Benefits of Owning a Pet in Recovery

Pets can do a world of good for someone in recovery from a substance use disorder.

For animal lovers, after all, just being around a cat, dog, or whatever kind of pet a person may prefer, it’s obvious they make a blah day better.

While a critter may not be a cure for a dependence on drugs or alcohol, they can make a fine complement to the recovery process.

The human-animal bond has long been well established. Dogs alone have served alongside their masters for thousands of years, providing protection or keeping the fox out of the henhouse.

They’ve also long been recruited for a healing assist, primarily to raise the spirits of the sick. Even Dr. Sigmund Freud found animals could help with therapy: Just the presence of his do Jo-Fi calmed many of his patients.

Today pets tend to be more pal than helper, aside from service dogs and emotional support animals, but they do provide some great benefits like increasing happiness and slashing stress. People with mental disorders like anxiety, depression, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can also benefit from interactions with animals.

Paws for Help

Our four-legged friends can be a big help for those struggling with a substance use disorder. That is defined as an ongoing condition that continues despite harmful outcomes (like legal troubles, potential job loss or health problems). It also carries the risk of relapse, in part due to the change’s drugs (including alcohol) make on the brain.

Substance use disorders are also categorized as a mental illness.

An estimated 7.7 million adults suffer from co-occurring disorders, or when they have both a mental illness (or more than one) and substance use problem.

To get sober, professional medical help is key so a person can get through detox safely and as comfortably as possible.

Getting clean can be downright painful, with vomiting, shaking, diarrhea, pain, sweats, anxiety, cravings and more acting as roadblocks. It can take anywhere from a couple days to several weeks to get through withdrawal. There is a danger of relapse, too, which can be triggered by physical discomfort or emotional issues.

After the worst of the withdrawal is in the rearview mirror, there’s work to be done to maintain sobriety. Primarily that’s focusing on what’s at the root of the substance use problem.

In Dog We Trust

Managing co-occurring disorders like anxiety or depression, that’s where animals can be a big help in avoiding relapse. Some luxury treatment centers even allow people to bring their pets with them to rehab. But whether a person is in the analyst’s chair, at a recovery facility, or managing their sobriety via peer support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, animals can prove valuable in many ways:

●     They reduce stress: Besides providing a happy distraction, the presence of an animal offers many benefits, including lowering blood pressure and elevating levels of our natural feel-good chemical’s serotonin and oxytocin. That also helps cut the cravings for drugs.

●     They offer unconditional love: That’s a great way to build confidence, especially when dealing with issues like depression or anxiety.

●     They hold the owner accountable by having an animal to care for, it shifts focus away from dwelling only about oneself. The result is better self-control.

All kinds of animals are used in animal-assisted therapies. Dogs are by far the most popular because of their temperaments and they’re easier to train, but cats, birds, hamsters, horses and more can all help a person work through their addiction issues, both while in rehab and long beyond.

Patrick is a writer for Sunshine Behavioral Health. Patrick writes about mental health and addiction recovery to help reduce the stigmas associated with them. When not working you can look for Patrick at your local basketball court.

5 Ways to Teach Your Kids to Love Dogs

It's not unusual for kids to have a hard time getting used to having a dog around, whether it's at home all the time, or when visiting family and friends who have a furry friend. No matter how lovable they are, dogs can be pretty scary for kids. But that doesn't mean that you have to stay away from them. You can teach your kids how to love dogs as much as the dogs will love them back!

You can look for a 10 of the Best Low-Maintenance Pets for Kids. 

Teach them how to command

We know how to get a dog to behave as long as they've learned the basic commands, but kids don't know what to do. Show them how you use your voice and hand motions to tell the dog what you want it to do, and even have them practice using their strong voice. If they learn how to command in a way that a dog will listen to, they'll feel more control over the dog, and that will give them the confidence to enjoy playing with them.

Get the sniff approval

I don't know any dog that doesn't want to smell everyone they see. Teach your kids to introduce themselves to a new dog by holding out their hand, palm up at nose level so the pooch can get a whiff. Make sure to teach your kids to hold their hand still until the dog has passed judgment, either by licking their hand or turning away. This will reassure the dog that the kids are friendly, and can help the pup stay calm, which will help your kids stay calm too.

Exposure is big

Let the kids spend time with the pups, but aim for less aggressive dogs at first. It's best to start them out with friendly dogs who aren't overly excitable. It wouldn't be good to scare them off of dogs for good because an overly friendly dog jumps on them for kisses. Give them time with a mild-tempered, calm dog and they'll feel more comfortable around all kinds of dogs. If you're bringing a dog into your home for the first time, it's a good idea to adopt an older dog who has already grown out of his youthful puppy exuberance.

Consider their temperament

Smaller isn't always better when it comes to getting the kids to like dogs. Certain smaller breeds are actually more aggressive and that can make your kids feel threatened. For example, one little boy is terrified of dogs after being nipped by a chihuahua years ago. Some dogs are so territorial that they'll never be able to adjust to playing with kids, regardless of the breed, so always consider whether the pup is going to be a family loving pet, or a single fur-parent animal before you bring him home.

Tricks are for kids

It's a lot of fun for kids to see a dog that knows a few tricks. If you can, have someone show off their dogs best tricks. If you don't know anyone with a trained dog, you can also find videos online that show off some fancy dog tricks. If you're bringing a new dog into your home, you can ask your kids to help you teach the dog some tricks, which will give them a sense of ownership and responsibility toward the dog.
If you've tried everything and your kids still have trouble being around dogs, it might be something they just need time to grow out of. Don't force them to be around dogs if it really upsets them. Do find small ways to empower them to feel more confidence around dogs, even if you just have to start with looking at cute pictures and videos.

Lisa Mason is a content marketer and dog lover writing for Doggie Clothesline.  For a wide variety of dog accessories, pet supplies and more, visit Doggie Clothesline. You’re sure to find many things that will suit your needs and your dog’s personality.

5 Benefit of CBD for Pets that You Must Know!

Do you know that a small does of CBD can make you feel calm and relaxed. You may also start feeling the happiness!

Oh yeah, for those who do not know what CBD is, CBD means Cannabidiol is a compound which is found in cannabis.  The compound has healing and relaxing properties which works on species with an endocannabinioid system.

In the post below we will try to explain and mention about 5 benefits of CBD for your Pets which can make them feel relaxed and can heal injuries.

1. Pain Relief:

CBD is a popular medicine for pain relief. This is a doctors prescribed medication for instant pain relief, anxiety, depression and headaches. Additionally, CBD has anti-inflammatory properties which reduces the pain caused by conditions such as arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

2. Anticonvulsant:

Accordingly to a recent study, CBD can help control seizures caused by epilepsy. Which proves that cannabidiol is a naturally found Anticonvulsant. 

3. Anti-Inflammatory:

CBD is popular as anti-inflammatory. It reacts with CB2 receptors which are naturally present in our bodies to reduce inflammation.

4. Reduces Stress and Anxiety:

Like humans, pets also suffer from stress and anxiety. If your pet is having a bad time because of mental issues, then CBD treatment is exactly what your furry buddy needs.

Cannabidiol has both anti-anxiety and antidepressant properties because it increases serotonin levels.

If you want the best CBD products for your pet, then check out our official store.

5. Antiemetic:

All animals don’t vomit.

But the most popular pets, including and cats, can become nauseated and vomit. Nausea and vomiting can lead to hypotension, dehydration, appetite and weight loss.

According to recent research, CBD is not only a good antiemetic but actually better than some modern antiemetic medicines.

Helping Animal Victims of Domestic Abuse

For most families, winter is an enjoyable time of year. Some kind people think of others as well as themselves and get busy thinking of fundraising for animals. But for other families winter and Christmas in particular can be a difficult and stressful time. Money worries plus the fact that people tend to consume more alcohol and be trapped together indoors more often than normal mean that domestic violence or abuse can all too often result.

You may assume, correctly, that the people who suffer during incidents of domestic abuse are the two adults involved and any children who might be present. But animals that share a home with people who are involved in heated arguments and fights often suffer considerably. They don’t understand what’s going on but they know that the atmosphere is scary.

Sometimes when the police are called to a domestic incident that has spiralled out of control they report back to the animal charity RSPCA, if there are animals known to be kept at the address. Other times, concerned neighbours or friends of the family might call the RSPCA anonymously. But whenever the RSPCA Inspectors are notified of an animal at risk of harm they will investigate. The RSPCA is authorised to bring criminal prosecutions where they can prove that an animal has been abused or neglected and they have the authority to remove animals to safety. However, doing so can be extremely difficult and fraught with danger for the Inspectors.

The RSPCA Inspectors have to be dedicated to their job and to protecting animals but they also have to be brave and prepared to enter situations that might be dangerous, to tell potentially violent people unwanted news, or to ask difficult questions. Many have faced threats and actual violence as part of their jobs.

RSPCA Inspectors are paid, but their wages come from donations made to the RSPCA. Without public donations, the RSPCA would not be able to hire Inspectors. This year the RSPCA is asking people to make donations through RSPCA Choices to fund their winter campaign called ‘Everyday Heroes’. This campaign aims to inform people of the difficult job that the Inspectors do and to ask members of the public to make donations towards their wages and the cost of their training.

Without the Inspectors doing their jobs, people would continue to abuse or neglect their pets and future pets. They would continue to take shots at wildlife just for fun, or to throw darts and bricks at passing cats. Many people who would not want to call the police would be prepared to call the RSPCA, but could only do so if there was someone there to answer their call.

If you feel that their job is important then please consider making a donation to the RSPCA Choice’s Everyday Heroes campaign. If you have the time, there are many easy fundraising ideas available online and through the RSPCA’s site to enable you to make an even greater donation.

How to Identify Pug Original Breed?

Pugs look cute and adorable! Are you an animal lover and want to bring home a pug? If yes, then it is essential that you learn to recognise the original pug breed. Many pet lovers often in the excitement of bringing home their favourite pug overlook the features that define the original pug breed and you can easily understand pure breed pug.

Discussed below are some of the features of the original pug breed:

· Appearance – Typically, the pug’s shape is square. You can measure the height from ground to the shoulders. You will find that the measurement is somewhat similar to the length right from the rear to the chest front.

· Face and head – The original pug breed's head is round from side. It's square when you look at the pug from the front. The downward section of his black velvet ears will always fall to the level of the eye. The expression of the eyes is mostly soft, and the eyes are round, dark and big. Pugs usually look animated and excited.

Furthermore, the muzzle or the snout of the pug is broad. When the mouth gets closed, the tongue or teeth shouldn’t be seen. Also, the Pug’s face wrinkles need to fold back to his nose and also add the required character to his overall face.

· Chest, neck and top line - The pug need to have a thick and robust neck to provide support to its huge round head. Are you wondering what a top-line is?  It gets best defined as an imaginary line right from atop the Pug's shoulder going to where the tail starts. It needs to be at a level and very straight and shouldn't dip in the middle. The pug needs to have a full and broad chest as well.

· Coat – It is essential for the pug coat to be glossy, fine, short and smooth. The black and fawn pugs have a similar coat.

These are the major features that you need to be aware of to identify an original pug breed! Refer to these traits when you decide to bring home your pug.

Tips to Travel with Pets to Make Your Journey Hassle Free

If you are not planning properly, travelling can be stressful for your and your furry friend. But the good thing is, just with a little planning, you can have a memorable experience. Travelling with pets do not only mean travelling on planes, it also includes trains, buses and ferries. As the number of people travelling with pets are increasing, we thought it will be a great idea to write this article. Hope the tips will help you. 

1. Travel Time Bed for Your Pet: 

You need to make sure your pet is comfortable and have enough rest while travelling. That is why a travel bed for your pet is very important. Pets are fond of a routine and having a bed provides them the space to take rest on a specific time or on a regular interval.

As soon as you board on a vessel, you can set up the bed for your pet and your pet can lie down on it.

2. Water Pot for Proper Hydration:

It does not matter whether you are going for a hike, or a walk or flying across the Pacific Ocean, it is always important to keep your pet hydrated. So, to be on the safe side always carry a water bowl or water pot which will be very helpful to keep your pet hydrated.

3. Travelling with an Airlines with Your Pet:

The success to travel with your pet with an airlines depends on your homework. Please make sure that you have checked the policy with the airlines earlier to avoid any surprises. Also arrange any necessary paperwork before flying. Make sure the pet has a proper crate so that she can accommodate herself while travelling.

4. Travelling with a Car: 

If you are travelling in a car, make sure you have a proper harness with seat belt, a travel crate and a booster seat. Please always remember not to leave your pet in a car in warm temperature. Just for example, the heat within the car becomes high quickly. If the outside temperate is 60 degree Fahrenheit then the inside temperate will become 80 degree within 10 minutes.

5. Book a Pet Friendly Accommodation: 

While travelling, you will not always be in a vehicle. You need accommodation as well. So, if you are travelling with a pet, make sure you book accommodation accordingly. You can get a lot of pet friendly accommodation options online. Check here to get some dog friendly hotels in Cotswolds . 

I hope the above tricks will help you a lot  to travel with your pets. Please take extra care of your pets while travelling as they always cannot express how they feel like you and me.

Your Dog Needs Hydration - Read the Article to Know Why?

There is one thing your dog needs all the time and on a daily basis. Do you know what it is? Give up already? Ok, it’s water. 

Dogs need a constant supply of water. It’s best to set out a bowl with water in it on a daily basis. This way your dog will be able to drink when they please. This is especially true during the hot summer months.

If you think about it, the world is ¾ water and most of a dog's body is made up of water. This is why they need a continuous supply. 

Most mammals can survive for a long time (weeks in some cases) going without food. But, when it comes to water mostly only a few days. Sure, there are cases where a mammal has survived up to 7 days without water. But, why even wait that long if you don’t have to? 

So, yes it’s that important. 

Water is a very important messenger for your dog's blood. It helps to lubricate their system and moves nutrients where it’s needed. 

When a dog is hydrated properly it will also help regulate their body temperature where it needs to be. Help to keep them cool in the summer and warm in the winter time. 

There have also been reports of less disease in dogs when they are properly hydrated and lubricated. However, the jury is still out on this one. But it does make sense see how water is the most important nutrient from their body. 

How much water your dog needs will depend on their weight and size. A good rule to follow is 1 oz of water to 1 lb of body weight. 

Most dogs will get all the water they need when you leave out a bowl of fresh water daily on a volunteer basis. And depending on the food you feed there may also be water in the ingredients also.

When your dog is just a puppy it’s important to monitor their water consumption just to make sure they are not drinking too much and getting the proper amount needed as well. 

Do not take your dog needing water lightly. It is a very important thing for them to have. For your dog, water is like gas is to a car engine.

Link: https://bullyade.com

A List of Must Have Pet Accessories That You Need Everyday

When it comes to pet, dogs and cats are the most popular ones. I am going to create a list of some of the necessary animal accessories which you will need every day if you have a pet. Hope the readers will like the list and the list will help the readers as well.

1.       Pet Poop Freezer:

Whether it is cat or dog, shit happens. But this becomes disgusting if it is liquid. This accessory will make the liquid waste into solid which will make your task a lot easier. Isn’t it helpful?

2.       Disposable Bowls:

These days we travel a lot and we travel with our pets as well. While travelling, it is not very easy to travel with all your pets stuff. Here comes the need of the disposable bowls made up of sugarcane which is biodegradable and disposable. Makes the task of pet feeding super easy.

3.       Get a Bath Tub:

During summer, it is not always easy to have your pet a shower. If you try to do it in a human bathtub, there are high chances that you can break your back as it is quite slippery and not easy to fit in. A small to medium sized bath tub can help your pet to get a good nice shower.

4.       Get a Pet Carrier for Your Dog:

This is quite handy when you are travelling or going for a shopping or going anywhere. So, pet carrier is a must. Get a pet carrier for your cat or small sized dog which suits you.

5.       Harness:

A harness is designed to be around a pet’s chest and crossover the back of the pet. Harness is different from collar as it does not put extra pressure on pet’s neck. Though some experts while training a puppy, it is better to use collar rather than harness but the choice is totally up to you.

6.       Leash:

Whether you use a collar or harness, you need leash. Leash is simply a lead which can be used while walking your dog. This is the most important thing you should have if you are a dog owner. In some countries it is illegal if your dog walk off leash in public.

How to Make Your Dog Comfortable In a New Bed

Even when you think it’s a no-brainer, introducing your dog to a new bed isn’t that easy.

Don’t expect your pooch to immediately curl up comfortably in it since he may not get the idea right away. Even if you spent hours finding the perfect bed for your furry pal, he may still choose to lay on his old bed or the convenient floor instead.

Part of the reason why your dog doesn’t seem comfortable with his new bed is that it is something foreign and isn’t part of his “territory.” Moreover, the new bed doesn’t have the smell of your dog or his “pack” (you and everyone else in your household) which makes him unable to trust it yet.

Fortunately, with patience and a little effort, you can get your dog to enjoy his new bed in no time:

1. Make the bed smell like home

You can make the new bed seem more familiar and feel like home by attaching your scent to it. This way, your dog will start getting comfortable with it, and hopefully, lay on it as well.

In order to do this, consider following these steps:

●       Get rid of the old bed to give your dog a clean break.

●       Add your scent onto the bed by rubbing your hands all over it or laying one of your old shirts to draw your dog in.

●       Let each of your family members do the same thing so that the bed will smell like everyone in your dog’s pack.

●       If the scent isn’t enough to convince him, use one of your dog’s blankets to cover the bed.

●       Be patient as it can take time for your pooch to adjust and want to stay in his new bed.

●       Don’t forget to give a reward every time your dog lies down on his new bed.

2. Choose a comfortable location

A dog will usually look for a dry, warm, and safe place to sleep. In this case, you have to make sure that the location of his new bed is in a quiet part of your home. If you’re introducing a bed for the first time, check where your dog usually curls up to sleep.

Most canines have a favourite spot to sleep. As long as the spot your dog chooses is feasible, you can place his new bed there. A dog is an animal of habit which makes the process of making him comfortable with his new bed easier.

3. Create a happy place

Making a happy place for your pooch is essential in helping him warm up to his new bed.

Positive things can encourage your dog to try something new. To get your furry pal get used to his new bed, create a positive atmosphere by using the following:

●       Familiar toys and blankets

●       Treats

●       Coaxing and encouragement

●       Peace and quiet

4. Remove unfamiliar features

Sometimes, a dog can be wary of a new bed’s design and texture.

If your dog isn’t comfortable with a raised bed, try taking the legs off. Once you see that your pooch has begun to relax in it, gradually put the legs back on.

5. Get the old bed scent

It may be hard for your pooch to let go of his old bed. If this is the case, before you get rid of the old bed, do the following:

●       Cover the old bed with a sheet.

●       Leave the sheet for a few days on the old bed so that it can absorb a good amount of scents.

●       Remove the sheet from the old bed and use it to cover the new one.

The sheet will still smell like the old one which will help disguise the new bed.

Once your dog has accepted his new bed, you may then get rid of the old bed. After quite some time, you can slowly remove the sheet and, by then, your dog won’t have any problem sleeping in his new bed.

Patience always pays off  

It may take a while for your dog to get used to his new bed.

Don’t rush things and reprimand your dog for not sleeping in his new bed as this will only pressure your pet so that he may end up disliking it further.

What’s important is that you remain patient, follow the above advice, and wait for your pooch to adjust on his own.

AUTHOR BIO

Andrew Kevan has been the Account Manager at Sandleford Holdings since 2016. He studied at Monash University and completed his Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Zoology. Andrew is the owner of a beautiful Rottweiler named Lady who is constantly spoiled and loves her Fido & Fletch Large Pet Home.

5 Important Tips to Test Blood Glucose in Dogs

Do you want to have some helpful tips on how to test blood sugar in dogs?

Managing a diabetic dog is a difficult process. It needs you to be very patient with everything like diet plan, its exercise, mental health and a number of other day to day activities. A diabetic dog finds it difficult to tackle other diseases, therefore, proper monitoring and care is crucial to a dog’s health.

What Should You Be Monitoring All the Time?

Other than that, there are many fluctuations that are must to be kept in control. The most important of those is the fluctuating level of blood glucose in dogs. It is on a continuous fluctuation as it is impacted by many a factors like diet, exertion, stress and many other things.

Take Readings at Home

Hence, the better practice is to have a blood glucose monitoring system at home as it is highly recommended to keep a complete track of the dog’s blood glucose level. It doesn’t only help your veterinarian suggest better treatments for your dog, but also discloses what’s working and what’s not, to what measures is your dog responding well.

A Blood Glucose Monitoring System

For the purpose, having a blood glucose monitoring system at home is a plus. I would recommend you to have AlphaTrak’s blood glucose monitoringsystem. It’s easy to use and accurate with its results. Additionally, it’s offered by many ecommerce websites and comes with free shipping offers.

A very important thing that you should never ignore is that blood glucose level may be temporary, fluctuating upon some regular activities, or your dog may be a victim of some other disease altering certain level of blood glucose, and hence, this system must be used in complete consultation with your veterinarian. 

Let us see how to test blood sugar in dogs in easy steps.

1. Find The Right Spot

Unlike cats, dogs have lesser space on their ear. That is the reason pet dog owners do not prefer pricking the dog on its ear. You may come to see people who do on different locations on a dog’s body, and it gives them successful sticks too; but the veterinarians recommend taking a blood sample from the inside of the dog’s lip.

Gently lay the dog on one side and calm it down with some affectionate hand touches, so that the dog gets still and calmed. Now try to roll the upper lip outward to get some space inside. As you get some space, usually near the lip’s edge, prick it up with soft hands, causing least possible pain to the animal. Remove any saliva from there to make sure you get an accurate reading. When you will have learnt the procedure and practiced it quite a number of times, you will not cause the dog any pain and will be able to do it much easily.

2.  Make Sure the Area Is Clean

All the things have to be kept very clean in order to avoid any doubts in the results. Wash your hands and organize the things well. You can use something like a towel, to put beneath the stuff.   

When taking the blood sample, it is recommended to have the prick site washed but dry. Moisture will dilute the sample and the result will not be accurate. Having clean working area is essential to ensure that the sample is not spoilt and eradicates the possibility of involving germs into the process.

3. Avert any agitation

Agitation and mental stress impact the blood glucose level. Home test for blood sugar needs you to be able to restraint the dog, so that the blood sample you get is perfect, and produces the accurate result.

In case you face retaliation from the dog, it is better that you take a 20 to 25 minutes break to get the dog calmed. Whatever the situation you face, don’t push the dog too much or over try it. Otherwise, you may end up bitten by the dog as well.

4.  Pay Attention to Bleeding

Your dog has gone through a little painful phase and might bleed after being pricked for the reading. Once you are done with collecting a blood sample, let the machine take care of it and you pay attention straightaway to control the bleeding. Hold a gauze pressed against the pricked point with a slight force to stop bleeding.    

Never ignore if the bleeding doesn’t stop, immediately call your veterinarian and get the dog relieved.

Diabetes Feed Bacteria

Pricking gives a dog a small mark which is healed soon, but there should not be any growing bruises. Diabetes feed bacteria and fungi and hence, sometimes such bruises become very troubling. They may lead to a persistent infection with swelling and fluids, and trouble the dog for a very long time.

Author Bio:

My name Mike Huston and I am a blogger. I believe you can tell a lot about a person by how they treat their pet. Being an animal lover and a pet owner myself, I try to use my blog to create more awareness for how one can take better care of their pets, by talking about blood glucose monitoring system for pets and other general precautions. Follow me on Twitter.

Why you need to buy protective inflatable collar for your pets

What is the advantage for the protective inflatable collar:

SCRATCH AND BITE RESISTANT - The inflatable dog collars are designed to protect your pets from injuries, rashes and post surgery wounds, it will prevent pets from biting and licking their injured area or surgical site and promote recovering from surgery or wounds.

COMFORTABLE - Inflatable design and the soft outside material will let your dog wear it comfortably and it does not block your pet¡¯s vision, they can eat, drink, sleep and play normally.

EASY TO STORE - Inflatable recovery collar, you can deflate it and store it in a small space when you do not use it and there is a zipper opening on one side, you can take the bag out and wash the outside cloth.

ADJUSTABLE - There is a strap on the opening of the collar, you can stick it together for a perfect fit and put the strap side at the back of your dog¡¯s neck in case the dog bite it.

DURABLE AND STABLE - The premium protective collar is soft and washable, it will not mark or scrape furniture and you can insert your pet's everyday collar through the inner ring loops for a stabilization

Customer Feedback after their used the protective inflatable collar for their fur baby.

1. Loyally SandyB and her cat

Our cat needs this collar to prevent her from pulling out her belly fur while she's on a food trial for potential food allergy. The collar must stay on for weeks if not longer, so having something she can tolerate is super important. We all know how they hate the hard cone, so at first I tried a soft material cone. Poor cat kept tripping on it and could not get around. Bought this item in a small (she is a 13 lb cat). While it was effective at preventing her from getting to her belly, it was too tight around her neck. The two open ends were still an inch or two apart when around her neck. I then bought the medium. While the medium seems big for a cat (it is a little more difficult for her to maneuver with the bigger collar) it is the right size for her neck. I do wish they'd just make a cat specific one that was the neck size of the medium but the inner tube size of the small. Overall the medium is working for us with a 13 lb cat. Definitely much more tolerated than the soft or hard cones. She's been wearing it for 3 weeks now and can eat, drink, use litter box. I've only clipped her nails once in this time period and there are no issues with her puncturing it or it deflating. Highly recommend.

Update: it¡¯s now been 6 weeks and the collar is still holding up fantastically. The medium was definitely the right size as the small had rubbed some bald spots on her neck from being too snug. She got used to the larger size within a day and it seems to bother her no more or less than the small did. Absolutely recommend 100%.

2.  Mandi P.nad her puppy Delilah

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this product! My pup Delilah got spayed and I knew that she would have to wear some type of collar but didn't like the idea of one of the big plastic e-collars. With this collar our pup could eat, drink, sleep, walk, and move around comfortably. She would occasionally bump into a wall, door frame or my husband or I with it with no damage to the walls or pain to us. On the inside there are loops that you feed their every day collar through, buckle their collar and then velcro the strap on the outside. She tried a few times to get it off but was unsuccessful. Most of the time though she didn't even seem to notice it was on. She is a very itchy pup so she was constantly trying to scratch her neck because I'm sure it got itchy under there so it made me nervous about her popping a hole but it has held up well to the scratching. I highly recommend this product, it's a great price and great quality. Also I found it to be true to the size chart. She is 52 pounds and fit into the large size range on the chart and it fits her very well, I was able to fit all five fingers between the collar and her neck and it was still snug enough that she could not get it off. If she would have had to wear it longer than the recommended 10 days I would have felt totally comfortable keeping it on her on a longer term basis! I hope I was able to answer any questions anyone might have!

3. Jabo Recommend Reason

Hallelujah! Big bravo to whoever invented these blow up collars for dogs. They are so much less cumbersome and more comfortable than traditional Elizabethan collars. Back when I was a vet tech, I saw so many miserable dogs in e-collars, but these blow-up ones are so much easier for the dogs to get used too. (And no more bruised and scratched legs for the humans)

I recommend theses to my dog training clients and we have found they work for most dogs, although dogs with long snouts or long bodies may still be able to reach belly wounds or tail problems.

As always, give plenty of encouragement when training your dog to wear one. I highly recommend buying one BEFORE you need it and working with your dog to acclimate him/her. Just think of it as one more tool in your ¡°K9 wound management kit. Young dogs or dogs who have not had proper training with these MAY possibly be able to remove or damage it, but dogs who are comfy with the sensation of wearing one, usually have no issues.

One of my dogs is wearing one right now due to a knee injury, and yet she is calm and comfy in this collar and she is just about to doze off.

Reasons Why Having a Pet Helps the Rehabilitation Process

The rehabilitation process can be a long and tedious journey that can be overcome only with the right support. Often these support can not only come in the form of people, they can also come as pets! Did you know that having a pet can help you recover quickly, and even in a healthier way? According to a recent study, pets can help people with issues such as:

●       Anxiety - people with anxiety were reported to experience comfort when presented with pets. They reported lesser instances of panic attacks and physical manifestations of anxiety in their day-to-day lives.

●       Developmental Disabilities - people with developmental disabilities such as Autism have difficulties in communication. The non-verbal comfort that pets bring help individuals with Autism feel at ease.

●       Physical Disabilities - people with physical disabilities may find themselves unable to do certain tasks independently. Having a pet can help guide them through walking, assist them in daily chores, and be a loyal companion to them.

●       Mental and Emotional Issues - it seems like pets can understand the feelings that people go through even without saying a word. It is also reported from a recent study that pets can help people recover from mental and emotional instability.

●       Substance Abuse - people who have gone through a phase of addiction may experience physical and emotional symptoms of withdrawal. The presence of a pet serves as a healthy distraction to kick the bad habits out of the way.

The companionship they bring and the comfort they provide in one's presence can contribute to the healing process of a person recovering from drug or alcohol addiction. How does a pet help in the rehabilitation process? Let's find out the ways a furry friend can accompany you in your battle against substance abuse.

How can pets help you in your recovery process?

Pets are great stress-relievers.

Pets are known to make funny antics even if they don't actually mean it. There are luxury rehab facilities that even offer pet therapy services. Pets can brighten someone's day without even trying, which results to a reduction of stress levels to any owner. Often, people who are undergoing the rehabilitation process may experience some stress trying to keep away from bad habits. The stress relief that a pet can bring may serve as a great way to alleviate the burden felt by their owners.

Pets can help you socialize.

Nothing comes close to a good topic such as talking about pets. We often chuckle at the thought of funny stories of other's pets, and it is often the center of the conversation. People feel light-hearted when they talk about their furry (or non-furry) friends, because of their unique characteristics. As a pet owner, you can finally join this conversation and also meet others who can enjoy your stories about your pet.

Pets will get your physically fit.

Although not applicable to other pets, most furry friends will eventually force you to go outdoors. This is especially true for dogs. Dogs are known to be awesome walkers--they love walking outside and exploring the great nature. This, in turn, will force you to go on walking trips with your pet, making it a great opportunity to be physically active. Not only will you be able to de-stress with nature, you'll also enjoy the company of your pet while keeping your body healthy.

Pets can make you feel responsible.

A lot of people say that having a pet is similar to having another "baby" in the household. This is because having one entails a lot of responsibilities--you are tasked to give them food, shelter, and provide them with the right veterinarian checkups in case the need arises. You may be wondering--"how can this extra responsibility help me?" By having a pet rely on you, the less you are likely to go astray and spend your resources on a bad habit.

Pets will bring you joy.

Having a pet is like starting a new relationship. It is a new connection that can be made, without any judgements--a pet won't judge you because of who you have been. They are only concerned with who you are as an owner, and they are always willing to forgive. Their innocence, candor, and unintended humor can bring joy to any owner who wishes to be successful in the rehabilitation process.

Although pets can be helpful, it is also important to know that with the decision to have a pet comes a great responsibility. As you consider this option, do proper research on what kind of pet is best for your lifestyle. Also think about your home and how they will be able to be a part of it. Having a pet isn't just for yourself--it is a mutual benefit that involves you and your new friend.