Do Cats or Dogs Care More About Their Owners?

One question comes up frequently with pet lovers: do cats or dogs care more about their owners? As scientific studies and research have found, the answer isn’t quite one or the other. There are many factors in this long-standing debate, so here’s an overview regarding the differences between a dog’s affection towards its owner and a cat’s.

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Is It Safe for My Dog to Go to Daycare?

From feeding them, letting them go outside, and making sure they don’t cause mischief, owning a pet is a rewarding yet time-consuming endeavor. However, there are some times in your life when you won’t be able to look after your dog for a long duration of time, whether it’s for a business trip or a family vacation.

During such scenarios, many turn to dog daycares to look after their pets while they are away. However, some may wonder how safe the daycare facility will be for their beloved canine; will my dog be okay in the hands of others and around other pets away from their owners? That answer can change based on the quality of a particular facility, so here’s everything you should learn about safety at dog daycares before leaving your dog in the care of another.

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How to Reduce Separation Anxiety in Dogs

Dogs are an important part of the family dynamic. Most times, dog owners will consider their furry friends part of the family. And for dogs, being part of a family is ingrained into their being due to the nature of the pack. Yet, unlike human family members, it isn’t easy to take your beloved dog with you wherever you go. This often leads to times when dogs are left at home, causing them distress due to separation anxiety.

Dogs express separation anxiety with bad behaviors that might include excessive barking, biting, chewing, digging, and relieving themselves indoors. Homeowners may mistake these actions as simply a dog acting badly, yet oftentimes these destructive behaviors are a result of distress caused by being separated from their owners.

When a dog feels they’ve been separated from their pack, they’ll display extreme behaviors in an attempt to deal with the stress. In some instances, dogs will try to escape the home, which can lead to injury depending on the severity of the anxiety.

Here we will discuss some of the things you can do to help your furry family member deal with being left home alone:

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How to Leave Your Dog Alone While You’re on Vacation

Although vacations are always fun and exciting, some worries arise when leaving your pet alone for an extended period of time. You might be asking yourself, “where can I leave my dog to go on vacation, and who can I trust to keep my dog happy?”

Whether you decide to leave your dog with a close friend or trust them with a boarding facility, you are probably feeling a whirlwind of emotions. How do you know which option is best for you and your dog?

When it comes to leaving your dog at home while on vacation, every situation varies depending on the dog owner.

We’ll explain how to prepare your dog for the separation. Plus, we’ll discuss the best options when it comes to deciding where you can leave your dog to go on vacation.

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How Often Should You Bathe a Dog?

Keeping your dog clean and healthy is an essential responsibility for pet owners, but bathing a dog too much can be a detriment to their skin and coat by rinsing away vital natural oils, which can make them dry and irritated. To ensure you aren’t bathing your dog too much or too little, here are 5 vital details to consider when planning out their bath schedule.

Breed and Coat

One of the most crucial factors in determining how frequently you should start bathing a dog is its breed. Different dog species have varying types of fur coats, which influence how often they need cleaning. Longer dog coats need bathing every other week to every four weeks, as their natural oils are needed to help insulate their fur. Hairless dogs, such as the Chinese Crested, require weekly baths to prevent oil buildup on their skin. Consult a professional to learn which wash schedule works best for your dog’s breed.

Routine Bathing

While a specific breed can influence the time you set aside for washing your dog, all canines will need to have bath time eventually. Even if they aren’t particularly active, dogs will still collect dirt and debris in their fur over time that needs to be cleaned at some point. Outside of baths, it’s vital to maintain your dog’s condition throughout the year with grooming and dental care. To learn more about dog grooming in Philadelphia, head to Pooch Care Plus to see the services we can offer you and your dog.

Activity and Lifestyle

Something else that will make bathing a dog more common in your household is how often they exercise. Athletic dogs that swim through water and run in puddles of mud will become dirty more frequently than others. Cleaning them with warm water will not only help wash off any dirt, but help maintain their odor from becoming too out of control. Dogs that tend to roll around in strange or smelly things on their walks will also need washes to get rid of the scent, even if they aren’t very athletic. Washing your dog can help ensure they don’t bring that bad smell home with them!

Skin Condition and Health

You may find yourself washing your dog more frequently if they have an underlying skin condition or allergy, as it will help relieve them of their symptoms and itching. Depending on what specific condition they have, they will need around one bath a week based on what your veterinarian suggests. Dogs that need routine bathing due to a skin condition will likely need a specified dog shampoo to treat their condition, so contact your vet to see what product they recommend. Additionally, baths can help keep fleas or other bugs off of them, though they should still seek treatment.

Time of Year

Pet owners may need to start bathing a dog more often depending on the time of year. In wintertime, more baths can be helpful for reducing dryness and itching. Another season that dogs will want to bathe more is in the spring when their fur sheds. While brushing your dog can help remove their shedded fur, water pressure during bath time can also facilitate the process.

If you need any assistance pet sitting in South Philadelphia and the surrounding area, Pooch Care Plus has you covered!

Five Signs Your Dog is Overheated

Summertime is an exciting time for you and your furry friend. The warm weather gives you more time to take your dog out into the sunshine and enjoy each other’s company. However, unlike humans, it is hard to see when your dog is overheated and needs a break. 

One prominent sign is when a dog pants, but it can be an inefficient sign since this is a common habit. It is essential to be aware of when your dog is too hot because it can give them a heat stroke or be life-threatening.

How To Tell If Your Dog Is Too Hot

For any pet parent, keeping your dog protected from the effects of hot temperatures is a main concern. Our dogs don’t sweat out body heat, so it can be easy for them to overheat. Let’s take 

a look at five significant signs of an overheated dog.

Rapid Breathing

If your dog’s excessive panting turns into deep and noisy breathing, this can be a sign they are trying to get more oxygen. This is a sign of heat exhaustion, and it’s best to get them into an air-conditioned space or give them cold water as soon as possible. 

Trouble Walking 

When a dog is too hot, they can start showing signs of disorientation. They will begin having trouble walking, stumbling, or even bumping into things in their direct line of vision. 

Abnormal Heartbeat

If you have been in the hot summer sun for a while with your dog and they begin to seem overheated, check their heartbeat. If your dog has no prior heart issues, but their heart rate is beating rapidly, this is a sign that they need to get to cooler air.

Excessive Panting

Excessive panting can be identified by noticing when a dog constantly leaves their tongue hanging out for long periods of time. While panting is a typical trait of a dog, it is when it is too much that you can tell your dog is too hot. If you are going on a normal walk, but your dog is panting like they just were on a long run, this is a sign of overheating. Although similar to rapid breathing, excessive panting typically precedes a rapid breathing incident.

Fainting 

If your dog collapses, this is a significant sign that you have an overheated dog. This is an extreme situation that can also be caused by distress from their body heat. If this occurs to your pet, make sure you take them to the nearest emergency vet ASAP.

Prevent Overheating

No one wants their dog to be too hot to the point where they are uncomfortable. Here are some preventative measures you can take to ensure the safety of your furry friend:

  • Never leave your dog unattended in a hot car.
  • Make sure your dog drinks water throughout the day, especially before and after going for a walk.
  • If you are going to be outside for a long time, make sure there is a cooler area your dog can relax in if needed.
  • Keep your home cool on hot and humid days even when you aren’t there.

If you are scared about leaving your dog alone on a hot day, the Purrfect Pooches Pet Sitters can give you peace of mind that your dog will be taken care of until you come back! 

Who Else But Pooch Care Plus!

Pooch Care Plus has been serving the region with professional and friendly dog care for years for all your essential dog care needs! From pet sitting to dog grooming in Philadelphia, PA, and the surrounding areas, you can guarantee your best friend is taken care of just like you would. Contact us today to learn more about our services.

4 Tips for Helping Your Dog Stay Active in the Winter

The temperatures have fallen, holiday displays are up, and snow is in the forecast. As the winter season approaches, you might see your usually-lively dog  spend more time pacing or lying next to your heater. It can be hard to ensure that your pet gets enough exercise when it’s freezing cold out. Use these four tips to keep your pet active this winter!

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3 Great Pets for Small Children

Taking care of a pet is a great way for children to learn about responsibility, planning, and dependability. Plus, most kids love the experience of attending to and raising an animal. Choosing the right pet for your child is very important, as some animals aren’t suitable for young children. If your little one is asking for a pet this holiday season, consider adopting one of these three beginner-friendly pets.   

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5 Fun Activities For You And Your Dog This Winter

If your dog seems to have the case of the winter blues, it’s time to start having some fun! Don’t let the snow and the shortened daylight hours prevent your dog from getting plenty of exercise and using pent-up energy. Pooch Care Plus, the pet care experts in Camden County, NJ, has created a list of enjoyable winter activities for your four-legged companion.

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