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Welcoming a pet into your home can completely transform your life. Whether you choose a cat, a dog, or a small animal, pets can enrich your life in so many different ways. From providing you with companionship to giving you a reason to head out on a walk to get some exercise each day, pets give so much. While there’s a lot to love about living with a pet, one thing you may be less keen on is the smell that they can bring. 

Pets may be lovable, but having a house that smells of pet odor is never a good thing. The problem is, you may become so used to smell of your pet, that you stop noticing it. Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that guests visiting your home will do the same thing. No one wants people to think that their home smells unpleasant. So, taking action to deal with pet odor before it becomes a bigger issue is a good idea. Here are some of the ways that you can keep your home smelling fresh and keep pet odors at bay:

Eliminate Pet Odors With an Air Purifier

Lots of people try to cover up the smell of pet odor with air fresheners and perfumed fabric sprays. But these can quickly wear off, and the bad odor will stay, or may even smell worse when the odor and fragrance mix. A better way to get rid of pet odor is to actually eliminate it rather than disguise it. Choosing an air purifier for pets by Alen that has a medical-grade HEPA air filter is an excellent way to tackle pet odors right at their source.

Clean Up Accidents Immediately

Even pets that have been toilet-trained will have accidents in the house sometimes. Clearing up these accidents is all just part of being a pet owner. But if you want to keep your home free from smells, it’s vital that you clean up any toilet accidents as soon as they happen. 

Pet urine can quickly soak into carpets and will become extremely challenging to remove. Unless you clean it up right away, the stain and smell can linger for a long time. Cleaning up the urine quickly should help to discourage your pet from being attracted to return to the same spot to go to toilet in the future. Thorough cleaning is essential, but it’s vital to ensure that you only use cleaning products that are considered safe for use around pets.

Wash Pet Bedding Regularly

Whether your pet has a cozy bed or a favorite blanket that they love to sleep on, you can be sure that it will become pretty smelly very quickly. Washing your pet’s bedding with pet-safe detergent regularly will help prevent odors from building up on the fabric and causing the rest of your home to smell.

Following each of the above suggestions should help you to keep your home smelling fresh and ready to welcome visitors without worrying about unpleasant odors causing a stench.

The post How to Keep Your Home Smelling Fresh and Keep Odors at Bay as a Pet Owner appeared first on SB Magazine.

How a Dog Could Help Improve your Mental Health

If mental health is something you struggle with, then it’s so important that you take steps to try to help yourself. Believe it or not, a dog is a great way for you to take that first step. Not only are dogs able to pick up on your mood, but they can also help to give you a reason to get outside, which is a great way for you to boost your endorphins and live a healthier lifestyle.

Dogs are Stress-Busters

If you feel overwhelmed by the number of things you have to do in the day, whether it’s replying to endless emails or trying to do everything at once, you will know how detrimental this can be to your mental health. With that said, studies have shown time and time again that a dog can help you with that. 10 minutes of stroking a dog could help you to lower the hormone cortisol, which is the stress hormone in your body. Dogs can also help you to increase the amount of oxytocin, the feel-good hormone in your bloodstream. This is a great way for you to relieve stress, and it also allows you to take back control of your mental health overall. If you want to help yourself here and you don’t have a dog, consider borrowing a friend for a day. You can also attend local dog therapy events, as this is a great way for you to meet other people, and their dogs, so you can see if getting a dog is right for you.

They Get you Moving

Another fantastic thing about getting a dog is that they help you get moving around. A dog needs walking every single day, and even though you probably know that exercise is good for you, you may find that sometimes it’s impossible for you to get up and off the sofa. If you want to help yourself, then getting a dog could be a viable solution. A dog can help you to get out more, and they also get a lot out of it. If you’re struggling to get out because you don’t have motivation, then getting a dog can help you with that. If your dog loves walks, then seeing their face light up when you go out with them can also be nice, which is great to say the least.

Unconditional Love

A dog can also offer you unconditional love and emotional support. The best thing about dogs is that they do not judge you, nor do they care about what you’re wearing. They also don’t care about what you did today or the kind of day you’ve had. They love and support you through it all, and they can also be invaluable if you struggle with anxiety. If anxiety is something you really battle with or if you feel as though you just can’t seem to feel better even though you have tried everything, then an emotional support dog could well be a good option. After all, trained service dogs are one of the best resources you could hope to have if you need a bit of support, and you may also find that they can guide you through difficult times in your life as well.

They Help you Connect

Another good thing about getting a dog is that they can help you connect with other people. If you find it hard to connect with people and if you find it hard to make friends when out and on the go, then a dog can help you with that. It may be that you go to a dog-friendly event or that you even try to go to the park with your dog. Either way, if you have a dog, then they can help you to strike up a conversation naturally, and they can also make it easier for you to overcome things that may be holding you back, such as social anxiety. It’s also easier to talk about someone’s dog than it is to ask about someone’s day, so make sure that you keep this in mind if you can.

Purpose

Another way a dog could help you is by adding a great deal of purpose to your day. They can also help you with things like structure as well. Dogs need to have a routine, and they thrive on it as well. If you struggle with your mental health and find yourself slipping, then a dog can help you with that. They can help you with your anxiety as well as your motivation. Having a dog that helps you with this can also be a big boost to your self-esteem, as they get you out more, and this can lift your spirits. As dogs also want plenty of play time, having one yourself can help you to gain more out of each day you have, which is great. Even if you don’t have a dog, try to create a schedule as if you did have one. If you can do this, then you will find that it’s easier for you to not only see if a dog is suitable for you, but also see if you’d benefit from having one. If you can do this, while making sure that you hold yourself accountable, you will notice a big difference in your mental health as well as your overall outlook.

If you want to boost your mental health then getting a dog can certainly be a good way to do that. At the end of the day, though, it’s also a good idea for you to see if you’re ready for a dog. Making sure that you have the financial resources to pay for the care they need, as well as the time in the day to give them walks, play time, and training, is so important. If you don’t, you may want to offer to walk a friend’s or relative’s dog for them. If you do this, it’s a great way to get the benefits without the stress of having a dog. 

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Pet ownership can be an extraordinary pleasure, filled with the unconditional love and laughter of furry companions. However, it also comes with an immense responsibility to make sure that they receive the best care possible. If you are an experienced owner or someone adopting for the first time, some services are important in keeping pets healthy, happy, and safe.

Veterinary Care as the Foundation of Pet Health

A trusted veterinarian is a must-have partner for pet owners. Regular check-ups, vaccinations, and preventive care help keep your furry family members in peak condition while also helping catch any health issues early on. Many vets also offer dental care services to avoid gum disease or any oral health problems in pets. Having access to emergency veterinary services when unexpected accidents or illness strike is also important. Knowing where there’s a 24-hour animal hospital nearby could save lives in an emergency situation.

Pet Grooming: A Clean Pet is a Happy Pet

Pet grooming services don’t just aim to make pets look adorable (though this is certainly an added benefit). Professional groomers use grooming techniques to maintain healthy coats by regularly bathing, brushing, nail trimming and anal gland expression. These services are best left to professionals. A freshly-groomed pet makes for more relaxed companionship.

Carpet Cleaning for Pet Owners

Professional carpet cleaning services are a must have investment for every dog and cat owner, providing a healthy living environment for pets as they leave fur, stains, and odors that regular vacuuming cannot fully eliminate. Professional services, like Enviroclean of Illinois carpet cleaning specialize in eliminating deep-seated dirt as well as allergens found within carpets due to pets. Doing this extends your carpet life while improving the air quality as well as creating healthier living conditions inside the home. Regular carpet cleaning promotes freshness by eliminating permanent issues that come up from pets.

Pet Insurance: Preparing for the Unexpected

Just like humans, pets may face unexpected health issues and accidents that result in costly veterinary bills. Pet insurance offers financial security by covering accidents, illnesses and other conditions. Policies can be tailored specifically to fit individual budgets and needs for added reassurance that allows owners to focus solely on their pet’s recovery rather than worry over unexpected costs.

Pet Training Services for Manners and Mental Stimulation

A well-trained pet can bring great pleasure, and professional training services can do wonders in terms of creating manners and mental stimulation for active puppies or kittens. From basic obedience training to resolving behavioral issues like barking or scratching furniture, trainers are amazing assets in providing necessary solutions. Trainers offer group classes as well as one-on-one sessions tailored specifically for each pet’s personality or quirks, making finding their perfect solution much simpler.

Owning a dog or cat can be a rewarding experience, but their wellbeing requires careful consideration from all areas. From regular vet visits to grooming services and training programs, pet ownership provides endless possibilities and pet parents should invest in these important services to give their four-legged friends all the love and attention they need. Deepening the bond between humans and pets even further. After all, happy animals mean happy humans.

The post Important Services Every Dog and Cat Owner Should Have appeared first on SB Magazine.

With that being said, here are five tips for introducing a puppy into your home.

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Puppy-proof your home

Puppy proofing your home is the best start you can make when it comes to preparing your home for a puppy. There will likely be things lying around the home that are a danger to puppies and dogs in general.

Therefore, it’s worthwhile getting down on all four paws and checking everywhere for anything that might seem appealing to a puppy in general. While that can be hard to imagine, there will be some obvious areas of concern that will need to be addressed. For example, food within reach that might be toxic, and wires that are out that they could chew on.

Create a safe space for them to go to

Creating a safe space is important to help look after your puppy in their new environment. This could be a crate that they can take themselves to when they’re feeling overwhelmed, or perhaps a quiet room that they can be put in when they need to have some time separated from the rest of the household.

This safe space is important, and it’s something that will make a big difference to how the puppy feels in the home and in the spaces they’re able to roam initially, in general.

Establish a routine

A routine is something important to establish because it helps them get used to your way of life, rather than you having to fit everything around the puppy.

That means making sure you get up early to let the puppy out for their morning pee and poop, to scheduling meals at the same time every day. 

It’s good to check in with the breeder of the puppy to see what sort of routine they have now, so that you can introduce something similar if possible.

Provide plenty of toys

A puppy has a lot of energy, and that level of energy will need plenty of mental and physical exercise. A good way to do this is by providing your dog with plenty of toys and puzzles that come with treats that they have to work their way through to get out.

These toys can provide endless fun and play, which is important if they’re not able to get outside yet due to vaccinations required. 

Introduce everything gradually

Finally, be sure to introduce everything gradually. This is important to making sure that the puppy doesn’t get too overwhelmed and has a positive first-time experience with everything and everyone they come into contact with – fellow household pets included.

These five tips are a good starting point when it comes to introducing a puppy, so use these tips to make sure your puppy feels safe in their new home.

The post Introducing a Puppy into Your Home. appeared first on SB Magazine.

If you want to blow off some stress or make some new pet mom/dad friends, or simply snout out a new adventure, we’ve put together a list of insider locations that your fur-baby will absolutely adore.

Pawtastic Trail Time at Red River National Wildlife Refuge

If your dog lives for walk time, you must take them to the Red River National Wildlife Refuge. Miles of groomed trails, forested trails, and plenty of birds to bark at make it a great way to spend a pretty Sunday afternoon.

Bundle water, a leash, and treats or, ideally, a frozen peanut butter toy, to divert your walking buddy on a break. You’ll both set off revitalized and possibly a little dirty (aka the best adventure).

Patio Pours and Pajama Parties

Looking for a chilled day out that keeps the tail wagging? Rhino Coffee is a locals’ favorite that is dog friendly. It boasts a shaded porch with a laid-back vibe, and there’ll usually be a fellow dog or two soaking up the sun.

Order your regular latte, snag a biscuit (for the both of you), and chill out with relaxed vibes. Score points if you prepare a transportable water bowl with a chew to distract your sidekick while you hang out with a buddy.

Bark in the Park Events, Breed-specific clubs

Keep an eye out for neighborhood calendars. Shreveport loves a pet party. From Bark in the Park series to holiday markets with pet booths, there is always something going on that allows a member of your household to be the life of the party.

These activities are great ways to find out about new pet wellness products, mingle with rescue groups, and get some samples for your fur baby. And nothing beats witnessing your pup make some new friends (zoomies included).

The Dog Walk Downtown

Looking for a place to go shopping without leaving your friend behind? Downtown Shreveport is more dog-friendly than you would think. Stroll along Texas Street, browse some stores and take a mural selfie.

If you’re fortunate to have a calm, outgoing dog, visiting Shreveport’s dog park is a hit. Insider secret: pack lots of wipes and a travel treat jar in your handbag, you’ll be thanking yourself afterwards.

Life is fast, but otherwise, it does make one slow down for a while. Venturing out to shut-down locations together isn’t good for them themselves. It’s a gentle reminder to slow down for a bit to appreciate life, stretch one’s legs a bit, and perhaps check out a different coffee shop while out.

Then slip on a leash, roll up that tennis ball, and hit the road. There’s no end to pawsome adventures out there waiting for you two in the SBC.

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Improve Your Health and Wellbeing – Get a Pet!

Pets can have a positive impact on our mood and mental state. Spending time with a pet can increase the production of endorphins, the brain’s feel-good chemicals, which can help to boost our mood and decrease feelings of depression. In addition, pets provide unconditional love and companionship, which can help to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. Many people became new pet owners during the pandemic for this very reason. For individuals prone to mental health struggles, pets can provide a distraction and disruption from distressing symptoms, such as ruminating negative thoughts. Using animals to promote mental wellness has been formally adopted by hospitals, nursing homes and other facilities. Animal-Assisted Therapy or Pet-Facilitated Therapy (PFT) has been shown to be a valuable adjunct to traditional medical and psychological treatment approaches. Dogs, cats, rabbits, horses and even llamas have been used in pet-assisted therapy and have shown to have beneficial events in a wide range of conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and autism. Studies also suggest that, when combined with treatment from a telehealth clinic for hormone therapy, pet ownership can improve a woman’s menopause experience. There is some evidence to suggest that the human-animal bond may reduce the risk of suicide, a health threat that disproportionately affects U.S. military veterans.

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Robinson’s Rescue Low-Cost Spay Neuter is excited to share that February is Spay/Neuter Awareness Month and today, February 27th, is World Spay Day!

World Spay Day is an annual campaign that promotes spay/neuter as a proven, effective means of saving animals’ lives. On this World Spay Day, Robinson’s Rescue is committed to their continued efforts in spaying/neutering furry companions. When a pet has an unwanted pregnancy, that adds to the overpopulation problem in our nation and puts a strain on local caretakers, animal shelters, and rescue groups. As a nonprofit organization, Robinson’s Rescue relies on organizations’ generous support and individuals like you to keep their doors open. With your help, Robinson’s Rescue can continue to change dogs’ and cats’ lives throughout the region and help reduce intake and euthanasia, making the world a safer and more comfortable place for our four-legged friends.

Visit www.robinsonsrescue.org to donate and help spay/neuter more pets!

In conjunction with their commitment to animal welfare, Robinson’s Rescue is excited to announce their upcoming annual fundraiser, “Best in Sheaux Disco InFURno.” This highly anticipated event held at Riverview Hall is scheduled for March 2^nd, at 6:30 in the evening, and promises a night of excitement, fun, and philanthropy. Best in Sheaux brings together pet lovers, advocates, and community members for an evening dedicated to celebrating the love and joy that pets bring to our lives. You can expect to be dazzled as pets strut their stuff down the runway to disco beats. Enjoy delicious food and refreshments while you bid on unique items and experiences to support our spay and neuter initiatives all while enjoying live entertainment and surprises throughout the evening!

Robinson’s Rescue Low-Cost Spay Neuter is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing pet overpopulation through high-quality, affordable spay and neuter surgeries while educating the community about responsible pet ownership. Serving Northwest Louisiana Since 2008, Robinson’s Rescue Low-Cost Spay/Neuter has helped 91,000 dogs and cats receive affordable spay and neuter surgeries, reducing the number of puppies and kittens born in Northwest Louisiana by millions.

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Here are some important things to keep in mind when selecting costumes for your pets:

• Ensure that the costume fits properly and is comfortable for your pet to wear.
• Check to make sure the costume doesn’t obstruct your pet’s vision or cover their ears.
• Make sure your pet’s tail is free to move while wearing the costume.
• Avoid costumes that are too loose or too tight, as they can restrict your pet’s movement.
• Smooth out your pet’s skin and fur under the costume to avoid any discomfort or pinching.
• Avoid any costume pieces that can be easily chewed off and swallowed.
• If your pet doesn’t take to wearing a costume, consider a Halloween-themed collar or bandana instead.

Did you forget to order a Halloween costume for your pet? Don’t worry, here are some easy DIY pet costume ideas that you can whip up in no time:

DIY CAT COSTUME: Give your friendly feline a flower face with this simple DIY project. All you need is felt material, scissors, elastic, and glue. Measure your cat’s head circumference and cut a piece of elastic to fit comfortably around their head. Cut colorful felt petals about 2 inches long and 1 inch wide and glue them onto the elastic in a flower pattern. With treats in hand, try the flower on your cat and watch them bloom.

DIY DOG COSTUME: Transform your dog into a batty pup with these DIY bat wings. You’ll need black felt, a wire coat hanger, a piece of wide material for a strap, and glue. Cut two pieces of black felt in the shape of bat wings and a piece of the coat hanger to fit between them. Place the wire between the two wing pieces and glue them together to make one side. Repeat for the other side. Glue the wings together on the wide material strap and fasten around your pet’s chest. Your Batdog is now ready for a trip in the Batmobile.

It’s always fun to dress up your pet for Halloween, but it’s important to make sure they’re comfortable and safe in their costume. Your furry companion will be the cutest pumpkin in the patch with their new attire! Happy Halloween to you and your spooky pal!

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