Pets Archives

The Impact of Nonprofit Veterinary Organizations in Animal Care

Nonprofit veterinary organizations worldwide serve as pillars of compassion, guaranteeing animal well-being. These shelters of care transcend the traditional boundaries of profit-driven clinics and are often backed by the tireless dedication of veterinarians, vet techs, and enthusiastic volunteers.

Let’s discuss the overall contribution of these organizations to animal care.

Offering Veterinary Care at Reasonable Costs

Non-profit veterinary services are mainly beneficial to a community because they may deliver essential veterinary physician services at low prices compared to clinics. As a result, preventive treatments like vaccination, parasite control, and spaying/neutering are available to more pet owners, not only for wealthier ones. These services play a significant role in maintaining animal health and eliminating the spread of disease and pet overpopulation.

Preventative Care

Many nonprofit veterinary organizations organize low-cost or even free vaccination clinics so that every companion animal and its owner are healthy and devoid of dangerous diseases such as distemper, rabies, or parvovirus. Such veterinary associations will actively implement periodical deworming, targeting fleas, ticks, and heartworms, to ensure the health of pets and owners.

Spay/Neuter Programs:

Spaying and neutering pets is essential for managing the animal population. Nonprofit groups are taking measures to alleviate the problem of stray animal overpopulation by offering spay/neuter surgery at reduced or no cost, hence reducing the number of new animals entering shelters and perhaps their demise.

Medical Care:

While not all nonprofit organizations offer comprehensive medical care, some offer minimal medical attention for sick or wounded animals for little or no cost. This covers everything from diagnosing and treating sprains to giving patients medicine and stitches.

Serving Vulnerable Animal Populations

Nonprofitable veterinary groups are critical in caring for animal populations that might otherwise struggle to access essential veterinary services. These groups usually assist;

Low-Income Pet Owners:

The financial stress of regular pet medical care can be a roadblock for many struggling families. Nonprofit organizations fill this void by offering affordable or free services that cover many people’s pets, putting them on the road to recovery.

Sheltered Animals:

Animal shelters will likely partner with nonprofit veterinary organizations because they cannot access the services featured in a full-service veterinary facility. Therefore, these medical services would consist of vaccines against diseases, intestinal worm deworming, and treatment of disease or injury alongside the health examination of the prospective caregiver.

Community Cats:

Many nonprofits operate Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs for pet cats or roaming cats that are accustomed to living in the community. These programs use trapping, spaying/neutering, and acknowledging outdoor colonies to take humane measures to control feral cats.

Working Animals:

In some communities, nonprofit organizations provide veterinary care to working animals like draught horses or service dogs. This ensures these animals remain healthy and able to perform their vital tasks.

Problems Nonprofit Veterinary Organizations Face

Nonprofit veterinary groups encounter various obstacles despite their significant impact;

● These organizations rely heavily on donations, grants, and fundraising events to sustain their operations. Securing consistent funding can be difficult, limiting their scope of services.

● Nonprofit organizations often operate with limited staff, including veterinarians, vet techs, and support personnel. This can lead to long wait times for appointments and limit service availability.

● Educating people about the services provided by nonprofit veterinary groups is essential to ensuring pet owners in need know where to find assistance. Many communities may be unaware of all the services offered by these groups.

Providing Support to Nonprofit Veterinary Organizations

The well-being of animals and the general well-being of the community depend on the efforts of nonprofit veterinary groups. There are several methods for helping these organizations:

● Donate: Financial contributions, however large or small, support the organization’smission of providing affordable veterinary care to needy animals.

● Volunteer: Nonprofit groups can significantly benefit from your time and expertise. This might include helping with fundraising, doing administrative duties, or providing your veterinary knowledge if you’re a licensed veterinarian. For those aspiring to become a vet tech, these opportunities provide valuable hands-on experience and a chance to contribute to animal welfare.

● Spread Awareness: Help raise awareness about the services offered by nonprofit veterinary organizations by sharing information on social media, talking to friends and neighbors, and attending events hosted by these groups.

● Organize Fundraisers: Consider organizing a fundraising event in your community to support a local nonprofit veterinary organization. This could be a bake sale, car wash, or pet-friendly event.

● Choose to Adopt: When considering adding a furry friend to your family, adopt from a local animal shelter. Many shelters partner with nonprofit veterinary groups to ensure the animals in their care receive the medical attention they need before adoption.

Conclusion

Nonprofit veterinary organizations play an important role in animal welfare. They provide essential care to needy animals, promote responsible pet ownership, and advocate for better animal welfare policies.

If you want free vet education, join the Vet and Tech platform. They offer free webinars and allow you to earn free RACE-approved CE credits. Moreover, they have authentic information about the field, including career and educational guides. You can also learn about different conferences organized by vet organizations.

FAQs

How are nonprofit veterinary organizations different from traditional vet clinics?

Nonprofitable organizations focus on accessibility and affordability to provide animal services such as vaccination, spaying, and neutering at a lower cost. They typically target pet owners with lower incomes, cats living in shelters, and street cats who are unable to afford and are inadequate for conventional veterinary care.

What kind of services do nonprofit veterinary organizations typically offer?

Each organization offers different services according to its programs and budget. However, these may include preventative care (vaccinations, parasite control), subsidized or free spaying/neutering programs, and primary medical care for sick or injured dogs and cats. Some organizations may also participate in Trapping, Neutering, and Return programs for unowned cats.

How to Check Whether a Veterinarian Is Certified? Spokk has the answer!

As a pet owner, you want the best for your furry friend. So when it comes to their health, you want to make sure that they receive the proper care and attention they deserve. That’s why it’s crucial to choose a veterinarian who is qualified and certified. But how do you know if a veterinarian is certified? Spokk has got you covered!

In what ways do veterinarians need to be certified?

Veterinarians need to be certified to practice veterinary medicine legally. They must pass a rigorous examination and meet specific requirements before being licensed to care for animals. And there are various certifications available, including general practice, surgery, and emergency care. These can be gained from colleges for veterinarians.

Here’s a quick rundown of the requirements to be a certified veterinarian in the USA:

Must pass a national examination to obtain a license to practice.
Must meet state-specific requirements to be licensed.
Must renew license periodically, often annually.
May need to complete continuing education courses to maintain a license.
Certification may be required in specific areas of veterinary medicine, such as surgery or emergency care.
Requirements may vary by state; check with the veterinary medical board for specifics.

Checking the legality of a veterinary medicine

When you visit a veterinarian, it’s important to verify that they have a valid license to practice veterinary medicine. Check with your state’s veterinary medical board to see if the veterinarian is registered and in good standing. You can also ask for their certification, which should be displayed prominently in their office.

Who in the UK is responsible for regulating veterinarians?

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) regulates veterinarians in the United Kingdom. The RCVS ensures that veterinarians are qualified and meet strict standards of professional conduct. They also maintain a register of all registered veterinarians and investigate complaints against them.

To verify a certified veterinarian registration in the UK, you can check the RCVS register online. Simply enter the veterinarian’s name, and you will be able to see their registration status, including their specialties and areas of practice. You can also check with the RCVS directly to ensure that the veterinarian is in good standing.

How to verify a veterinarian’s registration?

When choosing a veterinarian, it’s essential to ensure they are licensed and certified to practice in the United States. This not only provides quality care for your pet, but it also protects you from any legal consequences. In this section, we will go through the steps to verify a veterinarian’s license online, so you can have peace of mind regarding your pet’s health.

Follow these steps for verifying a veterinarian registration in the USA online:

Gather basic information, including the veterinarian’s full name, address, and license number.
Search for your state veterinary license board by searching terms like “verify veterinary license [state name]” or “veterinary license information [state name].”
Fill out the online verification form using the gathered information.
Review the results to verify the license’s status, and make sure it’s “current” or “active.”
If the license shows as “expired,” “suspended,” or “in process,” the veterinarian may be practicing illegally.
You can also call your State legislation board via the phone.

Contact your vet directly if you need additional information like their license number or even a veterinarian veterinary medicine list. They’re happy to help if it concerns the health of your pet.

Don’t forget your pet insurance

And don’t forget, with Spokk pet insurance, you can rest assured that your pet will receive the best possible care. Our policies cover veterinary bills for accidents and illnesses, so you can focus on what’s important – your pet’s health. So invest in your pet’s future today and protect them with Spokk pet insurance.

Benefits of Spokk pet insurance:

It can all be done online effortlessly;
We offer up to 100% reimbursement of covered claims;
Accident and illness cover of your choosing;
Choose affordable monthly payments;
It only takes 5 clicks to submit a claim.;
Our terms are clear and transparent;
Fast customer support whenever you need it;

Protect your pet with Spokk today and give them the care they deserve.

In conclusion

Choosing the right veterinarian for your pet is an important decision. By verifying their certification and registration, you can be sure that you are providing your pet with the best possible care. Don’t take any chances with your pet’s health. Check to make sure that your veterinarian is certified and registered today!

Now, we’d like to hear from you! Have you ever checked whether your veterinarian is certified? Do you have any tips for other pet owners when choosing a veterinarian? Please leave a comment below.

Best Dog Breeds For An Active Family

Dogs are generally pretty active animals. However, if you’re an active family, you may be looking for a pet that can keep up and even push your limits. So, consider some of the following breeds when searching for a new pup. But remember that you have to maintain their required level of care to prevent illness or obesity.

German Shepherd

German shepherds are natural work dogs used as service animals and in the police force. In addition, they make great companions for people who love to get outside and stay active for several hours a day. So, if this sounds like your family, this intelligent breed could be for you. However, if you have tiny toddlers or babies, you may not be able to handle the amount of intentional training hours associated with this breed. But if you’re set on it, consider waiting until your kid can tag along in your outdoor adventures.

Golden Retriever

Golden retrievers are famous family dogs for a good reason. They are loving, gentle, and active. Plus, they’re great for families who love to swim – as goldens are natural-born water lovers. However, while this breed is excellent for the family, you must keep up with its active lifestyle since they’re at higher risk of becoming overweight fast. Daily or every other day walks are the bare minimum.

Cocker Spaniel

Cocker spaniels are well-known for their friendly disposition, making great pups for families with children. These dogs love to be in nature, requiring several hours of exercise per day. So, make plenty of time for walks, hikes, and playing fetch. Plus, your spaniel may love to curl up for a cuddle on the couch at the end of the day. After all, they will be tired after spending so much energy.

Beagle

Beagles are great dogs for families who love to hunt. They love to stay active and may require over an hour of exercise per day. But beware, if you don’t give your beagle the activity or attention it needs, you may risk subjecting it to obesity, laziness, and even depression. Plus, a bored beagle can result in relentless howling.

Labrador Retriever

Labradors are well-known for being one of the most friendly and trainable dog breeds. They can be very agreeable, loving any sort of exercise you can provide for them. This breed is excellent for families trying to teach their children values such as responsibility, respect, and patience. Plus, having a labrador retriever puppy can motivate them to clean their toys more often to avoid them being chewed up and ruined – something labs are notorious for.

Aussiedoodles

Aussiedoodles are fantastic dogs for owners with allergies. While you still may experience some symptoms initially, they don’t shed quite as much as other breeds. Plus, they’re often very friendly with children and love to stay active. However, they can be hard to find, so you’ll need to search for Mini Aussiedoodle puppies for sale if you’re set on this breed.

Poodles

While poodles may be known for their fluffy, fancy hairstyles, they are very active dogs and love to play. They’re great for owners with allergies because they are hypoallergenic. But they are also ideal for families who are constantly on outdoor adventures. However, this dog breed may be prone to anxiety, so you need to ensure that you can give it the proper amount of exercise to regulate its emotions.

Russel Terriers

If you prefer a smaller breed, the Russel Terrier could be perfect for your family – especially if you like to hunt. These dogs can be constantly wired, and they love to run fast. So be prepared for the level of activity they require. Can you keep up?

Siberian Husky

The husky is known for its beautiful coat, striking blue eyes, and loyal companionship. However, they require a high level of care, so you need to ensure that you can manage a few hours a day of walking or running outside.

If your family lives in a colder climate, these dogs love to play in the snow and make excellent sled dogs. They are likely not great apartment dogs either because they are known for being one of the more vocal breeds.

Dalmations

Dalmations are famous for their spotted coats and intelligence in nature. They love to explore and crave mental stimulation. So don’t be surprised if yours seems curious at all times. If your family loves to bike, this dog will make a great addition to running alongside you. But, if you don’t keep up with your dalmatian’s required level of mental play, you may come home to many messes and find many holes in the backyard.

Conclusion

Dogs are generally very active animals, but if your family is constantly outdoors running around, you will need a breed to keep up with your lifestyle. Many of the species listed in this article require over an hour of exercise per day, or they can be at an increased risk for disease and obesity. So you should conduct further research on the care requirements before adopting your newest furry family member.

A Sneak Peek Into Pup Life: 7 Ways Owning a Dog Will Change Your Life

Is your family still searching for that missing piece? Maybe you’re finally ready to consider adding a four-legged family member. Dogs make excellent pets, and they can help teach your kids about responsibility.

That’s said, adopting a tyke for your tykes isn’t a minor decision. Before bringing a pup home, you may want to consider how owning a dog will change your life.

The most kid-friendly dog breeds

If you have children, it’s a good idea to start with kid-friendly breeds. From the size of your yard to how much daily exercise you can provide, it’s essential to choose a dog breed that fits your family dynamic.

Cocker spaniels and pugs make excellent family pets if you want a smaller dog. If you prefer a giant breed, you may want to look for poodles or labrador retrievers. Try looking for English Lab puppies for sale if you’re in search of a puppy that can grow alongside your little ones. Before choosing a breeder, it’s a good idea to conduct the necessary research and training into to find a reputable one, so be sure to ask plenty of questions throughout your search process.

Stock up on patience

House training a pup is no easy feat, even with the help of puppy pads. What’s more, the training doesn’t stop once your furry friend is housebroken. There are still many commands and behaviors to teach your canine student. Plus, you’ll want to curb bad habits like whining at the table and gnawing on shoes and furniture. Training your puppy is doable, but it’ll take a pound of patience.

Allergies can be problematic

Even if everybody in your household can handle pet dander, you may have the occasional visitor that sneezes and sniffles around your pup. If that’s the case, give friends and family a heads up to stock up on Benadryl before they visit your newest addition.

Consider the commitment

Raising a puppy is a long-term commitment. Dogs don’t live as long as humans, but they will be with you for anywhere from ten to twenty years. Consider how a lifespan’s worth of vet visits, walks, feedings, and more will look. If it seems like too much for you, you may want to wait a few years before you adopt.

What will vacation look like?

Family vacation looks a little different when you have a dog. Either you find a pup-friendly adventure and take Fido along, or you need a dog sitter. You can also choose to board your pup at a doggy daycare or consider kip dogboarding, but you’ll have to count that into your vacation budget.

It’s a financial commitment

It all starts with paying for your dog, which can range from an adoption fee to paying the total price to a breeder. Then there’s food, toys, grooming supplies, and visits to the veterinarian. Don’t forget to pay for your puppy’s license with your local municipality. If you’re stretched thin, you might want to wait before investing in a new pet.

You gain a best friend

Adopting or purchasing a dog opens the door for a new furry best friend. Like any other friend, you can expect plenty of laughs and snuggles. Bringing a dog into your family can improve your health both mentally and physically.

Before you go

The benefits of adding a dog to your family cannot be understated, but all that joy comes at a cost. It’s important to fully consider the commitment to having a pet, including the financials and time. At the end of the day, most dog parents will tell you that curling up with a loving ball of fur is well worth the investment.

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Do These 8 Things If You Get a Cat

You’ve scoured the internet, researched pet listings and visited your local shelter in search of the perfect furry companion. Now, you’ve finally found a kitty to adopt and love on Maybe you’ve even picked out a name already. At this point, you probably feel adequately prepared to welcome your new friend into your life, but there are a few more things you must do before bringing them home.

Purchase a Carrier

Some animal shelters and humane societies provide a cardboard box to keep your cat in on the ride home, but you shouldn’t count on it. Plan ahead and minimize stress on adoption day by purchasing a cat carrier. Choose a durable, well-ventilated model that’s more secure and comfortable for your new furry friend. You can even reuse it to tote them to future vet appointments. Just remember to pick one that’s big enough to accommodate them as they grow.

Maintain the Litter Box

One of the benefits of having a cat is that they can use a litter box instead of going outside. However, you’ll still have to scoop their poop on the daily, much like you would a dog. Remove clumps daily to minimize odor and ensure a clean space for your pet. Dump the litter, wash the box and refill it once or twice a month to prevent buildup, too. If it gets too dirty, your cat might choose less discreet places to relieve themselves.

Replace Toxic Houseplants

Houseplants can brighten your living space, clean the air and even reduce anxiety and depression. However, some of the prettiest varieties are also the most deadly to cats. While they may be beautiful, peace lilies, monsteras, pothos, English ivy, aloe vera and snake plants are highly toxic to your kitty. If they took a nibble, curiosity could very much kill the cat. Rid your home of these plants and replace them with feline-friendly ones like thyme, lemongrass and, of course, catnip.

Provide a Scratching Post

In the wild, cats scratch trees and bark to mark their territory and remove old material from their claws. Inside, they’re more likely to use your leather couch or wood table leg. Keep your cat from clawing your furniture by placing scratching posts around your home. Divert their attention by applying catnip to the post or simply placing their paws on it. These tricks reinforce good behavior and prevent them from tearing up your carpet, furnishings and walls.

Brush Regularly

Most cats keep themselves relatively clean and rarely need a bath. However, all kitties could use a helping hand in the grooming department, especially if they’re older or overweight. Keep their coat clean, stimulate blood circulation and minimize hairballs by brushing your feline friend on a regular basis. Doing so will also reduce shedding so you don’t have to sweep and lint roll so often. Plus, their coat will have less dirt and dust in it, which can relieve allergies.

Keep It Indoors

If you want your beloved kitty with you as long as possible, keep it inside. Free-roaming cats live an average of three years, while indoor cats live 12 to 18 years. Outdoor animals face many more risks, including traffic, catfights and parasites, all of which can shorten their lifespan and ruin their quality of life. Carnivores like coyotes, wolves and even owls prey on cats, too. Protect them from predators and accidents by using a leash if you do go outside.

Buy Wet Food, Too

In nature, cats get most of their water from prey like birds and mice and, when they do drink, they’ll avoid stagnant water. These natural instincts will deter your kitty from lapping at their bowl, even if you change the water every day. Luckily, you can supplement their diet with wet food. Feeding them canned food will ensure proper hydration and add some variety to their diet. Mix wet and dry food or feed them both kinds each day to keep them happy and healthy.

Spay or Neuter

Spaying or neutering your cat is key to domesticating your pet. Spaying females, especially before the first heat, prevents uterine infections and cancers while neutering males eliminates the chance of testicular cancer and reduces prostate problems. This simple procedure is relatively affordable and should be completed between the age of four and five months. Most shelters will perform these surgeries around week eight out so you don’t have to worry about it, but it doesn’t hurt to inquire about it.

Visiting Your Vet

If you do all of the above, your kitty is bound to enjoy a long and happy life. However, it’s still important to schedule a yearly vet appointment to ensure they’re in good mental and physical health. Write down any questions you might have before you go and be sure to mention any strange behaviors or symptoms to help your vet detect potential problems. With a little preventative care and lots of love, your feline will provide plenty of companionship for many years to come. Also make sure to find and get the best cat insurance for your little one.

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About The Author

Ava Roman (she/her) is the Managing Editor of Revivalist, a women’s lifestyle magazine that empowers women to live their most authentic life. When Ava is not writing you’ll find herin a yoga class, advocating for body positivity, whipping up something delicious in the kitchen, or smashing the patriarchy.

6 Essential Tips to Choosing the Best Name for your Dog

Congratulations on the newest addition to your family. Your adorable dog will certainly be a great friend and a loyal companion. Now, comes the difficult part. You have to find the right name for your pet.

To some, this is easy. They just randomly name their dog, and sometimes it turns out to be one of the most common dog names. If you want to make your dog stand out among the crowd, you need a unique name. You can go with cute fluffy, elegant, or classic names. Once you have chosen a name, check out if it sounds too human.

For instance, names like Mark, Steven, Josh sound like a guy’s name, but on the other hand, Scout or Tommy are just too common. As you can see, there are a bunch of factors to consider, and becoming confused is natural.

How to Name Your Dog

First, let’s see how other people do it. According to research by PetBacker, over 55% of people name their dog based on human names. This is why names like Amy, Lucy, Jack, Henry, Emily, David, and Angel are so common.

Nearly 5% of people name their pet based on their favorite season and another 3% is based on their favorite movie or fictional character.

Nearly 30% of people use a numerology method to name their dog. They take the dog’s birthdate, month, year and assign letters alphabetically to come up with a name. Others use a pet name generator to find a suitable one.

Aside from all these statistics, here are six tips to help you come up with a perfect dog name.

Go for Short Names

Short names are easier for everyone, even for your pet best friend. They respond better to short names. So, stick with only two syllables. Long names may sound elegant and cool, but after a while, you will shorten it anyway. Two syllable names are short, quirky, and easy to remember.

End the Name With a Vowel

Names that end with vowels are easy to pronounce and remember. The same goes for dogs. Since dogs respond better to simple and short names, words that end with vowels are suitable as dog names. You can call them with fun names like Taco, Ziggy, Elly, Chica, Leo or whatever fits your boat.

Match the Name with Personality and Appearance

You can get very creative when combining names with their personality. If you have an energetic chihuahua, you can name it “Bolt”. If you have a gorgeous husky, you can name it “Fluffy”. Names such as “Butch” and “Balu” go great with bulldogs and rotweilers.

You can name your Golden doodle, “Noodle” because of its curly fur coat. You can also get some crazy ideas once you get to know and become obsessed with your dog.

Do Not Make the Name Confusing

Some names can be confusing to your dog. For instance, if you name it “Po” the word can be mistaken for “No”. The name Jess can also be mistaken for yes. These things can make training very difficult. So, make sure you do not use a name that sounds similar to common commands, such as stay, sit, run, yes, no, and jump.

Give Different Names

This one is for the proud owners of multiple dogs. Do not give your dogs almost similar names. They will easily get confused. Do not name your dogs Bill and Phil. Instead, go for Phil and Benji or something completely different from the first name.

Do Not Name your dog Anything Negative

The name should not be related to any offensive or negative matter. Avoid using cultural and racial slurs, slang, or anything that has curse words in it. Names like butt head, fart face, big dong should be completely off the table.

Your dog should have a proper name that kind of represents its nature and physical appearance.

Dog Name Ideas

Speaking of good names, here are some of our favorite names split into different types of dogs. This should help you with a bunch of name ideas.

Classic Names

Some dog names are just timeless. Our favorite classic names are-

● Archie

● Milo

● Hazel

● Ruby

● Bonnie

Female Names

If you are looking for a more feminine name, you can try out any from this list-

● Jasmine

● Lulu

● Lemon

● Mimi

● Sugar

● Honey

● Lucy

Male Names

Male names do not have to be menacing or complicated. You can go with any of the following-

● Lucky

● Max

● Benji

● Kai

● Simba

● Leo

● Bolt

Big Dog Names

Some dogs are just too big for cute and cuddly names. The name Snuggles does not suit an 80 lbs German Shepherd. Sure you can name it, but we got some better ones like-

● King

● Harley

● Shiva

● Brutus

● Spike

● Duke

Puppy Names

For the adorable and lovely pups, take your pick from these names-

● Andy

● Ava

● Luna

● Daisy

● Neo

● Baily

Why the Right Name Matters

A short and easy name can be very helpful when training your dog. Dogs respond to short noises faster. Once your dog hears a name repeatedly, it will respond to it whenever you call it out. You can help your dog recognize their name faster by giving a treat.

Call out the name and if your dog responds, give a treat. You will have to do this quite a few times. This way the name becomes a cue and since it is associated with a good return like treats, your dog will recognize it better. Naming them short and easy names helps them learn faster and this is very effective when you are training your dog or teaching them a command.

Final Thoughts

Naming your dog is fun and memorable. But now you know how important it is to give a proper name. So, consider the factors we mentioned above and give your dog the best and unique name you can come up with.

4 Tips For Finding Great South African Boerboel Puppies for Sale

When you decide to get a Boerboel as a new addition to your family, it means that you have probably read a lot about these dogs and that you have completely fallen in love with them. It’s no wonder that that happened, since these canines are rather intelligent, loyal, obedient, as well as playful. On top of that, their little faces are so cute that nobody would be able to resist them.

So, you’ve made that decision and what’s your next move? Should you just sit around and wait for the perfect puppy to appear out of nowhere, or should you start searching for South African Boerboel puppies for sale and thus increase your chances of getting a dog rather sooner than later? I suppose that we all know the answer to that question and that nobody would advise you to just do nothing and wait to see what happens.

You are the one who wants to own this puppy, meaning that you are the one who needs to find a great one for sale. That will require you to step up your game and do some necessary research. It all begins with finding the right breeder, as I am sure you already understand. What you might not understand, though, is how this process of searching for the perfect breeder and the perfect puppy should go, and I am here to share some tips on that.

Ask Around

First and foremost, think about whether you know anyone that already owns a Boerboel. If yes, then you should grab your phone, dial the number and talk to that person honestly and openly about your intentions to get this canine. In addition to them giving you some tips on how to raise these dogs and how to care for them, these people might also have some suggestions to make regarding the breeders.

In fact, that should be your main goal during these conversations – to get those suggestions. Inquire about where they got their Boerboel and check if they were completely happy with the entire experience of cooperating with a particular breeder. It might also be a good idea to ask if they think there are some breeders you should avoid.

If you’re not even sure whether you should get a Boerboel yet, this might help you decide: https://briefly.co.za/42991-south-african-boerboel-reasons-homeowner-buy-dog-breed.html

Research The Breeders Thoroughly Online

Apart from talking to those people you know, you should also do your own online research about the breeders you come across. This will help you get a much better idea about the different breeders and their general policies when it comes to caring for these animals until they are in their possession. Plus, it will also help you check the prices of these puppies, so that you can know what to expect once you finally decide to purchase one.

The most significant thing to remember here is that you need to check the experience of a particular breeder as well as his or her reputation. You don’t want to work with amateurs that might not know enough about Boerboels in the first place. And, of course, you certainly don’t want to work with ill-reputed breeders.

Don’t Go For Shady Places

When searching for a place that can sell you a Boerboel puppy, the worst thing you can do is go for the one that seems a bit fishy and shady to you. There is a reason why you might feel that way. So, do yourself a favor and don’t even consider working with those places that didn’t leave a good impression once you started researching them. If some breeders seem irresponsible, avoid them and get some additional info on how to choose the right one.

Extremely Low Prices Should Be A Red Flag

Another thing that you should be wary of is an extremely low price on a Boerboel puppy. I suppose that you have already done some asking around and that you know how much these canines actually cost approximately. So, if you come across a place that offers some suspiciously low prices, you should think twice before deciding to get your puppy there, because there’s definitely a catch. Don’t be tempted by those low costs and do your research instead.

How to Make Delicious Jerky Treats for Your Pets

Cats and dogs are carnivorous creatures. They obtain their proteins mostly from poultry and cattle meat. Meat jerkies are nutritional treats that they enjoy.

Some mass-produced jerky treats for pets are of low quality, and your four-legged companions tend to dislike them. Some of those treats also have unpleasant textures and are so chewy it hurts the chompers of your furry friend.

The expensive ones taste good but are heavy on your wallet. The most important point is, you don’t know all the ingredients used in their production. You also have no idea whether they are properly packed under hygienic conditions.

Homemade jerky treats are ideal as they are palatable, natural, organic, and made with love. This article will discuss the different ways to make meat jerkies easily.

Get Everything You Need

You can buy yummy treats from high-end beef jerky brands, or you can make them yourself at the comfort of your home. When making homemade jerkies, you have the upper hand in knowing and deciding what ingredients go into the treats. You can decide the type of protein to use.

Turkey and chicken are generally popular options as they have an abundance of essential amino acids. Since you have full control, you can decide the quality of the meat to use.

You need three core items:

● Raw meat

● A sharp knife

● An electric oven or food dehydrator

Choose Your Meat

It is best to avoid fatty meat like pork and lamb when making these dehydrated snacks. The high fats in these proteins do not dry out properly. They are very likely to become rancid and can spoil the munchies faster.

Moreover, red meats from pork and wild boars might contain the deadly SHV 1 virus, which causes Aujezsky’s disease, this virus is also known as pseudorabies. These ailments occur in cats. The virus gets killed at high temperatures

However, the temperatures used in dehydrating meats are not high enough to destroy the viruses. So while cooking these dried protein snacks, it is best to use other meats, especially for cats.

Just to be on the safe side, avoid pork and any meat from the pig origin. Opt for lean meats that have low-fat content and take less time to cook. The ideal meat for jerkies would be turkey or chicken breasts.

Which Appliance is Better?

The time required to fully dehydrate the proteins is similar in both electric ovens and food dehydrators. Choose the one you can afford and are comfortable with. If you already have an oven, you don’t need to purchase the other device.

The disadvantage of electric ovens is that they consume a large amount of power. This leads to a hike in your utility bill if you make these meaty treats regularly. On the other hand, food dehydrators use less electricity and do not hurt your budget significantly.

Step by Step Meat Jerky Recipe

The methods used to create these delectable dehydrated treats are quite simple. However, the process requires the use of sharp objects and hot appliances. Hence, you should use caution when making these munchies.

Step 1: Slice the Meat

First, you need to rinse the meat under running water. Then dry it with a clean cloth or paper towel. Make sure you have a sharp knife to make the process easier.

To make it easier, pop the meat into the freezer before cutting it. You should refrigerate the protein for about 30 minutes. Slice your meat at 1-2 cm width.

Make sure you cut them across the grain. Keep in mind that the thinner the slices are, the less time it will take to dry. Do not forget to trim out any fats.

Step 2: Dehydrate the Meat

If you are using a food dehydrator, place the meat strips in such a way that they do not touch each other. Switch the food dehydrator on. Flip the meat over once in a while and let them dehydrate uniformly.

Keep in mind that it takes four to five hours to dry the meat completely in the food dehydrator.

If you are using an electric oven, place the slices on its wire rack. Make sure that the slices are arranged apart from each other and do not touch. To dry all the meat strips together, you can also skewer them.

You can use long bamboo sticks in place of the usual skewer. The bamboo alternatives are affordable and accessible. Puncture the skewer into the meat and ensure that each slice is not in contact with the other. Then place the sticks on the wire rack of the oven

Set the oven’s temperature to 60 °C and switch on. Ensure that the settings are in convection. Flip the strips over at intervals and let them dry evenly. Electric ovens also take four to five hours to dehydrate the protein completely.

Step 3: Storing the Treats

After being completely dehydrated, allow the dehydrated treats to cool down. When the jerkyhas cooled down, store them in airtight containers like mason jars.

Airtight lessens the contamination risks of the microbes and also extends the shelf life of these meaty snacks. Meat jerkies can last for several weeks when stored in sealed containers.

Final Thoughts

Jerky treats are fun snacks you can give to your beloved felines and canines. They are great supplements to a natural diet. These munchies can also be enjoyed by pets who have allergies. They are ideal snacks for most carnivorous pets.

If the jerky strips are too large, you can cut them or rip them into smaller pieces. If they are too chewy or hard, moisten them by adding a little water.

Homemade jerkies are better than store-bought ones for numerous reasons. The best advantage is that you have full control over the choice of protein and its quality.

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25 Amazon Finds Every Dog Mom Needed Like Yesterday

Dogs make life a little better. They spoil us with their love and attention, so why not spoil them with toys, treats, and all the good stuff?!

For my fellow dog moms, here’s what you want to get your four-legged child today on Amazon Prime day.

Pedigree Dentastix Large Dog Treats – Not only are these yummy for your dogs, but they’re good for their teeth, too.
Kong Classic Dog Toy – This is one of my personal favorites. Stuff it with treats or dog food and yogurt or peanut butter and stick it in the freezer. It is perfect to keep your dog entertained for hours on a hot summer day.
Dog Rope with Tug – This is perfect to get out in the yard and play a game of tug-a-war with your pup! It is easy to clean too; just stick it in the washing machine and it comes out like new!
ChuckIt! Ultra Ball – These are great for throwing around at the pool or lake because they float. They are also super durable so if you have a dog that likes to chew, this one is for you.
ChuckIt! Sports Launcher – Have a dog that loves to retrieve? This one is for you. It helps you throw tennis balls long ways. It is light and easy to use so it is perfect to take to the park.
Petstages Dogwood Stick – Hands down, by far the best purchase I have ever made for my dog. For any dog that loves sticks and tries to bring them in the house, this is for you. It feels and looks like a real stick, but it doesn’t make the mess that a real stick does so it is perfect for chewing in the house. Seriously. Get your dog one of these.
Dog Selfie Stick – Perfect for getting your wiggly pup to look at the camera to take a picture with you. It attaches a tennis ball to the top of your phone to catch your pup’s attention!
Kong Wubba Ballistic Friends – This toy is the jack of all trades. It squeaks, is perfect for tug-a-war and it can be thrown easily and is made out of tough nylon so it is durable as well.
Nummy Tum Tum Pure Pumpkin For Pets – It never fails; dogs get into something they shouldn’t or eat too much grass and get an upset stomach. Pumpkin is proven to calm dogs’ stomachs down. This is a safe, all-natural, organic pumpkin that is good to keep around the house in case you need it.
Cotton Neck Tie – Perfect to dress your little man up for a night out on the town!
Bow Tie Crystal Rhinestone Collar – Pretty in Pink? Dress your baby girl up with a little bling on her collar.
Orthopedic Egg Crate Mattress Pet Bed – Spoil your fur child with a luxurious bed. They will love how this bed feels and wake up well-rested for another full day of play.
Aluminum Pet ID Tag – These tags are great for holding your dog’s name, your name, your numbers, and the vets numbers, just in case your pup every gets away from you. Plus, they’re adorable and this company ships it to you quickly.
Harness and Seat Belt – This harness is great for your pup to clip him or her into the seat to keep them safe in case of an accident. It is simple to use and you won’t have to worry about them climbing in your lap when you are trying to drive.
Nite Brite Reflective Leash – Enjoy walking your dog late at night or early in the morning when it is still hard to see? If so, you need this leash. It has reflective material sewn into it so that you and your pup are visible from up to 200 feet away.
Sof-Krate Indoor/Outdoor Pet Home – Give your dog a safe space to call their own. This crate is easily collapsible for easy travel, but sturdy enough to hold a dog up to 90 pounds.
Microfiber Quick Dry Dog Towel – Instead of using your nice towels when giving your dog a bath, get them their own towel! This towel is microfiber so it gets all of the water out of your dog’s coat quickly and effectively. It is easy to clean as you can just stick it in the washing machine.
Adams Flea and Tick Shampoo – With warm weather finally here, ticks are fleas are too. Be proactive and protect your pup with this shampoo that repels little unwelcome creatures.
Kong Flyer Dog Toy – Perfect for a game of frisbee. Unlike traditional frisbees, this one is made of soft rubber so your dog won’t come back with bloody teeth after catching it.
Dry Dog Food – Did you know you could order dog food from Amazon? No more lugging heavy bags of food from your car.
Slow Feeder Bowl – Many dogs eat their food extremely fast and that can cause some health problems sometimes. Slow down your dog’s eating with a slow feeder bowl that has obstructions that they have to eat around.
Furbo Dog Camera – Want to see what your dog is up to while you’re at work or on vacation? This camera lets you do that and more. You can talk to your dog, listen and watch what they’re doing, and even toss them a treat! All through an app that connects to the camera.
Nylabones – These are perfect for the pups who like the chew. These bones are different flavors so they capture your pup’s attention and keep them entertained.
ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz – Each of these pelts have three squeakers in them that are guaranteed to keep your dog entertained for hours. They also work great for a game of tug-a-war. And for the pups that always take the stuffing out of their toys, these toys do not have stuffing in them so there is no mess for you to clean up.
Milk-Bone MaroSnacks – These are the perfect size treats for any dog to enjoy. They are also full of calcium to help build strong bones for a healthy dog for years to come.

Our pups bring so much joy to our lives, so let’s give back to them by spoiling them sometimes.

How To Love A Woman Who Is Also A Dog Mom

Loving a Dog mom:

She’s obsessed with her dog, and she is gonna drive you crazy!

My pooch is literally my child, and it drives my boyfriend batty at times. I know he loves her but not in the same way I do. Here are just some of the things you can expect if you love a Dog Mom (crazy dog lady as my boyfriend calls it).

Can the dog go: we are planning a trip so of course we need to stay somewhere that will accommodate my pup. She is apart of the family and better believe she is coming along to have some fun in the sun too. Can the dog go? If not you can expect that I will not be around either.

Dog isle: oh that isle in the store that is filled with toys, treats, collars, leashes, etc. yeah that is the spot that we will hit at every store. We will spend quite a bit of time and money in this spot, all while my boyfriend says, “no, she doesn’t need that, what’s the point of that, can we go now please.” I will however enjoy every minute of being there and more than likely come out with things that I don’t need. But Annie’s face when I come home will be everything I needed and more!

Weekends are for hanging in the back yard or at the dog park: I work really hard all week and don’t get to see much of my baby. So on the weekends sorry but I don’t wanna go out. I’d rather hang with Annie while she plays with her ball, or take her to play with her doggy friends. Unless she can come with us of course, otherwise you can find me with a glass of wine in my backyard.

I always have new stories: being a god mom is an adventure. Annie keeps me on my toes. I always have a new story. Either she has gotten into, or something super cute she has done. Annie stories are always in abundance and I will tell you all of them.

Dog pictures: Okay again she is my child and yes I take pictures of her constantly. Like literally all the time so if I’m telling you a story there is probably a picture to go with it. Yes, sometimes I show them just to show them. I love my dog, and she’s just too cute not to take pictures.

I have learned to love unconditionally: Annie loves no matter what. She does get her feelings hurt, but that doesn’t last long. And she is always by my side. She is there when I need some hugs and kisses when I need them. She has taught me so much about loving and living life.

Loving a dog mom can be hard, but I promise it’s the best kinda of love. Yes, she’s gonna drive you crazy. You have to be ready for all the adventures, the walks down the dog isles, and so much more.

Shout out to al the dog moms out there 💕

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