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A pet brings so much to our lives and the lives of our family. However, we can sometimes overlook just how much. See 5 Amazing Ways Pets Can Improve Your Health

If you have ever owned a pet and sadly experienced the loss of that pet, you can relate to how close a pet can become to you. When someone says that a pet is part of his or her family, this is true.

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While a pet brings unconditional love to us, there are many other real and tangible benefits along the way as well.

There are many ways a pet can improve your health. There are mental benefits, physical benefits, social benefits, and emotional benefits.

Other Popular Posts:

Best Dog For you Via Your zodiac

Best Cat for you via your zodiac

Top dog breeds of 2020

Top Cat Breeds

Ways Pets Can Improve Your Health #1 – Mental Health Benefits

Studies are proving more and more that pets improve our mental health status. Many years ago, pets were brought into the psychiatric wards to help calm patients, as well as encourage patients to cooperate. Today, we know that pets can improve our moods drastically.

Have you ever felt down and out and had your pet bring you his ball.
This is a perfect example of how a pet can cause an automatic shift in your mood and get you out of a slump.

Unconditional love offered by a pet can also cause positive chemicals to release to the brain. Thereby averting negative stressor chemicals (such as cortisol) found in the flight or fight syndrome. When positive occurrences are experienced, mental health improves greatly.

Ways Pets Can Improve Your Health #2
– Improve Emotional Status

Pets greatly improve the emotional status of their owners. Have you ever owned a pet, let’s say a dog for example, and the dog automatically came over to you when you were crying and licked away your tears?

Studies show that dogs are innately responsive to the emotions of their owners and are therefore readily available to respond to them.

Pet owners are shown to be happier in studies than individuals who do not own pets.

Ways Pets Can Improve Your Health #3
– Assist with Physical Health

Research is showing that pet owners are healthier than non-pet owners are. Pet owners have a reduced risk of heart disease, cancer, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

Pets, especially dogs, are also able to assist and alert owners that have certain medical conditions such as diabetes or seizure disorder.

Ways Pets Can Improve Your Health #4
– Help with Socialization and Fitness

A pet can aid in the defense of depression, anxiety, and panic. Having a pet to socialize with is an excellent way to get out and about for many individuals.

Socialization for your pet is vital to its wellbeing and that means that you have to go along for the ride. Walking, jogging, running, hiking, are all excellent ways to keep in shape just as swimming and bicycling is.

There are many pet owners who socialize with their pets in this way, enabling the pet owners to stay fit and trim along with their furry friends.

Ways Pets Can Improve Your Health #5
– Spiritual Benefits

There is no better way to become more spiritual than when you reach out to help another. Reaching out to help another does not necessarily mean just to your human counterparts.

Reaching out to your pet and playing, bathing, walking, caring, and just cuddling with them is an excellent way to become more spiritual.

When you take care of a pet that is helpless and unable to help themselves, what more spiritual act is there than that?

Conclusion:

That concludes Top Five Ways a Pet Can Improve Your Health.
As always, Thanks for reading.

Check out my other posts while your here

• Dog Hopping – What Does it mean when your dog is hopping on 3 legs?
• Are Ginger Cats Always Male?
• Bengal Cat Breed, Personality Traits, Information, And Facts.
• Christmas Gift Ideas For A Dog Lover You Know
• Bedside Table Dog Beds

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Worms are gross and no-one wants their dog getting them, let alone potentially leaving their eggs all-around the home and garden, Ewww!

So I’ve written this post to educate owners and explain how do dogs get worms and how to treat worms in dogs.

How Do Dogs Get Worms –
Types of worms in dogs

Tapeworms

 Flat, white worms that are made up of tiny segments and each part is about the size of a grain of rice. 

Tapeworms survive by attaching themselves onto the walls of your dog’s gut and using their hook-like suckers, they then start to feeding and growing.

Roundworms

living inside the digestive system, roundworms like to feed off the intestines. They’re usually white or light brown and are usually a few inches long. (They look like spaghetti.)

If your dog has roundworms, you may notice them in his poo or vomit.

Whipworms

Named after their shape. They have a thicker front end body and a longer, thinner, rear end that resembles a whip.

The larger end embedding itself into the intestinal wall, causing irritation and discomfort for the dog.

Hookworms

Also, like living in the digestive system of your dog. Again attaching themselves to the lining of the intestinal wall.

It is here, they then start feeding on your dog’s blood.
Their eggs then pass through the digestive tract and come out through your dog’s faeces.

Heartworm

Is a parasitic worm called Dirofilaria immitis.
Signs of heartworm disease may include a mild persistent cough, reluctance to exercise, fatigue after moderate activity, decreased appetite, and weight loss.

As heartworm disease progresses, pets may develop heart failure and the appearance of a swollen belly due to excess fluid in the abdomen.

How do dogs get worms and how to treat worms in dogs.

How do dogs get Worms – Tapeworms?

Tapeworms are not directly passed from pet to pet. They require what’s called a common intermediate host.

A common intermediate host could be, for example, fleas and small rodents.
Unlike other intestinal parasites, 

Tapeworms must first pass through the intermediate host before they can infect a dog.

How do dogs get Worms Roundworms?

Roundworms – Dogs and cats become infected with roundworms by eating worm eggs from contaminated soil or stools, or by eating infected rodents.

How do dogs get worms –
Hookworms

Hookworms – A dog may become infected when it inadvertently swallows hookworm larvae, often by grooming its feet, or from sniffing faeces or contaminated soil.

Hookworms are contracted by the ingestion of microscopic larvae by mouth or from larvae entry through the skin, usually on the feet.

How do dogs get Worms – Whipworms?

Dogs become infected with whipworms by swallowing infective whipworm eggs in soil or other substances that may contain dog faeces.

How do dogs get Worms – Heartworms

Heartworms – The worms are spread through the bite of a mosquito.

Other Popular Posts:

Best Dog For You Via Your Zodiac

Itchy Skin How To Manage A Dogs Problem Skin Long Term

Top Dog Breeds Of 2020

Signs of worms in dogs.

Abdominal pain

Diarrhea

vomiting

Weight loss

Poor coat appearance

Pot-bellied appearance

Signs of worms in dogs with more severe cases

Lethargy

Dehydration

Blood in stool bright red or darker purple.

Intestinal blockage

Trouble breathing and/or Pneumonia

Deficiencies in nutrition and anemia

How to treat worms in dogs and prevent my dog from having an infestation.

Preventing worms is easy and talking to your vet about the best available worming products is recommended.

Some over the counter wormers available are just not up to the same standards needed, so make sure you are buying one based on your vet’s advice.

A worming treatment once every 3 months is generally enough prevention against worms and to stop an infestation from occurring.

Can humans get worms from dogs?

We’ve gone over the signs of worms in dogs but what about humans?

Although human infection occurs infrequently, they can cause significant health issues depending on where the worms migrate to.

If you have had exposure to a pet with worms, we recommend talking to your veterinarian and your physician and discussing any potential problems with them.

Frequently asked questions answered

That concludes ‘How do dogs get worms‘
I hope you found this helpful.
As always thank you for reading = )

Try checking out some of my other posts while your here:

• Dog Hopping – What Does it mean when your dog is hopping on 3 legs?
• Are Ginger Cats Always Male?
• Bengal Cat Breed, Personality Traits, Information, And Facts.
• Christmas Gift Ideas For A Dog Lover You Know
• Bedside Table Dog Beds

Sign up below to get reminders for my latest posts and news.

A pet for a child is one of the best gifts.
Pets teach children responsibility, love, care, and studies show children with pets have stronger immune systems.
The benefits far out way the cons and what child isn’t dreaming about a pet of their own.

All this being said what type of pet is best?
Take a look at my top 10 list of best pets for kids.

1. Dog

No surprises dogs are at the top of the best pets for kids list, dogs undoubtedly are man’s best friend.
They’re the kind of pet enjoyed by the whole family.
Teaching kids responsibility through cleaning, walking, grooming, and feeding them on a daily basis.
Although common, dogs are a fantastic pet option for children.
kids can get involved with training a new dog or puppy.
There are many training classes and puppy schools available.
Children showing a keen interest can then try, agility/obedience classes and competitions. These are both fun and competitive.
With so many breeds to choose from finding one that suits a child is easy.
Check out my previous posts on the 2020s most popular breeds and 6 things to consider before getting a puppy.
http://furfunme.com/uncategorized/2020s-most-popular-dog-breeds/

http://furfunme.com/uncategorized/6-things-to-consider-with-a-new-puppy/

2. Cat

Again no shock that cats are high up on the list for best pets.
They’re here for good reasons too.
Cats are good at taking care of themselves however, they are more than happy to let you take care of them.
If allowed outside cats exercise themselves.
This is why they are also a great all-round pet for the family.
Kids interacting with everyday care like feeding, grooming, and litter tray cleaning.
Check out my post on the top cat breeds to see if one fits your child needs.

http://furfunme.com/uncategorized/top-5-cat-breeds/

3. Fish

Fish are great pets for kids, they are easy care and have so many varieties available.
Kids love going into pet shops choosing from the different sizes and colours.
Fish are also very cost-effective pet, unless choosing to have tropical fish.
Tropical fish require heated tanks and many added care items, which comes at extra cost.
Children learn responsibility to care, feed and clean the fish tank.
An added bonus is that fish tanks make great house decorations and they are easily cared for while the family is away.

4. Rabbit

Childcare centres choosing to have pet rabbits, do so for good reasons.
These guys make fantastic pets.
Kids easily fall in love with the soft, and bouncy bundles of cuteness.
Rabbits are easily cared for, able to live outside in their hutch/run, they are quite content being a child’s garden buddy.
However rabbits still require feeding, water, cleaning and sometimes grooming depending on the breed.
So they are still teaching a child to take responsibility for the pet they are adopting.

5. Guinea pig

Cute fluff balls that live inside or out.
Guinea pigs are also very compatible with rabbits and they do well living together in the same housing.
Like a Rabbit Guinea pigs are great pets that still require food, water and a clean environment.
Their cute little noises and snuggles keep your child’s attention and love.

6.Mice, Rats or Hamsters

For some the idea of rodents in the house is a no go however, they do make good pets.
Living inside and providing constant entertainment on their exercise wheels. There are so many options for funtastic cages.
These guys are great housepets for a child.
Again kids still have to clean, care and feed them on a daily basis.
Perhaps its time to embrace fear and learn to love a rodent as part of the family? I can guarantee your child will love it.

7. Turtle

Turtles are cool, they are an awesome addition to the house and your kid’s friends will love watching them interact around their tanks.
They are not, however, the easiest pet as they do carry salmonella and cleaning their tanks will be required regularly.
Turtles have long life spans so it is possible that your child or you will still be caring for them long into their high school years.
All that being said when it comes to being a pet, a turtle is up there with the best in my eyes.

8. Tadpole’s

Although not a permanent pet tadpoles are a great learning experience for a child. Starting off at the fully aquatic larval stage and developing into the fully grown amphibian known as a frog.
A child can watch every stage of the transition and then release the happy, hopping little critters into your local pond. What an amazing learning opportunity.
On average this process can take 6-9 weeks but it is species dependent.
Tadpole’s are a great test pet to see if your child stays interactive and interested.
It’s a great interactive experience before moving to a more permanent pet.

9. Chickens

Although thought to be only kept on farms, more and more Suburban households are housing chickens in their gardens.
1-2 chickens don’t require a huge amount of space.
Having few cons and tonnes of pros.
Cons include salmonella in their poop, and mess. Chickens love to dig up the garden to get grubs.
They are least messy contained in a hen house with a run, but they do love to free-range if you don’t mind the mess.
Then there’s the pros, 1. Eggs! that’s right we all know happy chickens lay eggs, what a great way for a child to learn where their food comes from.
2. Compost – chickens poop can be converted into garden compost.
3. food scraps – chickens will eat your scraps, no more waste from your kitchen which feels great.
A higher maintenance pet in some ways but overall a huge added value for not only a child but a whole household.

10. Kuni Kuni pig

Number 10 only because a larger land space is needed for these guys. Best suited to a rural household Kuni-Kunis are incredibly intelligent, funny, loving and trainable characters.
A popular farm pet for children, providing a lot of good laughs as they are known to be quite cheeky.
More involvement required for housing these guys. They need space, a hut/house, water trough, food and strong fencing if you want them contained.
If you have the space don’t skip past a Kuni Kuni for your child.
It’s an epic experience.

There we have it my best pets for kids list.
Please always thoroughly research a potential pet and all there needs before purchasing.
Also, consider adopting a pet that needs a new home.
Thanks for reading = )

Now I normally write about animals but seeing as we are In unprecedented times I thought I’d branch out and try something new.
Here in NZ, we have already been in alert level 4 (lockdown) for 15 days due to the covid19 pandemic.
We have a larger bubble of 5 adults and two children due to many reasons which I won’t bore everyone with.
I thought id share some of our ideas on my top tips to make the lockdown fun!

1. Cook something out of the normal

Whether you’re in a bigger bubble-like us or even just two, try something different. With take-away services now closed, we found we were missing some of our favourites.
So why not give them a go? what have you got to lose? here are some examples of what we have tried making from scratch Nann bread, taco’s, bread, pretzels, doughnuts and sushi. It’s been great fun exploring new recipes and trying something out of the norm.

2. Have a themed evening.

Have a theme night once a week – do it! all parties are off the table at the moment so why not get creative at home.
Even if there is just two of you why not invite your friends to join you on zoom or house party dressed in their finest.
We have had two themes already the first week, we just got dressed up in something nice, last week was Great Gatsby poker night and this week is Island night.
You can go crazy with house decorations, themed games and food.
Go ahead and create an event on Facebook then invite your bubble to the living room for a laugh ; )
It makes Saturday nights fun and gives you all something to look forward to during the working from home week.

3. Games and movie nights

Whether it be board game night, card game night or a movie night. set a schedule or decide in advance together so there is a plan something to look forward to or talk about within your bubble.
There is no excuse everyone has time for a competitive game of monopoly! so get amongst it.

4. Get fit together!

There has never been a better time to try get fit, exercise is a great feel-good it releases endorphins and helps fight cabin fever.
If you need inspiration here are some of the at-home exercises we’ve been giving a go.

• Group yoga in the living room or garden. – there are so many tutorials on youtube, find one you all like and enjoy. We have had some great laughs discovering who is and isn’t very flexible.
• Crossfit course – we have created our very own CrossFit routine in the garden and blasted some good tunes while we all sweat it out. It’s easy to decide on some exercise’s, create the stations, decide on how long each exercise will be done for, and then go for it!
• Youtube high-intensity short workouts – There are so many 5-10min high intensity works outs to just blast off some energy and fight the cabin fever. Have a scroll through the many options you are bound to find something you like.
• Blast some tunes and dance – Great with the kids turn it up loud and burn some calories while having some fun.

5. Start a new hobbie

Ever tried painting a landscape or colouring a numbered picture in? well now is your opportunity to give it a go.
All you need is paper, paint or colouring pencils, hell even the kids crayons will do!
There are so many printable pictures available online for colouring in or why not have a go at painting a landscape from google images?
You’ll be surprised how relaxing it is! and the kids can join in too.

There we have it, I hope this can inspire some of you to get involved and embrace being on lockdown.
As always, thanks for reading.

Humans falling in love with their favorite breed is the best! However, some are more popular than others, below is a list of some of the popular dog breeds 2020 and why they are so loved.

People have many reasons for owning a certain breed of dogs, for example, looks, health, lifespan, and personality traits within the dog breed. Check out what makes these the best below.

Popular Dog Breeds 2020 #1 Labrador

A happy, hungry, family-friendly breed. Labradors are very intelligent, used for various services like blind dogs, customs patrol, and search & rescue.

Labradors have held the top spot for dog breeds, for almost 30 years now!
I’ve noticed over the years working in Veterinary medicine. Out of all breeds, Labradors tend to have the most family members present at vet appointments.

Family members become very attached to this breed and they truly are the ultimate family dog! Watch out for their high energetic personalities. This breed loves to play and eat! They are extremely food driven and easy to train with treats.

There also known to clear a coffee table or two with their happy tails so you’ve been warned.

Best Dog Breeds To Match Your Zodiac:
https://furfunme.com/pets/best-dog-breed-for-your-star-sign/

Popular Dog Breeds 2020 #2 German Shepherd

Originating from Germany. The German shepherd is renowned for their services to the police. They are incredibly loyal and intelligent.

They also know how to be strong and fierce when needed.

Like many other breeds, they are eager to please their owners. Which makes them easy to train and very lovable.

However, they do have aggressive personality traits. This is what makes them ideal for the police force and other services.
With the right training, love, and care they can also become a great family pet.

Human Interactions That Stress Dogs Out:
https://furfunme.com/pets/dog-stress/

Popular Dog Breeds 2020 #3 Golden Retriever

It’s not surprising this fun-loving fluffy dog is in the top five dog breeds!
Golden retrievers are great family pets and also used as service dogs like the other breeds in this list.

They are an extremely loyal and happy dog.
Unfortunately being susceptible to various cancers this breed doesn’t have the highest of longevity when comparing with some other breeds.

Like a labrador, these guys tend to have higher numbers of family members involved with clinic appointments and their daily activities.
Because retrievers are so way to love its no wonder they are number 3!

Popular Dog Breeds 2020 #4 Bulldog

This breed is oozing with personality and charisma. English, Spanish and French bulldogs are cuddly, loving, low exercising bundles of cuteness.

Unfortunately, the breed is plagued with health issues ranging from breathing difficulties, skin and eye issues.
That aside they are continuing to make great family pets.
These guys are loved all over the world.

Popular Dog Breeds 2020 #5 Beagle

With an amazing sense of smell its no wonder these guys are often trained into sniffer dogs and they are so good at it.

However, their noses can get them into all sorts of trouble, as beagles are known for being a bit mischievous.
Beagles are big fans of their food and can be prone to gain weight if not restricted to a good diet.

Their mischievous side can make them more challenging to train.
However, their love and drive for food means that owners have a great motivating tool to encourage these smart, cute, entertaining bundles of energy to get involved.

So there you have the 2020s most popular dog breeds and why they are so loved.

As always thanks for reading.

Liked this? why not check out my post on The top 5 cat breeds from around the world too
http://furfunme.com/uncategorized/top-5-cat-breeds/

Also sign up for my newsletter and post updates below.

• Dog Hopping – What Does it mean when your dog is hopping on 3 legs?
• Are Ginger Cats Always Male?
• Bengal Cat Breed, Personality Traits, Information, And Facts.
• Christmas Gift Ideas For A Dog Lover You Know
• Bedside Table Dog Beds

Many of us enjoy a nice relaxing massage. With 5 years experience in small animal physio/rehabilitation. I’m here to give you some tips and tricks How to give your dog a massage and how it can help them.

How to give your dog a massage and how it can help them

When and why should we be massaging our pet?

Why?

Studying the benefits of massage demonstrate that it is an effective treatment for reducing stress, pain and muscle tension. While more research is needed to confirm the benefits of massage, some studies have found massage may also be helpful for: Anxiety. Digestive disorders.

When is massage BENEFICIAL for my dog?
my dog:

1. Is Suffering from arthritis

2. Has an injury.

3. Is a working dog

4. A competition dog eg agility or obedience

5. They are deserving of a treat and would love this!

Also see my other related content:

Ways to help an arthritic pet:
https://furfunme.com/pets/5-ways-to-help-your-arthritic-pet/

Overfeeding in our pets:
https://furfunme.com/pets/are-you-feeding-your-pet-too-much-its-easily-done/

Let’s go over some different types of massages.

Effleurage Massage

Effleurage is a French word meaning “to skim” or “to touch lightly on”, is a series of massage strokes used to warm up the muscle before deep tissue work. This is a soothing, stroking movement used at the beginning and sometimes the end of a session.

Deep tissue massage

Is a type of massage therapy that focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. It is especially helpful for chronic aches and pains and contracted areas.
(This type of massage is best performed by a professional on your pet).

Trigger point release

Trigger point release –  Trigger point myotherapy also known as neuromuscular therapy or sometimes massage therapy consists of alternating levels of concentrated pressure on the areas of muscle spasm.
(This type of massage should only be performed by a professional on your pet).

Now that we’ve determined the different types, let us go over how to pamper your pooch with a nice rub down.

1. Setting up a nice place for your pet to lie down, make sure you’re using nice soft cosy bedding.

2. Making sure your dog is in a calm mood. Trying to massage your dog when they are ready for playing and walking is not the right time! Waiting until you are done exercising your dog, or in the evening when everyone is settling in by the fire or in front of the TV.

3. Starting with Effleurage massage – Nice gentle soft stroking (Slightly firmer than a pat). Use the palm of your hands and flats of your fingers, never dig in with the tips of your fingers or nails and avoid bony prominences massaging over bone is not relaxing, stick to the muscle zones and watch your pet melt.

4. Moving into a lighter tissue massage next (Deep tissue is best performed by a trained professional). Using the flats of your fingers try applying slightly more pressure than effleurage. using smaller circles and again avoid the bony prominences.

There is no time limit for either massage, keep going until either you or your pet is over it. Enjoy treating your pet as you would yourself = )
As always thanks for reading.

• Dog Hopping – What Does it mean when your dog is hopping on 3 legs?
• Are Ginger Cats Always Male?
• Bengal Cat Breed, Personality Traits, Information, And Facts.
• Christmas Gift Ideas For A Dog Lover You Know
• Bedside Table Dog Beds