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While adopting or fostering your first puppy can be very exciting, it can also be nerve-wracking for someone who has never done so before. Day-to-day tasks like feeding the puppy and getting daily exercise can feel overwhelming to first-time dog owners. At Pooch Care Plus, we are constantly teaching new pet owners the tools of the trade. As the top choice for pet care in Gloucester County, NJ, customers have turned to us for advice for over 20 years.

When approached about the best way to feed a dog, here are three tips:

No Need To Slowly Switch Foods

We recommend introducing your puppy to many different types of food. Feeding your dog different meals every now and then will help you avoid the need to switch to other foods slowly. Many dog food brands suggest gradually switching to new foods, but a puppy that develops a diet that features different meals will have no issue switching to new foods.

Choose The Right Food

It’s important to pick the right food for your pup. While it’s good to incorporate different food for your dog, don’t add any kind of food that doesn’t fit with what your dog currently eats. Just because one is similar to another, it doesn’t mean the amount of protein or fat is the same. One of the easiest ways for your dog to gain weight quickly is to not pay attention to the nutritional value of the food you’re buying.

It Doesn’t Hurt To Feed Your Dog The RIGHT Fresh Food

Sometimes it can be hard to resist those puppy dog eyes as you’re just trying to enjoy your own dinner. As long as you’re eating something that dogs can eat, you can give your furry friend a piece or two of fresh food every now and then. Don’t let table food become a routine thing with your dog, or you will start to see the pounds pile up quickly.

From advice to new pet owners to dog care and pet sitting, we here at Pooch Care Plus have just what you need to have a happy, healthy puppy. Give us a call today for pet care in Camden County, NJ. We can be reached over the phone at 856-433-1956.

As a dog owner, you know the excitement you dog feels when you get the leash out to take your furry friend for a walk. The pure joy some dogs get just when they hear the word “walk” can be incredibly delightful to see. While letting the dog out back to run around can be helpful, we all know it’s no substitute for a proper walk.

Everybody has busy schedules and finding the time to take your dog for a walk can be a struggle. Here at Pooch Care Plus, we provide low-cost pet care in Salem County, NJ. There are many great benefits of you and your dog going for daily walks. Check some of our favorite below.

1. Going for a walk provides physical exercise. Dogs, just like humans, can become overweight if they don’t use a portion of their time dedicated to some form of physical activity. A short walk with your dog around the block is not going to provide the necessary exercise your dog needs either. The best way to help avoid health problems caused by obesity is by long walks several times throughout the week. Plus, it’s good exercise for you too.
2. Walking is mentally stimulating. If your dog sits around the house all day, it’s going to be bored. Even though cats have no problem amusing themselves by simply watching the birds outdoors, dogs require a little more work to be entertained. Dogs love the mental stimulation that comes with going out for a walk. They then get to explore their home turf, checking out all the different smells, sights, and sounds of it all.
3. It teaches your dog how to interact with people. You should have hopefully begun training your pup to walk outside just after their immune system becoming healthy enough. But in the cases of dog adoption, some older dogs need training, but it’s never too late. Always remember to prove to your dog that you’re the alpha. Having them walk at your side or just behind you is an important in showing the social hierarchy that dogs follow.

If you are getting ready for a summer vacation and have nobody lined up to walk your dogs during this time, call Pooch Care Plus for reliable pet care in Burlington County, NJ.

Everyone loves to see a well-groomed dog. But did you know that good grooming isn’t just about owning a pretty pet? Grooming is also good for helping to prevent health conditions, too.

At Pooch Care Plus, we offer dog grooming in Camden County for pet owners who want their cuddly companions to look great. We also provide dog day care services in Gloucester County. In all, our pet care company believes in providing the best services available, and we’ve got three reasons for you to make sure they get groomed!

Fur

If you own a cat or a dog, it’s important to brush out their fur at least once a week. Even short-haired cats need to have their coats brushed because doing so cuts down on hairballs which they would otherwise vomit or pass in their litter box.

Believe it or not, dogs can even get hairballs, too. A good brushing keeps their coats glossy, as well. There are a host of great brushes available for purchase, and you can always take your pet to a company like Pooch Care Plus for a good brushing.

Ears

It’s a good idea to check out your pet’s ears once a week. All you need to do is flip them over and take a sniff. It might sound weird, but inspecting and smelling their ears can detect potential health issues.

Your pets ears should have no smell. If they are inflamed or red in any area, if they have a lot of built-up wax, or if they have an offensive odor, then it’s best to consult your veterinarian. You might need a liquid ear cleaner that is specifically designed for pets. To use this, just fill your pet’s ear canal with the liquid, gently massage his ear, and then let your pet shake off the excess.

Nails

Most active dogs don’t need to have their nails trimmed. However, indoor dogs and almost all cats need to have their nails clipped on a regular basis. Dewclaws and long nails can grow into your pet’s toe pads and skin. This has the potential to cause both pain and infection. Trim your dog’s nails carefully, making sure that you don’t cut into the quick.

If you do accidentally snip the quick, you can apply styptic powder to stop the bleeding. If you’d rather trust the professionals with your pet’s nail clipping, then simply bring them into Pooch Care Plus.

Are you a city dwelling pet owner?

Many people who live in urban areas worry that they can’t provide adequate exercise for their pets. If you have a dog and you’re concerned about providing him or her with the right amount of exercise, then have no fear. Pooch Care Plus is a trusted name for dog walking and dog daycare services. We know that even if you live in a small city apartment, there are still plenty of ways to keep your pooch happy and fit.

Big backyards are certainly ideal for pets of any size, but just because you live in an area with limited space, that doesn’t mean you need to forgo owning a pet. Even if you live in a high-rise, you can still find creative ways to get your pup the exercise he needs. One of the best ways to guarantee that your pet receives exercise is by hiring a dog walker. If you need to find a reliable dog daycare in Camden County, NJ, then Pooch Care Plus is the name to remember. We offer dog daycare and dog walking services for anyone who needs it. Dog walkers can take your pet to a local park, and they can even help reinforce training, if necessary.

Another option for getting your dog exercise is by utilizing your local bike paths and community parks. There are several municipal bike paths that are perfect for getting your dog out and running. You might even be able to ride a bike and have your canine pal run along beside you.  Pooch Care Plus can advise you about special leash hooks that attach to bicycles to prevent the leash from tangling in your bike wheels.

Believe it or not, there are even doggie swim options that you can look into, as well. These swim facilities help meet the needs of families who want their pets to exercise in the water. Pools are generally available for dogs to swim while their owners stand beside them. Some community pools even host dog days when dog owners can bring their pups to the pool for special dog-only swims.

If you need to hire a company for dog walking in Gloucester County, NJ, then call Pooch Care Plus. We’ll make sure that your dog stays fit and trim all season long! 

If you’re a pet owner, then you already know how much joy an animal brings to your life. Pets provide us with entertainment, emotional support and, of course, love. Research even shows that pets provide humans with both mental and physical health benefits. You owe it to your pet to ensure that he or she remains happy and healthy. By taking your furry companion for checkups, you ensure that good health is always part of the picture. Pooch Care Plus provides pet sitting and pet care services for all kinds of critters along with being advocates for pet checkups.

To maintain your pet’s ideal health, a routine checkup is important. A veterinarian will ask questions about your pet’s health. Some might include: What does your pet eat? Have you noticed any changes in your pet lately? What does your pet’s stool look like? At a pet checkup, your vet can get a good overall picture of how your pet companion is doing. You also have the opportunity to discuss any concerns that you might have with your cuddly companion. If you need a pet sitting service in the Philadelphia area or if you have questions about pet checkups, then contact Pooch Care Plus. We take pride in offering great tips and solutions for pet owners in the area.

Although a visit to the vet can be inconvenient or stressful, it’s still a good idea to go. Your vet will check your pet’s temperature and compare it to previous readings. They will also give your pet’s coat a good examination to check for parasites, such as fleas or ticks. A vet will also want to check your furry friend’s eyes, ears, teeth, and nose. Oftentimes, your vet will look for redness, swelling, or discharge which can indicate illness or infection. Your pet will also have his or her heart checked out, and a vaccine schedule might be discussed as well. At Pooch Care Plus, we specialize in providing excellent pet care service in the Philadelphia area. We know that people love their pets, which is why we think that frequent checkups are the best assurance for future health!

Are you a new pet owner? Maybe you’re thinking about adopting or buying a pet, and you’re wondering if you should have him or her neutered or spayed. One of the most important decisions you’ll make as a pet owner is having your furry companion spayed or neutered. Both spaying and neutering are veterinary procedures that remove either the ovaries or the testicles of your pet. Both procedures are safe and have benefits that you’ll soon discover. We here at Pooch Care Plus, a pet care service near Burlington County, NJ, would even like to offer five of the top reasons why it’s beneficial to spay or neuter your furry companion.

1. Spaying female pets helps them live longer and healthier lives.
Spaying helps reduce the likelihood of contracting uterine infections or breast cancer. Believe it or not, cancer is fatal in almost fifty percent of all dogs and up to ninety percent of all cats. Spaying a pet before her first heat will offer her the best protection against these problematic health issues.

2. Neutering male pets provides them with several health benefits.
Neutering your male companion helps prevent against testicular cancer. It also has other benefits such a preventing unwanted litters of puppies. Neutering is also a good way to keep your male pet companion free from testicular tumors or hernias.

3. Neutering your male dog will prevent him from roaming.
Intact male dogs are prone to roaming, and sometimes this can pose problems for both the pet and the pet owner. Intact males will roam as far as they can to find a mate, and sometimes they will even dig under fences to get out. This, of course, increases his chances of running into the street which is never a good idea.

4. Neutered male pets are better behaved.
It’s no myth that neutered male pets are much more docile and much less likely to mark their territory by spraying potent-smelling urine all over your home. Male dogs who are not neutered tend to be more aggressive and are often more high-strung. This can often become a frustrating issue for the pet owners.

5. Neutered male pets are less likely to bite.
Research has proven that neutered male dogs are much less likely to bite. This is a benefit for any pet owner, and especially one who has children.

If you’re looking for a reliable pet care company located in Camden, NJ, then trust Pooch Care Plus for all your pet-related needs!

So you’re ready to welcome a brown-eyed, tail-wagging furball to your family, but you’re unsure of how to plan? Making the decision to get a puppy can be exciting, especially if you have young children. But don’t be misled. Having an animal requires a lot of work and just as much attention. Here at Pooch Care Plus, we love dogs, and it shows. We work hard to make sure that our potential dog-owners understand what it takes to handle a brand new puppy. We’d like to offer our top five tips to help you start training your puppy the right way.

1. Exude the alpha role.

Puppies have an innate desire to follow whoever the pack-leader is.  By definition, a pack-leader is consistent and strong. For many new puppy owners, this is something that is often not explained appropriately, and it is the primary reason why training goes awry. It’s important for your puppy to know that you are the alpha in the family. You need to exude confidence and control, or your puppy will exhibit bad behaviors such as leash-pulling and chewing. At Pooch Care Plus, we can help you build up that confidence that is necessary to be a proud puppy owner.

2. Find a veterinarian you trust.

One of the best steps you can take as a new puppy owner is to do your research on veterinarians in your area. You’ll want to choose someone who is knowledgeable and who you can trust. A good veterinarian can help you choose the best puppy food for your new addition and can also assist you with scheduling routine visits for recommended check-ups. At Pooch Care Plus, we can help you find veterinarian options and explain topics like heartworm, fleas, and ticks. We can even go over dog care options if you need them. For puppy owners in urban areas looking for pet care in Salem County, NJ, Pooch Care Plus is always ready to offer assistance.

3. Get a housebreaking plan in place.

Nobody wants to have their carpets soiled by a new puppy, but it happens. You can minimize the likelihood and the frequency by establishing a firm housebreaking plan as soon as you bring your puppy through the door. You’ll want to make sure that your puppy has a small area outside to go to the bathroom.  If you don’t have a huge yard, you can still find a small area where your puppy can feel safe and comfortable eliminating. Praise your puppy with a small treat or a simple phrase.

4. Select a walking schedule.

Exercise is important for your new puppy, and creating a consistent walking schedule is good for him or her. You can find little chunks in the day if mornings don’t work for you, or even small stretches of night time. If you need someone to help give your pooch time outside, then let Pooch Care Plus handle it. We even offer pet care in Camden County, NJ for interested pet owners. Our dog day care service is the perfect way to ensure that your budy gets the exercise that he or she requires.

5. Establish house rules.

In the beginning it can be a little confusing when you try to establish house rules, but you’ll thank yourself later for setting clear and concise boundaries.  If you’ve brought home a Malamute puppy and you don’t mind him jumping up on the couch to watch television with you, be prepared for that same dog to sidle up next to you when he’s over a hundred pounds, as well.

No matter what stage of life your dog is in, we’re here to help give them the care they need. Give us a call today.

At Pooch Care Plus, our elite team of animal lovers has over 20 years of experience handling an assortment of animals including dogs, cats, rabbits, reptiles, and birds. When you can’t be there for your pet, trust Pooch Care Plus will give them the love and attention they need. From pet sitting in Philadelphia to doggie day care in Gloucester County, NJ, we do it all.

Pet owners want the best fort their beloved pets if they do happen to go out of town, are on vacation, or are away from their homes for an extended period. This is where the question arises: Do I want to board little Lucy or hire an in-home pet sitter for her? While there is no simple answer to this, we are going to discuss the pros and cons of each to better help you decide what’s right for your situation and your pet.

In-Home Pet Sitting

There are typically two types of pet sitters

• Sitters that stop by to feed, walk, and spend time with pets
• And sitters that live in the house, so the animal(s) have constant companionship

Both types have their pros and cons, which we will discuss below.

Pros

The biggest advantage of in-home pet sitting is that the pet does not have to leave its comfort bubble, which is the home. It can be extremely stressful for animals when their owners are away and can be even worse if they are shipped to an unknown location for boarding. In-home pet sitting may also be monetarily beneficial, considering all of the pets supplies (food, toys, treats, etc.) are readily available in the home.

Cons

Make sure when hiring an in-home pet sitter that he or she is from a reputable and trustworthy company. This is probably the number one concern for all people leaving their pets and homes vulnerable to a stranger. Do your research, and this concern will soon be mitigated.

Pet Boarding

Boarding has come a long way from the days pets hung out in concrete kennels with little to no interaction with people or other animals. Pet hotels are now the norm, offering amenities like dog TV and a ton of fun activities!

Pros

Pet boarding has now turned into luxurious pet hotel stays where dogs, or cats, can enjoy a day at the doggie pool, run around in a big yard for hours on end, and retire to a comfy plush bed at night. They will have around the clock care and companionship, whereas with pet sitting they might be left alone for extended periods of time.

Cons

Boarding sounds fantastic until you get the bill at the end. All of these amenities will add up, but for some, the cost is worth the happiness for their pets. Also, plucking animals out of their comfort zones is sometimes traumatic and stressful causing them to lose weight and become withdrawn.

For reliable and trustworthy pet care in Camden County, NJ, and the surrounding areas, you can count on Pooch Care Plus. Please browse our website to learn about all the different services we offer!