Bad breath in dogs may seem inevitable, but when your furry companion suffers from it, the urgency to solve it tends to set in. It’s a good thing that this problem comes with multiple solutions. Vets almost universally agree that the best way to prevent bad breath in your dogs is to ensure that you maintain their dental health. Yearly check-ups, proper brushing, good chew toys, and feeding them with appropriate dry food is all essential when it comes to preventing bad breath.
But what if your dog already has bad breath? Here are a few more tips you can utilise to turn this situation around:
1. Brush their teeth well
Like humans, dogs require constant and vigilant tooth brushing. Twice a day for at least 30 seconds each time, to be specific. It’s also important to use specialised dog toothpaste for it to be considered safe. There are plenty of high-quality toothpaste available on the market today. aPetMart carries multiple safe and credible brands in our stock for you to choose from.
2. Strategically utilise chew toys
You can find many chew toys that discreetly allow you to hide cleaning agents or toothpaste in them. With this, their breath improves exponentially every time your dog plays with it. That’s what you call functionality!
3. Go see a vet
Research shows that most pets will have contracted a dental disease by age three. If your dog exhibits signs of inflammation, you might want to bring them to a vet to get it checked. In fact, it’s recommended that your dog visits a vet annually.
4. Try yoghurt
Surprisingly, yoghurt is an excellent home remedy for rancid breath. It’s important that the yoghurt you give them is plain and doesn’t contain sugar substitutes or any fruits, as some of them can be fatal to dogs. Ensure your dogs are not lactose intolerant before giving them 1-2 teaspoons of yoghurt.
5. Give them some herbs
Certain herbs like parsley and dill can be beneficial for cleaning up dog breath. They kill off bacteria and are nature’s breath fresheners.
6. Research dental sealants
Some dogs are especially prone to dental decay. As such, it’s essential to look for suitable dental sealants. They do a great job at keeping their teeth and gums spick and span, helping to ensure decay and plaque build-up are stalled.
7. Let them drink tea
Bad breath in dogs can often occur due to indigestion issues or stomach problems. Like people, dogs find tea helpful in easing this type of problem. Ginger tea is the go-to tea solution for indigestion. Just add two slices of ginger to some hot water. Remember to let the temperature go down before your dog drinks a few teaspoons.
Conclusion
Bad breath in dogs is often a minor issue that can be easily remedied by following the tips mentioned above and buying the necessary dog accessories. aPetMart is the premiere destination for all your pet supplies needs. Other than accessories, we also offer a variety of premium pet food brands, including Wellness dog treats. Find exactly what you need amid our vast range of pet essentials. Contact us today to learn more!
The number one question kids start to ask their parents once they reach a certain age is whether they can get a pet. Parents often give in with the caveat that they’ll only buy their children what they assume would be a low-maintenance pet. More often than not, the chosen pet is a hamster.
Hamsters are the go-to first pet for most people because they’re relatively easy to take care of, affordable, and adorable! But that doesn’t mean that they don’t require thorough care or they don’t come with their share of challenges. Since they’re such small creatures, you must handle them gently, or they might retaliate by biting! As such, younger children will almost certainly have issues with them as they’re not fully in control of their faculties yet. There are other things parents should note before getting their child a hamster as a starter pet. Here are just some of them:
They require a lot of exercise
Animals are generally not used to captivity – and hamsters are no exception. Hamsters may be tiny, but they still require exercise. They need to do so to receive their share of freedom and for them to maintain their health and well-being. You can do so by installing an appropriately sized hamster wheel in their cage. You can even let them roam free outside their enclosures for a few minutes, as long as you carefully watch them. It’s also vital to ensure their cage is big enough for them to run about as much as they please.
They are nocturnal animals
Not many people are aware of the fact that hamsters are nocturnal. That means they sleep most of the day and are only active at night. If you’re worried about your hamster seeming too sedate, keep in mind that they’re simply tired from their night-time exploits.
Male and females should not be kept together
Male and female hamsters should not be housed together, or there would be disastrous consequences. There are absolutely no exceptions to this rule. Hamsters tend to breed at unbelievable speeds. Once the babies are born, the father will likely attempt to attack his young. The mother will then retaliate in kind to protect her children. Not the sort of thing you want to expose your child to. If you have purchased two hamsters of the opposite sex, remember to keep them in separate cages.
They’re sensitive to loud noises
Hamsters are animals that mainly utilise their hearing and sense of smell to get around. That’s why loud noises like shouting, vacuuming, or banging can scare them. When deciding where to place them, consider the quiet areas of your house. If your children are particularly loud, you may want to reconsider your decision to get a hamster.
Conclusion
Hamsters may seem like low-maintenance pets, but that doesn’t mean no maintenance is necessary. If you’re thinking of getting one, ensure you’ve put enough thought into the idea. Remember, hamsters are still beings with feelings and, when given the right amount of care, can make great friends with you and your little ones. Just ensure that they’re well taken care of!
And for all your hamster-related essentials, visit us at aPetMart. We are the one-stop shop for all your online pet supplies in Singapore. Contact us today to learn more about our well-curated and quality stock.
If you already have a friend of the feline persuasion at home and you’re looking for the best and most reliable pet food online store, check us out at aPetMart. If you still have any burning questions, don’t hesitate to contact us today!
We all have our own ways to de-stress from work. Some of us listen to music, eat nutritious snacks or create an ergonomic workspace. However, did you know that pets at the workplace can also serve the same purpose? More companies are allowing employees to bring their pets to work.
There are many ways bringing your pets to work can increase productivity for everyone. With that said, how do their presence provide us benefits and what do you need to take note when bringing pets to your workplace?
Physically & Mentally Positive
The presence of pets can bring positive benefits to your health physically and mentally.
For instance, a study showed that employees who took their dogs to work experienced lower stress levels throughout the work day and had a more positive perception of their employer, along with higher levels of job satisfaction. Another found that a pet-friendly workplace helps boost productivity and encourages interaction between people.
It’s interesting how these benefits can also lead to a better quality of life. Take it this way: When you are less stressed, there is a decrease in blood pressure. With less stress-related ailments, you will save on healthcare expenses as well. With a boost in morale through interaction with pets, you would find yourself being more proactive at work.
Employers and employees from Inverse-Square have stated how having pets around has helped them pass long work hours happily, and the pets remind them to take necessary breaks. This essentially shows the positive impact pets can have by just being around people who need them the most.
Business Positive
On the business side, did you also know that you can be rewarded for bringing your pets to work? In the U.S, companies such as Amazon and Google have pet-friendly policies, similar to a number of other companies such as Nestle Purina and Ticketmaster. A notable company, BrewDog, a craft brewer in Columbus, Ohio, is offering up to a week of paid time off for new pet owners, known as “pawternity leave”.
A survey conducted by LiveCareer highlighted employees using pet-friendly policies as criteria for taking a job, including their level of commitment to it:
52% of respondents said that they would consider an employer that offers pet-friendly benefits and policies
49% of respondents are convinced to take up a job offer if they offer a pet-friendly work environment
41% of respondents would have a better sense of satisfaction if they had pets in the office
49% of respondents would have recommend their employer to a friend if they allowed pets in the workplace
With this in mind, it is safe to say that the popularity of pet-friendly workplaces is only increasing, and it is a “paw-some” sight to see!
Precautions for Employers & Employees
Having pets around can be fun. However, precautions must be taken to ensure everyone’s safety at the workplace. There are many factors to be considered since you are bringing your pet to a different environment. As a result, they may not be very comfortable at the beginning.
A very important factor is to ensure that your pet is well-trained and behaved. As they are heading to a new environment, they will meet new people and animals. The unintended stress can lead to unusual and destructive behaviour.
So with that said, how do we exercise responsibility when our pets are in our workplace?
Employers
As employers, your responsibility is to ensure everyone is in a healthy work environment. These include:
Creation of Pet-related Policies
Potential Sensitivities within Workplace
Extra Considerations
Creation of Pet-related Policies
Employers need to create policies to ensure that everyone is treated equally in the event that something goes wrong. For example, an employee’s pet may possibly injure someone else or injure themselves. To prevent further conflicts and possible charges, creation of policies are needed.
For instance, employers may state a policy in place that sets out clear responsibility for any damage or injury. In addition, they may also provide rules stating the number of pets you can bring, the kind of pets allowed, and so on.
For example, Hootsuite, a social media management platform, assumes no responsibility for pets on the premises and has guidelines specifically stating that “employees are financially responsible for any damage or cleaning to facilities; including damage from accidents, excessive pet hair and odour removal as required.” They also mentioned that the dog must be six months and older, properly licensed, insured, vaccinated and potty trained. They must also be kept on a leash, to stay off the furniture, use a pet-designated elevator and play in one of the outdoor spaces nearby.
Potential Sensitivities Within Workplace
The well-being of your employees is always your first priority. Understanding their feelings towards having pets within the workplace allows you to have ideas to accommodate them.
For instance, it is good to know if anyone has an allergy history to pets. Common ways to accommodate employees who are allergic is to essentially have the pets be kept in certain areas of the building away from the allergic employees.
Extra Considerations
As pet lovers, let’s not forget the price we have to pay to take care of these adorable creatures. There can be additional costs for pet care, pet-proofing office. These costs range from $500-$1500 a year for one pet per year.
Including pets in the workplace requires employers to take on some of these costs, such as the toys, treats and any miscellaneous accidental damage that naturally occurs when caring for pets.
Employees
As employees, you must also be aware of your surroundings when it comes to bringing your pet.
Ensure that your pet has been:
Potty-trained
Well-trained and behaved
Vaccinated and licenced (most important for dogs)
Keep it on a leash
Well-fed
It is your responsibility to take good care of your pet, avoid it from having conflicts with other animals and humans when possible, and always provide them with meals.
Apart from that, do not forget about the well-being of your co-workers. Ask if they have any allergies to certain pets, and respect their space if they do. It is advisable to be patient with the process if your pet feels nervous attempting to interact with new people and animals. They can also be like us, taking their time to warm up to everyone else. Once your pet gets used to the environment, it would be a pleasing sight.
Of course, you shouldn’t force them to adjust to a certain environment. There are some pets that prefer to stay within the comforts of their home, and it is understandable as to why they would. From my personal experience, I’ve tried walking my cats out years back, and they ended up just crawling like turtles! So I believe they are okay with it if you leave them resting at home, they’ll appreciate you just as much once you make your way home safely.
A Purrific Trend
It is an amazing sight to see how pets have been integrated into our society. They may not be working the jobs we do, but to have them present by our side, makes things all the more wholesome!
It is only a matter of time until we see more and more companies adopting their own pet-policies. Until then, keep appreciating the pets you have, and remind them how much you love them.
If you ask anybody who’s ever taken care of a bird, they’d tell you they’re delightful pets. Birds are creatures with noteworthy personalities and lifespans that can rival even humans! Because of this, they make great lifelong companions and wonderful pets.
On the flip side, caring for them is a whole different ballpark. Luckily, keeping your birds safe, happy, and healthy with the right tools and know-how is within your capabilities. We’ve taken the liberty to compile everything you’d need to know in this comprehensive guide to bird care.
General information
Your pet birds may be unique, but their needs are more or less universal. They require clean enclosures, fresh food, water, fun and safe toys, plenty of exercise, and some of your attention. Ensure that their cages have enough space for them to move around and a grate so you can keep your bird away from the substrate.
Feeding them
The first thing all bird caretakers have to know is how and what to feed them. In general, their diets are made up of bird seed – a food that provides them with all the necessary vitamins. However, only feeding your bird pre-packaged, dry seeds will not suffice. They also need to be fed vegetables, the greener, the better. These can include spinach, parsley, or even celery. For additional strength, milk and fruit can significantly benefit their health.
Their upkeep
Here are some things you can do to ensure that your bird will thrive with you:
Shower them! Unlike other pets, birds love playing in the water. It goes a long way in ensuring their sanitation as well.
Let them bask in the sunlight during the daytime, but they enjoy complete darkness at night. You can use a blackout cover to achieve this effect.
Make sure they get enough exercise! Toys are great for keeping them up and flying around in their cages. You can even let them out of the cage weekly for a bit of supervised exercise. Just pick a safe place and let them soar.
Socialisation
Learning about the behaviour of birds in the wild is essential to learning how they’d act as pets. For example, birds like undomesticated parrots are quite sociable. They are used to doing everything in their flock. When you keep them as pets, your parrot considers you and your family their flock and longs to be included in your activities. If you’ve ever wondered why your parrot screeches when it is away from your family, it’s probably just trying to get the “flock’s” attention. It’s also good to note that parrots, like many birds, mate for life. If your parrot already has a companion, it will most likely be unfriendly towards other birds in an attempt to protect their “mate.”
Conclusion
Taking care of a pet bird is a huge commitment, but it is ultimately worth it. Birds are exceptionally intelligent, compassionate, and fascinating animals. If you take care of them, they will pay you back in kind, trying their best to be great companions to you. For the tools and accessories needed to provide them with the care they deserve, turn to aPetMart. We reliably provide high-quality online pet supplies in Singapore. Contact us today to learn more!
There comes a point in time when animal lovers consider owning the pet of their dreams. However, it doesn’t mean that they are allowed to keep any pets that they wish for if they were to live in a HDB flat.
On a brighter note, with recent changes made to allow bigger sized dogs to be rehomed, it makes the process of adoption far more convenient for those whose criteria expands beyond owning small dogs.
In this blog, we will be highlighting the dog breeds allowed for adoption, as well as rules and regulations to owning pets within HDBs.
Dog Regulations and Good Practices
To own a pet, you must understand what it means to be a responsible owner. To prevent conflicts with your housing estate and neighbours, there are rules by HDB you must abide by.
Flouting HDB rules will result in hefty fines up to $4,000.
The table below summarises regulations pet owners must follow to adopt a dog:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Answer
How many dogs can I own?
1 per HDB Flat
Is there a restriction as to how big my dog can be?
– Maximum height up to 40 cm – Weight of 10 kg and below – Singapore Special with a shoulder height up to 55cm under Project ADORE
It is also important that you exercise good practice when it comes to creating a safe and comfortable environment for your dog:
Ensure it doesn’t bark excessively
Pick up and dispose their waste promptly
Keep them safe and secured in your home
Ensure your dog socialises with your neighbours when possible to avoid future conflicts
HDB Approved Dog Breeds
The infographic below shows the 62 dog breeds approved by the Housing and Development Board (HDB).
We have also provided a short description of the dog breeds regarding their traits. This is to ensure that you have what it takes to care for that specific breed once you have made up your mind!
If you wish to adopt a dog that’s not listed on the HDB list, you will need to live in a private property unit.
HDB Approved Dogs under Project ADORE
If you stay in HDB but love bigger dogs, Project ADORE is for you. Despite the dog size limits, Project ADORE (ADOption and REhoming of Dogs) aims to look past the restrictions. Introduced in April 2012, Project ADORE was implemented to assess the acceptance of mixed-breed dogs in HDB estates if proper safeguards were in place.Â
Only dogs adopted from these 5 participating dog shelters are qualified for the scheme:
SPCA
Action for Singapore Dogs
Save Our Street Dogs
Exclusively Mongrels
Causes for Animals
1335 of these mixed breed dogs, also known as Singapore Specials, had been successfully rehomed as of 31 December 2019.
In March 2020, the Animal and Veterinary Service (AVS) announced a revised criterion for Project ADORE, with the hope to allow 20% more local mixed-breed dogs to be adopted each year.
Pet lovers interested in adopting Singapore Specials may refer to this table:
Size of Singapore Special
– Shoulder height up to 55 cm – No weight restrictions
Must the dog be sterilised, vaccinated and microchipped?
Yes
Must the dog complete training?
The dog must have undergone basic obedience training by AVA-accredited trainers
In addition, under this schedule, you must do the following:
Understand that only 1 registered dog is allowed per HDB household
Check that your immediate neighbours are open to you having a dog
Sign a declaration that you’ll observe the Code of Responsible Behaviour (CORB)
Apply for an AVA licence.
There are many benefits to adopting a Singapore Special. They tend to be intelligent, which makes them easily trainable. Additionally, their longer lifespans of up to 15 years make them the perfect choice for family pets. Sadly, they are often overlooked due to their tendency to be difficult at times.
However, if you give yourself enough time and effort, they will start to warm up to you and understand what it is like to feel loved. So trust the process!
Are Cats Allowed to Live in HDB Flats?
Unfortunately, due to housing laws, cats are not allowed in flats. The reason stated is due to being “difficult to contain within the “flat”. When they are not kept indoors, their fur, urine and faeces may pose health and hygiene risks to the public. In addition, it is cited that caterwauling may also cause inconvenience to neighbours.Â
However, this rule has not stopped cat lovers from having the felines in HDB flats.. As long as you manage to keep them well-behaved and your neighbours happy, it does not seem that the rule was strictly enforced.Â
As felines have won the hearts of many, the authority has been experimenting to lift the rules under a pilot scheme known as Love Cats. About 120 households in HDB flats in Chong Pang at Yishun have been permitted to raise one feline each under this scheme which was launched in October 2021, as long as the cats are microchipped, sterilised and kept indoor.
This pilot scheme is run by the Cat Welfare Society with support from government agencies such as the Housing and Development Board (HDB) and the Ministry of National Development (MND).
They are also supported by Law Minister K. Shanmugam and Louis Ng, who is the Member of Parliament for Nee Soon GRCand the founder of ACRES Group (Animal Concerns Research and Education Society).
Pets That Can Be Adopted Aside From Dogs
Keeping small pets is permitted within HDB flats, so long as they don’t cause inconvenience to neighbours or mess up common areas.
These pets include:
Birds (except house crow, white-vented or Javan myna, common myna, feral pigeon, birds that are protected wildlife species)
Chinchillas
Fish (except piranhas and fish that are protected wildlife)
Gerbils
Green tree frogs
Guinea Pigs
Hamsters
Land Hermit crabs
Malayan box turtles
Mice
Rabbits
For birds and fishes, please note that those listed in the CITES Appendices must be imported with CITES permits or Certificates of Origin. The NParks website of the Animal and Veterinary Service provides more info on what other pets can be raised in Singapore.
Licensing for Other Pets
As far as research goes, there isn’t a stated fact that you must register your pets if it is not a dog. However, AVS encourages that you observe the Code of Animal Welfare, which specifies the minimum standards for animal housing, management, and care which pet owners are expected to comply with. It is written in the form of a booklet and infographic, both of which you should take a look at by clicking on the respective words.
Other Banned Pets
In addition to cats, there are also other animals that are not allowed to be kept as HDB pets, such as:
Hedgehogs
Bearded dragons
Star tortoises
Sugar Gliders
Snakes
Crocodilian Reptiles
The reasoning for these animals is mainly due to safety concerns.
To All Pet Owners, Stay Responsible
Before getting a pet, ensure that you have done your research and are fully prepared to commit to the life of a pet owner. If you already have owned one, always research ways to make their quality of living even better! Don’t buy a pet just because you can. You should always consider if it is something that you feel a special connection to. It’s a whole new adventure once you become a pet owner, but it’s an exciting one!
While the homeless dogs wandering in concrete jungles are known as strays, mutts and mongrels in other countries, they hold a special place in many Singaporeans’ hearts. Affectionately known as Singapore Specials, many of these street dogs have been successfully rehomed in Singapore.
The love for Singapore Special dogs has been steadily growing over the years. The possibility of adopting a Singapore Special is good news if you are a big dog lover who stays in HDB flats.
Are you familiar with the process of adoption, and how Singapore Special’s traits may be different from the popular dog breeds in Singapore? Read on to find more.
What You Should Know
Singapore Specials have traits not easily distinguishable compared to purebred dogs. They are mixed-breed dogs. That means not all of them behave the same way despite being categorised as a Singapore Special. Some may be aggressive, others passive. Some may be shy, others sociable.
The life of caring for a Singapore Special dog isn’t always an easy breeze. There are a lot of considerations to be taken if you are looking to adopt one.
Prior to being rescued by animal shelters, it has always been a dog eat dog world in their eyes. These poor creatures had to live in the streets of Singapore feeding off whatever they could find in order to survive. As a result of their experience, it can be very difficult for them to easily trust someone who is willing to take care of them.
Those who display aggressive behaviours towards their new owners tend to be sent back to their shelters, seeking for another better home.
Hence, it is important that in order to be a responsible owner of these dogs, you must be patient with your development with your companion. It might take some time for them to open up their trust to you, but it is a process that is deemed worthwhile!
Why You Should Adopt Singapore Specials
We believe that if you have what it takes to care for a Singapore Special, you should still go for it!
Adopting Singapore Specials has its benefits:
Healthier – Most dogs in Singapore come from puppy mills. They have a known reputation for having atrocious conditions breeding dogs with serious health issues.
Longer Lifespans – Mixed breed dogs tend to live a long life of up to 15 years or more as they have fewer health
Intelligent and Trainable – They tend to pick things up fast and adapt to living conditions well.Â
Affordability – Compared to buying a puppy, adoption incurs much less cost. In addition, as Singapore Specials have fewer health issues, it means you don’t have to keep visiting the vet apart from bringing your Singapore Specials to routine checkups.
Adoption Requirements
To adopt a dog, you are to comply with the rules instilled by the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS). Failure to do so may result in hefty fines.
Owners are required to:
Sign a Code of Responsible Behaviour (CORB) which mandates that your dog doesn’t cause nuisances to your neighbours
Have undergone basic obedience training by AVA-accredited trainers at point of adoption
Ensure that your dog has been sterilised, microchipped and brought for routine vaccinations.
Have their pet licensed by the NParks Animal & Veterinary Services (AVS) via PALS.
Dog lovers that live in HDBs have the privilege of undergoing Project ADORE. However, while you are to observe the rules previously mentioned, take note of the restrictions below on Singapore Specials living in HDB flats.
There is no weight restriction.
Their Shoulder height cannot exceed 55 cm.
They have to be at least 6 months old.
How To Adopt a Singapore Special if You Live in HDB Flats
If you have dreamed of having a big dog in your HDB flats, Singapore Special is for you! Singapore Special is one of the dog breeds allowed in HDB flats. As of now, you can adopt Singapore Special from the 6 participating dog shelters below under Project ADORE:
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)
Visit the shelters’ official websites for more information on how you can adopt one of these dogs for yourselves.
We recommend that you visit the dog shelter if it is allowed, so that you can get a chance to understand the behaviour of the various dogs and bond with them at the shelter. Furthermore, the shelter staff may help you clear up your doubts.
Founded in 1947, Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is a registered, non-governmental animal welfare charity. They provide 24-hour emergency rescues, cruelty and welfare investigations and are Singapore’s only community animal clinic.Â
They also include adoption programmes, education programmes, sterilisations for community animals, and a shelter for over 200 unwanted, abused or abandoned animals every month.
Established in December 2000, Action for Singapore Dogs strives to improve the welfare of stray and abandoned dogs in Singapore. They strictly operate on a no-kill policy.
ASD has conducted various activities and programs. These include rescuing, fostering and re-homing of stray and abandoned dogs, advocating sterilisation to control the stray population, responsible pet ownership and highlighting the virtues of the local dogs, the Singapore Specials.
To date, they have rehomed over 3000 dogs and have about 150 dogs in their care, which are housed at their Adoption & Rescue Centre and in foster homes. ASD’s adoption page features images and descriptions of the dogs, as well as if it is HDB Approved. Dog lovers who are interested in adopting such dogs are to fill in an adoption form with their particulars.
Founded in July 2011, Save Our Street Dogs’ mission is simple: To eliminate cruelty and abandonment of animals, enhancing their welfare, and improve the lives of animals and humans, through rescue, education and advocacy.
They have these 3 key areas of focus to help save the street dogs of Singapore:
The name speaks for itself! Exclusively Mongrels is a group that solely focuses on changing the life of mongrel dogs for the better. From time to time, they would also host various events. One recent event held was “Adoption Drive 2022”, where families may look to adopt the various dogs and puppies available.Â
Similar to Action for Singapore Dogs (ASD), they have adoption forms that’s sorted from HDB to non-HDB approved. Adding on, they also have a separate category dedicated to puppies!
Causes for Animals Limited is an animal welfare charity set up to support the needs of local animal welfare in Singapore. They employ programs and policies to promote best practice, ethical, sustainable and compassionate treatment of the animals.
Putting together a team with over 30 years of combined experience in Animal Welfare Work, they have managed a rescue and adoption program that has helped achieve a success rate of 98% in adoptions.
Mercylight started off in 2009 as a handful of volunteers who fed stray dogs every evening in the eastern side of Singapore. In January 2015, it was incorporated as a non-profit organisation with the aim to promote compassion for animals through the provision of animal welfare services and prevention of cruelty to animals.
By May 2020, they were then conferred the charity status and was henceforth known as Mercylight Animal Rescue & Sanctuary Limited.
To date, they have over 100 committed people volunteering as kennel volunteers, stray feeders, packers, fosterers and sponsors.
Be Nice & Kind
We hope that our article has been helpful in allowing you to have a clear mind of what you wish to achieve in adopting a Singapore Special. Do remember to adopt responsibly. Adopting a pet is a long-term commitment.
These dogs are undoubtedly unique creatures often misunderstood by the general public, but are finally beginning to receive more love as time passes on. They deserve a second chance to be rehomed in a safe environment, and feel the love of a family.
Pets add an indescribable quality to your home. As any pet caretaker would attest, having one makes your lives sparkle much brighter. However, there are some challenges along the way every pet caretaker ought to face. The best you can do is find ways to manage these situations before they get too overwhelming.
It might not always be easy, but it’s a relatively small price to pay for your pet’s unconditional love and affection. With the proper guidance, you’ll be able to overcome the challenges presented in no time.
1. The runaway instinct
A new pet may have an inherent instinct to run away from unfamiliar situations. This is because they haven’t familiarised themselves with you well enough. The bond between you and your pet is untested, so there is no scope for attachment yet.
If they’ve made attempts to escape, don’t worry too much about your competency as a pet caretaker. Most of the time, this tendency has nothing to do with you. Try and anticipate the subsequent attempts instead, and block them.
Be sure to take their safety into extra consideration as well. Runaway pets could end up getting lost or worse. Have safety aids ready if your pet gets hurt or sustains an injury.
2. Separation anxiety
Have you ever felt guilty leaving your pets behind when you go to work because of how genuinely afraid they seem?Just like children, your pets can also get anxious when separated from their caretaker.
If you take the appropriate course of action, you can help your pets overcome their separation anxiety over time. For example, taking your dog out for a walk right before you leave will allow them to be relaxed when you set off. You’ll be able to go with the peace of mind, knowing your pet is content. Finding toys to keep them distracted is also an effective strategy when trying to stave off separation anxiety.
3. Destructive behaviors
Your pet often feels like your best friend, so it’s all the more jarring when you’re not in sync anymore. Sometimes, this leads to chaos. Destructive behaviours, such as furniture chewing, can be attributed to the lack of quality time you’re spending with them.
However, as a working adult, it’s not feasible to drop everything and indulge your pets whenever they want. Your furry friends might not be able to understand this and can create a nuisance when they feel slighted. To prevent this, you’ll want to create games or activities that will divert their attention when you’re away. Sometimes, all they need is a treat, or a food puzzle to keep them from bothering you. With time and patience, you can anticipate their needs and respond accordingly.
4. Medical issues
Being responsible for a living being means that you have to be prepared for any sudden medical emergency they might have. It’s of the utmost importance that you refrain from panicking. Instead, you have to get ready to handle these situations with a steady hand.
To avoid these situations, certain preventative measures should be taken. For example, getting all the required vaccinations and regular veterinary checks can significantly improve their overall health and well-being.
It’s also essential that you get pet insurance to protect yourself and your pets when these issues inevitably crop up. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
Conclusion
While these challenges may seem daunting, any pet caretaker will tell you that the benefits outweigh the potential costs. Having a pet is never going to be an easy endeavour, but it is a worthwhile one. Hopefully, with these tips, you’ll be able to weather any difficulty that comes your way. In the meantime, purchase all your online pet supplies in Singapore from aPetMart, one of the leading pet retailers with every pet essential under the sun. Contact us today to learn more!
