First, it is a good idea to take note of the weather reports in your area, so that you can be prepared for a thunderstorm before it occurs. Making sure you have plenty of supplies on hand for yourself and your family in case of a power outage can help immensely. Things such as: canned food and bottled water, as well as lots of dog toys, food, and different types of yummy treats to keep your friend occupied during the storm are very important. It is always a good idea to have lots of extra new and exciting toys for your dog so that they are never bored with their surroundings, but this is especially important when you know they are going to be in a situation where they might become frightened. If you have special items to distract your pet with, like toys that make funny noises, smell good, and even taste particularly delicious, your dog is much more likely to associate pleasant memories with a thunderstorm rather than associating feelings of fear, or even terror, which can cause much bigger problems in the future and only escalate the problems you may see now.

Secondly, it is imperative that everyone in your home stays completely calm at all times (this is as much for your dog’s safety and peace of mind as for your own). Speak to your pet in reassuring and uplifting tones; avoid speaking in too high of a pitch, or too low, as both of those can be indicative of nervousness, or even anger. Above all, do not yell at your dog. If he begins barking at the sounds from the thunder, either try to ignore his behavior by leaving the room without a word and do not return until he is quiet, or you can try huffing a bit and making an audible “pfft” noise in his direction. This is a well observed behavior among dogs, and your dog should be able to sense that you do not approve of his behavior by this simple non-verbal cue. Yelling at your dog will only encourage any negative behavior, such as barking, and your dog may interpret your yelling as barking at the storm as well. This will likely encourage them to bark whenever they hear loud noises, and this is exactly the opposite effect of what you want.

A final option is to use a mild sedative if your pooch cannot calm down during a particularly nasty storm. In order to access something like this, you will need to visit your veterinarian and either let them administer the drug, or let you purchase a prescription medication with special instructions. Always follow the guidelines of these types of medicine carefully, as there could be negative side effects, and they can even be dangerous to their health in the long term. This should only be used as a last resort if the above options produce no positive results. Your dog is your friend, and your responsibility, so please take the time to try the first options out a few times before using any mild sedatives.

Remember that your dog is scared of thunderstorms out of instinct, so please do not punish them for doing what they were designed to do. Try everything you can to remain calm, tantalize them with treats and fancy toys, and do not yell at your dog as it will likely result in worse circumstances. It is possible to help your dog remain calm during a thunderstorm; you just have to be diligent, positive, and engaging, and the rest will follow. It may take a few tries for your dog to understand that everything will be fine during a storm, but we all know that the time is more than worth it to the both of you.

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Going deep into the anipal community, we found the hottest dogs on Twitter, each ranked according to the which had the highest number of followers. So that you can get familiar with these adorable anipals, here are some previews of their bios, as well as a taste of what they have to say on their Twitters. While plenty of the dogs had the usual combination of food and mischief on their minds, some of these pooches turned out to be quite poetic! In fact, the top two on the list are not only adept at making new friends, but are also prone to posting profound puppy prose!

10. Fergus
twitter.com/Fergusthedog
Bio: “I lived in shelters in Kentucky and Wisconsin
before I met my family. I love other dogs and love playing.
Oh, and sprinklers- love those!”
Sample Tweet: “I know, it makes absolutely no sense.
Mum said something about ‘paying for kibble’. I told her
that kibble magically appears.”
Followers: 1,327

9. Timmy Chihuahua Dog
twitter.com/Timmy_Dog
Bio: “I am a lovely mild mannered little Chihuahua
who loves nothing more than curling up on the sofa
with my human mama, @sarah_76 and big bro sibcat, @BalooCat.”
Sample Tweet: “Mama has been painting her bedroom and I was
a very good boy honest, I just cant explain how I got green paint in my hair!!”
Followers: 1,343

8. Raina the dog
twitter.com/raina_roo
Bio: “I’m a regal Yorkie. My name means queen (reina) and I am.
I am a dog, no networking scams please.”
Sample Tweet: “Mom is about to start cleaning.
She wants the house clean for us dogs.
Guess who brings in the dirt? Tee-hee”
Followers: 1,636

7. iTrixie papillon pup
twitter.com/pappup
Bio: “I am a little papillon dog (that means butterfly,
not BAT! thank you) with gigantic ears. I am 1 years old,
a private in Socks Army, and I am cute”
Sample Tweet: “Take me out to the dog park / Take me out to the grass /
Find me some frisbees & tennis balls / I don’t care if I loo-oo-se them all /
And it’s sniff sniff sniff making new friends / If they won’t play it’s a shame /
Cuz it’s 1 – 2 – 3 happy barks / At the old dog park”
Followers: 1,688

6. Cassie_Dog
twitter.com/Cassie_Dog
Bio: “I am a labradoodle that enjoys lying in the sun,
naps and chasing the cat. Woof!”
Sample Tweet: “Now, to get back to laying in the sun,
gnawing on my marrow bone and keeping a look out
for any birds that land in the yard. Busy today.”
Followers: 1,895

5. Dusty
twitter.com/doggedpursuit
Bio: “I’m Dusty, a 6-year-old rescued Sheltie dog.
Read about my adventures (and misadventures) in
canine agility in my new book Dogged Pursuit, on sale now!”
Sample Tweet: “Dusty is glad the rain has stopped ’cause
he’s run out of things to destroy indoors”
Followers: 2,355

4. Sylvie the Dog
twitter.com/SylvieDog
Bio: “I’m an 11-year old Treeing Walker Coonhound who
was adopted from Orphans of the Storm. Hobbies include
sleeping, eating cookies and yelling @MugsyDog.”
Sample Tweet: “did you know that there really is a
national cookie day? It’s December 4th.”
Followers: 2,343

3. Obi (woof)
twitter.com/Dogopolis
Bio: “Obi the hot dog”
Sample Tweet: “today’s list of barkee: 1) gardener
2) mailman 3) squirrels (backyard) 4) squirrels (frontyard)
5) dogs who annoy me 6) people who annoy me 7) cats”
Followers: 2,807

2. Tatiana Dog
twitter.com/TatianaTheDog
Bio: “I’m a talking dog who is having a lot of fun making
videos about LOA and happy stuff!”
Sample Tweet: ” ‘To err is human – To forgive, canine’ ~ anonymous”
Followers: 3,542

1. Moshi and Kibo
twitter.com/moshiandkibo
Bio: “Moshi and Kibo are 2 English Toy Spaniels that share
their travels, recommendations and general thoughts on life
with the dogosphere and the rest of the world.”
Sample Tweet: “‘Properly trained, a man can be dog’s best friend.’ Corey Ford”
Followers: 6,924

The list’s number one ranking is reserved for a pair of pups, so it makes sense that the gaggle of followers keeping tabs on them number almost twice as much as the next ranked canine. These stats rival those of a good number of humans, and while that makes some people hang their heads, it might be worthwhile to keep an eye on these pets. And if you want to read more about these popular pups, most of their twitter sites also link to their homepages. It shouldn’t surprise you to learn that the top 3 Twitter dogs also host websites complete with longer bios and full blogs. Dusty, it is worth noting, is the subject of a new book, Dogged Pursuit, which chronicles his journey from rescued shelter dog to competitor in the canine agility circuit.

Judging from all the elaborate networks built around these dogs, which the dogs themselves have helped to build through endless photo ops of adorable antics, it’s clear that there is a rich internet community for dogs and, of course, for their dedicated caretakers. Through these networks, advice can be traded, stories shared, dog-related news disseminated, and support can be found for fans of furry four-legged friends. The best thing for dog lovers to do, then, is to not disappoint the Moshis and Kibos of the world and get online and interact, discover, and eventually contribute to the rich online community, whether through pet-inspired Twitters or through your own blogs. Who knows, eventually you may even find your own dog has more to say than you ever thought!

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Perhaps some people are more suited to owning dogs than others; the first “habit” might better be called an aspect of personality. Generally dogs are animals that seek a relationship with their owners. People who don’t have time or interest in bonding with a dog might better consider a different pet.

Three habits of effective dog owners are simply matters of doing what is right. One must provide a safe environment. This isn’t simply “fencing the yard.” Many factors contribute to safety including keeping chemicals secure, and providing temperate housing if the dog will spend extended time outside. Safety includes considering what other animals may be in the home, and the actions of family members, including children.

One must look after the health of a dog. A dog needs good food, and may develop special dietary needs. Dogs require immunizations against serious diseases, regular care, and protection from illnesses such as may be carried by fleas or ticks. Finding a good veterinarian is important.

Dogs have a great deal of energy. An effective dog owner will take regular time to play with his or her pet. Dogs that do not get enough exercise can easily become overweight, or even worse, discipline problems. With no other way to expend their extra energy they may become destructive.

The fifth and sixth habits are ones that an owner may need to learn. A dog will only obey another being (human or dog) that it respects and recognizes as the dominant, or alpha, personality. A dog owner must become the alpha symbol for the pet and learn good techniques to train the dog to obey. A disciplined dog is not only safe to take into the company of other people and animals, but is a happy dog, one that can understand what is expected.

Coupled with discipline is the habit of consistency. Discipline is more than being domineering. A dog is a living being with a great deal of intelligence. Dogs will respond well when their lives are ordered by some basic kind of schedule, and by an owner who acts in consistent ways.

Finally, a person who treats a dog with kindness can overcome shortfalls in many other areas. Dogs are affectionate, and will always look to their owners for guidance and love.

Before bringing home a dog consider whether you can reasonably commit to these seven habits. If you can answer yes, you are on your way to a great relationship with your pet.

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10 Big Mistakes Of New Pet Owners (and how to avoid them)

1. Getting a pet on impulse before checking with the rental manager.

If you own your own home, great! Stop reading this and skip down to #2. When you rent your residence there’s usually rules as to what is or isn’t allowed to live with you while you live there. The best way to avoid an unexpected address change or having to part with your new friend is by checking with your rentals’ manager BEFORE you bring Cuddles home. Obtain a copy of their rules in regards to pets, pet types, weight and size restrictions, etc. Usually, any stringent rules in place are there to prevent lawsuits that could end up costing the owner his money and property. Also, don’t use the fact that your complex neighbor keeps a big dog in his residence as an excuse to go ahead and do the same. He may be disabled and have special circumstances that require him to keep a “service” dog, or he may be in the process of being evicted because he has the dog.

2. Picking your pet based on appearance alone.

Savannah cats look cool! They are; they’re also territorial and have sharp claws many times the size of your ordinary housecat. When picking out a pet, ask yourself several things. How big will this one get? Is your place roomy enough for this type of pet? Is this pet known for having a good temperament? How does this type of pet get along with other pets and people who may live with you? Does this pet require more than average attention personally and medically? You will thank yourself later for finding these things out first, trust me on this one.

3. Not having the pets’ health checked out before you buy.

If purchasing the pet through a pet store or private party, ask for a copy of its health and shot records. If you are adopting the pet for free, you will probably have to take the pet into the vet yourself and eat the cost of the checkup and whatever else it needs. It is better to know what you are up against with a pet before you make a final decision.

4. Not pet-proofing your home before the arrival.

Pet damage often happens silently and quickly. Both cats and dogs are equally guilty of getting into trouble around the house, no matter what their ages may be. Pet-proof your home by removing any expensive, and tempting, items from view. Also remove any food and cleaning products that could make your pet ill if ingested.

5. Not maintaining a regular feeding and potty-training schedule from the start.

If you have a kitten make sure she knows where her food, water and litter box are. Also, make sure to clean the litter box often. Your kitten will find another surprise potty place if her box is dirty. It is especially important to develop and maintain a schedule for your puppy in regards to eating and potty training. Don’t confuse him by feeding and pottying him from 6 – 7 a.m. for two days in a row, then suddenly switch to 10-11 a.m. the following day. It is ok to be off a few minutes here or there as things come up, but keep the schedule within the same time frame. If you don’t, your puppy will get confused and you will most likely step in the proof of his confusion soon enough.

6. Not signing your pet up for obedience classes.

If your new pet is a cat, good luck. First of all, no pet instructor worth his professional license is stupid enough to think he can hold classes to train a cat to be obedient to humans or anything else. As you will find out, cats are obedient only to themselves, and their mission statements change daily. You pretty much have to work around their behavior by removing either the temptation from the cat’s sight or the cat from the site of the temptation, especially if that temptation happens to be another pet or person. If your new pet is a dog sign him up for obedience classes immediately and practice at home with him constantly. A two pound puppy jumping on guests is sweet; a 45 pound monster doing the same can cost you.

7. Not paying enough attention to your pet.

Commit this to memory – Getting NEGATIVE attention from you is just fine with your pet. To avoid this, spend some quality time each day playing with your pet till they woof or meow “uncle”. Learn which games tire them out the fastest and play only those.

8. Letting your pet eat “people food” for a treat.

Some pets will refuse to eat their boring old kibble once they’ve gotten a taste for the finer things in life. So unless you want to be setting an extra plate at the dinner table and doubling recipes, DON’T let them taste what they don’t know they’re missing. Plus our diet is unhealthy for them.

9. Not getting your pet spayed or neutered so they won’t roam.

Your pet will be more apt to stay in one place if that troublesome urge to “socialize” is removed. Unless you’re planning on breeding your pet getting them fixed is the best thing. If you’re a male pet owner and have a problem with being involved in taking your male pets’ “manhood”, have the vet’s office box up what was cut off and take it home with you. We still have the “manhood” of our male pit-bull Fluffy. It’s stored in a gift wrapped box in our closet. He knows “they’re” still with him, they’ve just moved to another location.

10. Assuming your dog understands English.

This part does not apply to felines who naturally understand all languages. And yes, you are correct to assume that her yawning during one of your verbal deluges does indicate her boredom with you.

Fido’s ability to understand is another story. Just because your dog cocks his head to one side when you speak to him don’t assume he is gleaning pearls of wisdom from what you say. Most likely he’s trying to figure out how he can sneak another contraband cookie from the plate off the dinner table without you knowing. Bottom line is yes, your dog understands a few repetitive words you say to him, but it’s usually in connection with the event he knows will be happening every time he hears that certain word. Make sure you keep the proper word with the proper event so you can continue to communicate with him during your partnership. Also remember, like people, pets can suddenly develop “memory loss” when they don’t want to do something.

Good luck with your new pet!

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Luckily for all of us there are many remedies on the market today to help keep fleas at bay. Everything from shampoos and sprays, to topicals and chewables. There are even granules you can put out in your yard, that once they become wet, they begin killing fleas. You must know your products however, some kill only the adult fleas while others keep eggs from hatching. So you really need a one, two punch in order to make sure you are covering all your bases.

Unless you get rid of fleas in your home and yard, no product is going to be able to do it’s job properly. If you’re going to try to do it yourself, you must begin by mopping all uncarpeted areas and vacuuming all carpets and furniture where your animals stay, especially along cracks and baseboards. Wash pet bedding in hot, soapy water along with any other items your pet may lay on. Once this has been accomplished and your pet is out of harms way, along with their food and water, you can apply any sprays or powders to the aforementioned areas and let it remain for the length of time suggested by the manufacturer. When the time period of treatment has elapsed it’s time to vacuum and mop again. If you will put a moth ball in the vacuum bag it will help to kill any flea eggs that are sucked up. The bag should be removed outside the home when vacuuming is complete to avoid the risk of allowing any live ones to escape. Once the house and yard has been treated, it’s time for the pet to be treated also.

The cheapest and least effective way to try and keep your pets flea free is by the use of flea shampoo, sprays,and flea collars. Scratchex shampoo for both dogs and cats has been around for a long time, as have the Hartz and Sargent brands but the general consensus is that store bought brands don’t really work. They do work, but not for the long term. Your pet must be closely monitored and retreated at the first sign of flea activity. The best flea collar is no flea collar. Flea collars only kill the fleas in the neck region and the chemical make up of the collars can make animals sick. Rather than throwing your money away on products that have no staying power you would do better to visit your vet or go online to one of the many discount pet med places and purchase a topical or an oral flea medication.

The best way to begin the flea stop process is to give your pet a Capstar. This is a tablet that will kill about 90% of the adult fleas in as little as four to six hours. The flea killing effect only lasts about 24 hours so it’s important to back it up with another form of protection that will also address the fleas in other stages of development. Capstar is, however, a quick and inexpensive way to give an infested pet rapid relief.
Program and Comfortis offers oral flea control in a chewable tablet. This once a month treatment is absorbed by the intestinal wall and enters the blood stream. When a female flea bites, the blood she ingests will prevent eggs that she lays from hatching.

Frontline and Advantage are the two most popular monthly topicals available. Both of these products are highly effective in killing adult fleas and their larvae as well with 24 hours of application. Another product that is used the same way but is not quite as expensive is Bio-Spot.

Sentinel, an oral medication and Revolution, a topical medication, also provide flea control along with heartworm prevention. A prescription from your vet is required before either of these can be purchased as testing for heartworms is necessary before administration of such a product.

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