3 Surprising Cat Care Tips Every Owner Should Know

caring for your catsIf you own a cat of course you want to ensure that you’re taking the best care of it and providing it with everything it needs to be happy and healthy. Many cat owners assume that some food and water, a clean litter box and a few toys are all that’s needed to keep their cats content and in good health, but this thinking may be shortsighted. Consider 3 surprising cat care tips every owner should know to keep their pet as happy and as healthy as can be.

Invest in a cat water fountain.

Running water is very enticing to cats; this is a natural reaction to them as running water is bound to be cleaner than water sitting in a puddle. This is why cats often like to jump on counters and drink from the tap, as the motion of the running water is what they love.

 

A good cat fountain can encourage cats to drink more water and this is important as many cats are dehydrated and don’t drink enough when they are only provided a bowl of water. Invest in a small cat fountain and you’ll have a healthier cat.

Feed your cat canned food regularly.

Canned cat food usually contains a higher concentration of protein which is healthier for cats, and because it is more moist it’s better for their coat and their skin. Dry kibble also typically doesn’t appeal to a cat’s finicky palate, so a cat may not get enough food and nutrition if this is all you serve it. Mix some moist, canned cat food with the dry every day if you cannot afford only canned food, and your cat will get the nutrition it needs and will ensure it eats enough as well.

Only use natural, clumping litter.

Avoid litters that have certain perfumes added to them and anything other than natural, clumping litter. Those additives put into litters to cut down on odors are usually irritating to cats and may cause him or her to try to avoid using the litter box. If possible, avoid liners in the box and if you do use a liner, make sure the litter is very thick so the cat doesn’t touch it. They find these liners also to be very unnatural and upsetting. Keep the box filled with clean, natural clumping litter and your cat will feel more relaxed every time it uses the box and in turn will be healthier overall.

Important Tips on Caring for Your Dog at Home

terrier-487964_1280Having a dog is a responsibility, as dogs need certain care in order to be healthy and happy. It’s not enough to simply put some food and water in a bowl and occasionally let your dog out to relieve itself, as dogs also need emotional care and specific care for their physical wellbeing.

If you or your family keep a dog at home, consider some important tips on caring for it. This will ensure your dog is not only healthy but also happy.

Recognize that dogs are social creatures.

Dogs travel in packs because they are social creatures who need to be around other animals of some sort. It’s not healthy for dogs to be on their own for long periods of time. If you must go to work every day, consider looking into a type of doggie daycare or kennel service where your dog can be around other animals and people instead.

It’s also good to think about getting more than one dog if you need to leave the home often. When you have two dogs together they can keep each other company and both will be more emotionally content.

Invest in a good dog bed.

Never should a dog be forced to sleep on a kitchen floor or even on a carpeted floor. In the wild, dogs will find softer ground and even clumps of leaves and other materials on which to sleep, and a cold hard floor is not a good place for any dog! Being right on the floor can also mean being in a draft that can irritate your dog’s sinuses just as it might do to humans.

A dog bed doesn’t need to be expensive but it should be comfortable for a dog and appropriate for its size. If you live in a colder climate, invest in one made of a warmer material such as wool or fleece. Put the dog bed away from cold drafts and ensure that the dog responds to it so you know it’s comfortable.

Read food ingredient labels.

When you buy dog food, price alone shouldn’t determine the best brand to buy. As with your own food, you want quality choices that are high in nutritional value. The ingredients that are listed first on a nutritional label are the most prominent in that food. For your dog, you want to look for protein including chicken or beef or another meat along with cheese or eggs, and then that should be followed by grains such as rice or meal.

Avoid foods that have grains listed first or ones that have protein sources listed near the bottom. This will be what’s called a filler food, or one that has little nutritional value for your dog. Your pet’s health may suffer and it may also have more digestive issues including gas and loose stools.

 

  1. Invest in moist food.

 

Your dog needs dry food to fill up but moist, canned food will be high in protein and will also help to moisturize your dog’s coat and skin. Feed your dog moist food at least once per day; you can mix it with dry kibble and you’ll see that your dog probably loves the taste even more and will also be healthier overall.

 

Keep these tips in mind when caring for your family pet. It isn’t always difficult to take care of your dog but you do need to remember what is needed for it to be healthy and happy. These tips, along with regular trips to the vet, will ensure your dog is cared for properly.

 

4 Ways to Save Money When You Own a Horse

Owning a horse can be a great experience for anyone and especially for children who may love to ride and play with them. Caring for a horse can help children learn about animals and develop a love of nature, and it can be a good way to spend time outdoors. However, horses can be expensive to own and maintain, so consider four ways you can save money when you own a horse.

Buy hay in season.

Summer is the best time for hay and you can save money if you buy hay in bulk during this time, either bundling your own or having it delivered. Avoid buying hay in wintertime as you’ll pay top dollar to have it bundled and delivered to you. Make sure you stock up during the warmer months and you’ll save money all year.

Buy grain in bulk.

It can be good to have a way to store loose grain near or in your barn so you can buy grain in bulk rather than by the bag. Check with a local farmer’s co-op or small farm who may offer better prices on bulk grain, and purchase as much as you can store. This too will save you money all year long.

Repair rather than replace equipment.

Many pieces of equipment can be sewn by hand if you don’t have access to a sewing machine that can handle leather and other thick materials. You might also see about investing in fabric glues that can help to repair items so they don’t need to be replaced.

Blankets and rugs can also be cleaned and repaired rather than replaced. Invest in a brush you would use to clean a car along with some horse soap, and take the time to really clean your blankets and rugs rather than simply buying them new when they get worn down.

Check out farms for equipment rather than equipment stores.

Very often farms will sell their used equipment for horses for much cheaper than what you would pay at any equipment store. When you need forks, brooms, halters, buckets, and everything else for the care of your horse, look for local farms who have these pieces for sale. Buying them used will be cheaper while still getting the items you need specifically for caring for a horse.

Remember these four simple tips for saving money when you own or care for your own horse.