A puppy spends a considerable amount of time investigating his surroundings. If you don’t spend enough time with your canine friend, boredom may set in and this can pave the way for negative behaviors to be manifested.

Here are some ways to keep your puppy busy and occupied:

• Treat toys and puzzle toys

These are toys that will challenge your pet’s brain. He will spend the time moving the toy around or looking into compartments to find the treat. These toys are designed to make pets work extra hard to find the treasure.

• Puppy play dates

If you don’t have room for another puppy, you can schedule regular puppy play dates with other pet owners. You can also look into a doggy daycare in your neighborhood. This way, your pet won’t have to stay home alone w ... Read more »

Socialization is an important part of puppy training. It is a way to introduce your puppy to his environment and teach him how to deal with it appropriately—to co-exist comfortably with people, other pets, animals, buildings, sights, strange scents, sounds, cars and many other factors that make up his environment.

Domestication demands that dogs should learn to adjust and conform to their environment. Every day, your puppy will come across something new in his environment. Socialization should start as early in life as possible. Puppies that have been socialized early have been shown to be able to adapt easily and become comfortable with everything and everyone around him.

Socialization should start as early as possible. If you wait until your puppy is older, there may be negative consequences. You may observe your puppy easily frightened at the slightest sound, or reacting nega ... Read more »

Taking your cat along for a plane ride can be quite difficult. Most airlines have established restrictions for pets on board, and preparation is important to make your trip as smooth and comfortable as possible for everyone. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your trip:

Choose an Airline Carrier

Regulations for flying pets may vary among airlines, thus you should plan your trip as soon as you know the final dates of your vacation. Make a list of airlines you’re most interested in and inquire about their policies regarding pets. Ask about their required veterinary paperwork, and be sure to ask the agent if there are any airline restrictions on specific travel dates. Some airlines don’t allow pets on board during peak passenger seasons. Knowing about these pet blackout dates and any pet-specific charges will prevent unwanted surprises upon checking i ... Read more »

If you are giving beef bones to your dog, it’s time to stop doing it. Eating beef bones can predispose important health conditions that may endanger your dog’s life.

Dental Problems

Beef bones become harder when cooked and your dog’s teeth can be broken when chewing on a bone. At the outset, your pet may not show any signs of pain but will start chewing on the other side. As the problem worsens, your dog may need to have a root canal or have the broken tooth extracted. Broken teeth is also susceptible to decay and possibly, infection.

Digestive Problems

Chewing on beef bones can give rise to sharp pieces that can injure your dog’s mouth, tongue, and throat. In severe cases, the bone can get lodged in the dog’s windpipe or esophagus. With a bone stuck in his throat, you may find your dog gagging as he tries to dislodge the bone. Larger bones may also cause intestinal obstruction, requiring ... Read more »

The lovebird is a very sociable and affectionate pet. Perhaps this is why it is one of the most popular pets today. Majority of lovebirds originate from Africa while the grey-headed lovebird hails from Madagascar. The lovebird derives its name from its behaviour when interacting in pairs — they spend a significant amount of time with one another as they bond.

Some species of lovebirds have been successfully domesticated and these are the same birds that is sold in pet stores around the world. A significant number of colour mutations has also been produced in captivity. Lovebirds can live from 10 to 15 years on average.

With regard to size, lovebirds can grow up to 17cm long and be as heavy as 60g. Some of the smallest species in the parrot world, they have short tails and big, sharp beaks.

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