Category Archives: nuvet

Help Your Animal Rescue Group

Rescues

There are many stories of successful rescue groups. These groups rescue hundreds and even thousands of dogs and cats each year, and place them in safe, loving forever homes. There are also stories in the media about rescue groups that aren’t as successful. These stories involve pets that were placed in unsuitable homes, overcrowding and lack of resources in rescue shelters, and other heartbreaking stories.

Don’t Become Overwhelmed

This is the most important thing to remember. Just about every animal lover wants to help ALL of the dogs and cats they see. However, it’s not possible to save every animal, as heartbreaking as it is. Take on only the pets that you have space and resources for. Remember: Save one, until there are none left to save.

Keep Thorough Records

This is also important, especially if your rescue has obtained 501(c)3 status. Keep records on everything – home checks, potential adopters, adoptive homes, donations received, volunteer information. Even the most seemingly mundane information may make a huge difference someday, especially if you run into difficulty. These records can also help you identify bad adopters, or those who aren’t suitable pet parents. And make sure your records are stored in a safe place.

Be Transparent

It is important to keep a level of transparency with your volunteers and adopters, especially if you are accepting donations. Many media reports have come to light regarding rescues that took donations for pets that they had no intention of helping. These pets died in shelters, waiting for someone to come; while their names and faces were being blasted all over social media and donations came pouring in. No one knows the disposition of the donations that were accepted for these animals. If you do accept monetary donations, a Fundrazr or GoFundMe account is helpful, so donors can get a real-time total of donations.

Adoption Fees

We’ve all heard the dangers of giving pets away for free to “good home.” You never know who is waiting to obtain animals for hunting, fighting or other sinister reasons. When you charge a reasonable adoption fee, you are going to deter a lot (but not all) of the unsuitable adopters. And these adoption fees will help you vet the pets in care of your rescue.

Don’t Skimp on Care

The animals in care of your rescue deserve proper nutrition and proper vetting. Make sure your pets are up-to-date on shots and preventatives. It’s also best to have each pet spayed or neutered upon intake, so they won’t be able to go out and make more unwanted pets that need rescue.

Check Them Out

Don’t give a pet to a potential adopter because they seem nice. Check references, check the adopter’s background, and do a home visit. If something feels “off,” it most likely is. You don’t owe any potential adopter a pet. However, you do owe the pets you serve the opportunity to be sent to only the best homes. It’s better for an animal to stay in rescue than to go to a home where it will not receive proper care.

What to Do If You Have an Issue

If you have a problem with an adopter, volunteer or critic of your rescue, don’t engage with them. Several rescues have carried out flame wars with their detractors on social media. This tarnishes the reputation of the rescue and above all, hurts the animals in the care of the rescue. Most potential adopters don’t want to be involved in drama, and will not adopt a pet from a rescue that seems unprofessional. Get an attorney and do it right away. Most rescues are short on funds, so if you can, locate an attorney that does pro bono work. Your volunteers and supporters may be able to direct you to an attorney that is passionate about animals; this attorney may offer their services free of charge.

Establishing a rescue can be rewarding for you, your volunteers, the community you assist, and especially the pets you place in loving homes. However, it’s important to take the proper steps to protect your rescue and the pets you serve. Doing things the right way will ensure that each animal you assist gets a loving home that will take care of them for the rest of their days.

Financial Aid

The numbers of homeless animals are constantly increasing. There are numerous rescue groups and shelters that are trying to help every animal they can. However, this does not come without a cost. Animals must be fed, vetted and cared for while they await homes. Adoption fees only cover a portion of these costs. So, how do you raise the necessary funds to take care of the animals in care of your organization? It’s time to think beyond putting buckets out by the cash registers at local businesses and hoping for the best. We’ve put together a list of the three best ways to raise funds.

Social Networking

Social networking is one of the best ways to help needy animals find homes; it is also one of the best ways to raise funds to care for homeless animals. If you haven’t already, set up a page for your rescue group on Facebook (or other sites of your choice; Facebook is most effective). Make sure you update your page often with pictures of the pets you are helping to find homes, as well as news and events. Then, set up a page for your rescue group on a fundraising site – Fundrazr and GoFundMe are two popular sites. Link this page on your Facebook wall, and let your visitors know that you are gratefully accepting donations for pets. When donors can see their donation added to the tally in real-time, they are more likely to donate.

Fundraisers

There are hundreds of fundraiser ideas, beyond the traditional bake sale or rummage sale. If any of your volunteers are involved in direct sales, ask them if they’d like to host an online fundraiser and donate their commission to your rescue. Most consultants are happy to donate their commission; fundraisers give them the sales to boost their totals. You can host your fundraiser online, so supporters from across the country can assist, even when they can’t be there in person. And don’t forget to put your fundraiser information on your social media page to help get the word out!

Business Donations

Many businesses are happy to support local shelters and rescue groups. This is especially true for smaller, independently owned and operated businesses. Most owners liked to be asked, so don’t hesitate to send out a letter soliciting donations. Or better yet, stop by and visit in person. In exchange for their donation, you can offer to list them prominently in your organization’s news letter, on your website, or your social media wall. This also helps them boost their sales, so everyone wins.

When asking for donations, it’s important that you be completely transparent with the numbers and the information on what you are using these funds for. This will boost confidence in donors, and ultimately help the pets in your care!

NuVet Labs – Giving Back

NuVet Labs® is a proud contributor to an assortment of charities and rescue organizations as part of our desire to help those in need that are unable to help themselves. Animals are often the innocent victims of abuse or abandonment that could be remedied with a helping hand.

As pet and animal lovers, we have taken it upon ourselves to contribute to endeavors that support and improve the lives of our furry companions who have unconditionally given their love and lives to us. It is our goal to find new ways to help provide the most complete immune system support through proper nutrition and care.

Since 1997, NuVet Labs® has been giving back to these furry members of our planet that have been our companions, co-workers, rescuers and friends; those that ask so little in return.

To request a donation, please email contact@nuvet.com

NuVet Labs – Why Rescue a Pet?

There are many great reasons to rescue a pet. These benefits range from the tangible to the intangible. These benefits have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond your home. When you adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue, the following are just some of the benefits you will reap for yourself and your new furry best friend.

The most obvious benefit of saving a pet is gaining a new companion for you. Studies have shown that having a pet makes people happier and reduces stress levels. Pets provide unconditional love and are always there to lend an ear or give a snuggle. If you live alone, having a pet can make your house feel less lonely. You will always have someone to greet you at the door when you return home. Pet owners are not only happier; many studies show that they live longer.

You also save money when you rescue a pet rather than buy from a pet store. Pet stores charge hundreds (and sometimes thousands) of dollars for a pet. Adoption fees vary upon your location and what vetting the animal has received, but most adoption fees are under $200, and some may be as low as $20. Animal shelters are overflowing with purebred pets. Many times the animal has been completely vetted, to include vaccinations and sterilization surgery. You get a healthy pet at the fraction of the cost, and you get the satisfaction of knowing that you saved a healthy pet that may have otherwise been euthanized for simple lack of a good home.

When you rescue a pet from a shelter or animal control facility, you save more than just that one pet’s life. You also make room at the shelter for another needy pet to come in off the streets or get away from a neglectful or abusive owner. You also help cut down on the pet over-population epidemic. Many shelters and rescues have pets spayed and neutered before they can be adopted out.

Estimates show that between four and seven million healthy pets are euthanized in the United States every year for the simple lack of a good home. Only one in ten cats ever born, and one in eight dogs ever born find a home in their lifetime. When you rescue a pet, you help a loving animal that otherwise wouldn’t have a chance at life.

Fostering a Pet

The statistics are well-known: five million companion animals annually enter shelters and an average of 70% of them is euthanized, according to the American Humane Society and other organizations. Most of these pets are adoptable, but overcrowding in the nation’s 5,000 shelters prevents them from being cared for until a forever home is found. Pet fostering developed from this sad circumstance and has evolved into a multi-faceted program.

What is Pet Fostering?

Pet fostering means you house and care for a pet while he either can’t be at his home or he can’t be held in a shelter. You feed, exercise, love and sometimes train the animal. You take him to necessary veterinary appointments and sometimes to adoption events if he’s eligible. Some organizations have foster pet parents screen potential adoptive parents, which means you’ll need to talk with interested adopters, find out their experience with pets, and decide whether they are a good match for your foster pet.

Why Foster a Pet?

Some people decide to foster a pet after the loss of a beloved pet, when they do not feel ready to replace their beloved friend. Fostering gives them a chance to care for animals without taking on the responsibility of pet ownership while they are grieving.

Other people fall into pet fostering as a way to try out different kinds of pets and make a more informed decision about which kind of pet they would like to own. By fostering different sizes or breeds of dogs, for example, you can get a feel for breed personalities and figure out what size dog is right for you. If you’re thinking of fostering before you get a pet, inquire about foster to adopt options, where you can adopt your foster pet should you fall in love.

The emotional impact of fostering is monumental – you’re helping save an innocent animal’s life or giving him a safe home during a difficult time. Maybe you’re not sure you’re ready for the long-term commitment of having your own pet. Fostering lets you test the waters. It teaches your kids responsibility or gives you a great way to meet people in a new community.

Shelter overcrowding remains a common cause of pet fostering. After surgery, pets that need a safe, clean recovery spot are often placed with foster families. Some animals stop eating due to the stress of living in a shelter; a foster home often keeps these pets alive. Foster families with training skills are trained to take in a pet with a behavior problem, such as jumping or chewing, to correct the issue and make the animal more adoptable. Pets displaced by natural disasters or deployed military owners are often left in the care of fosters until their family can take them home again.

What Does Fostering Cost?

Most organizations pay for any veterinary care required, and some also pay for food. This keeps out-of-pocket costs for fostering minimal, in most cases.

Many pet foster parents invest in other items for their foster pet, such as a pet bed, pet toy, harness, or special treats. It’s really up to you.

If you have pets in your home and want to add a foster pet, it’s a good idea to purchase a pet crate or use pet barriers to keep the foster pet separate from your pets, until the foster pet can adjust. Most foster pets have come from animal shelters, where they may have been abandoned by their prior owners or picked up after being a stray on the streets. They need a quiet place to rest and relax – plus some TLC and pet treats!

One warning: In some cases, foster pets may cause property damage. An anxious pet may chew a pillow, or pet accidents may soil a carpet. If you’re worried about property damage, a crate can contain your foster pet while you are at work, reducing the potential for damage.

The major costs of fostering are time and the emotional toll. Many foster animals need round-the-clock care. Screening potential adopters and going to adoption events represents time (and, potentially, money for gas). Training and bonding with your foster pet takes time, too.

It’s easy to get attached to these animals, making relinquishing them tough. It gets easier with time, and the knowledge that you helped these pets find forever homes fills part of the void they leave behind. Plus if you are lonely, you can always make room for a new foster.

How Can You Foster?
Contact your local animal shelter or the ASPCA for any foster programs they run. Your veterinarian may be able to put you in touch with a local program, especially in locations without a community shelter. Several organizations exist specifically for pets of military families.

Source

http://www.statisticbrain.com/animal-shelter-statistics/

http://www.maddiesfund.org/Maddies_Institute/Articles/Fostering_Shelter_Dogs.html

http://www.petfoster.org/faq2.html

http://blog.petsforpatriots.org/what-is-pet-fostering/

http://www.aspca.org/nyc/fostering/saying-goodbye-to-a-foster-pet

What to Expect at Your Pet’s First Vet Visit

First Thing First

When you adopt a new pet into your family, you should schedule a visit with the veterinarian within the first few weeks. There are a few things that the vet will do at the first visit to put your pet on the path to great health.

Checkup

At the first visit with the vet, your vet will check your pet from head to tail and make sure that everything is going as it should. Your vet can also identify any current or potential health issues with your pet. It is important to treat these issues early on so they don’t become big problems later down the line.

Vaccinations

Your vet will also ensure that your pet is up-to-date on current vaccinations. This will keep your pet from contracting illnesses. For small puppies and kittens, a set of follow-up shots may be necessary a few weeks after your pet’s first visit.

Preventative Medications

Your vet will also put your dog or cat on a regimen of preventative medications to keep heartworms, fleas and ticks at bay. Even if your pet lives completely indoors and never goes outside to play, it is still important to obtain these medications. A stray flea can nestle into your sock and find its way in your home to your pet. For most pets, these medications cost less than the price of a latte or two each month, so the cost is nominal in regards to the protection the medications provide.

Diet

Your vet will also make recommendations on what your pet should be eating. You should choose a food that is made of high-quality ingredients. Organic foods are best, and if you have a dog, consider a grain-free diet as well. In addition, a dietary supplement is beneficial to nearly every dog and cat. NuVet makes a high-quality line of dietary supplements formulated specifically for dogs and cats and their individual needs. And supplements aren’t just for older pets; your puppy or kitten can benefit from the right supplement in the right dosage. It’s important not to put off your pet’s first vet visit. This visit will give you a baseline for your pet’s health, so you can help your vet identify problems right away. This will give your pet a better quality of life, and give you more peace of mind.

How to Save on Veterinary Costs for Your Dog

Think Ahead of Time

Your dog is considered a member of your family and is most certainly one of the greatest blessings in your life, but many pet owners do not realize the financial responsibility that they take on when they bring home a new puppy. Veterinary costs rival the costs of human health care, and depending on your dog’s health condition and its personal needs, it can cost you a small fortune each year just to provide basic care for your dog. Many pet owners want to know how they can make their dog’s health a top priority without spending all of their savings on veterinary care.

Tips for Cutting Veterinary Costs

Always be sure to take your dog in for its annual vet visits. During these appointments, the vet will provide your dog with any vaccinations it may need as well as do a thorough examination. Preventative vet visits allow your veterinarian to look for signs of disease or distress in your dog, allowing you to take advantage of early treatment options if necessary.
Keep your dog’s teeth clean. Good dental hygiene can prevent other health problems down the road, including tooth decay and even heart disease.
Add a nutritional supplement to your dog’s diet. A supplement product, such as NuVet Plus, will allow your dog to get all of the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants it needs to build a strong immune system and stay healthy. A regular dry pet food will not contain all of these vital ingredients.
If your pet needs medication, considering purchasing it from another vendor rather than your veterinarian. Veterinarian hospitals are known for marking up the prices of pet medication.

There are some health care costs associated with having a pet that cannot be avoided, but there are ways to keep these costs to a minimum. By making sure your dog is happy and healthy at all times, you will be able to keep your dog’s physical and mental health in shape. If you want to know more information about the importance of adding a nutritional supplement, such as NuVet Plus, to your dog’s diet, be sure to visit the NuVet Labs reviews page today. On this page, you will find reviews from other pet parents who have used this product and have found it to be beneficial for their dogs. This page provides you with honest and unbiased feedback about the products, and can serve as a valuable resource when making this important decision about your pet’s health and welfare.

NuVet Plus

One of the best supplements you can get for your dog is NuVet Plus. NuVet Plus is made of highest quality ingredients and contains everything your dog needs to stay happy and healthy. For more information on NuVet Plus, including NuVet reviews and NuVet Plus reviews, as well as a secure way to order, visit our site: https://www.nuvet.com/. NuVet Plus will help supplement your dog’s regular diet so you can be sure you are providing the best in nutrition for your best friend.

Source

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/saving-money-vet-care http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/business/2013/07/6-tips-to-save-thousands-on-pet-care

Body Language: What Your Pet is Telling You

Pets Have Feelings Too

Do you wear your heart on your sleeve? Keep your emotions bottled up? Your pets don’t have the option. They express their feelings very clearly through body language. Reading their cues properly can help you keep your dog or cat happy and stress-free.

Dogs

Canine body language is very expressive. If you learn to recognize the following five stances, you’ll likely be able to read your dog’s feelings the majority of the time.

Happy/Playful – Your dog’s face will be relaxed, with normal shaped eyes and an open mouth. His tail will be either loose and hanging or wagging from side to side. His body will show no stiffness or he may be in a “play bow” with his front half on the ground and his back half in the air.
Afraid – A fearful dog will lower his body while still standing, pinning his ears back, with his eyes wide and dilated. A worried dog will avoid eye contact and he’ll lie on his back if he’s submissive.
Aggressive – A non-submissive dog may display similar traits when afraid, but the hair on his back by his neck and tail will be raised. His mouth will be tense and slightly curled up, exposing some teeth. An aggressive dog that’s not afraid will stand straight up, leaning slightly forward with his tail raised stiffly, possibly with some slight side-to-side motion. His ears will be up and his forehead and nose may be wrinkled. His teeth will be clearly visible, although he won’t necessarily growl.
Alert – If your dog is aware of and interested in something, he’ll stand with his chest and ears forward, mouth shut and tail either straight out behind him or straight down (but not tucked). His eyes will be wide and he may give a few short barks.
Approachable – A relaxed dog will hold his head high with his mouth slack and his tongue showing. He’ll stand loosely with his tail down and relaxed, his ears up but not forward.

Cats

Felines don’t display quite as much emotion through body language, but you can read things in their ears and tails. Ears slightly to the side and forward show calm, while straight-up ears, either still or twitching, indicate interest or agitation. Ears flat against his head mean he’s about to attack. An uninterested cat’s ears will often move independently of one another.

Trust your cat’s tail when all else fails. A confident cat holds his tail high in the air, while a fearful cat will tuck his tail between his legs. If the hair is out on his straight-up tail, your cat is feeling threatened.

Source

How to Read Your Dogs Body Language

Canine Body Language

Catster – Cat Body Language

WebMD – Cat Body Language

Should My Dog Wear a Collar at Home?

Collar pros and cons were mentioned in our previous article, “Harness vs. Collar: What’s Best for Your Dog”. The below article is for pet parents who have decided that a collar is right for them, however, they are unsure if it is appropriate to leave the collar on at all times.

One of the most hotly debated topics among dog lovers is the safety of collars. The disagreement centers on the safety of dogs wearing collars in the home or whenever left without human supervision.

The Arguments For and Against the Collar

To collar or not to collar? Keep reading to hear common arguments from both sides of the issue.

Identification

Dogs, even those well-trained, get lost: they dart out open doors and gates, dig under or jump over fences. If your dog gets out without a collar and identification tag, the chances of being reunited with him drastically drop.
However, if your dog is micro-chipped, he can be identified without a collar and ID tag.
Although, not everyone who finds stray dogs takes them to a shelter or veterinarian with a microchip scanner.

Control

You can grab a collar to redirect a dog about to jump on a counter, run out a door or go after something he shouldn’t.
Behavior modification can help eliminate counter surfing and other issues.

Safety

Normal collars can get caught on furniture, crates and other dogs during play. The buckle release won’t open when the collar is taut and the dog could potentially choke.
However, the instances of dogs accidentally choking on their collars are far lower than the instances of dogs getting lost.
Yet, one instance is too much for the owner of a dog it happens to.
Keeping a sharp, sturdy cutting instrument, like a seat belt cutter, handy lets you remove the collar that’s caught.

How to Decide

It’s up to you to determine if your dog will wear a collar even when he’s inside the home. It’s a personal decision.

The arguments for and against may leave you unsure of what to do, but if you examine your situation and the various options, you can come to an informed decision.

If your dog remains crated while you’re out of the house, remove his collar before you close the gate. Keep it nearby so you can put it back on him before you let him out of the crate. If you’re home with your dog all day, able to keep an eye on him, wearing a collar shouldn’t be a problem.

Use a breakaway or quick-release collar in place of a flat one. If the thought of coming home to find your dog hurt or worse is too much, remove his collar when you leave the house. Just make sure he has some form of identification, and take extra precautions to keep him from getting loose.

No matter your feelings on the this hot topic debate, a healthy dog is every owners’ responsibility. Visit NuVet Plus on Facebook for more pet health topics. You can also see what pet parents have to say about adding NuVet Plus or NuJoint Plus to their pet’s diet.

Follow the NuVet Twitter page!

Pets Welcome: “Pet”iquette for Pet Friendly Hotels

Your dog is part of your family, and as such, she deserves to be part of family vacations and trips. It is important to find a pet friendly hotel that will accept your fur-baby like they accept you.

It is equally important for you and your dog to practice good pet-iquette while you are out and about in the world. The following tips will help you make the most of every trip with your canine companion.

Pet Deposits

If a pet friendly hotel or bed and breakfast charges a pet deposit, don’t try to hide your dog from the staff to get out of paying the fee. This can give dog owners a bad reputation and can cast aspersions on your dog.

It also leaves you open to liability if there is a problem during your stay. Plus, you don’t need the stress of trying to keep your dog under wraps so no one finds him.

Potty Breaks

Frequent potty breaks are important when your dog is in a new and unfamiliar location. Frequent potty breaks will protect the pet deposit that you paid to the pet friendly hotel. It will also give Fido some exercise, which is much needed when staying in a small hotel room.

Exercise

Like previously mentioned, exercise is also a must when traveling. No dog wants to be cramped up in a vehicle or plane, and then crammed into a hotel room with nowhere to go and nothing to do. Even a brisk walk around the hotel will allow your dog to stretch his legs and clear his head.

Personal Belongings

Just like you need your favorite technology items, a book or a special pillow on a trip, your dog also needs their favorite things. A squeaky toy, a stuffed animal or a favorite blanket should be packed along with your dogs food and NuVet Plus supplement.

If your dog enjoys her crate or kennel at home, bring it with you. You want your dog to feel at home so he or she can relax and be a good canine citizen while traveling.

Quiet Time

Dogs don’t understand the concept of “quiet time.” Your dog may want to bark at people passing outside the windows or in the hallway. Fido may also get wild around bedtime, and want to race around the room or bark to blow off steam.

As stated above, exercise is the key to keeping your canine companion calm and helping them wind down when it’s time to sleep. Some snuggles from you or their favorite stuffed animal can also help relax them so they can sleep.

Clean Up

Cleaning up after your pet is also very important. Keep plastic baggies on hand for potty breaks.

Clean up the hotel room before you leave, and make sure you pick up any remnants of toys and treats. Being courteous of others will help keep hotels and other public places pet friendly.

Pet Friendly Products

There are several helpful products that can help your dog relax and put forth her best puppy manners on every trip. Rescue Remedy is a calming spray that will help eliminate anxiety in the car, and after you get to your hotel room. Your vet may also have other recommendations along these lines.

A high-quality dietary supplement will also help keep your pet happy and healthy. NuVet Plus is formulated to meet the dietary needs of nearly every dog. For more information on how NuVet Plus can help your dog, visit NuVet reviews today.

Jealousy: Dealing with a Jealous Pet

Just like you, your pet will experience different emotions on different days. After a long walk to the park, your dog might feel exhausted and happy. If you scolded your dog for being disobedient, it might tuck its tail under and sulk in the corner. One emotion that animals can experience is jealousy. Jealousy can be directed toward a new pet in the house or a new family member, such as a newborn infant.

While jealousy is normal in most circumstances, pet parents should know how to address this issue before it becomes a larger problem.

Tips for Dealing with a Jealous Pet

If you are introducing a new family member into the home, furry or otherwise, follow the below steps to help ease potential jealousy.

Equal Affection

If you’ve recently brought a new pet into the home, be sure to split up your time evenly between pets. Although it’s tempting to focus on your new family member, your established pet needs equal time.

If you spend 30 minutes training a new puppy, be sure to spend 30 minutes playing exclusively with your cat. Likewise, if you reward your new puppy with a tasty treat, like a NuVet Plus wafer, make sure you treat your other pet as well.

When your cat knows that you will still spend time with them, their feelings of jealousy will likely subside quicker.

Boundaries

Establish boundaries for the new addition in your home. For instance, if you have brought home a new puppy and your first dog is feeling jealous, be sure to keep their toys separate.

Do not allow the new puppy to gnaw on the first dog’s toys. The same goes for when a new baby arrives — be sure that the dog and the baby have their own play things, and try to establish proper social boundaries.

Stick to Routine

Try to avoid disrupting your original pet’s routine. Pets can become quite accustomed to their routine, and it helps them to feel safe and secure.

If you bring home a new pet or baby, try to make sure that your first pet stays on the same schedule. Abiding by the same schedule will help your original pet maintain a sense of normalcy. The less change to your first pet’s everyday life, the less it will feel like its life has been disrupted.

Quality Time

Be sure to spend some alone time each day with your original pet. In many cases, a jealous pet simply wants more attention from its owner. By giving your first pet special time with just you, it won’t be as apt to jealousy of another pet or baby in the house.

Take your dog for a walk, or spend time scratching your cat’s belly. Make it a priority to fit in a few minutes of uninterrupted time with your pet each day.

A Healthy Pet

Of course, it’s important to keep your pet’s mind, body and spirit healthy at all times. The best way to do this is to add a pet nutritional supplement, such as NuVet Plus, to their diet.

This specialized formula is created with the highest-quality ingredients, and will ensure that all your pet’s nutritional needs are met. To find out more about the benefits of NuVet Plus and NuJoint Plus, follow NuVet Labs on Facebook today.

House Training: Stop Accidents Before They Happen

House training your puppy is a necessity. No one wants a pet who eliminates wherever they want. Although dogs can be potty trained at any age, the earlier it’s done, the sooner you’ll see success.

The one exception to this is puppies under 12 weeks of age. This is because they have little to no control over their bladders. You can begin training with your puppy before he’s 12 weeks, but anticipate more accidents during this time.

Formulate Your House Training Plan

Preparation begins even before your puppy comes home. Create a plan based on your lifestyle and living situation, then purchase the supplies you need.

Unless someone will be home with the puppy all day, you’ll need to keep him in a safe, designated area. You can use a crate, a room with a closed door, or section off an area with a baby gate.

If you’re using a room of the house, be sure it has bare floors rather than carpeting or rugs so accidents don’t get soaked up while you’re away. Remove any items the puppy could chew on or get caught up in, including window blind cords and electrical wires. Puppy pads are recommended in this situation.

Using a Crate

If you’re going to crate train your puppy, decide what size crate you want to purchase. Do you want to purchase a crate that fits him now, or one he will grow into? A non-house trained puppy should have just enough room inside the crate to stand up, turn around and lie down.

The rule of thumb is to get a crate one-and-a-half times the length of the dog from his nose to the start of his tail. However, if you know your puppy will be much larger when full-grown, you can begin with a crate big enough for his adult size as long as you can attach partitions that will limit his access to the appropriate amount of space.

Leave the bottom of the crate bare. Puppies normally will not lie in their own urine. Therefore, limit the space in the crate to the room he needs to sleep, with nothing absorbent to pee on.

No matter the method you choose for house training, the most important and abundant supply you’ll need is patience.

Getting Started

Several rules of thumb will help you through the house training process.

Until your puppy has shown he understands the concept of eliminating in a designated area, keep him with you on a leash whenever he’s in the house. This allows you to quickly escort him outside if he looks like he’s about to go to the bathroom.
Puppies generally can hold their bladders for as many hours as they are months old plus one. For instance, a 4-month old puppy will likely be able to hold his urine for 5 hours. Therefore, if you leave your puppy alone for longer than that, expect to come home to an accident.
Never punish your puppy for an accident. It will only serve to create fear in him whenever he has to eliminate. If you catch him in the act, make a quick, sharp noise to get his attention, but not scare him, then quickly take him outside or to the puppy pad to finish. Praise him with words and petting when he finishes properly.
If he has an accident outside of your view, do not react when you find it. He won’t understand that you’re yelling or punishing him for something he did minutes before. Simply put the dog in another room and use an odor-eliminating cleaner on the spot.

Setting a Routine

Dogs respond well to structure. Create a routine for house training. No matter your schedule, try to stick as closely to the routine as possible every day.

1.Morning Elimination

Begin each morning with a trip outside on the leash. Give your puppy 5 minutes to eliminate. Immediately upon finishing – not before so you don’t startle him – praise him for it. Remain outside for another 10 minutes to ensure he empties his bladder and bowels completely.

Puppies don’t always totally eliminate in one squatting. If you bring him inside immediately after going, he will learn to hold it just to get more time outside.

If your puppy doesn’t go in the first 5 minutes, bring him back inside. Once inside, confine him in his crate, a small penned-in area or tether him to you with constant supervision. Continue to take him outside on leash every 15 to 30 minutes until you get a successful elimination, as described above.

2.Supervised Free Time

After the extra 10 minutes, come back inside and give the puppy supervised “free time” for 10 to 30 minutes.

When the puppy has developed manners in the house – not chewing on items or jumping on furniture – you can drop the leash to the floor and allow the dog to follow you around. Grabbing the leash if the puppy acts up or tries to wander off still gives you control over his actions.

3.Before and After Breakfast

Take him out again to go potty before you feed him breakfast. If he doesn’t go in the first 5 minutes, feed him in his crate or confined area to keep an eye on him.

Don’t give him more than 10 to 20 minutes to eat and drink, then take him outside immediately after he’s done. The additional 10 minutes is especially important after eating, even though he’ll likely relieve himself very quickly after a meal.

4.Getting Ready for Your Day

Bring him back inside as you get ready for your day, keeping him tethered to a heavy object in your view. Take him outside again after this resting period.

If you don’t get a successful elimination, bring him back in and confine him while you finish getting ready. Try one more trip outside before beginning your day.

Going to Work

If you work outside of the home and the puppy will be left alone for an extended time, be sure to take him outside to eliminate and exercise him just before you leave. Then put him in his crate or confined area with a small amount of water and a toy or two for entertainment.

If you will be home with him all day, continue the routine of taking him out after resting, eating or drinking water.

If someone won’t be home within the maximum time your puppy can hold his bladder, leave puppy pads in his area. Ideally, he’ll have an enclosed area near the door you take him through when eliminating outside. Leave his crate open inside the area and puppy pads placed as close to the exit door as possible.

Returning Home

When you return home, immediately take your puppy outside to eliminate, and then play with him for half-an-hour in the yard. Leash him to encourage elimination before returning inside.

Give him 30 minutes of supervised free time as you change or prepare dinner.
After he eats, take him outside immediately and follow the same routine as breakfast.

The rest of the evening should feature a walk, play time, obedience training and multiple trips outside to eliminate. Pull your dog’s water bowl at least 2 hours prior to bed time and take him out immediately before putting him in his crate or pen for the night.

Although your puppy may hold his bladder until morning, be prepared for middle-of-the-night potty breaks when he’s young. If he normally begins to whine around 3 a.m. and has to eliminate, set an alarm for 2:30 a.m. and take him out before the whining starts. This will discourage a tendency to cry simply to be let out of the crate or pen.

Advanced Behaviors

When your puppy has consistently eliminated successfully for several days or a week, you can begin to give him the “go potty” cue when you see him squat, circle or sniff the ground, indicating his need to go.

He will eventually learn this cue like “sit” and “stay,” allowing you to instruct him to eliminate when and where you want. Your puppy may eventually learn to go to the door you take him out of when he needs to eliminate, but you can easily reinforce or train this behavior.

Attach a small bell to or near the door and use the puppy’s paw to ring it before you take him out each time. Or simply use his paw to tap the door once or twice. He will learn that this behavior results in him being let outside.

Tips to Keep in Mind

While puppies usually need to eliminate almost immediately after eating, drinking or resting, even adult dogs tend to have to go within 15 to 30 minutes after these activities.
During the house training process, always praise your puppy after a successful elimination. It reinforces the behavior you want.
Always accompany your leashed puppy during house training to be sure he goes to the bathroom. Don’t assume he eliminated because you let him go outside.
If you don’t have a yard to take your puppy into, substitute puppy pads for some of the trips outdoors, using the same timing and routines.
If your puppy consistently has accidents despite a training routine, take him to the veterinarian to see if there can be something else contributing to your puppies accidents.

Safety Tips For Driving With Your Dog

Running errands or going on road trips with your furry friend is an increasingly common practice these days. Unfortunately, most drivers don’t consider the dangers posed by having an unrestrained dog in the car. Keep reading to learn of common dangers associated with driving in the company of an unrestrained dog, and some need to know safety tips.

A Road Paved with Good Intentions

“My dog is calm and doesn’t move around.”

“My dog is too small to cause a problem.”

“I can protect my dog better if he’s in my lap.”

Above are just some of the excuses used to justify allowing dogs unlimited access in cars. While these sentiments surely come from a place of love, they don’t negate the potential for distraction and harm.

Potential Driving Dangers

It is dangerous to have any dog, even a small one, lying in your lap while you drive. They could unexpectedly jump up and knock the steering wheel, block your vision or throw your car out of gear. Fido could crawl onto the floor and inhibit your ability to properly operate the pedals.

A dog riding with his head out an open car window makes most people smile. However, it’s actually an invitation for problems. Watching the faces Fido makes takes your attention off the road. Your dog may try to jump out to chase something, forcing you to focus on keeping him in the car.

Even a dog that normally rides well in the back seat may be tempted to jump into the front. Whether he lands on your lap or goes for the passenger seat, you’ll be focused on calming him down verses driving.

An unrestrained dog is also vulnerable to injury when you break, redirecting your attention from a potentially dangerous road situation to protecting your dog from harm.

Tips to Minimize the Risks

Here are some key tips for a safe car ride with your pet.

To help avoid spastic behavior from your canine while driving, let Fido get used to smaller car rides and slowly increase the distance as he gets more comfortable.
Never allow your pet to sit on your lap or in the front of the car while driving.
Avoid unnecessary injury by keeping your pet away from the bed of your pickup truck. If a car accident occurs, your dog will have no protection.
To avoid miscellaneous objects injuring your pet, do not allow Fido to stick his head out the window.
The final step to eliminating the distractions of driving with your dog is quite simple (no, you don’t have to leave him at home): restrain him in either a specialized harness or crate. Getting the right apparatus is key to keeping your dog comfortable, but a proper restraint not only keeps your focus on the road; it also keeps your dog safe.

Adding the above steps to your driving regime when traveling with Fido will help keep you and your canine family member safe. You can also help protect your dog from harmful free radicals by giving him NuVet Labs supplements. Protect your dog with NuVet Plus K-9 and by restraining him in the car.

How To Become a Dog Trainer: Helpful Hints

Let’s face it. You love dogs! You feel like you really connect with the canine world and understand doggie behavior. As a result, you want to become a professional dog trainer and you are comfortable with the idea of devoting your time and energy to the well being of these amazing creatures.

Unfortunately, you cannot track down any kind of mandatory state or federal certifications that will allow you to make it official and share your expertise with the dog owning public. You ask yourself, what does a person need to do to become a dog trainer? Continue reading and we will help show you how you, too, can become a dog trainer.

Educate Yourself

Since there currently are no state or federal requirements in place for what is needed to be a professional dog trainer, one of the most important things you can do is learn as much as possible about dogs and dog behaviors. This means reading books, watching videos and spending as much time as you can around dogs.

Two good places to start are your local library and the internet. At your local library, you should be able to find books on the topic of dog training and the various methods that experienced dog trainers use in their field. The internet is also a valuable tool to utilize, with videos and articles about all things dog training.

There are also dog training certification programs available that you can participate in for hands on instruction. However, the first step to becoming a dog trainer is to get a dog that you can train.

Sign Up For an Obedience Class with Your Dog

An excellent way to see what is involved in a typical dog training session is to take part in one. If you have a dog, you also have the perfect opportunity to get out there and get your feet wet.

There are many ways to get into a class. Various pet supply stores offer in-house training at their locations that puppy parents and their dogs can take part in. Maybe you may want to go the route of doing an in-home private session with a trainer. Perhaps you may want to try both ways?

If you are in a class with other dogs and parents, you will get to see how the training is carried out in a group. Being in a group also exposes you to different people and dog breeds, both of which are valuable experiences. In a private session you have the dog trainer at your disposal and will have lots of opportunities to ask questions and pick their brain, so to speak, about the world of dog training and how to get started.

Breed Exposure

Try and expose yourself to as many breeds of dog, and dogs in general, as possible. Visit with friends who have different kinds of dogs or volunteer at animal shelters, which always have a myriad of dogs.

You may also choose to spend time volunteering or working with a rescue that is breed specific. Fortunately, most of these organizations can always use the help. The Internet can assist you in tracking down these organizations and point you in the right direction.

Apprenticeship and Practice

After you feel comfortable in the fun and challenging world of dog training, see if you can find a dog trainer to take you under their wing (or paw) so that you can learn the ins and outs of the business.

An apprenticeship will allow you to see how somebody makes a living as a trainer. Working with somebody in the business will also be helpful when it comes time to create a resume or portfolio of your work and experience. Another great way to hone your skills is to volunteer at animal shelters and offer to train and work with the dogs there.

Helpful Hints for a Future Dog Trainer

Set realistic expectations. It could take months or years to hone your craft.
A good dog trainer is always learning new things and seeking out information.
Keep detailed notes of your experiences & knowledge development.
Training is about working with dogs & their people – expect to encounter all kinds of personalities.

Working with dogs and their families can be a very rewarding and uplifting experience. For NuVet, keeping dogs healthy is rewarding, which is why we created NuVet Plus.

NuVet Plus is a nutritious vitamin supplement for dogs and cats. We regularly receive testimonials from happy NuVet families about how NuVet Plus has helped improve the health of their pets. Learn more about how NuVet Plus can help improve the health of your pet.