Relocating can be a stressful process for most humans. For your pet, it can be even more traumatic, as he doesn’t really understand what is happening. The following tips will help you ease the transition for your dog or cat.

Vetting

It is important to ensure that your pet is up-to-date on all of his shots and vetting. You should also check with the government or Animal Control officers in your new town to see if there is any special vetting or vaccination requirements in your new location.

Microchip

All pets should be micro chipped, but if your pet hasn’t had this done, you should take care of it before you begin your travels. Your pet may become confused and get away from you during the trip. He may also head for his former home once you get to your destination. A microchip will help ensure that he is identified and returned to you if he gets lost. If your pet is already micro chipped, make sure you update your contact information with the company that issued the chip.

Tags

Your pet should also have a collar with an identification tag attached to it during your travels. Normal citizens may not have access to a microchip reader, or know that they can take a found pet to a veterinarian or animal shelter to have the chip scanned. When your pet wears identification, it’s easy for a Good Samaritan to help reunite you.

License

When you get to your new home, you should stop by the local courthouse or Animal Control Office to obtain a license for your pet if necessary. These licenses are typically inexpensive, and keep your pet legal with the local government. A current pet license can also protect you from some types of legal liability. Your homeowner’s insurance company may also require you to keep your pet licensed with the local government.

Insurance

Again, when you move to a new home, make sure you contact the company that issues your homeowner’s insurance policy to update your information. If your pet is not listed on this policy, you should take care of that right away. This will protect you and your pet from most liability in case anything happens.

Settling In

Once you get to your new home, give your pet time to adjust and settle in. Show him his new digs and spend lots of time with him to help him get the lay of the land. It’s also helpful to set up his belongings just like they were at the last home. Familiar objects will help him understand that this is his new home, and you won’t leave him.

Diet

You should also feed your pet a healthy diet, made up of high-quality foods. It can be less hassle to resort to junk food and fast food when traveling, but don’t fall into this trap. A proper diet, supplemented with NuVet Plus will keep your pet healthy and happy during all your travels.

 When You Go to Work

Just like children, dogs can feel anxious or insecure when their parents are away. Most pet parents have to leave their dogs when they head to work each day, and you may not even realize that your dog feels sad, upset and stressed while you are gone. If you start to notice behavioral issues or emotional issues with your dog, you may be dealing with separation anxiety. These tips will help your dog feel better while you are gone at work, and will help you reassure your pet that you will always come back to take care of it.

How Can I Help My Dog Cope with Separation Anxiety?

• Avoid making a fuss when you leave the house. You want your dog to know that it’s not a big deal that you are leaving. Some experts encourage pet owners to institute a “no contact” rule when it comes to leaving the house. You can avoid eye contact, touching and talking to your dog in order to avoid stressing your dog out about your impending goodbye.
• Make time each morning for a walk with your dog. This is quiet, quality time that you can spend with your pet, but it also helps use up some of your dog’s energy. Your pet will feel relaxed and restful when you leave, and it will not be as anxious about the fact that you won’t be around for the day.
• Create a safe and secure space for your dog to spend the day while you are gone. Some dogs with severe separation anxiety need to stay in one room while you are gone. Create a comfortable place in your house where your dog has food, water and blankets. This helps your dog feel secure, and also prevents your pup from getting into trouble.

Adding a pet nutritional supplement, such as NuVet Plus, to your dog’s diet can help boost your dog’s immune system and allow your pet to feel better both physically and emotionally. When your dog feels good both inside and out, you will find that your pet is happier and more confident — whether you are around or not.

Finding the Right Pet Sitter

If you are truly concerned for you pet’s emotional well being you can try and find a pet sitter. Finding the right person to look after your four-legged children is just as important as finding a sitter for your human kids. Pets have particular needs and unique personalities that may not work with all sitters. A little time and effort yields the best results.

Ask Around

Trusted family and friends are good resources for recommendations. If they’ve had a good experience with a pet sitter, it’s worth a look. Your veterinarian is another great referral option.

Research

Put a little effort into checking out the credentials and experience of local pet sitters. Look for someone with training in animal care, obedience, or medicine. If your pet is difficult or dominant, choose someone with previous experience handling strong-willed animals. Certified pet sitters are listed with either The National Association of Professional Pet Sitters or Pet Sitters International. If you’re looking at a pet sitting company, find out if your sitter will be the same each visit. Check their employees’ individual credentials. Individuals and companies should be bonded and insured for liability. Remember, this person is likely coming into your home when you aren’t there.

 

Interview

Sit down with your potential sitters. Determine their flexibility, experience and background. A face-to-face meeting gives you a better sense of their personality, attitude, reliability and compatibility. Whenever possible, have the meeting at your home with your pet. Seeing how the sitter and your pet interact is often the most important information you’ll gather when making your decision. It’s also a great way to introduce your pet to this stranger before they’re alone together. Ask the sitter to take a brief walk with your dog or play for a time with your cat to gage their comfort with each other.

Ask Questions

Confirm the sitter’s availability for the days and times that you need. Explain any dietary or medicinal needs they may have to address while with your pet. Regular feeding times and a proper schedule for supplements like NuVet Plus are important to adhere to, even when a sitter is involved. Ask the sitter – or the company – if they are affiliated with a vet should an emergency arise, or be sure they’re familiar with your vet’s location. Ask about contingency plans if a sitter is unable to make an appointment.

Check References

Call prior clients and ask questions that are relevant to your pet and your sitting needs. You likely read NuVet Plus reviews before trying it with your dog; checking references is the same idea.

The process of finding the right sitter for your furry family member may seem daunting, but by preparing with good questions, asking trusted people for referrals and insisting on personal interaction before deciding, you’re going to find the right one.

Source

http://www.cesarsway.com/tips/problembehaviors/5-tips-for-separation-anxiety

http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/separation_anxiety.html

https://www.care.com/a/10-things-to-look-for-in-a-pet-sitter-1406899456002

http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/choosing_pet_sitter.html?referrer=https://www.google.com/

http://www.petmd.com/dog/slideshows/care/top-ten-tips-on-finding-a-qualified-and-professional-pet-sitter

Nothing can make you think twice about your decision to get a dog quite as much as walking into your home and seeing that your dog has chewed up your favorite chair. If you have a dog who is chewing furniture, here are some steps you can take to discourage this behavior.

Use the Crate

Dogs will rarely tear up furniture when they are engaged with their owners. However, you can’t always be around. If you can’t be around, try to keep the furniture out of paws reach.

Teach your dog to enjoy alone time in his crate. When he is crated, he can’t get to your furniture, walls, baseboards, doors or belongings.

Get Some Exercise

Dogs often tear up things because they are bored or have pent-up energy. Generally, if the dog receives adequate daily exercise they will not have the pent up energy that leads to destructive behavior. A daily walk can be the key to avoiding this problem.

However, exercise needs vary depending on the breed and age of your pet. It’s a good idea to look up specific information on your dog to come up with the ideal exercise plan.

Remember, too, that simply turning the dog outside on his own is not enough. You need to be engaged by playing with him or taking him on a walk to ensure he is getting enough exercise. If you simply can’t go outdoors, invest in a treadmill your pup can walk on, or find ways to play indoors to exhaust extra energy.

Improve Nutrition

If your dog is tearing up furniture and ingesting it, take a closer look at his nutrition. Dogs who are lacking vital nutrients will often eat non-food items in an attempt to improve their internal balance.

Most commercial dog food is lacking in nutrients. Consider adding a tasty supplement for immune support, like NuVet Plus, to improve your dog’s overall nutrition. NuVet Plus is composed of natural, highest quality ingredients that are cold processed to maintain their rich nutrients and provide superior bioavailability.

Protect the Furniture

You can also purchase an over-the-counter deterrent product to spray on your furnishings to ensure that your canine companion is not interested in tasting the furniture. These sprays are bitter tasting and will deter your dog from the chewing behavior.

If your pet leaves stains, excessively sheds, or leaves unwanted odors on your furniture, consider getting more pet-friendly furnishings. For example, patterns and dark colors helps to camouflage pet stains.

Although pet odor cannot be seen, it can still be very noticeable. Consider investing in a natural stain and odor remover. NuVet Labs manufactures an all natural, organic stain and odor remover that actually removes undesired odors and discourages your pet from soiling the spot again. If all else fails, slip covers for your couches and chairs can also limit the damage to your furniture.

Once the behavior is un-learned, you will find that the dog stops being interested in the furniture and will find other, more appropriate, things to chew or play with.

Provide Alternatives

Make sure you have plenty of safe chew toys and bones available for your pup. It may take some work to find toys that are interesting to your dog, but once you find them, invest in several. Your dog needs something to chew while you are teaching him not to chew the furniture.

Teaching your dog not to chew or damage the furniture will take time and patience, but with a little bit of work, you can have pristine furniture and a dog that is a benefit to your family.

Don’t forget to include nutrition in your process. NuVet Labs has various testimonials that show the difference nutrition can make in your pet’s behavior.

For more helpful tips, follow NuVet on Twitter.

Basic dog commands are meant to make dogs obedient and disciplined. In addition, these commands are meant to keep your pooch safe.

In an effort to help our readers learn more about their loyal companions, we put together a list of five basic commands that every dog should understand.

● Sit or Stay

In the list of dog commands to teach your new pup, “sit” or “stay” should be at the top. When a dog knows this command, the owner is assured that their pet will stay put when told. This command is especially useful when you are with your dog in a high traffic area and need her to stay still.

● Down

The “down” command tells your dog to calm down and pause. She will stop whatever she’s doing and direct her attention to you. When you give your dog this command, she is expected to stop whatever she’s doing and pay attention. Same with the “sit” command, the “down” order would ensure that your pooch is safe. Especially during potentially tricky situations, like when another dog is around or you are out in a busy place.

 ● Fetch

When you tell a dog to “fetch,” you are actually telling her to get or retrieve a certain object. For example, they would pick up a ball and bring it to you. The “fetch” command allows for great exercise and a game that all dogs naturally enjoy. Furthermore, it is a great way to reaffirm the relationship between the dog parent and the pet.

● Drop It

Have you observed how curious dogs can be? When a dog gets curious, she tends to put things in her mouth. Those things that catch her interest don’t always belong in her mouth. Therefore, teaching her to “drop it” can be beneficial because it can prevent the possibility of your dog from swallowing something hazardous.

● Her Name

Early on, teach your dog what her name is and how to respond to it. The practical reason is of course, so that she knows when she’s being called.

Teaching these five basic dog commands can help keep your dog safe. Moreover, it is a great way to strengthen your relationship with your furry friend. It is natural for dogs to desire to please their human parent. Thus, teaching these commands will be an enjoyable experience for you and your pup.

Healthier Dogs Learn Better and Faster

To make the teaching process more enjoyable, make sure to give your pooch plenty of praise as well as tasty rewards. NuVet Labs knows how important it is to keep dogs healthy and safe, which is why we encourage dog owners to use NuVet Plus wafers as a treat replacement.

NuVet Plus is a healthy supplement specially made to provide optimal canine health. Over the years, it has become a favorite choice of puppy parents who are looking for superior immune system support. NuVet products are made with natural ingredients in an FDA registered laboratory so every dog owner is assured that their pets are receiving the highest quality, highest quality pet supplements.

Read more pet friendly articles on the nuvetonline.com blog!

Doggy Door 101

Having a doggy door installed in your home can save you a lot of time. It allows your dog to take care of his basic needs without requiring you to open the door each and every time. It also allows your dog to go out and enjoy the yard at will. This means you don’t have to hear him bark or cry each time a bird flies by or a rabbit runs through the lawn. Teaching your dog to use the doggy door is one of the simplest tasks that you will have to train on. Most dogs will get this concept within a couple of tries.

Installing Your Pet Door

Before you can begin training, you must have the doggy door installed. When selecting and installing the doggy door, make sure you measure your dog’s “rise.” This is the amount of room between the floor and the lowest part of your dog’s chest or stomach. Place the bottom of the door an inch or two lower than your dog’s rise to allow for easy access.

For puppies, install the door flush with the ground and then move it upwards as your puppy grows. If this option isn’t feasible, take a guess at your dog’s full-grown size and install the door for your puppy’s estimated adult size. Then install a ramp so your puppy can use the door easily until he grows into it.

Initial Training Preparations

Once you are ready to start doggy door training, open the door for your dog. If there is a flap on the door, like most models, remove it. If you cannot remove it, make sure it is fully open so the opening is not obstructed. This will allow your dog to see that he can come through the doggy door, and help calm any fears he may have. He’ll also be able to see you during training and know that it’s safe to go back and forth.

Training With Your Dog

If your pooch is a little stubborn or afraid of the door, do not force him to go through it. Just sit by the door and hang out for a while. Read a book or surf the internet while you ignore the door. After a while, your dog will go up and sniff the door and check it out and learn that it’s not so scary. After he is used to the door being where it is, then you can begin training.

Next, go outside and call your dog. Have plenty of treats on hand to encourage him to come through the doggy door. After he is outside with you, praise and positive reinforcement will teach him that the door is a good thing. Then go back inside and call your dog again. Repeat this process several times until your dog goes through the door willingly and without coaxing. After your dog is proficient at using the doggy door with no flap, it’s time to put the flap down. Then repeat the training process as you did above. You will do this until your dog understands that it’s okay for him to go through the flap.

Training Tips

Be liberal with your praise (and the treats), but don’t get complacent. Your dog may think the doggy door training is a game, and may be confused or leery of going through the door again when it’s time to go potty. You should watch out for signs that he has to relieve himself so you can remind him that it’s okay to go through the doggy door when he needs to go outside. After your dog gets the hang of things, you can move on to other training.

For a nutritious supplement that can be used as a treat, consider using NuVet® products!

Learn about NuVet Labs as a company by visiting our Glassdoor page or following us on Twitter!

Pet owners immediately have toys ready for their new furry family members when they come home. However, cats don’t necessarily need fancy, expensive toys to quell their natural curiosity and need for play. You can transform several simple items into the best homemade toys for cats. Create safe, inexpensive, and creative toys for loads of feline fun.

Before getting started, keep the following in mind:

• It is important to always supervise your cat during play time. Be sure to remove the toy if it becomes too battered, broken or could pose a hazard.

• Ensure your cat has ample energy to romp and play by providing a healthy, well-rounded diet. Adding a daily supplement to your feline friend’s diet, like NuVet Plus Feline formula, can enhance your cat’s overall health, energy, and well-being.

The Catnip Sock

First, find an old, clean sock. A thicker sock is ideal because it will last longer. Put a few tablespoons of catnip in the sock and make sure it doesn’t have any holes so nothing leaks out. Tie the top of the sock shut and watch your cat go nuts for the savory sock.

The Toilet Paper Tube

An empty cardboard toilet paper tube on its own may be enough to amuse your kitty. Yet, you can go a step further and make it even more amusing with a few snips of the scissors.

First clean off any leftover paper shards that may be stuck to the cardboard tube. Then cut a series of slits around each side of the tube.

Start with a lengthwise slit about 2-inches long. Continue to cut slits about 1-inch apart around the tube’s outer edge. Repeat this process on the other side of the tube. Finish by folding up the cut edges to create a kind of sunburst pattern on each side of the tube. Place the tube in front of your feline companion and let them give it a go!

The Dried Bean Shaker

A small handful of dried beans, combined with a plastic container, results in the perfect cat toy. The sound the dried beans make in the plastic container provides an enticing noise most cats can’t resist. The dried beans can be of any variety, or even include dried peas. The plastic container can be an empty plastic Easter egg or an empty and thoroughly cleaned vitamin or pill bottle. Place the dried beans in the bottle of choice and give it a shake for your feline friend to hear.

The Empty Box Toys

Whether you just finished off your box of morning cereal or received a package in the mail, empty boxes can be a favorite plaything. Remove any plastic labels or peel-able stickers, put the box on the floor and watch your cat enjoy. That’s it.

No matter what homemade toy you decide to make, remember to keep a keen eye on your cat during playtime. Keep an even keener eye on their health with the addition of pet supplements to their daily diet.

Learn more about the makers of NuVet Plus here!

Walking your dog is an important experience for both you and your pet. Not only does it give your dog the exercise it needs, but it also helps to socialize your dog with new situations and other animals. When you walk your dog, you are bonding with your animal and proving to your dog that you care about their quality of life.

Tips for Walking Your Dog

• Remember that you should be walking in front of your dog. This signifies that you are the leader, and you are the one in control. Allowing your dog to walk beside you or in front of you gives them the advantage, and allows your pet the opportunity to take control.

• Keep your dog on a short leash. This also helps you to maintain control of your pet, and train them properly while you walk along the sidewalk.

• Choose the right time to walk your dog. Your dog will prefer a walk in the morning, as opposed to a late evening walk. Make sure you time the walk accordingly. Your dog should walk for an average of 30 minutes to 60 minutes every day. Remember, this is cardio exercise for you as well, so the benefits are twofold.

• Treat your dog after it behaves well while you are on your walk. This will show your dog that there are rewards for good behavior. You might give them a quick treat, or an ice cube. Whatever you choose, make sure it is something that makes your dog feel special after a job well done. Of course, always hydrate your dog with plenty of water after the exercise session.

Dog-Walking Etiquette

• Understand your dog and your dog’s personality before choosing a place to walk. If your dog does not like other dogs, try to find a more secluded and private place to walk. If your dog is frightened of small children or aggressive towards them, do not head to the local park and playground area.

• Remain vigilant and be aware of your surroundings. You will want to be calm and confident on your walk, as your dog will be able to tap into your feelings. Note if there are other dog walkers in the area who are not in control of their pets. You will want to avoid these situations so as to prevent confrontation or injury.

• If you have to change directions, be sure to do so discreetly and politely. If you notice a family coming with two large dogs and a few unruly kids, and you know that your dog will not handle the situation well, simply turn the corner as if that was your plan all along. You won’t offend the other dog walkers, who might want to stop and chat, and you’ll avoid putting your dog in a situation where it feels insecure or uncomfortable.

• Always ask another dog owner if your dog can introduce itself to their dog. Not every dog wants to be approached by an unknown animal, and it can lead to confrontation or injury. It’s polite to simply ask the other dog owner if your dog can say hello.

• Always pick up after your pet. Your dog might have to take a bathroom break along the way, so be prepared with a baggie and a scoop in order to clean up the mess. You don’t want to encounter another dog’s mess on the sidewalk, so make sure your dog doesn’t leave one behind either.

Benefits of Walking Your Dog

You’ll find that there are many benefits to walking your dog. It well help your dog maintain a healthy weight, as well as display better behavior habits as the regular exercise helps to burn off excess energy. However, you need to train your dog to walk well before you start these exercise sessions and also understand the rules of the sidewalk when it comes to dog walking.

Remember to utilize this time as special bonding time for you and your four-legged friend. Don’t spend the walk texting or talking on the phone. Avoid putting your MP3 player headphones into your ear. Instead, enjoy this special time with your pet and socialize with other dog owners who are doing the same.

Adding a nutritional supplement to your canine friend’s diet will also benefit their health and quality of life. Learn how the unique ingredients in the NuVet Plus immune system builder support optimal pet health by visiting the NuVet YouTube channel.

For more interesting articles about your canine and feline friend, check out the NuVet Labs blog.