FAQs

Choosing to bring a new pet into your life is a major decision. Be sure you are pet loverbefore you start the process. It is also essential that you understand the cost of pet ownership. If you have decided that the time is right, congratulations! Now it is time to figure out what type of pet is right for you. There are several factors to consider before choosing a pet. Most importantly, examine your current lifestyle and consider what adjustments you are willing to make for a pet. Look at the needs of your family - especially if you have children or other pets. Think about the ideal size, energy level and age of your new pet. Then, determine where to get your new dog/cat. Just remember that getting a pet requires a firm commitment to responsible pet ownership. Here are some tips to help you choose the best pet for you and your family.

You may already know you want a little lap dog/tiny pet that you can carry around. Or, you might have your heart set on a large or giant dog breed. If you cannot decide, then perhaps a medium sized pet is a good choice.

Remember that small pets tend to be delicate and vulnerable. Being stepped on or mishandled can cause serious injury. Also, little pets can be much more sensitive to colder temperatures, so be ready to help keep them warm. Don't forget that small pets, dogs in particular, need obedience training too! Some little dogs can develop "tough dog" attitudes, seemingly to compensate for their small size. Be sure you are prepared for this possibility.

Very large dogs need a bit more space to move around. Big, happy dogs with long, whip-like tails need "wagging space" to avoid tail injury or damage to household objects. Another consideration is expense: the larger the dog, the more expensive things like dog food, dog supplies and medical treatments become. Training is also a key factor here. If you get a large or giant breed puppy that is allowed to act like a lap dog when young, he will grow up to walk all over you - literally!

You probably already know that some dogs have more energy than others. A dog's activity level is often determined by breed, but it does not mean you can rely on breed alone to determine how energetic your dog could become. Every dog needs routine exercise, regardless of breed or size, so make sure you can to provide this. If you know you can not commit to more than one or two casual walks per day, then you will probably be better off with a lower energy dog, such as a Basset Hound. If you are looking for a dog that can be a jogging partner, agility competitor or "disc dog," consider a breed like the Border Collie.

Be willing to adjust the amount of exercise and attention you give your dog if necessary. A dog that is barking constantly, digging up your yard, destroying your home, or acting out in some other way is most likely in need of extra activities. Many behavior problems are the result of excess energy. Unfortunately, many dogs are given up or even euthanized because of a behavior problem that could have easily been avoided with the proper amount of exercise and attention.

Your dog's appearance has a lot to do with his maintenance needs. All dogs need basic grooming, but certain types need more based on the type of hair coat. If you get a dog with hair that keeps growing, then advanced routine grooming is essential. Most short haired, smooth-coated dogs are major shedders, so be prepared to do some extra cleaning up. Some grooming tools can help reduce shedding. Be aware that dogs with long, floppy ears are more prone to ear infections and require frequent thorough ear cleanings. In addition, certain types of dogs can do a lot of drooling. Many owners of Mastiffs, Bloodhounds and similar dogs actually carry a "slobber cloth" with them to wipe the drool. If they shake their heads - watch out!

Puppies require the greatest amount of training and attention, especially over the first six months. Be prepared to dedicate much of your time to housebreaking and raising your new puppy. You dog will likely have plenty of accidents in the house and will probably chew your furniture and personal belongings. These problems will gradually resolve with dedicated training, but patience is a must. You should also be aware that your puppy might grow up to be different then you expected, especially if you adopt a mixed-breed dog. This is not necessarily a bad thing, just something to keep in mind.

Adult dogs can be an excellent choice. An adult might be a better choice if you want to have a better idea of the true energy level, attitude, and temperament of your new dog. However, just because the dog is an adult does not mean he is trained, so you should still expect some degree of dedicated training at first. Fortunately, many adult dogs have been trained and socialized to some degree and can easily adjust to their new lives in their forever homes.

Senior dogs should not be forgotten! Welcoming a senior dog into your home can be a wonderful way to bring joy to the golden years of a dog. Unfortunately, senior dogs are less likely to be adopted and often end up living out their lives in shelters or being euthanized. A senior dog can make a wonderful companion if you are looking for a lower energy dog. However, it is important to know that your senior dog needs special attention, more frequent veterinary check-ups and is more likely to develop heath problems that cost time and money to address. Unlike a puppy or adult dog, you must know that you will not have as many years with your senior dog. If you are willing to accept the responsibilities, consider adopting a senior dog. It can be one of the most compassionate things you can do for these precious creatures.

Pedigree is , a line of ancestors; a lineage. A list of ancestors; a family tree. A chart of an individual's ancestors used in human genetics to analyze Mendelian inheritance of certain traits, especially of familial diseases. A list of the ancestors of a purebred animal

A puppy mill is a place that breeds dogs for profit only, without a care to health, temperament or behaviour. Puppy mill puppies are almost always poor in health, and can often be unstable of temperament. It is not unheard of for puppies to be sold as purebred dogs, but are, in reality, mixed breeds that resemble the purebred.

Owners who buy from pet stores or puppy mills, even backyard breeders often face serious illnesses requiring extensive veterinary care shortly after bringing the dog home. In some cases the dog has long-term and ongoing problems.

Animals are the common cause of asthma and other respiratory problems, congestion, and skin reactions like eczema and hives. If you are caught between being an animal lover and asthma sufferer, fear not because there are allergy and asthma friendly pets out there.

If you are asthma allergic to one animal, there’s a probability that you are allergic to other fury animals too because all animals shed allergens.

There are also people suffering asthma or respiratory problems due to bird feathers, feather dust and bird dander. Before switching your fury pet with a bird, spend some time around pet birds and check whether you develop an asthma attack or reaction. Accordingly, you can select a new pet.

Scaly animals such as fish, turtles, frogs, and lizards could be a better option. They are not actually huggable and you cannot interact or bond with them same as dogs or cats, but they can be an ideal pet for you, since they are free from allergens. However, you could be allergic to something related to them, like their cage or tank, the food they eat, or cleaning products used. You can check with the pet shop or a vet for the same.

If you’re a first-time pet owner, “How much should I feed it?” is likely to be your first question when you bring your pet home. Frequency of pet meals depends on various factors such as age, body weight, activity levels and the type of food you’re feeding them.

You can consult the veterinarian about the feeding schedules and the kind of food to feed. It is recommended to feed adult and healthier dogs/cats twice a day, once in the morning and in the evening. However, young puppies and kittens may need to be fed more than twice, as often as every few hours, or as directed by the vet. Because they are known to have low blood sugar levels, frequent eating is a must. Often, they require extra attention and coaxing to eat.

Ensure that your feeding schedules are fixed to one time daily, which will not only establish routine but will also help you monitor your pet’s health. Portioning out the food is also an important factor, which will keep your pet from overeating.

While you just welcomed a four-legged friend to your family, you’re not sure how often it will need to be groomed or even if it needs to be groomed. You should first consult the pet shop, animal shelter, the vet or a groomer.

The basic of grooming include bathing, trimming the coat, brushing out, clipping nails and generally giving your pooch a spa-day. But they don’t need spa every day. Grooming depends on the breed, hair length, type of coat, activity, and environment and should be done about once a month.

More frequent grooming or brushing is required for young puppies, or kittens, which have never been groomed before but wait until all the vaccinations are done. Grooming from an early age will get the pet used to being handled and avoid grooming issues into adulthood.

Bathing is advised to be done no more than once a month, more than that will cause the natural oils to strip from the skin causing dry and itchy skin. Instead brushing can be done on a regular schedule, which will help remove loose hair and dead skin. Nail clipping can be done every 2 to 3 weeks, although check for the nail length before going for a trim.

Adding a pet in your human family can be a great idea, but if you have allergies or asthma, they can also, be your worst enemy. Pets shed dander, which is a combination of dead skin cells and hair, triggering asthma attacks and allergic reactions. But don’t ditch your pet yet because these symptoms can be kept under wraps.

Minimize contact with your pet by keeping it outdoors or in another area in the house. If you do come in contact with your pet, wash your hands immediately and thoroughly.

Switch from carpets to wooden or marble floors, since these floors trap less dander. Also keep your pets off the couch, beds or furniture with fabric covers, reducing exposure to dander.

Clean as often as possible. Frequently wash animal cages, baskets, any covers, clothes or materials that pets come in contact with. Vacuuming with an extra set of HEPA filter or double bag is also effective.

Bathe and groom your pet more often. A frequent hair cut for your pet also works. Bathing with a vet consulted shampoo, reduces the allergens but the levels return to normal in three days. Hence, pets need to be washed at least twice a week.

Pets can be fun, comforting, fascinating to watch, challenging to train, or a way to foster a unique connection. It’s also a lot of work. If you know you want a pet, but aren’t sure which would be best for you, the below points can help.

Consider which type of pet you like. Companion animals that stay indoors or outdoors include cats, dogs, horses, rabbits etc. Such animals will require you to be physically strong and active. Opt for smaller animals if you lead a sedentary life.

Show animals require extra care, grooming and training. This will cost you time, money and responsibilities.

How big or spacious is your home? Factors like living in the city, suburbs or out in the country side and outdoor space also matter. Opt for a pet that is legal in your city, easily available and less noisy.

Consider weather conditions of your city, since pets with thick fur are difficult to keep in warmer climates.

How much time do you spend at home? If you are outdoors most of the time, consider having a pet that does not require companionship 24/7, for example, a fish aquarium.

These are the important points to consider while choosing an ideal pet for yourself and your family.

Pet Nutrition is of utmost importance to our business. Adopting a pet and then not paying attention to its nutrition needs, would be an understatement and a grave mistake. At Pet corner we look at the latest trends in pet nutrition from food and treats, from Grain Free, to holistic diets, corn free, gluten free and the likes. We have functional foods for dogs and cats, which have several health benefits, which can help reduce the risks of disease and or support the body. Our experts at Pet Shop in UAE offer FREE advice on pet nutrition as they want to direct you to the best food possible.