Having a dog around the office is a great way to reduce stress and increase morale among employees. Most people like having a dog around and a charismatic pup may soon become the office mascot. However, there are a few things to remember in order to ensure a fun and safe office space for humans and canines alike.

Provide Food and Water at All Times

Dogs need two or three meals a day to maintain a healthy weight. They also need to have access to water at all times in order to prevent dehydration. Have a food and water bowl where the dog can always reach them and enlist the help of employees to make sure meals get served on time.

Take Frequent Potty Breaks

Nobody wants a smelly work space, so office dogs need to be taken outside regularly. Taking a dog for a walk is also necessary to burn off the excess energy that could turn into destructive habits indoors. An office dog should go for a short walk once every two hours. Give employees a fifteen minute break and let them take turns going out with the dog. Not only will this keep the dog happy, but a quick spin outside will also refresh employees and boost productivity.

Provide a Safe Environment

Owning a dog in any space means taking responsibility for its well-being. Trash cans should be kept out of the dog’s reach or in a well-supervised area, as well as any other potentially dangerous or messy objects such as loose wires or lunches.

Have a Kennel or Dog Bed

It’s also vital that the dog have a kennel or bed to go to when he or she wants some privacy. A stressed out dog can become a liability very quickly and may bite if provoked. Having a safe space to go to can help calm a dog after it has become fearful or anxious.

Keep Up to Date on Vaccinations

Offices see a constant traffic of employees and customers alike, so office dogs must be kept up to date on vaccinations. This will likely be required by insurance companies in case the dog bites someone and will also prevent it from picking up diseases from the outside world.

Watch the Door

Finally, a simple safety rule is to either cut off the dog’s access to the exit, usually via another door or a baby gate, or to watch all comings and goings carefully. Many dogs will show no interest in escaping, but others will slip out if given the opportunity. Even if an office dog has never been inclined to run for the door, it should have a collar and identifying tags on at all times.

By following these practical guidelines, any office can experience the joys of having a canine companion around. Dogs are lovable and gregarious creatures and even having one relaxing within sight can reduce employee stress. With the right precautions, you may wonder how you ever got by in a dog-less office before.

Rosie writes for Principal Corp a leader in the consumer electronics and managed services industry, Principal specialises in Office Systems and fax machines amongst other practical IT based solutions.

Dog groomers need a variety of tools and equipment to be able to do their jobs well. In order to maintain a high quality of care for animal clients and provide quality, professional services, there are some pieces of equipment that are mandatory for any dog-grooming business. Whether you are going to be working for a pet store or an already established dog grooming company, or you are going to start your own professional dog grooming business, these are the tools and equipment pieces that you will need to get started:

Dog Grooming Tub

All dog groomers need a sturdy and durable tub for washing. There are many different types of dog grooming tubs on the market, but the most common are metal tubs that come with a hose and sprayer. A tub that is big enough to fit large breed dogs will work best. Some dog grooming tubs come with ramps or doors for easier access, but these are not necessary components for a dog-grooming tub.

Dryers

After a bath, a dog will need to be dried using a dog grooming dryer. The dryer not only dries the excess water from the dogs coat, but also helps to prep the coat for any grooming or trimming. There are different types of dryers for different stages of drying. The initial drying process will normally consist of a high-speed heat dryer. Next, a dog can either be put into a cage dryer, or dried with a hand-held dryer that looks similar to a human hair dryer.

Grooming Table

The table is where the grooming actually takes place, so having a good dog-grooming table that will fit with your needs and preferences is very important. Adjustable tables are a great choice for dog groomers that like to both sit and stand, or are going to be accommodating a large variety of dog breed sizes. The most important consideration is the safety of the dog and the groomer, so be sure that the table is sturdy, strong, and safe.

Brushes and Combs

The brushes and combs are the dog groomers first line of defense against a dog’s coat. Dog groomers should have a variety of brushes and combs to accommodate different types of coats. The brushes and combs will detangle hair and remove any excess hair when a dog is shedding. Some brushes are specially designed for certain dog breeds with undercoats.

Clippers, Scissors and Shears

To cut or trim a dogs hair, a professional dog groomer will need a variety of clippers, scissors and shears. The tool needed will depend on the dog’s coat, and the style that the owner wants. Dog groomers should have multiple clipper blades to achieve various length trims.

Cages

A dog grooming business needs cages to contain dogs either before, during, or after the grooming. The cages should be large enough for all dog breeds, and comfortable yet clean. Cages can be stacked to house large dogs on the bottom level and small dogs on the upper level, as long as the cages are stacked properly to ensure the safety of all dogs.

Whether you are crazy about cats or devoted to dogs, one thing is for sure, you’ll want to make sure they are protected should anything untoward happen to them.

Unfortunately, costs for your pet can mount if visits to the vet are becoming a frequent occurrence, and for many of us our pets are worth the expense. However, there is a way to alleviate the financial pressure of the medical care your pet receives; with pet insurance.

Pet insurance is available from various providers that can offer the security that so many owners need to ensure they don’t get into financial difficulty. So how do you know which policy to choose?

Well, firstly it obviously depends on the type of pet you own. If you have a house cat that spends its day’s laying in the sunshine, the policy needed will be far different for a farm dog working in a field, so it’s important to know what cover you’re expected to need. Obviously, you also need to take your pets age into consideration; a puppy may be young and healthy but it is also likely to chew various household items or run away when being walked. An older dog may be better trained but as it ages, it may start to suffer from joint or dental problems – if you choose the right insurance company, you can ensure the cover is made clear for your pet.

One of the main aspects to check is to ensure the policy you choose suits your pet’s needs. You don’t want an incident to occur that you thought was covered by your pet insurance, only to find out this isn’t the case; resulting in a huge vet’s bill a few weeks later.

With this in mind, it is often the cost of insurance that sways the policy a person chooses, but by choosing the right insurance, you may find you actually save money because you may not need cover for expenses such as neutering or spaying if this has already occurred.

There are also some policies that will provide cover for various situations, which may be better suited to your lifestyle. For example, there are companies that offer cover to help you find your pet should they go missing, as well as help you find a registered pet owner if you are due to go on holiday; it’s these small extras that can really make the difference to the policy you choose and the decision of which provider you go with.

Finally, take the time to research the various companies out there; don’t just rely on comparison websites, but speak to people and utilise resources such as the internet to find companies that are offering competitive deals.

Many people often decide not to have insurance due to the additional expense month on month, however the risk of a tragedy occurring plus the additional stress of vet’s bills far outweighs the small amount you can pay to cover your pet year on year in order to secure your pet’s health and your wallet!

Written by Jenny Pilley on behalf of Debenhams Finance – providers of affordable of pet insurance.

There are people who like dogs and then there are dog lovers. You know the type. The ones who talk about their dogs like they’re humans, the ones who always have a picture of their pooch on hand and readily whip it out to show off, those ones who break into a strange baby voice when referencing their furry friend.

If that sounds like anyone you know, then you might want to use their love of animals when buying them a gift.

Dog and Human Play Dates

There are all kinds of activities specifically geared toward dog lovers. Consider purchasing admittance to a class or activity of some kind for your friend and his or her pup. A doggy/owner yoga class, doggy/owner spa date, or even a doggy/owner vacation are some ideas to get you started. Look in to events coming up in your area to find what’s available. Many cities have 5k runs created especially for dog owners. Dog parks and vet offices sometimes hold fairs where attendees can learn the best methods and find new products for training, grooming, and loving their dog. A ticket to anything like these would be a fun and unique way for a dog lover to spend some time with his or her pooch, and you if you decide to join!

Dog Care Tools or Accessories

Think about what all dog lovers need to care for their dogs if you’re looking for something more practical to offer. Grooming tools and supplies, dog treats, toys, poop scoops, or training guides are some everyday essentials. You could create a customized gift basket with treats for the dog and the person. Spice up the dog’s wardrobe and find a stylish leash and collar or if you live in a cooler climate and the dog gets cold easily, dog clothing comes in all sizes and shapes these days. Giving a dog lover something they’ll get a lot of use out of is a thoughtful and helpful gift.

Dog Art

One thing dog lovers can’t get enough of is pictures of their beloved companion. Even if you think their house is already full of pictures, consider framing a special picture of their dog or finding an artist to paint a one-of-a-kind portrait of the pup. You can also find all kinds of artwork, magnets, coffee table books, bookmarks, and other novelty items relating to dogs and their owners.

Free Petsitting Coupons

A major issue for many dog lovers is having to leave the pooch behind for vacations or business trips. You could alleviate your dog lover’s worries and give a truly perfect gift by offering some free pet sitting. Not only can you save them a lot of money, they’ll be leaving their prized companion in the hands of someone they trust. Plus, a weekend with a doggie companion never hurt anyone so you’ll be doing yourself a favor as well!

Animals Etc

Most likely your friend’s love for animals doesn’t stop at dogs. Or maybe you think they need to expand their animal repertoire. Since it’s quite possible the dog lover already has everything under the sun relating to his or her dog’s breed or personality, you could also branch out and fill their life with some other animals. Get socks with elephants on them or a funny shirt about a cat. Look online for zebra, lion, bear, or giraffe gifts. There’s a safari of choice for everything from gag gifts to daily essentials relating to the animal kingdom.

Dog lovers, like their furry companions, are pretty easy to please usually. Taking time to plan an outing or anything that involves the human and the dog will mean a lot to a dog lover. Plus you’ll show them you understand and appreciate their love of dogs.

Whether you live alone or have a family having a pet around can be great for the residents of your home. Pets are a great way to teach children responsibility, relieve stress and just provide a little entertainment around the house. Knowing that you have a furry companion to come home to every day is a great feeling. Dogs are great to have around as well to help protect your house and ward off intruders. Cats are great pets if you wish to have something that views you as a humble servant in its kingdom. And, if you choose to adopt a pet you could be saving that animal’s life!

You may think that your pet lives a luxurious life void of any concerns or commitments. And honestly, compared to you, they really do. Their days pretty much revolve around sleeping eating and lying in the sun. It’s not a bad life at all. But, this does not mean that your little furry friends are not prone to experiencing stress. Animal stress is a common problem among pets everywhere. Like humans, animals are also creatures of habit and they can become particularly perturbed when you are moving. It takes them time to acclimate to their new surroundings just like any person who is moving to a new area. If you follow these tips you will be able to help your dog or cat avoid stress during your move.

• Local Move – If you are just moving locally it may be wise to leave your pet with a friend during the course of the move. This way your pet does not have to experience the move first-hand and then you can incorporate them into their new surroundings when your new home is all set up and ready go. The less change your pet has to experience, the better.

• A Favorite Toy – We all love our pets. But, dogs and cats are not always the most brilliant, logical companions! They’re confused during a move and could definitely use a familiar item to soothe their minds. Giving them their favorite stuffed animal or other toy during the move can give them a sense of familiarity during the move and help alleviate their stress level.

• New Tags – Make sure that you get the tags with your new address and phone number before you go through with your move. This is important to ensure that you will be contacted correctly if your pet decides to run away during your move.

• Territory – Cats and dogs can be territorial creatures. If you give them their own little space in their new home they will feel much more comfortable with their surroundings and will become acclimated to them more quickly.

• Keep Them Safe – By storing you pet in a kennel during the move they will not be able to run free. This will prevent them from being subject to things like falling boxes and prevent them from getting underfoot of one of the movers and causing damage to them or your belongings.

Your pet is a valued member of your family. It is important to make sure that they stay as happy possible during your move. Just think — you fully understand the scope of your move and you still get stressed out about it. So, imagine what your pet goes through. Follow some of these simple steps and you will make your upcoming relocation much easier on both you and your pet!

Worming your cat or dog is an extremely important part of protecting him or her from harmful parasites that could negatively affect his or her health. A comprehensive worming treatment plan, discussed with your vet, is your best bet against fighting the common types of worm infections that frequently plague cats and dogs.

It’s much easier to prevent worms and parasitic infections than it is to treat an infection after an animal is infested, so being proactive is the best plan of action. You can also buy wormers over the counter and online:
www.vet-medic.com/Brands/Drontal/list.htm

A dog or cat can get worms from a variety of different sources, both inside and outside. Some of the most common sources include infested soil, raw meat, fleas, feces of infested animals, and mosquito bites. Kittens and puppies are also at risk of being infected from their mother during the birthing process. It’s possible for all cats and dogs of any age to get worms, but there are some situations that put dogs and cats at higher risks for worms. Avoid exposing your cat or dog to other animal feces, areas where there may be fleas, or places where a dog or cat could potentially dig or scavenge through contaminated soil or wooded areas.

The different types of worms that most commonly affect dogs and cats are roundworms, tapeworms, heartworms, hookworms and whipworms. A cat or dog may appear perfectly fine, even when they have worms, so it’s tough for many pet owners to discover that their cat or dog has worms. Regular vet visits to test a dog or cats stool for worms is a good way to check that your pet is worm-free. You can also keep a close eye on your pet for any signs that he or she may have worms.

Some signs that may be an indicator that a dog or cat has worms include a lack of energy, weight loss, diarrhea, a dullness of the coat, change of appetite (either increase or decrease), a swollen stomach, and difficulty of breathing. As is the case with any major change in behavior, you should be aware that a change has taken place and contact a vet to see if something could be seriously wrong.

A proper worming schedule set up by your veterinarian will protect your dog or cat from more serious health issues that could come from a worm infestation. Puppies and kittens should be dewormed every two weeks until they are around three months old. Adult cats and dogs should be treated regularly, dependent on their exposure to areas where they could get worms.

Preventative measures will guard against worms, and also intestinal parasites. Talk with a veterinarian about a specific schedule for your pet that works best with your pets lifestyle and needs. Also be sure to have a fecal examination for worms done at least once per year in order to ensure that your pet is healthy and worm-free. It’s much easier to take preventative measures to guard against worms than it is to treat a dog or cat that has worms. Once a dog has worms, the possibility for reinfestation is very high, and all worms, eggs and larvae must be completely killed to ensure reinfestation does not take place.

Dogs, just like people, can become very anxious when they have to fly on an airplane, particularly if they’ve never done it before. Since many flights force larger breeds of dogs to fly in the cargo area of the plane, flying can be especially uncomfortable and even terrifying for a pooch. If there’s no way to avoid flying with your dog, there are a few things you can do to lower your furry friend’s anxiety levels. Here are some of them:

1. Book a flight that doesn’t require your dog to ride in the cargo area.  

Many airline companies will allow smaller breeds to ride under your seat in a crate. If you are a small dog owner, try to book a flight on a plane that will allow for your dog to ride beneath your seat. Being under your seat and still able to smell and hear you can make your dog feel significantly less stressed. If your dog is large in size, you may want to consider booking a flight on a jet charter, where your pet can ride up front with you. There’s nothing worse for your dog than being separated from you while in a frightening situation.

2. Let your dog exercise before the flight.  

Go to the dog park or throw your dog’s favorite toy around the backyard. Spending time with your dog and allowing him to play before the flight will tire him out and calm him down. A sleepy dog is generally less likely to get worked up at the airport or while in flight. You may also want to ask your vet for some kind of safe sedative to give your pet before the flight, particularly if he will be riding in the cargo area. Whatever you do, just make sure your dog isn’t wired when you arrive to the airport.

3. Practice riding in a crate.

If your dog isn’t crate trained, she will probably have a difficult time flying in a crate. A few weeks before the trip, put her in a crate and take short trips in the car with her. This will get her used to riding in the crate in unsteady and shaky conditions. If she’s not used to the crate, you can expect her to whine at first, but she will get used to it. Practice makes perfect, and riding in a crate will actually make your dog feel safer and more secure on the plane. If your dog is already crate-trained, you don’t have to fight half of the battle.

The chances of your dog enjoying riding on a plane are slim. However, there are things you can do to make flying a less terrifying experience for your pooch.

Logan is a guest blogger on the subjects of dog psychology, traveling with pets, and private jet charter advantages.

Whether you are dog sitting a friend’s pet for an overnight or you are introducing a new furry friend to the family, first time doggy introductions can be tricky. Even if your dogs are the friendliest and most well-behaved creatures on the planet (as all of our pets are of course), being careful and prepared with new introductions is important. While many dog introductions can go perfectly smoothly without the help of their owners, a little preparedness and orchestration from the humans can help. Rather than risking a doggy scuffle or something even more serious follow these few practiced tips when introducing new dog friends.

Get to Know Them

Firstly, you want to be sure that you are properly introduced to all of the canine parties involved. If you don’t know the dog or dogs that you are dealing with, you won’t have a comfortable idea of what to expect from them. Take some time to introduce yourself to the dogs that you are unfamiliar with. Get to know them and let them get to know you some. You should pay attention to the new dog’s temperament during your introduction. Are they timid? Are they slightly more aggressive? Observing how the dog interacts with you for the first time can give you an indication of how they may act with your dog.

Pick the Right Environment

You’ll want to work out what the best location is to first introduce the new friends to each other. It is usually a good idea to pick a neutral spot. This means that you should not take the new dog immediately into your existing dog’s territory. However, this can depend highly on the temperament and personality of the dogs involved of course. If one dog is significantly more nervous and skittish than then other pet, but shows absolutely no aggression, it may be best to choose a familiar environment for that pet to make the introductions. Typically, the best location is a neutral one. When I pet sit friends’ dogs at my house, I always make the introductions in the front yard because it is not a territorial area for my dogs.

Understand the Situation

You should think carefully about how your dog has responded to unfamiliar dogs in the past. When you are on walks, does your dog bark aggressively at dogs? Do they act differently when they are at a dog park off of the leash? The leash can play an important role in how your dog responds to a new situation. Some dogs feel more threatened when they are tethered to a leash and will react more defensively. Other dogs may feel safer leashed. You should try to understand what types of situations make your pet most comfortable and then create that situation for the doggy introduction. I like to immediately take the dogs on a walk after they initially meet. This helps the dogs do something familiar and enjoyable together. They can interact with one another, but the focus of the event is not the interaction between the two dogs. Also, a good walk is a great way to burn off some of that initial nervous or excited energy the dogs may have.

When You Are Nervous about Introductions

While many of these techniques can be extremely useful when introducing unfamiliar pets, there are times and situations where professional help can be important or necessary. If you are uncomfortable introducing your dog to other dogs and it has become a problem, there are many professional dog trainers who can offer some knowledge and support on the issue. Aggressive and defensive dogs can be challenging to manage for those who are less knowledgeable about pets and training. If you find yourself at a standstill or you’re nervous about introducing your dog to other dogs, contact a trainer for help.

Alvina Lopez is a freelance writer and blog junkie, who blogs about accredited online colleges. She welcomes your comments at her email Id: alvina.lopez @gmail.com.

Your pet is so much more than just a furry friend. He’s an integral part of the family. You give him the best food and care, and he returns the favor with loads of love and affection. And like the rest of your family members, you want these little bundles of happiness insured and protected against anything unexpected. But pets aren’t people, and every once in a while a terrible accident can occur. Your dog can tear up someone’s home, or react to a new situation by scratching or biting. To protect yourself and your family, you might want to think about purchasing liability insurance to cover your pet. But how do you know what type of insurance you need, and when it becomes a necessity?

The answer generally depends on what types of animals you keep as pets, and whether or not their behavior has you concerned. Not all pets pose liability risks, but sometimes situations pop up that are previously unseen. So what does liability insurance cover? Basically, if you are held legally responsible for any loss, damage or injury caused by your pet, liability insurance will protect you. So if your normally obedient dog gets distracted, runs into the road and causes an accident, or if your horse kicks someone in the stable, or if your cat scratches someone’s child when her tail is tugged, you would not be liable for paying the damages.

Most health insurance plans you would purchase for your dog already include some amount of liability coverage. Generally, insurers expect you to have control of your dog, so if something happens, you will be held liable for their behavior. The same is not the case with cats or other smaller pets. An owner doesn’t control a cat in the same way as a dog, and smaller pets aren’t expected to cause damage in the same way a dog might. But even if you haven’t bought health insurance for your pet, they may be covered in another way.

Look over your homeowner’s insurance policy, as pets may be included in that coverage. Don’t take it for granted if you’re not sure. Call an agent to get the rules and restrictions clearly detailed. Many of these policies cover certain dog breeds, but don’t cover the breeds that have traditionally been considered ‘dangerous’. In either case, you’ll be in a more comfortable position if your pet is covered, so take a look at other insurance options.

There are specialized liability insurance plans for pets. Take the time to research all of the available plans, and make sure your specific breed is covered by whichever policy you choose. It may seem like overkill, but accidents do happen. The last thing you’d want is to have to deal with putting down your family’s pet because of his part in an accident, while simultaneously having to pay out a big settlement. Public liability is sometimes difficult to specify, and often ends with people involved in lengthy court proceedings. If you have pet liability insurance, you can rest easy knowing you’ve done everything you can to insure your entire family is safe.

When I first got my adorable Shih Tzu, Coco, I did a lot of research about Shih Tzu health and her veterinary needs. But despite all the reading, I could not be prepared for her first nervous trip to the vet. The poor puppy trembled as the doctor examined her. I knew she was in good hands, but I didn’t know how to soothe her.

After that first visit, I studied up on successful methods for cheering Coco up during her checkups. I even asked my own vet for suggestions. Ever since, Coco has been a real trooper. With long waits and expensive bills, going to the vet can be frustrating enough as an owner, so ensuring a pleasant experience for your puppy is a good way to cut out one more unnecessary stress.

So here are some tips for keeping your puppy carefree at her next biannual check-up. Owner tested… Coco approved!

Take your dog out for a long walk before visiting the vet. Your dog will be calmer from the exercise and ready to sit still through the waiting room process. Also, giving your dog a chance to relieve herself before her appointment will help prevent accidents in the vet’s office.

Bring your dog to the vet in a carrier. Even if she’s generally docile on her leash, if your dog is small enough (like Coco), it is best to bring her in her travel crate. A carrier will provide your dog with a calming, familiar environment, especially if you pack it with soft bedding, favorite toys, and old clothes with your comforting scent on them. The carrier will also protect your puppy from other ill or aggressive pets at the clinic.

Be attentive to your dog. Keep the dog on your lap or at your side. She may be eager to meet new friends, but interacting with other dogs may get her too excited. Speak to your dog in calming tones. Lots of petting keeps Coco a content princess – physical attention is key!

Visit regularly. This one should go without saying, but regular visits to the vet, even if just for checkups and weighings, are not only great for preventative health measures, but also for getting your dog used to the examination process. This will be especially helpful in the super stressful instances in which the dog has an actual health issue.

Schedule appointments for off-peak hours. Generally, veterinary clinics are busiest before 10am and after 4pm – when pet owners are out of work. Crowds of people and puppies can be overwhelming for your pet, so try to stick to quieter hours.

Research! Choose a veterinarian with a good reputation. I was referred to Coco’s current vet by a friend. Online review sites like Yelp and Citysearch can also direct you to the best vet clinics in your neighborhood. Of course, make sure to find a vet who is board certified and has successfully completed the North

American Veterinary Licensing Examination (Navle Exam).

Keeping your dog calm at the vet will mean a less stressful experience for both you and your pooch. So if you’ve been having trouble with examinations, try out some of these tips to improve your next vet appointment!