Balancing Corporate & Homesteading Lifestyles
No matter the age, breed, or size of your dog, playtime is important for maintaining physical and mental wellness. As pet parents, our dog’s playful spirit is one of the reasons we love them so much! To nurture this spirit as well as stimulate and fulfill natural instincts, toys are a great addition to any playtime routine. When choosing a new toy for your dog there are just a few things to consider.
Age won’t matter so much when it comes to choosing toys once your dog is a mature adult. But choosing toys for puppies requires some closer consideration.
While puppies still have baby teeth (up to about 3 months), softer rubber and plush toys are a great fit. Many puppies get tired quickly and love to have snuggly fabrics around to nap in after playing.
Once your puppy starts teething (from about 3-9 months), avoid rubber toys as he will be more likely to rip pieces off potentially eating them and presenting a choking hazard. During this phase you will want to have plenty of chew toys to go around! This alleviates some of the discomfort of teething and distracts your dog from chewing on less ideal household items.
After the teething phase has passed your dog’s teeth and jaws will now be harder and more mature. They will likely still have boundless energy and adore the fun of hard rubber toys, balls to fetch, and rope pulls. As dogs age into their senior years, it is important to encourage them to keep active through play. Be mindful to changes in tooth condition and jaw strength as your pet ages to ensure they do not overexert themselves or damage teeth while playing.
Even once dogs reach adulthood they certainly vary greatly in size and body composition, and this should be taken into consideration when choosing a new toy.
Dogs with smaller jaws and teeth (like the chihuahua pictured left) will likely prefer softer toys such as plush or rope toys. A larger and/or stronger dog, however, may damage this type of fabric too easily and present themselves a choking hazard by ripping off and swallowing small pieces. Use your best judgment of your dog’s size and strength when choosing a new toy, and always replace damaged or broken toys for safety.
Dog toys differ not only in size but also in function. To make the most out of playtime, get to know which types of play your dog loves the most and then provide them the toys which cater to those needs.
One of the most classic dog toys is a ball to play fetch! Most dogs love to play fetch (a favorite past time of my own beloved Jack Russell) and will catch on to the game after just a little bit of training. If this sounds like your dog, look around the toy aisle at the various types of balls available. There are numerous colors, materials, and sizes. Finding one that your pooch loves can do a lot for strengthening your bond as well as providing a great source of exercise.
Another classic and favorite toy for dogs is tug and rope toys. Most dogs will enjoy chewing these, throwing them in the air, and even playing tug-of-war. Be mindful though that tug-of-war should always be kept at a safe and non-aggressive level. Dogs should be properly socialized and trained with these toys from a young age to avoid any aggressive or unpleasant behavior around them in the future. Still, many pups adore these types of toys and prefer them over others. Tug toys come in fabrics such as fire hose, leather, linen, plush, or rope so be sure to find the one best suited to your pooch.
Some dogs just want to chew no matter how old they get. For a pup like this it is best to provide toys specific to this purpose.
Often toys made of hard rubber or nylon are built to last and durable enough to be chewed on even by the big guys. Some toys like these also have the option to put treats inside as an extra reward to your dog for all that playing. Toys like this are appropriate for dogs of all ages, but you may notice as your dog ages that the size or durability of the toys she needs can change as well. Making these small changes will encourage your dog to stay active and playful even into the senior years.
Plush toys are another immensely popular option and are loved by many dogs and pet parents. These are often most appropriate for young puppies as well as small breed dogs. Larger and more active dogs can easily shred plush toys and create an unsafe situation. But for the dogs that love them, plush toys can not only be fun but can also offer comfort for sleeping and snuggling which is just a bonus.
There are many options when it comes to choosing a toy for your dog. The surplus of options can even be overwhelming at times to the average pet parent. But keeping in mind some of the points discussed in this post, you can confidently walk the toy aisle in the pet store and know that you are making an informed decision. Playing is a natural instinct for dogs and is essential for the health of their minds and bodies. But perhaps even more importantly, playing with our dogs creates an even closer bond and allows us to spend time with our furry friends doing what they love to do! To run, to fetch, to chew, this is the life of a dog and I think we are all just a little bit jealous of that.
The Pawsitive Cause Project, Inc, along with the nonprofit's Vice President/Director Cindy Taylor were very excited to attend Greyt Day today in Vineland NJ.
This fun and free gathering of Greyhounds and their families benefited the Landis Theater's non-profit organization who's mission is building and encouraging the arts in southern NJ with scholarships and assistance to groups and artists that need financial backing for their shows or productions.
The event was a great success with many Greyhounds and their people. Cindy had the opportunity to meet many of the attendees and share our work and the benefits of CBD for dogs and other animals.
Visit our Pawsitive Cause Project, Inc to find out more about our nonprofit.
To learn more about CBD and pets, visit our CBD Resource Page.
Looking to purchase CBD oil for your dog or companion animal? Learn more about our product here.
We look forward to many more events in the upcoming days!
Everyday exposure to toxins in the air we breathe, water we drink, and food we eat all adds up. These toxins accumulate in the body over time and can impact our health in ways big and small. Take this quick assessment to see your personal risk factors and get steps to feel your best. Results in less than 5 minutes!
Did you know today is National Hairball Awareness Day?? It's always the last Friday in April.
Hairballs are a common condition in cats caused by self-grooming and swallowing the hair. The hairball will either pass through the digestive track or a cat will vomit the hairball.
If the hairball is not eliminated from the cat's digestive track one way it can create an obstruction and cause serious medical issues.
Regular grooming and a healthy diet can reduce shedding and minimize the amount of hair ingested.
Cat lovers celebrate the day by taking steps to prevent hairballs. Give your pet the best care possible. Share your love for your cat using #HairballAwarenessDay on social media.
Source: https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-hairball-awareness-day-last-friday-in-april/
To finish out the month of April and continue to honor National Pet First Aid Awareness Month, this post will cover a few more situations in which first aid could prove lifesaving for your pet. Although first aid is not a replacement for a trip to the vet, knowing what to do in an emergency can often make all the difference in mitigating injury, permanent damage, and even death. And so, as pet parents, it is our duty to be well informed!
Should you believe your pet is suffering from a fracture, gently muzzle them for their safety as well as your own. Support your pet’s body on a flat surface. A stretcher is ideal in this situation, but you can also use a board or other sturdy surface with a towel or blanket wrapped tightly around. It is best to get your pet veterinary care as quickly as possible where they can splint and bandage the injury. Attempting this without the proper tools or experience can cause further damage so it is always best to leave the splinting to the professionals.
Some signs that indicate your pet may be choking are blue-tinged lips or tongue, difficulty breathing, choking sounds when breathing or coughing, and excessive pawing at the mouth. Be very careful when approaching a pet who is choking as they are in a state of panic and much more likely to bite. If your pet is still breathing simply remain calm and get the pet to the veterinarian. You may look into your pet’s mouth to see if any foreign object is present and visible. If you see something try to gently remove it with tweezers or pliers. Don’t spend a lot of time trying to do this and do not attempt if you feel at risk of pushing the object farther into the pet’s throat. If you feel you cannot safely remove the foreign object for any reason, leave this step to the veterinarians.
While on your way to the vet, if your pet collapses or if there is still a foreign object visible and present in the airway, place both hands on the side of your pet’s rib cage and apply firm, quick pressure. You can also try this by laying your pet on its side and striking the rib cage firmly with the palm of your hand 3-4 times. The hope is that in doing so you will push air abruptly from the lungs and dislodge the object behind it. Keep repeating this action either until you successfully dislodge the foreign object or until you get to the vet.
If your pet is suffering a burn, gently muzzle them for safety. For a chemical burn, flush the area with large amounts of water as soon as possible. For other severe burns, apply an ice compress to the affected area. In either case, make sure your pet is promptly treated by a veterinarian.
None of us ever want to see our pets hurt or in danger. But it is important to remember that accidents happen, and that knowledge is power. It is crucial in any emergency to remain calm and take a deep breath. From this place of centered awareness, you can implement the knowledge and skills learned in these last two posts and potentially make a life saving impact on your precious fur-kid.
Ashley Gustafson
https://www.facebook.com/ashley.gustafson.31
Instagram (@ashikiwoman)
If you missed Pet First Aid Part 1 you can read the post here.
This is my 2nd year keeping bees. Last year, midway through the year, my bees absconded (they all simply left) and I was left with a bare hive. It was VERY disappointing but lessons learned and on a positive note they created a good foundation for this year's bees.
April 17, 2021, we picked up our new bees. We brought our "package" of bees home (and it was cold and cloudy, not an ideal days for GA bees - welcome to MA!). The package is about 3lbs which equals about 10,000 bees. If you are afraid of bees, driving with 10k of bees in your backseat might be a little unnerving.
I installed the bees in their hive and only got stung once. Last year I had the help of a friend and experienced beekeeper, this year I was on my own.
The photo on the right is from pickup day: As you can see, it was not a very nice day but the people were lined up in the cars to get their packages of bees . There are small beekeepers like me getting 1 package, to larger operations picking up multiple packages ... and check out the big truck full of bees. You pull up, they place the package in your vehicle, you park, secure the bees, then off you go. It's that easy.
Inside each package is a Queen. She is in a little cage suspended from the top along with 3-5 attendants who feed and care for her on the journey to the new hive. The Queen is critical to the success of the hive. Since she is a new Queen, this introduction allows her new colony time to recognize her pheromones and accept her as Queen.
The Queen, in her cage, is placed in a new hive. There is a little hole on top of the cage, stuffed with a candy cork. Many times, the bees will eat through the cork and the Queen will be released by the bees. Last year, my bees did it on their own. This year, because of the weather, I checked the Queen after 5 days and she was still in her cage. I removed the cork but the Queen would not come out. Having never done this before, I was not sure what to do. I tried to get the Queen out and back in the hive but NO! She came out on the front and outside of the hive.
I had visions of her simply flying away (NOT GOOD). She was quickly surrounded by her attendants but not moving back inside the hive.
I removed the reducer from the front (its a little wooden bar that blocks length of the entrance except for a small entrance way) and the bees slowly ushered the Queen back in. Whew! Can't lose her now! No stings, Queen is free, I call that a success.
Did you know that in spring/summer adult bees live an average of 4-6 weeks which is about 28-42 days. You don’t know the ages of the bees that were packaged, but let’s say they average 4-5 days old. Some will be older, some younger, but on average they will be fairly young. Let’s add three days for shipping and make them 7-8 days old when you receive them. Now let’s say you add 7 days holding time for the queen, which means the workers are 14-15 days old before the queen is released.
The released queen may wait a few days before she starts to lay. Let’s say 3 days. Now your workers are 17-18 days old when the first egg is laid. So now add 21 days before the first worker brood starts to emerge. Now your original workers are 38-39 days old. Recall that your spring/summer workers are going to live an average of 28-42 days.
What is happening is that your original package has almost died off before your new bees start to emerge. Your colony will take a huge dip in population during this period in any case, but the longer you wait to release the queen, the worse it will get.
You want to have enough bees to care for the queen, build comb, prepare the nest, feed the larvae, defend the hive, keep the brood warm, collect water, pollen, nectar, and propolis . . . and perform all the other myriad hive tasks. So, although you want to be reasonably sure the queen will be accepted, you don’t want to run the colony numbers too low. This is why most suggest that you estimate how long the bees have been with their new queen, and then add a few days until it totals about 5-7. In my case, I estimate 3 days in transit and add another 2-3, then I release the queen.
I installed the bees in the hive (on my own!) and they were pretty angry ... more angry then the bees last year. Granted this year was chilly, cloudy, and drizzling. Last year my bees came in late May and it was warm and sunny and I had experienced help.
On Sunday and Monday the bees were much more active and flying around the hive. I'd still describe them as angry and bit aggressive in protecting their space so unlike last year's bees.
On Tuesday, I could see some of the bees starting to fly out and not just around the hive. The great thing is I can watch them from my office window at my desk. It was such a beautiful day, I decided that it would be a perfect occasion for Reiki with the bees.
A little back story, but I have never practiced meditation until I started my Reiki schooling. I had no interest or any idea of what it was about but decided I wasn't interested ... and here I am a few months later meditating with bees. Slowing my mind down at the end of the day has always been a problem, but this has helped so much and I know that the more I practice, the easier it will become.
It was a beautiful day, and perfect weather to sit outside and take in the beautiful spring weather (finally). The pups came out with me and were out and about ... not a great idea, but I'll get to that.
I settled in about 4' from the hive since my, a little less, but still angry bees were flying around the hive and protecting the space. They were curious and investigated me, flew around me and a few little dives in my direction but they seemed satisfied that I was not going to harm them.
My dogs came over and sat with me during the meditation and all was quiet, peaceful and well. BUT just as the meditation was ending, Nova, my little dog, decided to chase a bee. What possessed her, I don't know. She's never chased a bug in her life, and I've had her 6 years ...but today, she chased a bee and it stung her. Although it didn't go quite as I had imagined, It was powerful an I look forward to many more to come.
Nova wasn't too happy about the sting, I took her in, treated it with baking soda. It bothered her a little while but never swelled and after an hour, she had forgotten it happened. I just hope she doesn't completely forget and will think twice before chasing a bee again.
I will likely keep the pups indoors the next time I share Reiki with the bees.
Lots more to come and check back soon to learn more about Animal Reiki and my experiences as a new practitioner.
Don't want to wait? You can learn more about Animal Reiki here.
Did you know that April is “National Pet First Aid Awareness Month”?
In light of this, this post will discuss some important pet first aid tips that every pet parent should have at the ready. To avoid feeling panicked and unprepared in the face of medical mishaps it is helpful to become familiar with the necessary information beforehand.
Pet first aid is not a replacement for veterinary care, but it may save your pet’s life until such care is available.
Bleeding (external)
If you notice your pet is bleeding, muzzle your pet as safely and comfortably as possible before addressing the wound. Then, press a clean gauze pad over the wound and apply pressure with your hand until the blood begins to clot. This will take several minutes. If the bleeding is severe and on your pet’s legs, apply a tourniquet using gauze between the wound and the body. Apply a bandage to the wound and consistent pressure. Once you have performed this essential first aid, get your pet to the veterinarian immediately as severe bleeding can be life threatening.
Bleeding (internal)
Symptoms of internal bleeding include pale gums, bleeding from the nose or mouth, collapse, blood in the urine, weak and rapid pulse, and coughing up blood. If you notice your pet exhibiting any of these symptoms keep them as warm as possible and in a quiet place. Seek immediate medical attention.
Heatstroke
Pets are at highest risk of heatstroke when left alone in a car on warm days. The temperature can rise very quickly inside of a vehicle and can become dangerous even when outside it doesn’t feel all that hot. Be sure to never leave your pet alone in the car on a warm day.
Should your pet be exhibiting signs of heatstroke for any reason, immediately move them to a shaded area out of direct sunlight. Place a cool, wet towel around your pet’s head and neck, being sure not to cover their eyes, nose, or mouth. Use a hose to rinse the pet’s body continuously with cold water, focusing especially on the belly and between the hind legs. Use your hands to sweep the water away from your pet’s body as the water absorbs the excess heat. Make sure your pet is seen by a vet as soon as possible.
Poisons/Toxins
While it is no surprise that most products and substances harmful to humans are also harmful to pets, there are common foods and household items which can be dangerous for pets as well. It may be helpful to keep a list of foods, products, and plants in your home or town which could cause your pet harm.
If a toxic product has come in contact with your pet’s eyes or skin treat your pet as you would your own eyes or skin if they encountered such a product. Read the label’s instructions. If the label advises to wash affected areas with soap and water, then this is the same treatment advised for pets.
If you know or suspect your pet has consumed something harmful (symptoms include difficulty breathing, seizures, and loss of consciousness), contact your veterinarian. In the case of after-hours emergencies, you can contact the Animal Poison Control Center hotline (888-426-4435) 24/7. There may be a fee for the consultation.
Shock
Symptoms of shock include dazed eyes, weak pulse, nervousness, and shallow breathing. Shock usually occurs following a severe injury or trauma. If your pet is experiencing symptoms of shock, keep them safely restrained, warm, and quiet. If they are unconscious, be sure to keep their head level with the rest of their body. An animal in shock is in extreme danger and needs to be treated by a vet.
Seizures
If your pet is having a seizure, keep them away from any objects or furniture that may hurt them. Do not try to restrain the pet. Sit with them to insure they are kept safe and be sure to time the seizure. They typically last about 2-3 minutes. After the seizure has stopped your pet will be tired, disoriented, and may need to go to the bathroom. Keep them warm and comfortable as they recover.
Depending upon the severity, a seizure may not necessarily require medical attention. It is important to communicate the length, details, and condition of any seizure activity to your vet either by phone or in person.
These are just a few medical emergencies you may encounter at some point as a pet parent. Of course, we always hope to never need this information, but it is certainly best to be prepared, Next week we will continue to discuss first aid situations for pets in honor of “National Pet First Aid Awareness Month” and spread the news about how to better keep our pets safe.
When it comes to our precious fur-kids, we can never be too informed!
Ashley Gustafson
https://www.facebook.com/ashley.gustafson.31Instagram (@ashikiwoman)
We live in a rural area of Massachusetts, on 3 acres and surrounded by woods and hay fields. We set up trail cameras on our property to catch the action that we can't regularly see.
The deer, coyote, and fisher cat live in the area and are regular visitors captured on our trail cam. The fox is new to our camera as he checks out the deer, who look unconcerned.
From time to time, I catch my cat, Layla Jingle Paws, sister of Milo Meow (named by our granddaughter) on the trail cam, right in the same spot as the coyotes, and other animals. Luckily, their paths have not crossed and hopefully don't.
What's in your backyard?
What Is Reiki?
Reiki is a Japanese healing system created by Mikao Usui. The system was intended for spiritual cultivation, healing and enlightenment with no principles or doctrines tied to any specific religion.
Today, the system has involved into a healing practice that uses specific Japanese meditation practices and breathing techniques.
Reiki has been utilized as a healing technique for people in many medical settings. Reiki's success with people has opened up this healing support holistic system for animals.
What Does Reiki Do?
Reiki can:
~ Maintain health & well-being on the physical, mental & emotional level
~ Induce deep relaxation & stress relief
~ Accelerate healing for illness & injuries
~ Help abused animals heal from past mental/physical trauma
~ Compliment conventional & alternative therapies
~ Lessen the side effects of other medical treatments
~ Supports the dying process
(Source: The Animal Reiki Handbook by Kathleen Prasad and Sara Members)
Coming Soon: Reiki & Animals
Check back next week to learn more about Reiki & Animals, differences in the practice with animals (versus people) and why it is an ideal holistic therapy for animals.
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