world is their mother’s purr. Despite the fact they are deaf and blind at first, they can still enjoy the vibrations that come from their mom when she would be purring.

After two days, kittens start purring as a way of communicating with their mom and siblings. Because they still cannot “meow”, they purr while nursing from their mom as a sign of satisfaction. Moms purr back as a way to make them feel warmth and safety.

In addition to that, kittens might purr to send messages to their mom that they are okay and to tell them where they are

To soothe themselves (and their owners)

It is very interesting that moms purr while giving birth as a way of easing the pain of labor. Since cries might attract predators, they resort to purring because they wouldn’t be as detectable. Purring releases endorphins which would ease their pain while keeping them and their kittens safe when being vulnerable.

Also, many cats purr when in pain as a way to make the unpleasant feelings easier. This is similar to how we, as humans, cry when feeling pain.

The best part is that their purrs have calming properties to their listeners as well. Research in some countries like the UK shows that cat owners are at 40% less risk of heart attacks and high blood pressures. Cats have the ability to heal the illnesses of people just by being around them. A study from the Mayo Clinic Center for Sleep Medicine confirmed that 41% of the participants slept better next to their cats.

To express hunger

When cats feel hungry, they tend to purr. However, this purr is not what you might be used to hearing.

In this case, their purrs would a cry-like sound. This is called “solicitation purr” which has the same frequency as that of a crying baby.

This is why you might be able to know when the cat is purring because of hunger and you would definitely run to get some food or treats!

To ask for attention

Just like us, cats crave affection.

We cannot help but rush to give them hugs and cuddles when we hear their soft purring sounds. This is why they rely on purring every time they need their parent’s love and attention.

To heal faster

It has also been suggested that the act of purring is a way for cats to heal faster. The frequency of a cat’s purr causes a series of vibrations in the body that

• Increases bone and muscle density
• Soothes breathing
• Heals bones
• Repairs tendons
• Lessens pain and swelling

This might be the reason why cats survive falling from high places. It could also explain why cats suffer less health complications than other pets. It is referred to by “Purr Therapy” by experts.

We should let go of the myth that cats purr only when they are happy. Purring is very complex and it may imply feelings other than pleasure such as pain, hunger, or fear.

This is why it is very important for us to stay alert when it comes to our cats. We need to observe their behavior to understand what they are trying to tell us.  We should also appreciate their purrs because they do have positive impacts on our mental and physical wellbeing.

Tell us if you are able to know what your cat’s purring means!

or

Comment below! Tell us know about your experience with cats

The pet industry may not have much recognition in the Middle East, but it is improving now. Well, if we speak historically, Arabs have been quite fond of having pets. Yet, there were some legality and royalty differences as you might have seen them keeping them lions or any other pets at home.

However, people change, and so do the trends. Now, the cats and dogs seem to be friendlier members of the house. Also, the Middle East may seem like one market, but it has its differences too.

Do you know that Cats and dogs are the most popular pets in the world? Dogs are the most popular pet globally owned by people with cats next. The listing continues: Fish, birds, and other pet types. While we are talking about the Arabs habits on keeping the pets and the way it is changing now, the trends on pet hygiene products and food also need to be addressed.

If you are moving there or even living for years, you may find it odd that the data on the pet market is still less, but we are here to help you with all you need to know about pet supplies to take care of your pet. Here, we can help you with some of the top supplies you need for your pet in 2020.

Pamper your Pets through different things

1. Portable Water Bottle for your Dog
   If you like to travel around with your dog, it is more likely that you need to be careful about its hydration. So, a water bottle can be the first thing to get. It makes it easy for you to carry along and your pet. So, to keep your furry friend hydrated during the journey, buy the water bowl for the dog.

2. Pet Food Dispenser
   Pets can be messy at times and especially while eating food. Therefore, you need to keep your place clean and the pet happy. So, get a food dispenser for them. You can find fantastic food dispenser at our shop, and they have some amazing collections of plastic containers with a cover.

3. Atria Interactive Cat Toy
   Cats like to play, and some pet shops like to be considerate towards their feelings. Yes, and that is why they offer this interactive Cat toy. You must have one too. Cats can be very playful at times, and if you want to cheer them up and enjoy your time with a playful moment with your furry fellow, buy one this year.

4. Bamboo Cat Litter
   You love your pet, but you also like your home to be cleaned. 100% Organic and biodegradable cat litter bamboo can be a valuable thing for you. Yes, itis made from natural and organic bamboo which makes it eco-friendly. The antibacterial, antioxidant and deodorizing abilities of natural bamboo protect your pet and ensure the indoor fresh air.
5.  Water Fountain
   Water fountains can be a fantastic addition to the supplies of your pet accessories. Use it to keep the discipline of the house intact. Yes, both dogs and cats can drink water from the fountain anytime. Just make sure you are cleaning and filling it regularly.
6. Dog Food
   Food is necessary, and grain-free food suggests that your dog will be eating healthy. This can include wheat, corn, oats, barley and rice, etc. Now, if you are looking for healthy food in the market, keep this in mind.
7. Chew Toy
   Dogs like to chew, and if you are not careful, they will probably chew anything at your home. So, to keep them away from damaging your house, you must get the chew toy for them.
8. Pidan Pet Bed – Cupcake
   Pet beds have been trending for a couple of years now, Going beyond just a normal floor pillow, to modern cupcake-like bed with an open comfortable design that you love and enjoy sleeping.
9. Harnesses for Dogs
   Are you traveling with your pet? Well, the car harness can help you. Make your journey comfortable with your fellow by getting a harness this year.

Bottom line

The key to keeping a pet is to pamper them as you care for your family members. They are the ones that can bring a smile to your face when you come home after a tiring day. PetBarn is offering all the pet supplies with premium quality. So, if you have a pet that takes care of you when you are stressed, you must take care of their special needs in every way possible. Check out the above list of pet supplies and provide them with an amazing lifestyle at your home – just like another family member.