Do pets and apartments mix

If you’re a pet owner who is considering a move to an apartment there are certain things you must be keep in mind. First, whether or not your pet will be accepted by most landlords depends primarily on the type, size and personality of your pet. Dogs: If you own a large dog, apartment living is probably not for you. Not only will accepting landlords be hard to find, but your dog will not be happy in the confined space of an apartment. A large dog needs room to exercise and play, neither of which is usually available in an apartment setting. If you plan to move to an apartment, make sure your dog is one that will adapt easily to this change in environment. Usually smaller, lap dogs are the best choice. However, even smaller dogs can cause problems. If your dog barks or whines a lot you may well find yourself at odds with the landlord, as well as with other tenants. Many times your dog only causes a disturbance because it’s lonely or bored. If you’re gone during the day, you can sometimes alleviate these problems by hiring a pet walker to come in and give your dog attention and exercise. You must also keep in mind that most apartment complexes have leash laws so you will have to accompany your dog each time it goes outside. Since most complexes don’t have areas where it’s safe for your dog to run free, this is as much a matter of your dog’s safety as it the protection of other tenants. Cats: Cats are the pets of choice for apartments. Most are not as socially oriented as dogs and are quite happy left on their own. As long as your cat has a nice spot to curl up and take a nap, space isn’t an issue. More than likely your pet is a house cat so frequent trips outside aren’t required. But you must realize that some landlords do not accept cats any more willingly than they do dogs. Some have a strict “no pets” rule. If that’s the case, don’t consider renting there. If your pet is discovered you may be evicted and/or fined. Other Pets: “Pocket pets” such as fish, birds, and reptiles usually don’t pose a problem when it comes to renting. However, you should still check with your prospective landlord to make sure. General Tips: Landlords who do accept pets often require a pet deposit. This is intended to cover any damage your dog or cat does to the premises, as well as additional cleaning that may be necessary when you leave the apartment. If you’re searching for apartments that accept pets, there are many places to go for help. You’ll find lots of websites and message boards dedicated to this subject. You can also enlist the help of a local realtor or relocation specialist who usually have lists of “pet-friendly” apartments. Just make sure you’re clear on the policy regarding pets before you sign any rental agreement. If you take into account your pet’s needs, as well as those of your landlord, you’ll be much more likely to find an apartment that meets your needs. Happy apartment hunting!

Preventative health care strategies for your pet

In most homes in America, the family pet is just like another member of the family. While we may not invite them to join us at the table for dinner, we love them nonetheless. As with any other family member, the health and wellbeing of our pets is of the utmost importance. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your furry friends are a part of your family for many years to come. Be sure to have your pets vaccinated annually. With all of the debate surrounding vaccine safety, many pet owners have opted out of vaccinating their pets. The main issue to be aware of is that animals are highly susceptible to contracting certain diseases, such as canine parvovirus and canine distemper. These diseases are easily prevented with standard vaccinations, and very expensive to treat should preventative measures be ignored. Standard therapy for these diseases can cost upwards of $1000.00, when factoring in antibiotics and hospitalization. The vaccine itself might cost a fraction of that. Dental care is another consideration. Just like other members of your family, your pets need to have semi-regular dental check-ups. This is especially important if you have a dog that is being fed a regular diet of human food. Furthermore, dental disease in pets can lead to other serious illnesses, such as heart, kidney, and liver disease. Some studies have even suggested that 80% of all domestic pets over the age of 3 have some existing form of dental disease. It may sound silly to some, but brushing your pet's teeth is one of the most important things you can do to reduce the risk of health complications. Take a preventative approach to the dental care of your pet. Obesity is another issue that pet owners need to be aware of. Most of the time, this can be managed with a healthy, well rounded diet. There are plenty of quality pet food brands on the market today, many of which are tailored to your pet's stage of development. While an overweight pet might seem cute and cuddly, obesity can lead to serious health problems for your pet. This can include joint problems, arthritis, heart problems, difficulty breathing, and diabetes. Ensure your pet is getting a reasonable amount of exercise each day.

Bearded collie great for the family

The Bearded Collie is a medium sized dog that weighs between 40-58 pounds. They are 20" to 22" in height. Their abundant hair gives the impression that they are larger than they actually are. They have a happy, friendly nature and are not watch dogs in any way as they are friendly with all that they meet. Recognized by the AKC, the acceptable coat colors for the Bearded Collie are black, grey, tan, brown or fawn with some white markings. When they are puppies, they may or may not have white markings. As they mature, their coat color either fades or changes. The most common colors are black with white or gray with white. Their long, harsh, straight and shaggy outer coat and short, soft, thick undercoat requires a daily brushing to prevent tangles. Their nickname is "beardie" because of the long, shaggy hair under their chin. This energetic, loving, happy-go-lucky breed makes an excellent family pet. They are people dogs and love to be with their family. They are wonderful for homes with children and other dogs and can do well with other non-canine pets provided they have early socialization. They are enthusiastic, outgoing, and lively and require plenty of exercise and play time. They need a yard to run and roam. Having toys on hand is a good idea if you are going to be gone for an extended period of time. Early training is recommended because they have a stubborn tendency at times. They are easy to train. Dating back over 500 years, the Bearded Collie originated in Scotland. They are considered to be descendents of the Polish sheepdog. They were bred to heard sheep and cattle, thus explaining their collie name which means herding dog in Scotland. They have also been used for tracking. They are still used as sheep herding dogs in some areas. Friendly to family and strangers alike, the Bearded Collie will greet all he meets with enthusiasm. Because they require regular outdoor exercise and play, they are best with active families who will give them the activity that they need. Homes with other dogs and children can feel confident in adding a Bearded Collie to their family.

Could your dog have anemia

: What is anemia? It is a serious condition caused by red blood cell loss. Lack of iron in the diet is usually the culprit. However with animals, anemia is usually caused by parasitic worms or fleas that feed on blood and tissues. On occasion, it can also be caused by a toxicity from exposure to certain drugs. Find The Cause First Is it possible that your dog has anemia? Symptoms to watch for are pale or white gums, signs of weakness and a fast pulse. The first step in reversing this condition is to remove the cause. If your dog has fleas or intestinal parasites, start on a program to rid your pet of these pests as soon as possible. Is your dog on any medications? Just like people, certain drugs can cause side-effects, such as anemia. If you suspect that this may be the cause of your dog's anemia, you will need to consult your veterinarian about switching your pet to a new medication. Treatment For Canine Anemia The good news is that anemia is a condition that can easily be treated by providing your dog with a diet rich in iron, protein and vitamin B12. Here are some especially iron-rich foods and supplements that should boost the growth of his red blood cells: 1. Beef liver is rich in iron, protein, B complex, and B12. It's one of the best ways of supplementing your pet's diet with iron. 2. Kelp powder is another good choice to add to your dog's food, as it contains iodine and other trace minerals. 3. Dark green vegetables contain a good source of iron as well. Just be careful about feeding too much gassy vegetables such as broccoli. 4. Vitamin B12 along with nutritional yeast can offer many of the same benefits as liver, although a natural food source is always a better pick. However, if you just can't stand the thought of cutting up liver chunks for your pet, this is a good alternative. 5. Providing Vitamin C (between 500 mgs to 2000 mgs per day, depending on your dog's size) along with 200 mg to 400 mg of Vitamin E helps with the absorption of iron within the intestinal tract. This combination is also a very good antioxidant. Give one Vitamin E a day, but divide up the dosage of Vitamin C to 3 times a day. Vitamin C is water soluble which means that it is quickly absorbed by the body. It needs to be replenished throughout the day to be most effective. Be sure to check with your veterinarian if you believe your pooch has the signs of anemia. Get proper blood tests done to rule out any other possible problems or causes as well. Following the above dietary recommendations should help get your dog back to replenishing and increasing his or her red blood cells once more.