Housetraining usually takes 4-5 months until you can have a puppy that is fully housetrained. The training regimen is never an overnight success. Instilling proper potty habits on your pup will entail taking baby steps coupled with lots of patience, consistency, and perseverance. You should also be prepared to deal with potty accidents anytime.

While some puppies breeze through housetraining, there are those which take up to a year to be fully housetrained.

The duration of housetraining is usually influenced by several important factors including the size of the dog, age, the existence of old habits and the puppy’s living conditions before being brought to his new home. Smaller dog breeds need to take more trips to the designated potty area because of their fast metabolism and small bladders.

Patience is always virtue a during your pup&rsq ... Read more »

Your guinea pig has adjusted to his new home in your care, and now it’s time to begin forming a bond with him. How can you make this happen?

Bonding with your guinea pig is simpler than many people think. In order to form a good relationship with your pet, you simply need to gain his trust and be sure to keep it. This doesn’t happen over night, but if you are consistent in caring for him and offering him attention he will eventually come to see you as a companion and know that you are not a threat to him even though you tower over him in size. Spend time with your pet every day to keep this bond strong. Regular floor time is needed for your pet to be healthy, and it offers a great opportunity for you to fit in some playtime. Your local vet Indianapolis can offer additional advice on bonding with your pet.

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Guinea pig cages made from storage cube grids and coroplast (C&C) is often viewed as the gold standard of housing for cavies. Coroplast is a type of corrugated plastic that is used in the making of signs. These types of cages are spacious enough for several guinea pigs.

Many owners line the cage with felt because it is softer and easier to clean up than conventional bedding for guinea pigs. C&C cages are durable because the grids are connected with standard connectors and strengthened with cable ties.

If there are other pets in the household like cats, the cage should have a cover that can be securely fastened. However, you can keep the cage top open if there are no potential cavy predators in your home.

You can easily make your own C&C cage. Big box stores sell storage cube grids and corrugated plastic can be obtained at sign shops. ... Read more »

Good quality pet food must meet the standards and requirements established by the FDA and the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO).  These agencies help ensure pets have access to a safe and nutritionally balanced diet appropriate for their lifestage.

Dog owners should also make an effort to educate themselves about the basics of pet nutrition. Being vigilant about what your pet consumes every single day will help ensure your pooch will have a long and healthy life.

Basically, 50% of an average dog’s diet is composed of vegetables; meat comprises 40% and grain 10%. Dogs are omnivores so their diet should have adequate sources of veggies and meat. Puppies need higher protein (about 22%) than grown dogs (about 18%).  The amount of fat needed usually depends on their activity level. Fiber in their diet will also help ensure a healthier digestive tract ... Read more »