Cons

4. Germs and Bacteria

Pets are going to bring extra germs and bacteria into your bed. Now, you’ll also have to consider that if your pet is inside anyway, those germs and bacteria are already in your home. However, pets that spend any time outside could bring in extra debris and fecal matter. You have to decide if you’re okay with that. For your health, you should also make sure your pet is up to date on vaccinations as well as flea and tick treatments.

5. Allergies

Many people successfully keep pets even though they have allergies. However, prolonged nighttime exposure to allergens can aggravate your symptoms. Breathing problems can reduce the quality of your sleep, leaving you tired the next day. Fur and dander can get attached to almost everything from the bed frame to the curtains. If your allergies get triggered at night, it can make them worse during the day too.

6. Sleep Deprivation

Pets dream and change positions during the night like humans do.  If you’re trying to share a bed with a partner and a pet, you all might end up running into each other far too often. Both you and your pet need sleep for optimal health. Of course, you might be able to come up with a solution to bed sharing problems. Your pet could have a designated space at the foot of the bed or a pet bed kept on the floor. Your pet will still be nearby, but everyone will have their own space.

After you’ve weighed the pros and cons, it’s time to jump in with your decision. You’ll know you’ve made the right choice when you and your pet are both happy and well rested. Whether that’s sharing a bed, bedroom, or staying separate, you can still have a strong bond with your pet.

Some of the different kinds of pet door installation that you can choose depending on your lifestyle are:

1. Electronic/ microchip doggie door for keeping other animals out

Technology has upgraded even classic flap doors. There are pet door installations equipped with electronics or microchips that allow only your pet to enter and exit which prevents critters such as mice, raccoons from entering the house by identifying your dog through the key-collar.

2. Weather-tight pet doors

These kinds of doors stop drafts to prevent air conditioning and heat loss as effectively as a dual pane glass. They are made to withstand extreme heat and insulated enough to prevent cold wind and rain from seeping in.

3. Sturdy pet doors for energetic dogs

These designs are for durability and heavy duty. The frames of the door are usually sturdy aluminum frames, and the flaps are built to withstand damages from continuous use.

Weather

Depending on the amount of snowfall, rainfalls, and the climate of your house location, consider installing a dog door. If you live in snow or rain prone area, there are chances of it getting into your house during the summers or winters. It might be a good option if the door does have moving parts that allow proper insulation during extreme weather to prevent a messy house or to strand the dog outside.

Don’t Forget Your Pup’s Teeth

Caring for your dog’s dental hygiene couldn’t be more important at all stages of your dog’s life but particularly when they get old. Regularly brushing your dog’s teeth and getting them cleaned professional can guard against painful decay and dental disease. It’ll also help to avoid chewing problems that can lead to poor nutrition. If your pet isn’t keen on having his teeth brushed, you should consider toys that are designed for this purpose instead or dental treats which will keep your pet happy while also getting his teeth plaque free.

Make Your Home Suitable For An Older Dog

When you first brought your puppy home, you probably puppy-proofed it. Now your pet is older you’ll need to seniorize it. If your pet has joint problems or hip dysplasia you may need to put in some steps or a ramp so he can get into the car or onto the bed. Keep his water and food in an area that can easily be reached, particularly if they have sight problems. A heated bed could soothe their aching joints, particularly if you’re living in colder regions. Also, non-slip surfaces could protect against falls, helping your elderly dog to keep traction when getting up.

Electronic Wired Fencing

One of the most popular pet containment systems is the electronic fence.  With installation, cables are buried underground and run the edge of the perimeter in any shape, forming an invisible boundary for your pet.  The cables also allow you to exclude areas of the property, to keep your dog away from certain things such as a pool or pond.

A base unit for the system operates electronically and can be placed anywhere on the property, as it has rugged characteristics and does not have to be kept indoors.  The unit uses a digital radio frequency signal to travel along the cable wires and works with your dog’s collar receiver.

Training flags are placed along the boundary to assist in training for your dog.  They are visible cues to let your dog know where the boundaries are.  If the dog goes beyond the boundary, he will receive a corrective stimulation on his collar.  The corrective stimulation is adjustable depending on the size and type of dog you have.

As far as safety for your dog when using this type of containment, it is not one hundred percent secure.  While it may provide a decreased chance of your dog getting out, there is still a chance that your pup can run through and disregard the electronic correction.  Other pests or predators cannot be kept out, which could potentially pose a threat.

Traditional Fencing

Wooden, wrought iron, vinyl, aluminum, and the list goes on.  Many options are available when you are looking at fencing in your yard the traditional way.  While fully fencing in your yard will be a more expensive route than others, it is going to create a little more security in the long run.

Most dogs adapt well to a fenced in yard.  If the fencing is high enough, you will not have to worry about them jumping over.  If digging is an issue, there are products designed to work in conjunction with your fence to prevent digging.  The products are steel rods which run down into the ground, protecting your pup from digging a way out or other pests from digging their way in.

A traditional fence is also going to keep predators such as coyotes, mountain lions, or other wildlife out.  However, in my case, this has not been full proof.  There is a snake that manages to sneak his way into my fenced in backyard.  Fortunately, he is not poisonous, so he gets a free pass.

What Are the Pros and Cons?

As with any surgical procedure, there are health risks to consider. Young puppies who have these procedures are at increased risk for blood loss and infection of the surgical wounds. Futhermore, docked tails can develop nerve damage over time, which can cause pain and affect the dog’s temperment.

Tail docking can cause social issues as well. Dogs use a complex body language for social communication to other dogs. When the tail is docked, the dog may not be able to communicate effectively which may cause unwarrented aggression or fights with other dogs.

The only argument for tail docking is that it can prevent injuries for working dogs. Herding and hunting breeds who are active in their respective fields are prone to broken or sprained tails. However, dogs who are merely used for companionship rarely need to have the procedure done.

As far as ear cropping is concerned, there are more arguments against it than for it. Ear cropping in this modern age is done purely for cosmetic reasons rather than health concerns. The procedure exposes a young puppy with an immature immune system to the risk of infection. Also, there is no evidence that ear cropping reduces the risk of ear infections.