Category: Pets & Animals
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The Importance of the Domestication of Horses
Owning a pet horse to have adventures with is a common wish on every little girl’s mind. You can experience their wonder in popular classic novels like Black Beauty and in pop culture with the reboot of shows such as My Little Pony. Mythical creatures like unicorns and the pegasus can be found all over stores, bringing a bit of magic into playtime. And of course, no western is complete without the hero riding off into the sunset on his trusty equine companion. Whether they have wings, a horn, or even both, horses have found themselves at the top of well-loved pets and animals. But this doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of their importance. Thanks to horses, we have found ourselves at the forefront of adaptation and evolution. The following discusses how and why the domestication of the horse has helped make us human. Why horses? There are a few songs you may recall describing wild horses in some way or another. Yet today in 2019, you couldn’t find many of these in the wild. The majority of horses now are domesticated either for sport, farm work or as the family pet. Over five thousand years ago, horses were domesticated for a variety of reasons. Horses were, and in some parts of the world still are, a food source. Before modern technology of cars, these animals were the fastest way people could travel over any distance. Horses were a common choice over other animals because they were better suited for colder weather. These animals also had the muscle to perform long and tireless tasks such as pulling heavy farm equipment. They can withstand weight up to twenty percent of their own body mass, making them the prime choice to haul people, carriages, and large wagons. Besides utilizing horses for everyday tasks, they have also become the main attraction in sports such as racing, polo, and horse shows. These competitions display a horse’s beauty and brawn, typically consisting of jumping, agility courses, and obstacle courses. Check out simplehorselife.com to know more about the origins of horses. Horses as pets and companions: Even though these creatures have a history of running wild, keeping horses requires lots of care. This care consists of lots of time, energy, and money. You can find a variety of resources online such as Finish Line horse products that give information for products and horse care. For example pain relief, hoof care, and supplements to give your horse the best quality of life. In fact, horses can be used as animal companions such as a seeing-eye dog, however, smaller horses are utilized in the same manner. Miniature horses show great intelligence and cognitive skills and respond greatly to verbal commands. When properly trained, they can help the blind avoid obstacles to keep their human counterpart safe. There is also no need to keep them outside like larger horses; this companion stands about 30 inches tall and can be housebroken. Helping us be human: The domestication of horses has been shown to have had a great impact on us humans. Horses have been used to help soldiers injured during the 5th century. Physical fitness has utilized riding horses to improve your muscles such as the core, legs, and back. You need to be mentally aware of your horse and respectful. They are larger and incredibly strong, so when riding one, you have to be aware of your surroundings and body. Thanks to this strength, horses helped us to carry heavy loads to build houses and other structures, in addition to carrying food across distances to keep people fed. People also rode horses to gain speed on their prey for hunting. These animals were also used in warfare, helping people create and maintain civilizations and populations. Read Also: How Your Pet Will Change Your Life Can Dogs Help Writers Stay Positive During Stress?
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How Your Pet Will Change Your Life
All those who have watched “Marley and Me” know exactly what I am talking about when I mention pet parents and how a lot of couples think of being a pet parents before they become parents. Having a pet, whether you live with your family, with your spouse, or you live alone, can change your life in so many ways. Apart from the fact that your family has a new totally adorable and definitely the most photogenic member in your family that would make you want to shop for amenities and accessories from petsho, we have decided to work out ways in which having a pet can change your life and why you should definitely adopt one if you haven’t already. 1. For Practicing Parents: Having a pet is parenting a child for as long as your pet lives. No pet ever grows up, and this is especially true for dogs. They will most definitely grow old, and there will come a time when they wouldn’t be able to jump about like they did when they were younger, when their eyesights will grow weaker, but they will always be your little child, only bigger in size. It is not an easy job to be a parent to your pet for all the years that they live, but every pet parents will tell you without a doubt that those years will forever be the best years of their lives. From toilet training to training your pet for food, everything involves not only ample mistakes that will remind you of all the good times you shared with somebody who loved you selflessly. Apart from helping you learn to be patient till your child grows up, having pets also give your child a constant friend in every little thing they do. 2. Pets as Therapets: It is a well-known fact that pets have often been trained as therapy support for patients suffering from depression, autism, Alzheimer’s among the few issues people grapple with. They are known to not only help people de-stress, but also provide constant support and alert people if they are about to have a seizure. 3. Becoming More Active: Having a pet will completely change your daily routine. Your day will revolve around that furry little family member who is now a major part of your home. There will be someone who will love you right from the moment you step onto the threshold of your house, someone impatiently waiting for your return. Your priorities will begin to change and you won’t regret any of it, because this won’t be a responsibility anymore. The unconditional love that your pets will have for you will make you value them and their presence. It is also the best way to adopt a very healthy lifestyle owing to the ways you might have to adapt to keep your pet healthy and fit. Apart from being trained as therapists, pets, in general, improve your health by their mere presence and the infectious energy they carry with them. 4. A Boon for Introverts: Unlike those who are naturally outgoing and can easily socialize or often become the life of the party, having a pet can help you create a bond or a connection without the need for any verbal communication. It can also be a great way to socialize with people if you are naturally drawn to animals more than human beings, yet you want to hone your socializing skills. Having a pet makes it easier to begin any conversation. 5. Your Child’s Best Friend: As mentioned earlier, pets often become great company for your children. Often, pets react differently around a new family member, especially if it’s a baby, where most of the attention gets diverted and irrationally divided. However, this can be the best opportunity for you to help your pet befriend your child. Having a pet not only will help boost your child’s immune system but will also be their forever lifeguard helping them around or protecting them and communicating in their own forms of gibberish. 6. Your Trip Companion: This option comes with a lot of terms and conditions applied because unfortunately, not every place whether a cafe or a tourist spot is animal-friendly. However, there are a lot of locations and a lot of eateries that allow you to visit and spend some quality time with your loved ones and also introduce them to other people’s pets. A solo trip can often become a lot more fun, interesting and adventurous if you can take your pet along. Having said all of these, it is true how wonderful and how drastically your life will change once you adopt a pet. However, it is also important to remember that this is a responsibility. It is always a good idea to weigh out the odds against keeping a pet before you decide to adopt one. They look forward to being a part of your family and more often than not, these pets are traumatized once they are abandoned. Always choose adoption over the purchase of a pet. Read Also: What Are The Best Hamster Toys For Your Pet? Different Steps On How To Clean Pet Stains On Couch
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Is CBD Oil & Edible Treats Safe for Pets – Dogs & Cats
CBD oil is on the rise among individuals as well as pet owners. Learning about CBD and how it helps different ailments many people have got on board. Who can use CBD oil and what is CBD oil? What are the side effects of CBD oil the good ones and the bad ones? What is CBD oil? CBD oil is cannabidiol; which comes from hemp. Hemp produces chemicals that can be extracted for homeopathic remedies. CBD oil derived from hemp contains less THC than that of its relative to the marijuana plant; therefore you will not get your pet high from the amounts of THC in the CBD oil according to SimplyPets.com. When CBD is used it affects the endocannabinoid system, which all mammals have. Researchers have found that phytocannabinoid cannabidiol is also responsive to the system as our bodies naturally produce certain cannabinoids. This research has claimed that cannabinoids such as CBD have been found useful in helping many ailments. How can CBD oil help pets? Many pets go through changes in their lives such as aging. When we as humans grow older we slowly develop conditions that cause inflammation, pains, digestive issues, cancers, and many other illnesses. Pets go through a lot of these same conditions. Pets develop stress and anxiety that CBD oil can help with. CBD uses the endocannabinoid system to mimic our bodies’ natural receptors to help with pains, moods, and emotions. The natural ones our bodies make are more localize and don’t travel far. Side effects of CBD oil: The side effects of CBD oil in pets are considered minimal. Pets may get dry mouth from the use of CBD oils as CBD can decrease saliva production. Lowered blood pressure is another possible symptom of a temporary side effect. Pets may also experience bouts of drowsiness. These are the most common negative side effects of CBD oil found. The positive side effects of CBD oil include being more playful. This is because they have less pain and inflammation which are also side effects of using CBD oil. Pets may be able to handle noises and strangers better as CBD oil also helps calm their nerves; helping with stress and anxieties. Pets may appear to be less grumpy due to CBD oil helping with pains and inflammations. Is CBD oil safe for pets? CBD is being tested by researchers to find what all it is capable of; they know that it aids in many benefits. CBD oil is safe for pets in small amounts; pet dosages are a lot less than human dosages as they don’t need as much to help with their illnesses. CBD oil can be given orally if the pet will take it but may need to be mixed in with food. The biggest answer to this question is to ask what medicines your pet is already on. Are these medications safe, do they have a long list of possible side effects? What are those side effects in comparison to the CBD oil you can give your pet? Read Also: CBD The Solution To Insomnia How Does The Training Of Defence Dogs Look Like?
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Ten Superfoods for Your Dog
There are many superfoods that you can give your dog, and the list below will make it very easy for you to feed your dogs and keep them healthy. There are many ways for you to get superfoods into your dog's diet, and all these things are listed below. They span a very large range from the broccoli that you would be interested in eating yourself to the apricots that you might be cutting for a little midday snack. 1. Broccoli Can dogs eat broccoli? Yes. Dogs can eat broccoli, but you should cut it up and take out the big and heavy stalks. There are many people who will give their dogs little broccoli florets because that makes it easier on the dog's stomach. 2. Apricots You can give your dogs apricots, but you need to be sure that you have removed the pits. 3. Mango You need to peel the skin off the mango so that you can give this to your dogs without choking them. This is a fun fruit, and they get excited about it because it is sweet. 4. Cranberries Dried cranberries are a very good place for you to start, and they can be given to your dogs in small doses because this is a fun treat for them to have in the middle of the day. 5. Apples Apples are perfect dogs, but you need to have cubed them and make sure that you found a variety that they like. You must also remove apple seeds because they are not safe for anyone to eat at any time. 6. Pumpkin Pumpkin pulp can be given to dogs at any time, and you will find that the pumpkin could be given from a can if you want your dogs to have a little treat that might be mixed into their food. This is also a very good thing to give dogs when you want them to eat what you are eating. 7. Cheese Dogs all like a little bit of cheese, but you should not give them too much cheese. This could upset their stomach because they should not have too much milk. 8. Cauliflower Cauliflower is a fun alternative to broccoli, and it helps your dogs eat very well while also having something that you can eat on your own. 9. Carrots Carrots are very easy treats for your dogs because you can buy the small carrots to give to your dogs. This is a good snack for you, and your dog will be excited that they can eat the same things you are eating at snack time. 10. Quinoa You need to cook up the quinoa, but this is a very good choice for you because it can help you make sure that you have something in their diet that is like a grain. This could also be the thing you use to mix up their other foods. The foods that you give your dogs can come from your fridge for mealtime or snack time. Read Also: How Does The Training Of Defence Dogs Look Like? 10 Reasons Why Your Dog Can Breathe Fast? Can Dogs Make The Anti-Social Kids Socialize Better?
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How does the Training of Defence Dogs Look Like?
Defence dogs have special features that make them suitable for this purpose. Before the dog is admitted to defence training, he has to complete a course for a 1st degree companion dog. This gives confidence to the trainer that the dog understands the basic commands such as summoning, fetching, "sit", "go", and walking on a loose leash or even without a leash. In addition, defence dogs should be very disciplined. The first step is, of course, to choose the right breed. The breed that has an internal defense reflex which tells them when their owner is in an emergency situation. The most popular dog breeds for defence include: Amstaff, Bullmastiff, Bulterier, Doberman, Boxer, German Dog, French Shepherd, and Caucasian Shepherd. Choosing a particular puppy can’t be a matter of chance. The animal should come from a registered kennel and preferably have a pedigree. The problem with these breeds is that they are prone to aggression, so it’s important to bring up such a dog using appropriate forms of training. A well promising defence dog shouldn’t show too much aggression. The training requires a lot of patience and commitment of the caregiver and starts only when the dog is taught obedience, walking by the owner's leg and self-control. The trainer takes part in the training together with is assistant. The dog is taught to attack when it hears the command "take". He cannot attack the assistant even if it’s against the owner's will. The only exception to this rule is the situation of a direct danger, for example when the assistant attacks the trainer, then the dog should throw itself at him. However when the assistant takes a defensive stance, the dog cannot attack him, but it has to guard him. Unfortunately, due to the natural aggression of these breeds, it’s sometimes really difficult to control them in such situations. Nevertheless, the defensive dog should stay loyal to his master, have sympathy, fidelity, and trust. The dog's behavior cannot be unpredictable, and that’s why dogs with a pedigree are chosen for this job because we can be sure that the animal will meet these criteria. Hidden aggression can never be directed towards the master. In addition, the dog must observe the surroundings and know for himself when the master is in an emergency situation and needs help. In addition, the external appearance of the dog, which is often able to scare the attacker just with its silhouette, shouldn’t be insignificant. Unfortunately, the dogs performing such a role are often poisoned, so well-trained dogs should only eat food given to them by their master. For defence training, apart from the dog, we need an assistant. He should be dressed in a special suit or hand guard. The purpose of the first stage of training is to irritate the dog to the point when he can learn the skill of grabbing a sleeve or a teether. The success of this exercise depends on the behaviour of the master, who must hold the dog on a short leash and encourage it to attack. He can do it by running, shouting, or waving a baton. Meanwhile, the assistant tries to provoke the dog to attack him. At this stage of learning, we do not use coercion. If the dog behaves correctly, the master praises him, which encourages the dog to continue the exercises. If the dog succeeds the master should reward him for that immediately. After a few lessons the trainer is able to control the dogs aggressive behaviour. For example, he can successfully command the dog to stop attacking the target. When the dog has mastered the "take" and "let go" commands, the trainer can move on to more advanced exercises. How to train defence dogs? - A dog that goes by the foot of his master has no right to pull itself forward, bark or behave aggressively. Training a dog requires a lot of patience and determination. - During the training, the trainer cooperates with the assistant. If he tries to run from the dog and the trainer does not give a direct order to attack, the dog cannot pull himself out and throw behind him in pursuit. - The dog cannot attack the assistant when we show a defensive attitude. When the aggressor is still, the dog will proceed to guard him until the master arrives. How to stop the dog from attacking someone: In the case of training a dog with an innate tendency to aggression, surprises can happen. The most important thing is to know what your dog can do. Stopping such a trained dog from attacking someone randomly on the street is really difficult and often ends in the death of the dog. When it happens, you shouldn’t try to kick the dog with your legs, because it will only enrage it more. That’s why the owner should learn how a stun gun works. It’s the best way to effectively stop the dog from attacking someone with the smallest chance to kill it. Characteristics of a good defence dog: When we buy a pedigree puppy from a proven breeding, we can be sure that it has an innate tendency to perform the function of a defensive dog. We should anticipate the behavior of the dog by which we must be sure that the dog will not hurt us. How to take part in defence training if we can't judge whether the dog will not direct the aggression towards us? We have to teach obedience to the dog. The biggest difficulty is to learn how to walk by the leg and stay on a loose leash. The defence dog must be vigilant and it should inform us about the dangers ahead. Even when the aggressor is still, the animal cannot stop watching him. Perseverance in battle and stubbornness are the hallmarks of defence dogs. A defensive dog cannot be bribed. The attraction with treats and distraction are common methods used by aggressors. How much does a defence dog training cost? Dog training takes place at the time set by the training centre and usually lasts for about 40 hours. The price of the courses varies between 500-1000 Euros. Read Also: Can Dogs Make The Anti-Social Kids Socialize Better? Can Dogs Help Writers Stay Positive During Stress?
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Safe Running During Hunting Season
The hunting season is approaching… What does it mean? A danger for animals? Certainly… However, if hunting season is approaching, firstly, it means a great danger for people! According to the gruesome statistics, on average the hunters kill more than 20 people every year. This is horrendous, but, unfortunately, this is an original figure! By the way, runners have such accidents more often than other people and it's easy to understand why… Most runners ignore safety aspects during this dangerous period of time without realizing that it may lead to death! To avoid the risk, as a runner, you need to know some tips to be safe during the hunting season. Safe Running During Hunting Season: Know when the season starts: When is the hunting season? You necessarily have to know the dates! Besides, be attentive because the hunting season for different animals may vary by the country, state or even the weapon permitted. Be sure that you know your state regulations for additional information on the hunting season in your area. Wear the outfit of appropriate colors: Remember, you shouldn't put on the natural- or animal-colored clothing if you`re going to run during the hunting period. Forget about green, brown, black and gray colors! Orange is the best option for you in this case… At least, you can dress a bright orange vest. It allows to stay visible for hunters and they never mix you up with an animal. One more important thing here. If you don't want to be a turkey for wild animals when running, you have to avoid red, blue and white pieces of clothing. Choose the right time and neutral pronation running shoes for running: Now you should think about when hunters like to hunt and what time they are most active? Of course, at dawn or dusk because it's the best time to see or watch wildlife. What does it mean?! Right you are! Never run at dawn and dusk when the risk to be shot by hunters too high. Pay attention to the signs: It's important for all runners to read the signs often placed at trailheads. This will enable to see what activities are allowed in the area where you like running. If you see the sign that allowed hunting and realize that it's hunting season now, it would be better to choose another trail for your hobby to avoid getting into trouble. Be loud: Hunting season is not a time when you can be quiet. If you plan to run and know that it's hunting season now, try to make some noise while running (choose the right running shoes. For example, you may sing your favorite song loudly, talk to your friends, whistle and so on… This noise can really save your life. Think of your dog: Some runners bring their dogs while jogging. Don`t forget to protect your dog during this dangerous period – hunting season. You should also wear an orange vest on your dog if you want to secure it. Be polite: You live in a society in which we are all equals and everyone has the right to the hobby. You like running and somebody loves to hunt. That's okay! Be respectful of the hunters! Remember, this land is our common land and we all have the right to enjoy it for different seasons. You just have to make the appropriate preparations and in case you accidentally meet the hunter, you will immediately see each other and go in opposite directions in order not to intrude with each other. Rural areas are one of the most favorite places to run. And that's great! But you should keep in mind that the end of the summer, fall, and winter is a high-risk time for runners because of the hunting season. Be ready for it and always follow running safety tips to save your life during this dangerous period. Read Aso : 7 Elk Hunting Tips To Follow Hunting Tips For Beginners
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10 Reasons Why Your Dog Can Breathe Fast?
Dogs are active and energetic pets, who are always up to games and new experiences. So, it’s obvious that the dog can breathe fast from time to time. The question here is how to determine normal and abnormal breathing, and when the dog owners should worry about their furry friend. Fast breathing is a common situation for all dogs, regardless of their breed, age, and size. Fast breathing is a change in the breathing rate of the dog compared to its normal breathing. Dogs at rest have a normal respiration rate of 10 to 35 breaths per minute. The average dog at rest takes 24 breaths per minute. If you encounter such a problem as a dog respiration rate high, then it can be either a normal situation or a symptom of different health issues. Here is the information about the reasons for the dog’s high respiratory rate. 10 Reasons Why Your Dog Can Breathe Fast? 1. Overheating : Panting is one of the earliest and most common signs, so pay attention if your dog is panting excessively when the temperatures have soared. Breathing is usually fast and noisy. Other symptoms of overheating are sticky gums, abnormal thirst, a dark tongue, increased temperature and heartbeat, glazed eyes. This condition is extremely dangerous because if the body temperature exceeds 109°F (a dog’s normal body temperature is 100-102.5°F), heatstroke occurs. It leads to kidney damage, seizures, brain swelling. 2. Pain/Anxiety : Dog breathing heavily may indicate that the pet suffers from internal or external pain. In this case, make sure that your dog doesn’t have an injury – caress the dog from the neck, through the abdomen, and to the legs. Watch for a reaction. Besides, if the pet is stressed out, then panting may be a sign. There are various reasons for stress: punishment, a visit to the vet, inconsistent training, new experiences, changes in the environment. Some breeds are very sensitive and even minor changes can cause anxiety. 3. Poisoning : If your dog breathing heavily, it can signify poisoning. Dogs like trying new things and they shouldn’t necessarily be edible. Of course, this behavior can lead to poisoning. Check whether your dog can eat an obstruction (e.g. chicken bones), toxic foods (chocolate, fruit with seeds, nuts, onions), a toxic plant or household substance. If your pet has swallowed something, then an immediate visit to the vet is a must! 4. Different Health Issues : Dog breathing heavily can be a sign of many diseases such as heart disease, anemia (caused by a severe flea in puppies and young dogs). Along with this symptom, the dog can suffer from weakness and an increased heart rate. 5. Shock : Shock can be life-hazardous because in this case, the body systems don’t receive enough blood to work properly. There can be different types of shock. Thus, septic shock can be caused by different diseases such as heart failure. Another type of shock is caused by an allergy to food or insect bites. 6. Acid-Base Disorders : Some chronic problems cause certain changes in pH balance, and these changes can result in fast breathing. 7. Upper Airway Obstruction : Brachycephalic breeds or those breeds that have narrow airways, tend to snore. If these dogs suffer from illnesses, connected with inflammations and swelling, then it is difficult for them to get enough oxygen and they breathe faster. 8. Fluid in the Lungs : Dog breathing fast at rest is an everyday occurrence, and one of the reasons in the fluid in the lungs. Actually, some amount of fluid is always present in the dog’s lungs, but an excessive amount can be dangerous. Other signs are low body temperature, blue gums. 9. Cushing's Disease : A dog with adrenal glands, releasing too much cortisol, has Cushing’s disease. Cortisol is known as a hormone of stress, it results in high blood pressure and increased panting. However, this is not the only symptom. Other signs are weight gain, increased urination, hair loss, thinning skin. 10. Swollen Belly : If your dog has an unusual shape of the belly due to bloat or a buildup of fluid in the abdomen, then it can breathe fast. It puts pressure on the diaphragm and that is why the dog can’t take deep breaths. In this case, your dog needs veterinary attention. Thus, fast breathing is a common situation because it is needed for temperature regulation. However, in some cases, it can be a sign of any health problems. Pay attention to the general well-being of your furry companion, pay attention to the accompanying symptoms, and if it is necessary, see the vet. Read Also : Can Dogs Make The Anti-Social Kids Socialize Better? Can Dogs Help Writers Stay Positive During Stress? 5 Reasons Why Your Child Needs A Dog
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Different steps on how to clean pet stains on couch
Pet owners know that pets are already a part of the family, as they have made our bad days a bit easier and better. If you’re a mom you think of other things like home areas that need organizing, throwing out the trash, checking this and that. But when you have pets, having your couch stained is inevitable. It is annoying, and it is also frustrating, and it can also ruin your day and it can ruin your furniture. But that is one of the consequences of having a pet since they can’t hold themselves especially the younger ones. You can wipe it or use chemicals in it, but it can damage your furniture if you are not careful. There are steps that you will need to follow in order to save your furniture from damage and so that the smell and the stain will go away properly. Here are home and diy tips on how to clean pet stains on the couch: 1. Use a rag or cloth : The first thing that you will need to do is to soak up as much pet stain as possible, especially if it is urine, and you can do this by using an old rug or any cloth that you are using for cleaning. This can be done no matter where on your couch the pee is located. It is easier, however, when you have a removable cushion because you can just step on it with the most weight and force to remove the seethed urine and to soak it up. 2. Deodorize : Another step on how to clean pet stains on the couch is to deodorize. You can do this by mixing 4 parts of water and 1 part of distilled white vinegar, you can then naturally and easily deodorize your couch cushion and you can give it a good cleaning. Vinegar does smell, but it is known to be the #1 natural household cleaner and it is a great product to use in every laundry, no matter how much load it is. You will be able to smell the strong scent of vinegar as you apply it on the couch and use it to clean it but after washing it up, the smell will be gone, along with the smell of pet stains. This may be a strange solution, but it does the work well. So, with using an old rug or a cloth, you can just wipe the stain and rub the vinegar into the pee spot until you have covered the spot, you can then scrub the vinegar on it. If you see a dry pee spot, then there is no need for you to drain it or soak it out, instead you can go straight to scrubbing the spot with vinegar of you can also spray it with a vinegar and water solution, soak it up and then scrub it. 3. Moisture and odor removal : For this step on how to clean pet stains on the couch, you will need two ingredients: Baking soda and lavender essential oil. These two ingredients have the power of natural ingredients and when they are mixed together they can accomplish the odor and restoration goal that you have for your couch. You just need to measure about 1 cup of baking soda, one that is enough for at least a spot size that is about as big as one cushion and then you can add around 15 to 20 drops of lavender essential oil per 1 cup of water, or you can also adjust the amount depending on how much you need. You can then blend this mixture by using a fork to evenly distribute the lavender essential oil with the baking soda. You can then gently sprinkle the mixture onto the stained area on the couch. 4. Let it sit in : After pouring the mixture in, you just let it sink in and sit for several hours or you can also do it overnight in order for it to dry out, soak up and absorb the odor of the stain. You can come back and vacuum all of the residues and you will see that it will be good as new, and it will also smell great. 5. You can use a liquid dishwashing detergent : If you are not too keen with the vinegar, baking soda, and lavender essential oil solution, then you can try another solution that is guaranteed to work. This involves using liquid dishwashing detergents. You need to take at least 1 cup of warm water and mix it with ¼ teaspoon of whatever dishwashing liquid that you have in your kitchen. Remember that laundry detergent and hand soap will not work for this kind of stain. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and you can spray the affected area. Once the mixture has soaked into the stain after a few minutes then you can use a cloth to wipe it up. Use warm water to rinse the area. Read Also : 6 Tips For Keeping Your Home Clean (With Pets And Kids) What Are The Best Hamster Toys For Your Pet?
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8 High-Need Animal Shelter Donations
Every year, there are more than 6 million animals all across the country that end up in animal shelters. Most of these shelters are staffed by volunteers who rely on the donations of others to keep the shelters up and running. Without these animal shelter donations, the volunteers wouldn't be able to do their jobs and care for the animals that come through their front doors. Do you want to donate items that could potentially make a huge difference and allow shelters to give animals the TLC they need? If so, animal shelters have a long list of items they need on a regular basis. Here are 8 animal shelter donations you should consider dropping off at the shelter in your area. 1. Pet Food : This might be one of the more obvious animal shelter donations. But it's still worth mentioning because shelters simply can't have enough extra food hanging around. There are new dogs and cats coming into the average shelter every day. And from the moment they arrive, they have to be fed regularly so that they get the right nutrition. If you have extra dog food lying around in your home and it hasn't expired yet, you should consider calling your local animal shelter to see if they have a need for it. Just make sure the food hasn't been opened. Shelters won't be able to use opened bags or cans of food. 2. Dog Beds : In addition to providing dogs and cats with food upon their arrival, they also need to provide them with a place to sleep. Many dogs and cats that are turned into animal shelters haven't gotten a good night's rest in quite some time. Therefore, you should consider making animal shelter donations that include dog beds and beds for cats. They will really come in handy when dogs and cats are set up at animal shelters for days, weeks, or months at a time. 3. Litter : Kitty litter is one of the other items that animal shelters are always on the lookout for. From the moment cats step foot inside of a shelter, they need to have access to clean litter to handle their business. If possible, you should make sure your animal shelter donations include clumping litter that will be easy for shelter volunteers to clean up. You should also consider adding a litter box to the mix if your shelter needs one. It's a good idea to get in touch with a shelter ahead of time to see if they have a specific litter they prefer to use. Animal shelters will be ecstatic if you're able to provide them with fresh litter for their feline friends. 4. Blankets and Towels : Blankets and towels are a necessity whenever you're caring for animals at a shelter. They can be used for cleaning up messes or setting up a quiet space for the animals to rest. Either way, shelter volunteers will definitely find good uses for your blankets and towels. They don't have to be new, either! In fact, you're better off donating older blankets and towels to animal shelters that you don't need anymore. These items often don't have much value when you donate them elsewhere. But at an animal shelter, they'll come in handy in a variety of different ways. 5. Zip-Lock Bags : One of the keys to running a successful animal shelter is keeping everything organized. From food to treats to toys, you want to keep items where they belong. Zip-lock bags will help your local shelter do just that. So if you have a bunch of Zip-lock bags sitting in your house right now, you should donate them to a shelter. Shelter volunteers will be able to keep everything straight when they have places to put the things they use on a regular basis. 6. Pill Pockets : The Humane Society and other organizations insist on shelter animals receiving the best medical care possible at shelters. Often times, this means that dogs and cats have to take medications during their shelter stays. The problem, of course, is that many of them won't willingly take these medications. Pill pockets make it possible for shelter volunteers to give dogs and cats their medications without a problem. One box of pill pockets can last for a long time and make it easier than ever for animals to get the medications they need. 7. Kongs : As you can probably imagine, dogs that are placed in animal shelters can get very bored over time. They can, as a result, get themselves into trouble by chewing on things they shouldn't. Kongs are a great solution to this problem. Shelter volunteers can place treats into Kongs and provide dogs with hours and hours of fun. Shelters are always looking for large Kongs since they usually have a lot of larger dogs in their care. When you donate even just one Kong, you'll provide a dog with the entertainment it needs in a shelter. 8. Cleaning Supplies : Keeping an animal shelter clean is of the utmost importance. Shelters usually fly through cleaning supplies on a daily basis. You can make things easier on them by donating: Disinfectant wipes Bleach Powdered laundry detergent Dish soap Paper towels And more If you're not sure about which cleaning supplies would be best for your local animal shelter, give them a call and ask. They would probably be more than happy to let you know which supplies they use most often. You can help keep your local shelter a lot cleaner by setting them up with the supplies they need. Make Your Animal Shelter Donations Today : When you make animal shelter donations, you'll be helping both the animals in the shelters as well as the volunteers who give up their time to work in them. You'll feel great about yourself and know that you did what you could to help the animals even if you couldn't adopt them. Animal shelters rely on people like you to allow them to assist as many animals as possible. Check out our blog for other lifestyle tips that will help you become a better person.
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7 Elk Hunting Tips to Follow
One of the most beautiful sounds in the world to a hunter may be the bugle of a male hunter calling his harem. These majestic animals often weighing up to 700 pounds are grazers that chew their cud. Depending on where you plan on hunting, you can hunt elk from late July through mid-December. Whether you go elk hunting regularly or are fixing to go on a once-in-a-lifetime trip, following some elk hunting tips will give you a better chance of killing a big elk. Know Your Weapon's Capabilities : Whether you choose to hunt with a bow and arrow or with a shotgun, it is important to know your weapon's capabilities. There is nothing worse than getting into the field on a beautiful fall day to discover that your equipment is not working properly. Many hunters discover that their accuracy greatly decreases after 100 yards, but they fail to wait with bated breath until the buck or doe is close enough. Practicing with your weapon at home ensures that you know how it operates and what you can trust in its reliability. Additionally, make sure to practice with any equipment that you plan on using in the field like rangefinders and shooting sticks. Practice in the position that you plan on shooting from when you see that majestic animal walk in front of you. Know The Habitat : If you do not live in the area where you plan on elk hunting, then get a topographical map of the area and study it before making your trip. Otherwise, get out in the field before hunting season begins and learn the territory first hand. Elk often uses grassy ridges as travel corridors between feeding and bedding sites. Mark wide flat valley areas that contain headwaters to small creeks and streams as elk often congregate there during the early hunting season. Consider hunting creek bottoms because elk love the variety of vegetation often found there. Determine the direction of the wind so that you keep it in your face blowing your scent behind you when getting into position. Most state wildlife divisions publish reports of estimated elk numbers, and reading these reports can often give you an indication of what part of the state you need to hunt in when possible. Get Into Physical Condition : If you are looking to go on an elk hunt, then you need to be in great physical condition. It is not unusual to cover at least five miles while hunting. Keep in mind that you will likely do it while carrying your gun, a daypack, and other supplies. While you may wish that the buck would choose the top of a hill with amazing scenery, they will often choose to stay more hidden, especially as the season wears on. Getting into good physical condition also means that you will not be so out of breath when he walks in front of you that you cannot take an accurate shot. Think About the Elk's Diet : Understanding what an elk eats will let you position yourself correctly depending on the season. If it is still summer when you begin to hunt, then look for them in grassy areas with lots of forbs. As the temperatures begin to drop, then they will be in areas where grasses are still present. Elk spends a lot of time grazing during the fall as they try to store up fat to get through the cold winter months. As the days become cold, they are opportunistic grazers who will feed on tree bark and small branches. After the first snow, they often avoid going into valleys, but they choose to stick close to the edge of wooded areas. Look for Signs : You will want to watch for signs that elk are in the area. If you are an experienced deer hunter, then realize that elk hoofprints are about twice the size of deer impressions. Additionally, their pellets are about twice as big as those of deer. Finding these signs are great ways to know that elk are in the area where you are hunting. While getting to a high vantage point can be rough physically, use it to your advantage as it will allow you to see elk from far away. Then, devise a plan to get there moving against the wind. This will often require you to circle the herd before closing in. Stay in the Field : Many hunters choose to go hunting in the early morning and about the time the sun goes down. Staying in the field all day can result in you getting a big elk because as hunters return to camp, they often scare the elk toward you. This can take advance planning as you will want to stay warm throughout the hours in the field when you may not move much. Dressing in layers helps you adjust to changing temperatures. Wearing hiking boots with rugged soles can help you get through rugged terrain better. Pack a lunch in your daypack. Avoid using a campfire as elk can smell the fire and will stay away. Look Up : Many hunters spend the majority of their time looking at the ground. While this may be tempting while moving across rugged terrain, there are no elk located right under your feet. Instead, spend your time looking around you. That is where the large elk buck will be located. They may, however, try to hide from you, so paying attention helps you spot that glimpse of brown fur behind an object. At the same time, wear clothes that you can easily be spotted in and watch for other hunters in the vicinity. Use these tips to have a successful elk hunt. Before going, ensure that you have a way to transport the elk home because you will want to fill your freezer with delicious elk meat or donate it to a worthwhile charity. Read Also : Hunting Tips For Beginners Time For A Rush Of Adrenaline
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What are the Best Hamster Toys for Your Pet?
Are you the proud owner of your own hamster? Congratulations! Despite their small stature, there can be quite the learning curve while you get to know your new furry friend. Many parents grew up with dogs and always planned on getting their kids a dog too, but what do you do when your child wants a whole different kind of pet? What should I feed them? How big should their cage be? What are the best hamster toys? These are all questions you might ask yourself as you gear up for your new life as a hamster-parent. Hamster toys are an integral part of your new pet's life. Not only will they provide entertainment, but they double as a necessary way to help with your hamster's dental care, exercise, and sleeping location. So, how do you tell which toys to get? Keep reading to uncover the 7 best hamster toys. Silent Hamster Wheel : Your new hamster will need a lot of exercises. Since hamsters are nocturnal, they feel most energetic at night, which tends to clash with most people's sleep schedule. Make sure you include a hamster exercise wheel in their cage, so they can be free to exercise whenever they want. Your average exercise wheel tends to squeak a bit. If you keep your cage in a different room from your bedroom, this might not be a problem. But, remember, hamsters are very active at night, so if the cage is in your bedroom the squeaking might keep you up at night. To avoid this, invest in a silent hamster wheel. It'll allow your pet to get the exercise they need while you get the sleep you need. Obstacle Courses and Playgrounds : Not only do hamsters like running, but they also love climbing too! There are tons of toys that will allow your hamster to climb, including bridges and ladders. Our personal favorites are hamster obstacle courses and hamster playgrounds. These are a little more expansive and will offer your pet more options for entertainment. Obstacle courses focus more on vertical ladders and rock walls so your pet can really practice their climbing skills. The playgrounds usually have a less-steep incline, but they double as a fun hideaway, allowing your pet to climb up a ramp and jump into an opaque plastic play building. Colorful Hideaway : That brings us to our next toy - the hideaway. Since hamsters are nocturnal, they need a dark, quiet place to sleep during the day. Turning the lights off when you go to work won't be enough, as your hamster will require an enclosed area to help them feel safe and secure while they sleep. The colorful hideaway is perhaps the most quintessential part of any hamster habitat. The most common are made from a colorful, opaque plastic and look a little bit like a small, round sandcastle. However, hideaways come in all different shapes and materials, including wooden houses and grass huts. Your plastic playground may also be used as a hideaway, depending on which one you choose. Exercise Ball : Your silent exercise wheel is great for allowing your pet to exercise when they want to, but exercise balls are great for adventure and playtime. Your hamster doesn't need to stay in its cage all day. Instead, many hamsters would enjoy venturing out of the habitat and exploring their surroundings from the comfort of an exercise ball. This isn't just fun for your hamster, either. You'll love watching your new pet roll around and play. Just don't let your pet wander unsupervised. You don't want to lose your hamster under furniture or behind large objects. Seesaw : One of the best childhood toys has made the transition to one of the best hamster toys too! They're a great way to challenge your pet as they tip over before your hamster can climb to the top. Wooden seesaws are also available which can double as natural chews for your pet, but we suggest a more durable seesaw, so your pet doesn't eat away their favorite toy. Fun and Natural Chews : Chews are an extremely important toy for your new pet. Hamster's teeth grow very quickly, and they need things to chew on in order to keep their teeth at a manageable length. Wooden, twig and seagrass chews are an excellent way to give your hamster a natural treat to chew on. There are even chews made with real cheese! Brightly colored loofah chews are also available to add some fun color and shapes to your pet's habitat. If you've ever had a hamster before, you'll know that a chew only usually lasts a few days to a week. Those hamsters really like the chew away! Pumice stones work as a natural teeth grinder for hamsters and are also long-lasting, so you don't have to worry about replacing them as often. Branch Ball : Balls aren't just a toy for dogs and cats! Hamsters can get hours of enjoyment out of a branch ball. The ball is made up of twisting twigs, which are another great option for a natural chew. But they're more than just a big chew. There's a jingling bell hidden in the center of the ball, which helps enlighten your furry friend's curious side. They may nudge and push the ball around their cage for enjoyment before stopping to chew it for their health. The Best Hamster Toys : Many people opt for a pet hamster as they don't produce many allergens and they are easy to care for. But, just like any pet, your hamster will need toys to entertain themselves while you're away at work. Hamster toys are arguably even more important because they double as important exercise equipment, teeth grinders, and sleeping spots. So, not only do the best hamster toys provide entertainment, but they also help maintain their health and well-being. Did you like what you read? Check our lifestyle blog for more awesome content like this. Read Also : Can Dogs Help Writers Stay Positive During Stress? Can Dogs Make The Anti-Social Kids Socialize Better?
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Hunting Tips For Beginners
Hunting is all about adventure and fun. But you might have to pay a price for even the smallest of mistakes. Whether you are an experienced hunter or a newbie, you will have to stick to certain rules and guidelines to make sure that you have a seamless experience. One can never compromise on safety – in fact, it is the most important aspect of hunting. Here in this article, we are going to offer all the tips you need in order to become a flawless hunter. Also, check out this article on how early humans used to hunt. Do not compromise on safety It is important to take a safety course. You can do it online too. The thing is that the test is not mandatory. But you should take the test very seriously nonetheless. This is to ensure that you have a proper understanding of everything. Thereafter, you can take part in a hunting field day, where you will be able to interact with real hunters. You will get to learn a lot by meeting real hunters. You need the help of an experienced hunter When it comes to learning, you learn fast when you silently observe. You should not ask too many questions. Instead, try to observe what the experienced hunter does. This way, you will learn important secrets. This is the most effective way to learn hunting techniques. Once you have been to an area accompanying the hunter, you will be familiar with it. As a beginner, you should first explore a familiar terrain. It will give you a good start. You need to get some gear It is extremely important for you to get some quality gear. It is about your survival, as much as it is about your safety. First and foremost, you need to do research on the devices you might require. Come up with a list. It is your duty to make sure that you have everything that you need. Invest in quality equipment as you don’t want the equipment to fail. You should get the best red dot sight which will assist you in hunting. Reach the hunting ground first The roads will be blocked for the most part. You may have to cover the most area on foot. In some cases, you can cover the area on a horse as well. You have to start the journey by dawn. Because of this, you need to be there by midnight. This way, you will enjoy the best hunting ground before others. Being the first one to reach there, you can take advantage of the vacant elevated spot. Getting accustomed to the food We are going to assume that you have already made your first kill. Whether it is beavers, raccoons, rabbits, or porcupines, preparing them could be a big headache. If you are not used to preparing them, then it is a tough task. We recommend you to look at this online. You will definitely get some help regarding this. Move at a slow pace Being impatient is never going to make you a good hunter. In fact, you will blow your chances to be a good hunter when you don’t show enough patience. You may have to stay still for a certain period. You might walk into something which will produce a sound. The best approach is to stay still for as long as you could. This will improve your chances. Picking landmarks Getting confused about your location while making a big circle is something you might encounter. We recommend you pick a unique object to make it easier for you. This will be helpful in not getting confused as far as the location is concerned. For instance, you can pick a huge rock in the vicinity as a landmark. You will also have to do the mental calculation as to where the animal would be headed once you have made a move. Clearing shooting paths When you reach the standing point for the first time, you need to practice shooting positions. You need to go in all directions. Then you need to get rid of all the distracting elements including branches in order to ensure that you don’t get into issues later on. You need to be able to stay in the location with very little movement or no movement at all. One has to ensure that your safety strap doesn’t restrict your movement. Read also: Five Essential Kinds Of Gear To Prepare Before Going To Shooting Ranges Conclusion Becoming a good hunter requires a lot of work and patience. You have got a lot of learning to do before you take a plunge. We have covered the important aspects you need to keep in mind in this article. The aforementioned tips will be helpful for you to groom yourself into a good hunter.
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