Be Prepared with Your Dog

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What is a Family Disaster Dog? It's Your Dog Trained to Rescue You!

 What is a family disaster dog? It is a dog trained to find and rescue you!

The Family Disaster Dog Book shows you how easy a pet dog of any age, size, or breed can be your very own search and rescue dog! Any size dog, from the little Chihuahua to the Great Dane, can help its owner survive...and they find you every day already when they want to play or eat, so why not learn what else they can do to help you!

One of our biggest fears and chores during a disaster is losing or finding a loved one, and every dog has the ability to find its family members or friends. We, as dog owners, only need to learn how to use the natural ability of the dog to the full advantage during emergencies.

The Family Disaster Dogs book is full of fun and easy lessons that are tailored for the family to learn disaster preparedness with pets, including search and rescue skills in the comfort of the home during daily activities by former Search Dog Instructor Amber Higgins, who spent over a decade breeding and training AKC Bloodhounds for nationwide Search and Rescue FEMA volunteer work along with German Shepherd Dogs.

Here's a few of the skills you and your dog can learn:

Ask any dog to find family members and friends who are lost or missing !

Learn how your dog can be a messenger dog !

How any size dog can carry extra supplies if you have to evacuate.

Learn how to pack and use a Dog Bug-out Bag with 3 days of survival supplies for you and your dog.

Teach your dog to alert you to danger and warning sirens with these easy at home lessons.

If you are trapped in an earthquake. Your dog can find you, dig you out or bring you first aid until rescuers arrive !

Send your dog for help or to your partner or child on command, it's easy to do with this book. 

Teach your dog to bring you items by name and much more !

Teach the whole family how to use the family dog as their own search and rescue dog in tornado, floods, earthquakes and to find lost loved ones !

Don't have a dog then this book is a great gift for a friend or neighbor who has a dog and they can come to your rescue too !

Use this book to form a neighborhood Family Disaster Dog group at church or clubs to help neighbors until emergency response arrives ! 

Be sure to have a look at the "My Puppy Can Find Me" children's picture book by Amber Higgins for young children and parents to learn what to do if a child is ever lost or missing. The children learn a fun game to play with the family dog to "go find mom or dad". Parents learn how to use their dog to find a child that wandered off or is missing. 

Sometimes first responders and the police are overwhelmed with calls for help and they may not reach you right away. 

Do you know what to do if help cannot reach you? What if the roads are blocked by high water or downed trees? What do you do if you cannot find a loved one? What if you are out camping and a family member gets lost and does not return to camp. Waiting for help to arrive often takes hours and during that time the person may go further away from camp, may get injured or worst. That is why I wrote these books. To help you help yourself and loved ones when help is not near. Time is critical when a person's life is at stake. 

If you have a dog in the family, these easy fun lessons will teach you and your dog what to do. These books have helped people all over the world to learn how to save a person's life. Why not have a look at the books and the 285 page Family Disaster Dogs blog ? 

I keep the four books free on audible and kindle so everyone can afford to be prepared and learn these valuable skills. Sharing this information with you at no cost is my mission, my way of helping communities worldwide. I spent many years training daily with my own dogs and volunteering to find missing person with county search and rescue squads. I learned a wealth of information during those years about emergency response and disasters, information that is not readily available to the public due to the amount of knowledge required and liability laws. That information is what I share with you, the public, and as a seasoned educated writer I try very hard to keep the lessons simple so even a child can learn. 

Have a look at the books on the book page in the page menu above or visit my author page at Amazon. 

If you do not use Amazon the books are available at book stores and retail outlets worldwide, a simple internet search will show you where. Please feel free to ask me for a copy  or to train in person if that is easier for you! I will be happy to meet with you anytime and work with your dog, just ask!

Planning to Take your Pet on Vacation or Holiday with You

 I want to share this great guide and article with you, in case, you plan to take your dogs on holiday with you. 

Dogs are family, so spending holidays with them can have positive mutual benefits. This is further explored in the guide, 29+ important reasons to take your dog on your family holiday.

It shares some of the interesting discussions, such as:

• Mutual benefits (for the person and the dog) when taking dogs on a holiday

• Best pet-friendly places in the UK to explore when spending holidays with dogs for our friends in the UK and others who plan to visit the UK.

This guide also explores many insights and studies which elaborate on the reasons for wanting to get a dog. Found in the piece is a study from the Canine Behavior and Research team at Dog Trust that reported 48.2% of current owners and 69.7% of potential owners considered having a dog to facilitate their exercise. 

You can read the full version here:

https://www.dogfriendlycottages.co.uk/benefits-of-pets-on-holiday/index.html

Hidden Dog Costs You May Not Be Prepared For

Are you worried about the costs of owning a dog? If so, then it might be worth thinking about the different expenses that you need to manage. Some of these are widely discussed by pet owners and others are less apparent. Here are some of the costs that you might not be fully prepared for. 

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Insurance

First, you need to make sure that you are thinking about the cost of insurance. Insurance costs always increase as your dog gets older. The reason for this is that they are more likely to have issues with a variety of health conditions as they age. That’s why you might want to consider switching your insurance provider once your pet reaches a certain age. This is similar to how the initial insurance you choose will not be suitable for the entire life of a car. You need to choose another plan that matches your budget and your requirements. 

Diet 

It’s also worth considering the cost of food for your pet dog. Some dogs will require a special diet. This is a problem because it means that you’ll need to spend extra money on food. Some food is also recommended but not required. For instance, you could have a yorkie. If that’s the case, then you need to know about yorkies and their vitamins. These vitamins will help ensure that they stay healthy in the long term and avoid some of the typical health problems that can develop as dogs continue to age. 

Training 

Next, you should think about training costs. Training a dog will take time. This means if you don’t have the right amount of time, you’re always going to struggle to ensure that your dog is as obedient as you need. Professional trainers are available but they do cost money. It’s also worth noting that some dogs are more difficult to train than others. As such, it can take more time with an increased number of lessons to get them to learn what they need. This is something that you will definitely need to consider and keep in mind if you are thinking about getting a larger breed of dog. 

Kennels 

Finally, when you have a dog, you may need to manage the cost of kennels and fit this into your budget too. This will be important if you are planning on still going on trips but you don’t want to take your dog with you. There are different kennels available at a range of budgets. As such, it’s just a matter of finding an option that matches your price point. You should also make sure that you are checking the reviews to ensure that a kennel will provide the standard of service that you expect. 

We hope this helps you understand some of the key costs that you may not be prepared for when you have a dog. By factoring these into your budget, you can guarantee that you’ll have a more clear picture of the costs that you will incur as a new pet owner.

How To Make Sure Your Dog Remains Fit & Healthy

 Looking after your dog is about much more than showing them love - though that is of course very important too. It’s also a case of making sure that you are doing everything you can to keep them as fit and healthy as possible. This is the kind of thing that might actually be more challenging than you first think, and if you are currently just thinking of getting a dog in the near future, you might want to be aware of some of the following. Let’s take a look at how you can ensure your dog remains healthy throughout their life.

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Walk Them Every Day

This is the main headline need that most dogs have. Your dog needs a lot of exercise - quite possibly more than you assume at first - and you need to make sure that you are helping them to get it. This means taking them for a walk once a day. And for some breeds and dogs, that might increase to twice or even thrice a day. You can also try to provide them with plenty of space to run around at home, if possible. If that is not possible, even more walking might be necessary.

Feed Them Regularly

The regularity of feeding is hugely important, just as it is with human beings. See https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/how-to-keep-your-dog-healthy/ for more on this. You need to make sure that your dog actually knows when their food is coming each day, because this actually helps them to regulate their metabolism, and that is vital for ensuring their ongoing good health too. So feed your dog regularly, at two or three of the same times each day, so that they are more likely to have a decent regularity in their internal system as well. That is more important than most people give credit for, so make sure not to overlook it.

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Provide Them With Plenty Of Nutrients

One of the main things with regard to their food is that it is actually a complete diet. There are a couple of main ways you can make sure of that. One is by ensuring you feed them with so-called complete dog food. This is food which has all the nutrients and minerals a dog needs. The other is to occasionally feed them other vegetables that you know are good for them. If you look at https://www.nextritionpet.com/blogs/nutrition/can-dogs-eat-spinach you will see that spinach is particularly packed with minerals and nutrients your dog needs, for instance.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Finally, a word on providing plenty of fresh water. If you are not doing this, it doesn’t really matter what else you are doing. Hydration is even more important to dogs than it is to us, because they lose a lot through panting. You should always provide it as much as possible, and you should make sure they especially have a lot of cool, fresh water in hot weather, or after exercising. As long as you do that, it is going to make a huge difference to how healthy and fit they are.

The Truth About Dogs and Heart Disease

Dogs are known as "man's best friend" for good reason. They are loyal, protective, and always happy to see their owners come home. But did you know that dogs can also suffer from heart disease? In this blog post, we will discuss the signs of heart disease in dogs, how to prevent it, and how to treat it if your dog does develop a problem.

Photo by Ivana La on Unsplash

What is Canine Heart Disease?

Canine heart disease occurs when there is a problem with the structure or function of the heart. This can be caused by an infection, an underlying medical condition, or even genetics. It can affect both puppies and older dogs, so it's important to know what signs to look for in your pet.

What are the Symptoms of Canine Heart Disease?

The most common symptom of canine heart disease is a decrease in energy level and exercise tolerance. Other symptoms include coughing, difficulty breathing, fatigue, fainting spells, collapse, and an enlarged abdomen due to fluid buildup. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it's important to take them to the vet right away for a full examination.

How to Prevent Canine Heart Disease

The best way to prevent canine heart disease is to make sure your dog gets regular exercise and a balanced diet. Also, make sure they receive all of their necessary vaccinations, as some forms of heart disease are caused by viruses. Finally, it's important to have your dog examined regularly by the vet in order to identify any potential problems early on.

How is Canine Heart Disease Treated?

If your dog has been diagnosed with canine heart disease, there are several treatment options available. These include medications such as diuretics or ACE inhibitors which can reduce fluid buildup around the heart, surgically implanted pacemakers for cases of arrhythmia, and lifestyle modifications such as restricted exercise or a special diet. Oxygen for dogs with congestive heart failure is also recommended. Your vet will help you decide which treatment is best for your dog's condition. For example, some medications have side effects, so it's important to discuss these with your vet.

How to Give Them Extra Care

When your dog has been diagnosed with a heart condition, it's important to give them extra care and attention. This may include more frequent trips to the vet for checkups and monitoring, as well as an adjustment in their activity level. Additionally, be sure to keep them away from stressful situations, provide plenty of comfortable places for rest, and give them lots of love and affection. For example, you can try playing with their favorite toy or taking them on more leisurely walks.

It's important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of canine heart disease, so you can take swift action if necessary. With proper care and treatment, your dog can still live a happy, healthy life. So don't worry about having a best friend who is suffering from heart disease - just make sure to get them the help they need!

What You Need to Know About Dog Insurance

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Getting dog insurance for your beloved best friend can help you out of a very sticky and expensive situation. But aside from the costs, you can rest easy knowing you will have less of a burden at one of the worst times if your dog is hurt. Here are some things you need to know.

You Get Cover for Doggy Damage

Depending on your policy, you might be able to get third-party cover. This means you can claim for the recovery of any costs you have paid out if your dog damages something. Often, but not always, this also covers any costs incurred from a dog bite your pet might have done to somebody. However, this is often very dependent on the situation. So it's best to not expect a payout for this automatically. The claim you make for this goes towards the costs you might incur. These include medical expenses, legal costs, and damages made by a claimant.

An Epulis is Often Classed as Dental

An epulis is a non-cancerous tumor that can pop up all of a sudden. Some breeds, like Boxers, are more susceptible to these. As such, many insurers won't cover them as standard, if at all. This is because some of them class an epulis as preventable dental treatment. Although your dog can get one through no fault of yours or their own. So if you notice an epulis on your dog, be prepared to make a payment, which can be expensive. And once the work is complete, just be aware that you might not be able to recover the money you pay to a vet for this treatment.

Dog Insurance Isn't Expensive

Given the cost of living at the moment, you might put off getting insurance. However, this is a mistake that can cost you big. And it isn't as expensive as you think. For example, the average cost of insuring a dog in the UK is around £30 per month and $37.00 in USD. Yet it's likely you will pay much less than this. Yet even at the most expensive range, the cost of insurance more than offsets the costs you will incur if your dog needs expensive surgery, injures someone, or becomes very ill. For example, dental surgery alone can run into the thousands at a typical vet practice.

The Breed and Age Can Affect the Price

While you probably won't pay too much for your coverage, the cost of dog insurance can vary quite a bit. This is mostly because the health needs of different dog breeds are very different. Some breeds are more susceptible to certain illnesses than others. And this can increase costs. However, these are usually very specific, and your dog's cover will probably be lower than you think if it is in good health. However, you should also be aware that the age of your dog can also affect the cost. And many insurers have a maximum age range that they will allow on a policy.

You Can Claim When Your Dog Dies

Not all, but some insurers will allow you to claim for the sudden death of your dog. However, this is very dependent on the circumstances. For example, you probably won't be able to claim if your dog has been unwell, is old, or is predisposed to a specific illness. In a nutshell, the death of your dog has to be largely unexpected. Such as being run over by a vehicle, attacked by another dog, or even purposefully killed by someone. And to make a claim for reimbursement, you will have to provide evidence of the cost of your dog at the time you purchased them.

You Can Recover Costs when Your Dog Goes Missing

Hopefully, your dog never gets hurt or goes missing. But there is some help available if they do wander off or are stolen. When your dog goes missing, you will probably launch a campaign to find them. This often includes making posters and such. Your insurance holder might offer some respite in recovery of costs incurred when trying to ding your dog. Also the cost of a reward might also be included. So always check with your insurer. Although, the cost of the reward will probably be limited to a maximum. So, don't offer more than you can afford or get cover for.

Exclusions to Your Dog Insurance Policy

Having insurance for your dog is the right thing to do when it all comes down to it. However, you need to be aware that it isn't a free pass for every eventuality. And there are many exclusions to most policies. Typically, these include, but are not limited to, the following scenarios:

• The waiting period from when your cover starts.

• Any pre-existing medical conditions.

• Costs of your dog giving birth to puppies.

• Payouts if your dog is stolen.

• Medical issues that occur on both sides of the body.

• Preventable illnesses that are your responsibility.

• Specific conditions your breed is predisposed to.

• Dogs that have gone past a certain age.

• Non-urgent or unnecessary procedures like nail clipping.

• Other animal services such as kennel boarding.

These are some of the most common things that are not covered by your dog insurance. However, there are instances, such as higher rate cover, where you might be covered for something on this list. So make sure you understand your policy as provided by your insurer.

You Can Get Travel Cover

Traveling with your dog can be a great adventure. And the dogs love to get out and about. And the good news is that most pet insurance plans will cover your pet if it gets sick, is hurt, or needs veterinary care while you are traveling. However, you can also claim for money lost after paying for a holiday. Many insurers will also pay for lost travel and lodging costs if you have to cancel a trip because your pet gets sick and could die right before you leave. So it's always worth checking with your insurer if they will cover these costs before booking a holiday.

Not All Insurers Include Dental

Expensive treatments like an epulis aren't usually covered on your insurance policy. However, most pet insurance plans cover some dental care for your pet. In most cases, a few policies will only pay for dental care that is needed because of an accident, not because of illness. And those who do usually only cover your pet if it gets a once-a-year dental checkup. But it might be worth inquiring about dental cover. This is because some insurance providers will offer dental packages with an additional fee or as part of a more extensive dog insurance policy.

Each Insurer has a Variable Cover Range

Your dog insurance can be expensive or relatively cheap. This is because almost all dog insurance companies offer different packages that might suit you. For example, you could choose a policy that covers basic vet treatments. In this case, you probably won't need to pay too much. Or you could opt for a package that covers your dog for thousands worth of complex treatments and surgeries. Therefore, cover is largely variable across most insurers. And often you can always find one that offers the right cover at a reasonable price at the time.

Dog Insurance Can Cover Homeopathic Treatment

Sometimes extra treatments are needed for your dog's recovery. And just like people, this can extend to non-traditional treatments. If your vet recommends them, alternative treatments like homeopathy, acupuncture, and physiotherapy can be covered by your pet insurance. However, these are usually considered as a last resort or as part of a comprehensive treatment plan proven to yield positive results. You should be aware that if you decide to find these treatments for your dog by your own choice, you will not be able to make a claim from your provider.

Annual Injections Usually Aren't Covered

Of course, as a dog owner, you know the importance of your dog's annual vaccination injections. These protect against deadly illnesses like parvovirus. Therefore, they are absolutely essential. However, almost all policies don't provide cover for these since they are considered your responsibility. Fortunately, they don't cost too much. Also individual vet practices might also offer these as a complementary treatment if you also pay for a medical plan. Some vets offer medical plans as part of their business model, like private healthcare for your dog.

You Can Save a Lot of Money

Finally, if there's one thing you need to know about dog insurance, it's that it can and will save you a lot of money in the long run. With vet bills skyrocketing, like everything else, having insurance cover for your dog just makes financial sense. Otherwise, you could be left out of pocket or even have to use up savings and emergency money to pay for treatment. Of course, it's another monthly expense. But the savings you make are considerable when the time comes. So, in a nutshell, it's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.

Summary

There are numerous aspects, clauses, and policies to dog insurance. While every insurer offers different things, there are some commonalities. On the face of it, most insurers cover third-party issues, have the same exclusions, and help you save a considerable amount of money.

How to Find Perfect Home for You and Your Pet

 How to Find the Perfect Home for You and Your Pet?

Before you look for a new home, it's important to consider a few factors. Indoor/outdoor pets need wide hallways and separate rooms. Consider the flooring, too. While wood floors are growing in popularity, they can also be scratched and damaged, so the carpet is a better option. If you can't decide between carpet and hardwood floors, consider the size and durability of the carpet before you make a final decision.

Possibilities of rehoming your pet

While rehoming a pet can be emotionally and financially devastating, it is far better than giving it up to a shelter, where it may be euthanized. The benefits of rehoming your pet are obvious, and proactive strategies will increase your chances of success. You can find easily pet friendly apartments Phoenix by searching on internet. Listed below are a few tips to retain your pet and keep it from euthanasia. If you've found yourself in the same situation, take heart!

Before rehoming your pet, check its vaccinations, health history, and temperament. If it isn't current, it is likely to be at risk of contracting a disease or becoming ineffective in caring for you. Also, check your pet's hygiene. If you see it hasn't been properly groomed, it may be time to seek rehoming. Your pet's behavior may have changed, too. If you're considering rehoming a pet due to a medical condition, don't wait any longer.

Size of dog breeds

There are a few things to consider when choosing the size of dog breeds for your home. Consider how big you can keep the dog, whether you plan to take him on long walks or to the dog park. If you plan to live in an apartment, consider whether you'll have enough space for a large dog. The breed's size will determine the amount of space needed for exercise, play, and poop.

Medium dogs are a great choice if you have space to exercise and play with them. They can be as large as 75 pounds or smaller. You'll need plenty of space for their wagging tails and to keep them from damaging furniture or household objects. Medium-sized dogs can be as large as a lap dog, depending on their size. If you're looking for a smaller dog, consider a toy breed.

Size of cat breeds

If you have kids and are interested in bringing a new pet into the family, consider the type of cat you want. Some breeds are gentle with children while others are more independent. 

Large cats are often categorized as those over 15 pounds. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Some large cats weigh as little as 12 pounds, while rare specimens can weigh up to 30 pounds. Regardless of size, you should make sure your new pet has enough enrichment to keep them happy and healthy. Cats need plenty of climbing places, perches near windows, interactive playtime, and scratching areas.

Location of a dog park or green space

There are many benefits of living near a dog park or green space, and it may be important for you to look for one when looking for a new home. Green space is beneficial for humans, but dogs require it as well. Not only will a dog park keep your pet active and fit, it will also reduce anxiety and help to stimulate your pet's mind. Currently, one out of three dogs in the United States is overweight, which is associated with more than 20 ailments and an increased cost of pet healthcare.

A dog park is a great place to socialize your pet, but it also requires a lot of planning and dedication. It should be at least one acre, with a four to a six-foot chain-link fence. It should be double-gated to make access for wheelchair-users easier, and it should have a designated waste-removal station. There should also be enough trash cans and bags to accommodate all the dogs.

Size of home

The size of the home for you and your pet depends on the breed of your pets, the type of lifestyle you currently lead, and the geographical climate. Larger animals require more space and more energy, while smaller pets can adapt to a smaller space. Whether you choose to downsize or not is entirely up to you, but keep in mind that you should take your pets' needs into account when choosing the size of your new home.

How to Move On from Losing a Pet

 Losing a pet is never an easy thing, especially when they are members of the family. It can be very difficult to move on from this loss and get back into your normal routine. However, if you're having trouble moving on, there are some things that may help make it easier.

Photo by Johann from Pexels

#1 Accepting the loss

The first step is to accept the fact that your pet is gone. It's hard, but it's important to remember that they are no longer with us. This doesn't mean you have to forget about them, but rather that you need to come to terms with their death.

It may help to talk about your pet with others who understand what you're going through. There are also support groups available for those who lose a pet. This can be a great way to share memories and get advice from others who have been in the same situation.

In addition, writing about your pet can be a great way to help process the loss. This could be in the form of a letter, journal entry, or blog post. Finally, talk about your pet with others who understand what you're going through.

#2 Explaining what happened to kids

If you have children, it's essential to talk to them about what happened. They may not understand why their pet is gone, and they may be scared. So it's important to answer any questions they have and let them know that their pet is in a better place.

It can be helpful to find a book or video that talks about loss so your child can learn more about what happened—letting them know that their pet is in a better place. One of the best ways to help move on from losing a pet is by helping your child remember all the good times they had together. This could involve making a photo album or scrapbook, writing down memories, buying one of the many pet caskets available for a proper funeral or even creating a memorial garden.

For some, memories can make it harder to move on from losing a pet. If you're having trouble with this step, consider getting rid of your pet's things and keeping only the items that are truly important. This could be something like an old toy or blanket they loved playing with before they passed away. 

Having these belongings may just remind you too much of all the good times you had together and make moving forward tricky for people who have lost a pet. One way to help get past this stage is by creating new happy memories with other family members and friends without your pet around.

#3 Give yourself time and space

It's important to remember that you don't have to rush the healing process. Grieving for a pet can take time, and there is no right or wrong way to do it. It's okay to be sad and feel like your life is turned upside down.

In addition, try not to overload yourself with work or other commitments in the early stages of grieving. This may just make things harder for you. Instead, focus on taking care of yourself and doing things that make you happy.

If possible, try to avoid placing blame on yourself for what happened. It's natural to go over what we could have done differently, but this won't help anything. Pet loss is a difficult thing to cope with, and it's normal for it to take time. 

#4 Moving on

It's okay to still think about your pet. They will always be in your heart, and they can help you remember them by keeping their things around the house or visiting the place where they passed away. Remember that this doesn't mean you don't love them anymore, but rather that you're trying to move on from losing a pet so life can get back to normal again. You may feel guilty for forgetting about your pet too quickly, but know that everyone heals at different rates, and there is no "right" way of doing things when moving on after losing a loved one. 

For some people, having something physical like an urn or memorial garden can be helpful during this stage of recovery. This could keep memories alive even if we aren't thinking about them all the time. Also, remember that it's okay to cry and be sad when you think of your pet. They were a massive part of your life, and there will always be a hole in your heart that they used to fill.

#5 Getting a new pet after losing one

It's okay to think about getting a new pet after losing one but know that this isn't for everyone. Some people feel like they need another animal in their life right away, while others may not be ready for a long time. If you do decide to get a new pet, take your time in picking out the perfect one and make sure it's the right decision for you. It can be helpful to go through an adoption agency or visit multiple shelters before making your choice.

While it won't replace the pet you lost, a new furry friend can help with the healing process and provide lots of love and happiness. Just make sure to give yourself plenty of time before taking on such a big responsibility. In addition, don't forget to talk about your old pet with the new one. They may not understand what happened, but it can be a great way to help keep their memory alive.

It's okay to still think about your pet, and there is no right or wrong way of moving on after losing them. Getting a new pet can be helpful for some people, but make sure it's the right decision for you before taking such a big step. memorial garden

There are many different ways to help move on from losing a pet, but the most important thing is that you don't try to do it alone. Lean on your friends and family for support during this difficult time. They will be there to help you get through it. Pet loss is never easy, but you will eventually start feeling better with time and patience.