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Before you decide to adopt one, let’s take a closer look at what it takes to care for this active, intelligent breed and whether it’s the right fit for your lifestyle.

Loyal, Intelligent, and a Little Intense

German Shepherds are often celebrated for their intelligence and loyalty. Known for their roles in police, military, and service work, they are quick learners who thrive on mental challenges. However, with this brilliance comes responsibility. They need consistent training and plenty of mental stimulation. A bored German Shepherd will let you know—probably by chewing up your favorite shoes or rearranging the couch cushions.

Fun fact: According to Stanley Coren’s The Intelligence of Dogs, German Shepherds are ranked as the third smartest dog breed, only behind Border Collies and Poodles. They can learn commands in as few as five repetitions, which makes them an impressive and slightly intimidating companion!

An Active Lifestyle is a Must

German Shepherds are far from couch potatoes. They are high-energy dogs who require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. If you’re into outdoor activities like hiking, running, or long walks, this breed will be your ideal companion. However, if your idea of a workout is walking to the fridge for a snack during a Netflix binge, a German Shepherd may not be the best fit for you.

The American Kennel Club recommends at least 1–2 hours of exercise daily for German Shepherds. This can include physical activities like running or walking, as well as mental stimulation through puzzle toys or agility training. Without enough exercise, they may become anxious or even develop behavioral issues.

The Protector Role: Guardian or Overprotective?

One of the German Shepherd’s most well-known traits is its natural guarding instinct. These dogs are incredibly protective of their families and often wary of strangers, which makes them excellent watchdogs. However, if they aren’t properly socialized, that protective nature can sometimes become overbearing. It’s crucial to expose them to different people, pets, and environments from a young age to ensure they stay friendly and well-adjusted.

German Shepherds can be wonderful companions for families with young children. They are typically gentle and patient, yet still, maintain a strong protective streak. That said, due to their size and energy, supervision around small children is essential to prevent any accidental bumps or knocks.

Health and Lifespan

The typical lifespan of a German Shepherd is between 9 and 13 years. They are prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia, a common condition in larger breeds. Regular vet check-ups, a healthy diet, and consistent exercise can help manage these health risks.

Additionally, German Shepherds shed quite a bit, so be prepared for regular grooming sessions. If a fur-free home is a must for you, this breed might not be the best choice.

German Shepherds are incredible, loyal dogs, but they require time, energy, and commitment. They thrive in homes where they are considered part of the family. If you’re ready to put in the work, they’ll reward you with an unbreakable bond and endless love.

Recommended – How Pets Improve Mental Health

The post Is the German Shepherd the Right Dog for You? appeared first on Weekly Living.

Let’s break down how to choose a dog based on your lifestyle and personality.

The Laid-Back Homebody: The Calm Companion

If you’re someone who loves quiet evenings at home with a good book or a movie, you’ll want a dog who shares that laid-back vibe. Some breeds are naturally calm and content spending hours lounging by your side.

Best Dog for You: Basset Hound or Bulldog.
Basset Hounds are known for their calm demeanor, making them ideal for people who prefer a relaxed companion. Bulldogs, with their easygoing nature, love lounging but also enjoy short bursts of playtime.

Why: Both breeds are low-energy and don’t require constant attention. They thrive in slower-paced environments and are happy being close to you, without needing much effort or exercise.

The Active Adventurer: The Energetic Explorer

If you’re always ready for a hike, run, or weekend getaway, you’ll need a dog that can match your energy. An active lifestyle calls for a dog that can keep up with your adventurous spirit.

Best Dog for You: Border Collie or Labrador Retriever.
Border Collies are known for their intelligence and high energy, making them perfect for outdoor activities. Labrador Retrievers are also active and sociable, always up for an adventure.

Why: These breeds need lots of physical activity and mental stimulation. If you love spending time outdoors, they’ll be the ideal companions. They also thrive on companionship, so they’ll happily tag along on all your adventures.

The Busy Family: The Gentle Guardian

For families with kids, you need a dog that’s friendly, patient, and good with children. The right dog for a busy family is social, tolerant of noise, and able to handle the roughhousing that comes with little hands.

Best Dog for You: Golden Retriever or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Golden Retrievers are friendly, patient, and fantastic for families. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are gentle, affectionate, and smaller in size, making them a great fit for families with young children.

Why: Both breeds are affectionate and great with kids. Golden Retrievers are active and love outdoor play, while Cavaliers are a little smaller but still love being involved in family activities and cuddling after a long day.

The Apartment Dweller: The Cozy Cuddle Buddy

If you live in an apartment, finding a dog that’s comfortable in smaller spaces and doesn’t need too much exercise is essential. Luckily, there are breeds that thrive in these environments.

Best Dog for You: French Bulldog or Shiba Inu.
French Bulldogs are small, low-energy, and adaptable to apartment life. Shiba Inus, while more independent, are also small and don’t require excessive exercise to stay happy.

Why: Both breeds are manageable in smaller homes. French Bulldogs are ideal for apartments with limited space, while Shiba Inus, though independent, are loyal and well-suited to people who enjoy a quieter, reserved dog.

Choosing the right dog is about finding a breed that aligns with your personality, lifestyle, and living situation. Whether you’re an active adventurer, a cozy homebody, or a busy family, there’s a perfect dog waiting for you.

By thinking about your needs and how much time you can commit to a furry friend, you’ll ensure a happy, long-lasting relationship.

Recommended – Unusual Pets You Can Actually Keep in the U.S. (and How to Care for Them)

The post Which Dog is Right for You? Choosing the Perfect Pup appeared first on Weekly Living.

Let’s explore the science behind how pets improve mental health and why our four-legged companions are more than just cute—they’re like built-in therapists.

1. Stress? Pets to the Rescue!

When life gets overwhelming, pets are there to help. Studies have shown that spending time with your pet can reduce cortisol, the stress hormone, while increasing oxytocin, the “feel-good” hormone that promotes bonding and love.

In one study, participants who spent just 10 minutes petting dogs saw a notable drop in their stress levels. The best part? This effect works even if the pet isn’t yours, so don’t hesitate to volunteer at a local animal shelter for a quick mood boost.

And let’s not forget the magic of cats. The sound of a cat’s purring isn’t just sweet—it has soothing effects on our nervous system. Research shows that the vibrations from a cat’s purr can help reduce stress and even aid in healing.

2. Say Goodbye to Loneliness

Loneliness is a growing concern, but pets offer a solution. They provide constant companionship, helping you feel less isolated and giving you a sense of purpose. Having a pet can also add routine to your life, encouraging you to get up and stay active on even the toughest days.

Dogs, in particular, are great for sparking social connections. A walk with your dog often leads to conversations with other pet owners. Who knows, a simple “What breed is your dog?” could lead to a new friendship—or maybe even a date!

Fun fact: A study from the University of Western Australia found that pet owners are more likely to know their neighbors than non-pet owners. Turns out, pets are great social catalysts!

3. Boosting Activity Levels

Looking for an excuse to get moving? Your pet has you covered. Dogs, especially, need regular walks, helping you hit your daily step goal without even trying. And even smaller pets keep you active. Whether it’s playing with a laser pointer or setting up an obstacle course for your rabbit, these activities get you moving and laughing—both of which are great for your mental health.

4. Emotional Support Without Judgment

Pets offer unconditional love and acceptance, which makes them excellent emotional support companions. They don’t care if you’re still in your pajamas or if you’ve made a mess of dinner—they’re there to provide comfort and stability.

Therapy animals take this connection even further. Studies show that interacting with therapy dogs can reduce anxiety in patients in hospitals, students in college, and even veterans suffering from PTSD.

5. A Happy Hormone Boost

Simply being around your pet releases a cascade of positive chemicals in your brain. Oxytocin? Check. Dopamine? Absolutely. Endorphins? You bet. These hormones help combat depression and anxiety, making you feel happy and energized—just from spending time with your furry friend.

Pets do more than just fill our homes with joy—they significantly improve our mental health. So, the next time your dog asks for belly rubs or your cat curls up on your lap, remember this: they’re not just making your day—they’re improving your well-being, too.

Recommended – Unusual Pets You Can Actually Keep in the U.S. (and How to Care for Them)

The post How Pets Improve Mental Health appeared first on Weekly Living.

If you’re ready to think outside the box, here’s a list of surprising pets you can actually own, along with tips on how to care for them.

1. Miniature Pigs

Mini pigs are more than just Instagram stars—they’re incredibly intelligent and affectionate companions. These tiny pigs can learn tricks, get along well with children, and have playful personalities that make them an entertaining addition to your home.

Care Tips:

• Diet: Mini pigs need a balanced diet of pig pellets, fruits, and veggies.
• Space: They love to root, so provide space for them to engage in this natural behavior (a sandbox works great).
• Veterinary Care: Mini pigs require special care, including regular hoof trims and vaccinations. Make sure to find a vet familiar with pig health.

2. Axolotls

If you’re looking for an aquatic pet that’s as cute as it is low-maintenance, axolotls might be your perfect match. Known as the “Mexican walking fish,” these amphibians have an eternal grin and can live for up to 15 years with the right care.

Care Tips:

• Habitat: Keep them in a 20-gallon tank with cool, filtered water (around 60-68°F).
• Diet: Axolotls eat earthworms, bloodworms, or specialized axolotl pellets.
• Lifespan: With proper care, they can thrive for 10-15 years!

3. Fennec Foxes

With their giant ears and playful personalities, fennec foxes are truly one-of-a-kind pets. They’re curious, social, and surprisingly cuddly if they’re well-socialized from an early age.

Care Tips:

• Diet: Feed them a mix of high-quality cat food, fruits, and insects like crickets.
• Exercise: These active little foxes need plenty of playtime, so be ready to give them lots of attention and a secure, large enclosure.
• Legal Note: Be sure to check your local laws, as some states have restrictions on owning fennec foxes.

4. Sugar Gliders

Sugar gliders are nocturnal marsupials that glide through the air like little superheroes. These affectionate creatures thrive on companionship and are happiest when they have another glider to bond with.

Care Tips:

• Diet: Their diet should include fruits, vegetables, and specialized glider pellets.
• Companionship: Sugar gliders are social animals and should be kept in pairs to avoid loneliness.
• Habitat: They need a tall cage with branches for climbing and cozy pouches for sleeping.

5. Hedgehogs

Hedgehogs might seem prickly, but their curious and shy nature makes them fascinating pets. While they prefer solitude, they can form bonds with their owners once they’re accustomed to handling.

Care Tips:

• Diet: Feed them specialized hedgehog food, supplemented with insects.
• Exercise: A wheel is essential for providing these little creatures with exercise.
• Handling: Handle your hedgehog gently to help it get used to human touch.

Things to Consider
Before adopting an unusual pet, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Local Laws: Always check your state and local regulations to ensure the pet you want is legal to own.
• Specialized Care: Many unusual pets require specific diets, habitats, and veterinary care, so make sure you’re ready to provide it.
• Commitment: These pets often have long lifespans and need consistent care and attention.

Owning a unique pet can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s important to do your research. Whether it’s a miniature pig cuddling up with you on the couch or an axolotl gracefully swimming in its tank, these animals offer something different from your typical pet.

So, if you’re ready to welcome an unusual pet into your home, be sure you’re prepared to provide the care they need to thrive.

Recommended – Is This a Job? Weird Jobs You Didn’t Know Existed

The post Unusual Pets You Can Actually Keep in the U.S. (and How to Care for Them) appeared first on Weekly Living.

This loneliness can take a toll on mental health, leaving you feeling isolated and stressed. If you’re on the fence about getting a dog, let me give you some compelling reasons why you should consider adding a furry friend to your life.

Dogs are famously known as “man’s best friend” for good reasons. Here’s why getting a dog might be the best decision you make:

Mental health benefits of having a dog

Unconditional Love

Dogs offer unconditional love and companionship. They don’t care if you’ve had a rough day or if you look disheveled. Their affection is always there, making you feel valued and loved.

Built-in Exercise Buddy

Having a dog means you’ll get a daily dose of exercise. Dogs need walks, which translates to fresh air and physical activity for you too. It’s a great way to stay active and healthy.

Stress Relief

Studies have shown that spending time with a dog can significantly reduce stress and anxiety. Their playful behavior and affectionate nature can help melt away your worries, leaving you feeling more relaxed.

Always Happy to See You

Dogs greet you with boundless excitement, no matter how short your absence. This enthusiastic welcome can brighten even the toughest of days.

Protection

Dogs have an instinctive ability to protect their owners. They’re alert and will bark if they sense something unusual, providing a sense of security in your home.

Companionship

A dog can be a constant companion, always there to share your experiences and offer comfort. Their presence helps alleviate feelings of loneliness and provides a strong sense of connection.

Social Interaction

Walking your dog can be a social activity. You’ll likely meet other dog owners and engage in conversations, which can expand your social network and reduce feelings of isolation.

Boosts Mental Health

The presence of a dog can be incredibly beneficial for mental health. Dogs are known to help with depression and anxiety, offering emotional support and companionship.

Teaches Responsibility

Caring for a dog involves daily routines and responsibilities. This can help instill a sense of discipline and structure in your life, which can be particularly beneficial if you’re struggling with mental health issues.

They’re Fun!

Dogs bring joy and entertainment into your life. Their playful antics and affectionate nature add fun and laughter, making your home a happier place.

So, do these reasons convince you to get a dog? The major benefits of having a dog include enhanced mental health, constant companionship, and a boost in overall happiness.

If you have the space and time, getting a dog seems like a no-brainer. I hope this article helps you in making your decision!

Recommended – Mindful Eating: Cultivating a Healthy Relationship with Food

The post 10 Reasons to Get a Dog: Mental Health Benefits of Having a Dog appeared first on Weekly Living.

Although it is hard to believe but cats can be stressed also like human beings and they need an avenue to de-stress themselves to return to their normal routine and to feel good.

Video Overview

What are the causes of cat stress?

Like human beings, there are things and events which serve as stressors for cats such as:

– Traveling
– House relocation
– Visiting the veterinarian
– Presence of other cats within their territory
– Scary noises
– New pet in the house
– Strong scents
– Fleas

– Loss of companion

Like humans, cats also show signs of stress like scratching on the furniture, their tails become full, persistent urinating in places other than their litter box, loss of appetite, overeating, irritability, persistent meowing, bedding, eating of plants, unusual behavior, frantic running around and biting. If your cat shows these symptoms, then you should de-stress your pet immediately because like humans, stress is harmful to their health also.

Some pet owners bring their pets immediately to the veterinarian due to fear that something bad will happen to their beloved pets. Nevertheless, there are other ways that you can de-stress your cats without bringing them to the veterinarian. Some pet owners fear that stress in cats will cause detrimental health effects like hair loss, urinary problems and eating disorders. Before you initiate a move to de-stress your pet, you should evaluate the stressors first.

Ways to de-stress your pet cats:

– If the stressor is other pets in the house, then you should keep the cat away from other pets or cats.

– Check online for some great cat calming aids that you can buy to help ease your moggys anxiety.

– Avoid feeding or doing immediate fix when your cat is violent or stressed because it reinforces their bad behavior. However, you can give them reward for their good behaviour.

– When stressed, you can speak to them in calm voice and avoid yelling at them because it will make them more stressed.

– You can give your cat her favorite cat food to calm her down. You can also massage her to relax her and to help her to sleep.

– You can provide a hiding place for your cat to give him some privacy when relaxing and resting. Bear in mind that cats too need to cool their anger down before they can interact and can socialize with other cats and other people. You can either give her a cat box or a quite room which serves as their resting haven.

– If your pet is stressed with loud noises, you can turn off loud music and put on soothing music to calm her down.

– You can give your cat her favourite toys to play, to distract her or to give her exercise.

The post Top Ways to Help Calm Your Stressed Cat appeared first on Weekly Living.

This post brought to you by ALPO® Brand Dog Food   . All opinions are 100% mine.

Hey there world, we love to see pets and animals happy and today we bring you some pretty cute videos with the Alpo®dogs giving their story! The videos take the perspective dogs voicing their opinions outloud and there is a whole series of these commercials available to watch.Somebody in the marketing room, starts to ask the dogs questions about different dogs she shows to them.

The process for us of enjoying the Alpo® dogs began on their Youtube where we started to watch all of these dog videos which have actually gone viral. One of the videos in the HAPPY STARTS HERE™ series has actually gone viral and when the marketing lady brings up cat, one of the dogs says neuter as their comment, it catches the lady off guard and is really funny. The video has 100,000 views and there are many other videos to check out from Alpo while you are there.

Watch more blog dog videos and get inspired to share photos and videos of your dog with #HappyStartsHere

Love dog everything? Then catch them at ALPO® Instagram page

Had some happy laughs watch more videos for an even better.

Think that’s funny? See what else our focus group has to say about our favorite blogger dogs

Don’t forget to check out the Scout Alpo®Video!

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below and perhaps what you favorite video is. Maybe even let us know your favorite dog and get a super doffy

The post Happy Alpo® Dogs Talk Back – Loving It appeared first on Weekly Living.

Recently ALPO® sponsored us with some of their Chop House chucks in gravy or Homestyle Prime cuts gravy cravers in the form of gift certificates to get them and since we did… our dog has never been happier!

This wet dog food line left our dog so happy that he was literally wagging his tail and looking up at us for more, we had our hearts melt!

Surprisingly the food actually smells better to humans then a lot of the other options out there so we were very happy for that too!

Check out ALPO’S HOMEPAGE to learn more about their products and the high quality ingredients that are in them which help make your dog stronger and happier!

Here you can see our dog very happy and “licking his chops” from the ALPO® that we gave him!

Wan’t to make your Dog happy? Then you should not only check out their website but visit your local food store or pet store to grab some!

If you like to be social then don’t forget to stop by ALPO’s Facebook Page and give it a nice like! Here you can stay up to date on their latest articles and special offers!

Let us know your thoughts on ALPO® in the comments below and why your dog loves it! Again this is a premium and nutritional product that will surely make your dag happy on the inside and out so don’t forget to try it soon!

ARTICLE BY: Josh Bois, Co-Founder Global Good Networks

The post Feed your dog ALPO® that they will love! appeared first on Weekly Living.

Do you love your dog? Then make sure you are giving him or her something that they deserve which will extend their life! Nutrition for pets is very important and often very overlooked. Table food all of the time is not okay and there is a reason why. Dogs need a balanced diet and turning to companies like ALPO®for help is important.

With many flavors such as Prime Cuts Homestyle with Beef, Prime Cuts Homestyle with Lamb and Rice, and many more there is something your dog will surely love. You can choose it incans and or in different bag sizes. There are bags that are up to 50 pounds meaning that if you have a lot of dogs or live far away fro m the pet store that you can always feed them something extra healthy for them.

A lot goes into dog nutrition and you may not always realize how much the materials matter. For example, your dog needs vitamins and minerals but also needs high-quality protein sources. Not all dog food is created equal and making sure that there are standards for safety, sanitation and manufacturing are critical. Those are standards literally listed on the alp dog nutrition page.

Keep your dog happy with great good that really counts!

If you visit ALPO’S HOMEPAGE you can begin to see and research many of the products that they offer. For exacmple they have wet dog food and nutrition information available online.

Like being social? Don’t forget to connect with them onALPO’s Facebook Page so you can get relevant updates about the brand and stay in the know! When you decide to visit their Facebook page you will find some fun posts for example today we see one with a cat and dog where it says “you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours” and it has the cat’s paws on the dog’s back. Very cute!

ARTICLE BY: Josh Bois, Co-Founder Global Good Networks

Do get an even better visual of the product and why it is so great check out the Youtube Video below:

The post Love Your Dog? Check Out ALPO® Happy Starts appeared first on Weekly Living.

As anyone who has ever owned a pet knows, it can be extremely expensive to deal with healthcare issues. Therefore, many pet owners opt to purchase pet insurance to cover the majority of their medical expenses, but there are some people who believe that the annual cost is not worth absorbing because many owners will not end up using the insurance often enough to get their investment back. However, unless you would apply this same logic to your home insurance for instance, it makes more sense to ensure that you will have the financial resources to be able to properly take care of your pet.

What can I Expect from a Pet Insurance Provider?

Although each provider will have their own specific guidelines for exactly what they cover, it is common for a policy to include a provision that will limit the amount of money that will be covered per occurrence, per year or throughout the life of the animal. For example, comparison website, Monkey.co.uk can provide quotes from U.K. pet insurance providers who offer a tiered program that will let you select how much coverage you will get.

These coverage amounts often begin at £1,000 for vet fees, but the more advanced policies will typically offer coverage of £7,500 or more. It is also possible to receive additional benefits such as burial expenses, coverage during overseas travel, theft insurance and even financial assistance with offering a reward if your animal is lost.

Is Pet Insurance Worth the Annual Expense?

Pet owners have a responsibility to make sure that their animal companion is properly cared for throughout their life. If your pet were to become very ill tomorrow, it is likely that you would not have the extra £5,000 or more available to take care of their necessary medical expenses. Therefore, it is always a wise investment to purchase pet insurance. After all, most providers offer policies for less than £400 a year, and it is possible to get a basic policy for a much lower price.

Buying a pet insurance policy will give you peace of mind, and it will also make it much easier to care for your pet if they happen to contract a serious illness. When you consider the alternative, buying a pet insurance policy clearly becomes the better option. 

The post Is Pet Insurance A Wise Investment? appeared first on Weekly Living.

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Just like a brown-haired person would not select a shampoo formulated for a blonde, your dog also has specific skin and coat needs. Dog shampoo formulations take into consideration everything from sensitive skin allergies, to flea protection so it is important to know and understand what you are looking for in order to narrow it down to the right dog shampoo for your furry friend.

You can’t just use your own salon-quality product on Fido, here’s why – Dog shampoos have a lower pH level more appropriate for canines. In most cases, the dog shampoos are also non-tearing in case you get some in your dog’s eyes. It may seem like a cheap and easy alternative to just grab your own bottle and share it with your dog, but a bottle of dog shampoo will likely last you months so spend the extra time (and if necessary money) to select a formulation that suits your dog’s needs.

Step #1: Determine your dog’s skin/ coat type and any specialty needs

Oily/ dry or normal – If you notice flakes then you should suspect dry skin. For a dog with oily hair, you can typically feel this oily residue when you run your fingers through your dog’s fur, or see it when you part his hair. If you can rule out these two, then your dog probably has normal skin.

Long/ short – This is easy enough to spot. Some shampoo is formulated to suit a specific breed or hair length.

Problem zones – This includes situations like flea/ tick dips, shampoos formulated to help with excessive shedding, or sensitive skin formulations for dogs with allergies or other skin conditions. While an Aloe Vera shampoo may help a dog prone to scratching, if the condition is more serious, a medicated shampoo is something you can discuss with your veterinarian.

When in doubt about your canine’s needs, talk to a groomer and veterinarian. Your vet can rule out more serious skin conditions, and chances are good that a groomer has tested and tried many of the dog shampoos and conditioners on the market.

Step #2: Look closer at the ingredients

You’ve eyed the claims on the front of that bottle and now it is time to take a deeper inspection of the ingredients. Once you’ve selected a shampoo label that looks like it fits your dog’s needs, turn that bottle around. If you have a hard time pronouncing and recognizing the majority of the ingredient names then it is likely mostly synthetic. The ‘all natural’ dog shampoos are increasingly popular over the synthetic versions especially for dogs with sensitive skin.

Step #3: Take a moment to sniff through the scent selections

Finally, before you purchase that shampoo you want to make sure the scent is something you can live with. If possible, let Fido take a sniff too to see his reaction. Remember that heavily scented shampoos run a greater risk of irritating a dog’s skin and coat since it can contain extra fragrances and dyes. However, if the lightly scented or unscented versions just leave you smelling ‘dog’ that may not be appealing either. After all, your hound should get out of his bath looking and smelling better than when he entered it.

Susan Wright is a practicing veterinarian, dog owner, author, great neighbor, and a dog product expert with dog training collars.

The post Choosing the Right Dog Shampoo appeared first on Weekly Living.

If your dog is found to have health concerns by the veterinarian, you should discuss treatment options and diet options to help ensure your dog has the optimum nutrition needed to fight off any disease and become stable with his weight. However, if your dog is perfectly healthy and may just be so energetic he needs more caloric intake, you can begin introducing foods into your dog’s diet that can help your dog put weight on, and build lean muscle. Please note it is important to introduce new foods to your dog one at a time, preferably one per week, so you can narrow down any possible allergies or problems that may arise from a new food. With that being said, check out the tips below to help your dog put on some pooch weight!

Dry Dog Food

Kibble is a great way to help your dog gain weight; however, you need to read the ingredients to ensure your dog is getting a good, well-balanced meal from the dog food. A good, high-quality kibble that is not only great for weight gain, but good for all dogs in general will have a high protein intake – made with REAL meat. Make sure you see chicken, beef, fish, or a wild game within the first five ingredients. Take note that you do not want to see the words “by-products” or “meal” following this protein ingredient. Those words indicate the protein is not an optimum cut of meat. You also want to ensure the dog food contains carbohydrates and the minimum are added – you do not want your dog to consume more than twenty percent of his daily caloric intake on carbohydrates. Make sure the carbohydrates included are in the natural form (nothing enriched). Look for brown rice, whole wheat pasta, sweet potatoes and millet are good examples of natural carbohydrates.

Canned Dog Food

Canned dog food is more of an expensive treat; however, it is a great way to help your dog pack on some lean muscle. Canned dog food is often packed full of rich protein and water, which helps make this meal easily digestible by your pooch due to the soft texture. You can also mix canned food with dry kibble for a nice change of pace for your dog.

Added Protein

You may also want to add in some extra protein with your dog’s dry or canned food. It is okay for your dog to enjoy some “people” meat with his meal as long as it is broken up into small pieces and are bone free. You want to make sure your dog can easily digest the food and does not accidentally swallow any pieces of bone that could damage his throat or esophagus, or digestive system.

The post Diet for Packing on Pounds to an Underweight Dog appeared first on Weekly Living.

You may not layer your dog in sunscreen, and you may not cover their face with a hat, but there are plenty of things that you can do to ensure that your furry friends is also being monitored in the heat.

1. Give them shade.

Like you, a dog should never be exposed to the sun and only the sun for extended periods of time. If your dog enjoys being in the yard, make sure there is a place that can provide the dog with shade, such as a dog house or covered patio. Though they may still be outside, the shade keeps them directly out of the sun, which is much safer on their overall health.

2. Give them plenty of water.

Dogs can easily dehydrate too, especially with the thick coats they have. Make sure that all water bowls are constantly filled during the summer. If your dog is going to be outside for a while, it’s a good idea to place a bowl of water outside too. This way, your dog doesn’t have to wait until he gets in the house before he can have something to drink.

3. Use sunscreen.

No, we are not joking. Though you don’t have to lather them in sunscreen like you do for yourself, you should place it on your dog’s nose, ear tips and any part of their body that contains exposed skin. Make sure to use a strong SPF and apply it at least 15 minutes before your dog goes outside. This will help keep your dog from becoming sunburned.

4. Give them a trim.

If your dog has a lot of hair, you should have them groomed. Getting rid of some of that extra fur can help keep your dog stay cool during the summer months. Just make sure that you don’t take too much off, which could expose their skin and put them at greater risk of getting sunburned. If you have a long-haired dog, you should have them groomed every four to six weeks.

5. Give them a bath.

Bathe your dog in lukewarm water to help them cool off from the hot sun. If you can give them a bath weekly, that is the most beneficial, but if you can’t, bathing them at least once per month is good.

If your dog likes going in the pool, you need to give them a bath after swimming, otherwise the chemicals in the water will dry out their coat and skin.

6. Avoid hot surfaces.

A dog’s paws are not resistant to the elements. If you bring them onto an asphalt pavement that has been in direct sunlight for hours, it will burn their paws. If their paws become cracked or burnt, you will need to invest in soothing ointments to help relieve the pain.

7. Leash your dog.

If you take daily walks with your furry friend without a leash, you may want to start leashing them during the summer. Too many things can spark your dog to take off, such as numerous children at the park or the nice loud crack of a firework. To avoid losing them, make sure that they’re leashed.

8. Let them in the house.

If it’s extremely hot outside and you have the A/C running, let your dogs in the house for a while. Chances are they’ll be so hot that they’ll find a place to lay comfortably and pass out. Like you, your dog can also benefit from the luxury of the air conditioning.

Make sure that your dog is constantly being looked after during the summer. Always check to make sure that they’re given shade as well as plenty of water. Following all of these tips will help keep your dog safe.
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Animal testing is one of the most controversial topics of the decade. Many people, especially vegans, protest that it is unethical to do medical and cosmetic testing on animals. Others say that is is necessary to test products on animals because it is against the law to test on humans, therefore we do not have a choice. Well, here are seven reasons why it is wrong to test products on animals.

1. Harms Animals
When products are tested on animals, these animals are often harmed severely. These animals experience skin irritation, eye irritation, and being exposed to toxic chemicals. For example, there is the Draize eye irritation and skin irritation test. Rabbits are shaved of their skin and immobilized. Afterwards, a substance is dropped into their eyes or smeared onto their skin and the reactions are recorded.
2. Kills Animals
Millions of innocent animals have been killed because of companies who choose to test products on animals. Some of these animals are bred for testing, while some of these animals were taken from the pound. There is the LD50 test, which involves testers giving animals huge, unrealistic doses. In real life, there is very little chance of a human being exposed to these high levels of chemicals because of the product.
The testers force the animals to eat the substances, and then they record how many animals died from the substance. Believe it or not, but the LD50 test still goes on today.
3. No Consent
Unlike informed humans, animals are completely incapable of giving consent to having a product tested on them. They have absolutely no say in the matter, and are often hurt or even killed during the experiment. These animals never agreed to be testees, and what they are doing will not benefit them at all. Basically, we are forcing animals to be testees, so the human race could supposedly benefit.
4. Not Always Effective
Animal testing is not always effective. There are animals that are similar to humans, such as monkeys and other similar species of animals. However, there are many big differences that exist between us and animals, making animal testing not very efficient. What harms animals may not harm us, and vice versa because we have many significant differences.
5. Alternatives
Instead of testing products on animals, scientists are capable of producing alternatives that are not harmful to animals. For example, they can use computer programs and stem-cell research as alternatives to animal testing. Some scientists are considering micro-dosing as an alternative. Micro-dosing is where a small amount of skin is collected and some of the product is exposed to the skin.
Unfortunately, these alternatives are not proven to be as effective as animal testing. However, changes and improvements are being made to these alternatives all the time.
6. Misleading
Animal testing can be extremely misleading when it comes to whether or not a product will negatively affect a human. Human product testing and animal product testing only agree with each other 25 percent of the time or even less. About 90 percent of stillbirths are related to drugs that were said to be safe because of animal testing. Also, animals catch less than two percent of the sicknesses humans can catch.
7. Not Required
Finally, animal testing is often not required. According to the United States Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission, household products and cosmetics do not need to be tested on animals to be eligible to be released to the public.
There are many things that are wrong with testing products on animals, such as the fact that many animals are killed and harmed. Animal testing is unethical, misleading, not alway

This article was written by Jet Russell who blogs for Huntington Life Sciences Company. In his spare time he likes to write articles on all different topics on things that interest him – from Search Engine Optimization to Gardening, and in this case, what people should know about product animal testing.

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We take a look at some common animals and their eyesight, comparing it to that of a human.

Rabbits

Incredibly, over half the world’s population of rabbits live in North America but they are found all over the world; from the hot climate in South America to the hills in Scotland.

Rabbits can see color; but there color vision is nowhere near as developed as us humans. They can see colors of green and blue well, but not others so clearly as we can.

The element of rabbits’ eyesight that is impressive is their ability to easily detect predators creeping up on them – and from almost any direction. A sneaky snake in the grass is likely to be detected before it even has the chance to advance on the rabbit.

The rabbits’ eyes are placed high up and to the side of their heads. This helps them see almost 360° around them and they can also see above them, making that swooping eagle’s ability to grab them unnoticed rather difficult.

The downside of a rabbit’s eyesight however is the blind spot which is located right in the front of their eyes; however their large ears and incredibly sensitive nostrils make up for this.

Deer

The deer is a delicate and beautiful creature which is often seen amongst tundra and snowy landscapes across the world. Often active at night, deer are often sadly injured or killed in accidents involving cars when they get startled by headlights.

Deer have a tapetum lucidum which is the layer of tissue at the back of the eye which reflects light entering the eye and illuminates it, allowing them to see clearly at night. Deer get startled by headlights as they assess the threat of the lights, and in doing so don’t move out of the way in order to do so. Many years ago, if deer were faced with an unknown threat they would freeze on the spot and assess the threat – usually of a predator. Now, with the threat of the car itself many deer will stop to assess the threat and in doing so freeze on the spot – with disastrous consequences.

Whilst deer have large eyes, their eyesight isn’t great and they don’t have the ability to se sharp images. However, they do have near-360° vision and they have large horizontal pupils. They also cannot see in color but will detect blaze such as fire as it is a contrast to the background of the forest.

Amy writes about eyesight for Direct Sight, a leading provider of online specatcles helping you buy glasses online.

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Among the many patterns, colour and appearances, one thing in this group of vertebrates I noticed was their eyesight. None of them appeared to have eyelids; I wanted to find out more.

Can fish sleep?

A question often asked by children (most likely owing to the apparent absence of the ability of the fish to close its eyes), I often wondered just how fish could sleep. I knew they had to, but how?

With the lack of eyelids, fish have a protective film over their eyes which stops them from having a constant force of water pushing against their cornea. Whilst asleep, most goldfish will delicately balance, perfectly still in the water, whilst other types of fish may rest in coral or balance between plants.

Most fish have colour vision, too, meaning they are able to see differences in pattern and appearance. However, most fish have a semi-blind spot right in front of their eyes, and the position of their eyes – on the side of their head – is really important. They also have really bad depth perception, so that explains why they will sometimes bump into the side of the tank or bowl!

Fish have a 3-second memory

This is a total myth; fish do have brains and within it memories which last a lot longer than 3 seconds. They will come to recognise your face and movements, and sometimes (depending on the species), even your voice!

Fish will only grow to the size of their tank

This is untrue, and so many people overstock their tank to allow for many different types of fish. The myth is that your fish will only grow as your tank allows; but this is untrue. Larger types of fish – and common goldfish in particular – will often need a whole pond, or at least a large tank, in order to live a healthy life with no problems. Never overstock your fish, the general rule is 1cm of fully-frown fish = 1 gallon in your tank capacity.

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Image: Tracy-Anne

I haven’t seen war horse – and I don’t have the desire to. I like animals as much as the next man, well, I like cows – well, I like steak. But I’m sick of Horses getting all the plaudits.

I am here today to pitch to you as a member of the general public and as internet friends; the most general of all the public’s, my revolutionary movie idea that will no doubt be picked up by a huge movie studio as soon as this reaches press.

Today, I look to secure funding for production of my big screen epic adaptation of a real life, true story, actual event, non-fiction, accurate representation, painstakingly reconstructed film of the real animals of war – part one. To provide best value for money for you the punter, I have included a selection of 5 animals that will all feature as comrades fighting side by side.

This will make Noah’s Ark seem like a cruise-class Destroyer.

1.     Marine attack mammal

Since the U.S. Navy Marine Mammal Program was declassified in the 1990s people have known that dolphins, sea lions and other mammals (I’m hoping manatees) have been used in mine detection. Sure there has been no proof that our watery friends have been transformed into mechanised killing machines, but I feel that artistic license in delivering a big screen blockbusting hit could allow for some… leeway.

2.     Camo Camel

Camels have been used to cross deserts for centuries and with no better way for soldiers to cross endless expanses of utterly boring sand, the camel was the natural choice. Horses get to play polo and run round in circles, Camels have to trek hundreds of miles in sandstorms. Have you ever tried walking up a sand dune? Hard work. It’s enough to give anyone the hump. And they might get shot too.

3.     In Soviet Russia, Dog Walks You

Soviets used dogs with explosives attached to their backs to blow up tanks. Admittedly, this is more of a support role in my film. But an important document of the sacrifice dogs made in the pursuit of bravery*.

(*the tasty treat under an enemy tank)

4.     Homing Pigeon

Pigeons were used for messaging during both World Wars, but in the Second World War it was taken a flap further – a rather unimaginatively named Project Pigeon was created to train them to guide bombs. I’d like some nice aerial shots in my masterpiece so this is a great fit.

5.     Pte Bear

Wojtek the soldier bear was formally enlisted and drafted into the Polish Army as a private in order to make him eligible to travel on a British transport ship. I’m not even sure whether they let guide dogs onto ferries anymore. Wojtek retired and was moved to a more bear friendly environment in Scotland where he lived out his last days in peace catching salmon with military precision (probably).

So there we have it, the greatest war story never told, I’m going to sit back and wait for the plaudits. Hey ‘War Horse’, why the long face?

Oh, the war… right.

Dan Izzard dabbles in everything from Jazz flute to gardening, he writes for Pest Control Group who provide pest control products like the classic mouse trap to stop pests invading your home and/or country.

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Video Overview

Consistent Companionship

Regardless of how big or small your family is a pet dog is an outstanding addition to your family. They are superb sources of consistent companionship. They are always there for you when you need them the most and help fill any void that you may currently have within your family. If you are single and do not have a family at all, a pet dog can still give you the warm greeting that a family can each time that you walk through the door. If you and your spouse do not have any children, a pet dog needs your love, affection and care just as a human child would.

They Are Great For Your Children

If you do have children in your family, pet dogs make great additions because they are able to teach them responsibility. At a young age, your children will have to learn how to care for a living creature – feeding them, cleaning up after them, caring for all of their needs, etc. Many families buy their dogs as puppies while their children are still babies. Why is this so beneficial? The children will literally grow up along with their dog, forming an emotional bond of companionship that will last a lifetime.

Security for Your Home

Another great benefit for having a pet dog for your home is the heightened amount of security that they can provide for your home and your family overall. While you are away, they can guard your home both indoors and outdoors. Many thieves, vandals and trespassers are easily repelled by the “Beware of Dog” signs that homeowners have posted around their homes and on their fences. Dogs seem to have an inborn instinct to protect the people that they care about. It is nothing that necessarily has to be taught to them, although a lot of people train them in different ways to enhance their protective skills overall.

Dogs Are Great Pets, Friends and Family Members!

Making the choice to purchase a dog is a lifetime investment. In most cases, dog owners are there to see their dogs when they are born up until they die. Many of these owners agree that having their dogs is an amazing experience that they would never forget. If you want to have a memorable addition to your own family, buying a dog will be one of the greatest purchases that you will ever make.

Videojug is one of the world’s leading video websites specialising in professionally-produced free factual content. They provide many video tutorials such as how to get the best dog care.

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