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What To Do When Your Garden Becomes Too Much To Handle

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There are various ways to look after your garden, but as the seasons and temperatures change, it becomes less inviting to spend time outside. While a slightly overgrown garden isn’t a big deal, it will get more challenging the longer you leave it. 

And eventually, you’ll see nothing but a tangle of green outside your kitchen window, so what can you do? It may seem intimidating, but there are solutions when your garden becomes too much to handle, so consider this advice to help you get started and reclaim your green space. 

Learn More About Your Plants 

Reclaiming your overgrown garden begins by learning more about which plants are there. You may know some of them but there could be others that require a different approach. It’s important to separate thriving plants from those that have struggled to grow or have died and rotted in the soil. Removing these can help you clear out your garden and start over once everything is easier to deal with. The more you learn about these plants, the easier it will be to do things differently next time, too. 

Pick Out the Perennials 

Perennial plants are low-stress and often hassle-free plants to care for, which is why many gardeners (especially novice gardeners) prefer to fill much of their garden space with them. However, not all of these plants will have survived, while some may have bloomed too much, which is affecting nearby plants or flowers. If this is the case, you may need to transplant or remove them altogether to give your refreshed garden more chance to thrive. 

Control The Weeds 

Every garden will encounter weeds, but weeds are not as bad as your parents led you to believe. In some garden ecosystems, weeds add a vital element and they can also attract wildlife like bees to encourage a more eco-friendly space. However, some weeds will cause havoc in your garden, so get these under control as soon as possible. It is not enough to use weed killer. You may need to tear the weed from the ground including the roots. 

Remove Pests Safely 

An overgrown garden can become a haven for pests, and the last thing you want to do is destroy their habitat while you clear your garden. However, you also want to enjoy your garden without the risk of infestations or hygiene issues. A solution to this is to work with a qualified pest control company such as SWAT Wildlife which can deal with a range of common garden pests. Not only will this ensure the pests are removed safely, but it also means you don’t need to get your hands as dirty. 

Identify Invasive Plants

Invasive plants can also cause problems for your garden, especially any poisonous plants that can be harmful (and potentially deadly) to your beloved pets. You must take care when approaching these plants, as direct contact with the skin can cause rashes and reactions that may sting and burn for a long time. If you are unsure, speak to a local expert to find out how to remove these plants safely. 

Call In Professional Landscapers 

Landscaping can be challenging. If you’re by yourself, it could take months or years. Once you have cleared out the mess within your garden, you can start to think about what to do next. A professional landscaper will clean up your garden’s image and make it more accessible. They can do as much or as little as you want to depend on your budget, but their professional touch will make things easier to cope with.

Establish a Garden Maintenance Routine 

With such a stressful experience, you are unlikely to want to do this all over again in a year. So, it’s worth establishing a garden maintenance routine. This includes the basics like mowing the lawn and pruning, and you can also enjoy the health benefits of gardening, giving you a fun and easy-to-learn hobby that will keep you busy. Hopefully, your routine is easy to maintain and you won’t wake up to an overgrown garden in several months. 

Too Much

Like many things in life, you need to take care of your garden to get the most out of it, but this isn’t always so simple. If you feel you’ve been a little too lax with your garden and it has gotten away from you, these tips can help you get your garden back to its former glory. Hopefully, it will maintain this glory for as long as possible.  

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Common Dog Phobias and What to Do About Them

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As a dog owner, you probably thought the last thing you needed to worry about in terms of your pet was phobias, but actually, they are pretty common amongst our canine companions and they can make life pretty difficult for the pets who experience them.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the most common dog phobias and how you can help your pet to overcome them.

Fear of strangers

Fear of strangers is a very common phobia in dogs especially rescue dogs who might not have had the best experience with humans. If your dog has a fear of strangers, he may cower or run away from them or he could become aggressive.

How can you help your dog to overcome this particular phobia? Slowly introduce him to new people. Do this in an environment he is comfortable with and take it slow. Praise him for being calm and offer him treats when he reacts in the right way, and although it may take some time, you should ultimately be able to desensitize him.

Fear of sounds

Many dogs will develop phobias to one or more sounds like thunder, fireworks, or even the sound of certain music. If this is a problem for your pooch, then you will want to help him through it. In-home dog training services can be useful to help you with this because they will help you to train your dog to be less reactive to outside conditions and more reactive to your voice. This means you will be better able to soothe, distract, and ultimately desensitize your dog so that sounds do not bother him nearly as much as they once did.

Fear of being left alone

Separation anxiety is hugely common in dogs. So many of our pets hate being apart from us even for a moment, but of course, we often o have to leave them for a period of time to go buy groceries or go to work or whatever it is we need to do.

Separation anxiety can be difficult to deal with, and it can be heartbreaking to see your pet so upset when you have to leave, but there are a few things you can do to help. 

First of all, don’t make a big deal when you leave or when you come home. Leave it a few minutes before you greet him and he won’t get overexcited by the thought of your arrival, nor if you leave without a fuss, will he make it into a much bigger deal than it is.

Next, start leaving him for a few minutes, adding more time to your trips as he gets more comfortable, Eventually, he will be ok.

When a dog has a phobia, you need to treat them with care and kindness, but you also need to work on helping them overcome their irrational fears, whatever they may be. If you cannot do this alone, then talking to a dog behaviorist or a dog trainer, who may be better positioned to help, is likely to be a good idea.

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4 Steps to Your Perfect Garden

When you’re trying to perfect your home, it makes sense to focus on the interior of your home. However, letting your backyard go to waste could be a major mistake. However, achieving the perfect garden is sometimes easier said than done. 

The good news is that, once you’ve gotten most of the hard work out of the way, it’s a matter of keeping your garden maintained to keep it looking nice. Here are 4 steps to help you to achieve the perfect backyard for your needs.

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Achieving a Beautiful Lawn

When many people are designing their backyards, they typically include a stunning lawn. Lawns are popular for a variety of reasons. First, they’re attractive. There’s nothing quite like a healthy green lawn.

Secondly, lawns are practical. You can use a flat plot of grass for anything. Children and animals alike can enjoy the open space as they can run around and play on it. But you can also maintain your lawn quite easily. In many cases, all it takes is a lawnmower to stop it from getting out of control.

If your lawn needs a little bit more care, then you can give it what it needs. Lawn feed and seeds can fill up any gaps that might develop. If your lawn is looking a little dry, then proper lawn irrigation can keep it healthy all year round, with minimal effort.

But you can also maintain your lawn quite easily. In many cases, all it takes is a lawnmower to stop it from getting out of control. Lawn mowing services offer an easy and convenient solution to maintaining a healthy, beautiful lawn. With these services, homeowners have access to professional landscaping and can be sure that their grass will always look its best. Not only is it easier than ever to find top-quality lawn mowing companies, but they also tend to offer competitive prices. In addition, using a service can save time and energy usually spent manually mowing your lawn; this is particularly useful for busy people with limited outdoor space. It’s no wonder that more and more homeowners are turning to professional lawn mowing companies for help – it’s a smart way to boost your home’s curb appeal without all the work!

Soothing Water Features

If you like to relax, then introducing a water feature in your garden is a great way to create a stunning statement piece and an area for you to sit and watch the world go by. Whether it’s a beautiful fountain in the middle of your garden, or a lazy pond or stream, water features are a fantastic addition to any backyard.

If you have small children or pets, however, a water feature can be dangerous. Toddlers can fall into a pond or fountain and quickly get into trouble, and even pets might wander in. Always monitor your children and pets around water features and, if possible, create a barrier to stop any accidents.

Outdoor Structures

Most backyards also include garden sheds or other outside structures for storage or other purposes. This is a great way to use space outside that might otherwise go to waste. However, don’t make the mistake of letting your shed get run down and shabby.

When you install any outside structure, make sure that it matches the rest of your garden and creates a backdrop that you can enjoy. Take care of your outside structure, topping up the paint job whenever possible and weatherproofing it against the rain or wind.

Plants and Flowers

No garden is complete without some fauna, and it’ll look pretty bare if you don’t have any. If you really want to have a perfect garden, it’s worth knowing which plants and flowers you want, and getting to planting. It’ll play much more of a role in how your garden looks than you would’ve thought. While it’ll take a little time and effort, it’ll be more than worth it. Even getting some trees for your garden could be worth considering because of the impact they’ll have.

Furniture and Lighting

Finally, the best way to enjoy this beautiful garden that you’ve created is to make sure that you have somewhere to sit and take it all in. Get some garden chairs and tables so that you can spend time outside and even eat your meals when the weather is fine. Garden lights also allow you to continue to soak in the outside world even when it gets dark.

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Tips For Choosing The Right Pet For Your Family

Bringing home a family pet is a big responsibility, double so if you’ve got kids. After all, a new member of the family can be tricky to settle in when there’s someone wanting to pet and play with all the time! And that’s why it’s so important to choose the right pet for your family. You need to take so many things into account here for the kids’ sake, and bringing home a puppy or a kitten on impulse is right out! 

But don’t let yourself worry too much about the decision; getting a pet should be an exciting and happy time in your life. And we’ve made this post to help you really pin down what pet your family will be able to care for. Here are the points to keep in mind when the kids are constantly badgering you for an animal and you’d love to bring a pet into the mix. 

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Think About Personality Traits First

The personality of the animal you bring home is much more important than the breed or coloring. As such, it’s best to start by thinking about what kind of pet would fit into your home in the best way. Whether you want a big pet like a dog or cat, or you’d prefer a smaller pet like a rabbit or a hamster, it’s all about their character! 

For example, if you want a pet that loves to cuddle and relax, an American Shorthair cat could be the one. Or if you’d like your dog to be friendly and energetic, sourcing your pup from a place like Lucky labs could be the perfect solution. If you’d like a small animal, a Dutch Lop rabbit loves to come and sit on your lap, which is great when there are kids involved! 

All in all, before you lock down on an animal type or breed, look into your lifestyle and into the way different breeds tend to behave. Only then can you start to narrow down your search to certain pets in particular. 

How Often Will Someone Be Around?

This is a huge concern you need to take into account early. The kind of pet you get will very much depend on whether or not you can meet its needs, and an animal like a dog won’t fare well if you’re never home. The same goes for cats, who are usually thought of as simply independent, outdoor animals. They still need you to be there for them, and not just to provide bowls of food! 

Adult dogs can be left alone for up to 6 hours, as a general rule. If they’re a puppy they can’t be alone for more than two hours, and an older dog could fare just fine for up to 6 hours as well. Cats can be alright on their own for around a day if you’ve left food, water, and clean litter for them to use. 

For smaller animals like rabbits and guinea pigs, and even birds, it’s going to be hard to leave them alone for more than 24 hours. If you know you’re going to be away for a weekend or more, it’s best to ask a friend or neighbor to look in and feed them to make sure they’re alright while you’re out. 

Consider Your Budget

The next defining factor in what pet you get is your budget. Bigger animals are going to cost more, in terms of dietary, hygiene, exercise, and insurance needs. Indeed, the average monthly premium for dogs sits at around $50 with cats coming in at nearly $30. If you consider the yearly costs, that’s upwards of $300 either way. 

And then you’ve got to consider food, beds, collars and leads, toys and accessories, and also litter if you want a cat. Pet owners can spend nearly $100 on these items in bulk per month, but if your pet gets sick or changes in some way, that cost is going to vary wildly. All in all, the budget is really where you have to sit down and think hard about what pet you can get. 

Talk to Other Pet Owners

Now it’s time to do a bit of research amongst your nearest and dearest. Talk to other pet owners that you know and ask them how they get on. What did they find challenging when raising their pet? What training routines do their dogs or cats respond to? And what positive experiences have they got out of it? Get a bit of advice from those you trust, rather than combing through message boards online, and you’ll be a lot more confident about bringing any kind of pet home! 

And to top it all off, even certain types of smaller pets can be tricky for the kids to care for. Hamsters are a good example here – they love to sleep during the day, and it’s rare to see them up and about when the sun is out. As such the kids might not see much of their pet when they’re also awake, and that can be hard when you just want to pet and play with the cute creature in your house! 

Even Small Animals Can Be Tricky for Kids

Keep this in mind before you get a small pet; a lot of families invest in them just to keep the kids quiet for the time being! But they’re still animals who need a lot of love and care and children can sometimes get bored if their pet isn’t as present as they are. On the other hand, however, not all rodents are the same. Gerbils, the hamster’s slightly smaller cousin, love to be up and about during the day! 

If you want to bring home a pet for your family, you need to think about your family first! What are you all like? How would a pet fit into your household? Take some time to think about this all together and make a decision that benefits all of you. 

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Why Homes With Kids Should Consider a Pet

Are you considering bringing a pet into your home? Introducing a pet could be a great idea if you’ve got kids!

Pets give a family a distraction from the stresses of day-to-day life and provide a sense of unconditional love. They’re also a great way for kids to learn about responsibility, compassion, and other values that can be difficult to pick up in the classroom.

Whatever your reason for bringing a pet into your family, it’s good to know the pros and cons before deciding what kind of pet best suits you or your family.

How to Choose Which Animals are Right for You and Your Family

There are four main animals that you’ll find at shelters and rescue groups: cats, dogs, rabbits, and guinea pigs.

With cats and dogs, there are many breeds from which to choose. Just make sure you know what kind of care it takes to keep your pet happy. You don’t want to introduce a new pet into the family without knowing how to keep them healthy and happy!

Rabbits are great pets for small children because they’re a fun way for kids to learn responsibility. Just make sure you know the best ways to handle them safely, so your kids don’t get scratched!

Guinea pigs can be a good option if you have younger kids.

Whichever species of pet you’re considering, give the experts at your local Easy Vet clinic a call to get some advice for your particular situation.

Is it Time for Your Family to Start Having Pets?

You may have some background in animal care already, but if you don’t, don’t let that stop you from getting a pet! 

Your local vet clinic can provide free consultations and give you pointers on keeping your pets healthy and happy. Just make sure to follow the safety precautions and get the proper care for your new pet!

Who Should You Ask When You’re Considering Getting a Pet?

If you have children, it’s important to teach them how to be responsible for a pet—and that includes teaching them how to help with daily care and how to handle the animal properly.

Finding a pet is a family decision—make sure everyone gets a say! In fact, doing so also helps keep the peace between siblings who might want different pets.

Here are some questions you should ask your kids when considering whether or not to get a pet:

  • How would you feel about being responsible for taking care of a pet?
  • Do you think we can do everything it takes?
  • Even though we have enough stuff to keep you busy, will you help out with feeding, cleaning, and pet care?
  • Would you be willing to take care of a pet when we’re not here?

Rescue Vs Breeder

There are two options when it comes to adopting a new animal into your home, and both have their pros and cons, but rescue animals always need a happy, healthy home to grow old in.

Friends, are you thinking of welcoming a pet into your family this season at home? Share your thoughts below.

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What types of pet franchises are available in 2021?

adorable golden retriever lying on verdant field
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It is no secret that everyone has a soft spot for pets. Whether you like the cuddly kind that will be by your side for life or if you enjoy collecting rare breeds of birds, reptiles, or fish. If this sounds like you, 2021 could be the year that you turn your love for animals into a profitable business that could replace your full-time job and provide you with the freedom that you’ve always dreamt of.

The pet industry has ample room for growth and huge opportunities for budding entrepreneurs. Each year, more and more people are investing in pet franchises due to their popularity and high demand. Pets are common in every neighborhood, so pet services and products will always be needed!

If you fancy trying your hand at running your business and want to invest in a pet franchise, this article will guide you through exactly what types of pet franchises are available in 2021.

Dog walking franchise

Some of the best franchises in the pet-related sector are dog walking franchises. Dog walking franchises are becoming incredibly popular with busy, career-oriented individuals who may not have time to walk their beloved pooch themselves. Dog walking services will charge to take dogs out for walks, provide them with daycare and deliver them safely back to their owners.

A dog walking business is a great venture to get into if you enjoy being outdoors and want a business that keeps you on your feet! Dog walking jobs are also highly sought after by students and young people, so it won’t be tricky to find staff to work for you!

The minimum investment required to buy a dog walking franchise is fairly low compared to other types of businesses, and full marketing materials, training, and branding will be provided to you when you join!

Pet grooming franchises

Everybody needs a nice pamper every now and then and pets are no different! Pet grooming services are in high demand by owners who want to treat their furry friends to a haircut, spa treatment, or even a nice bath.

Most franchisees will hire professionally trained groomers who will cut, wash and tidy up animals’ fur. Some pet grooming franchises will offer training for all staff members, which will save you time and money trying to train up staff yourself once the business is running.

Pet grooming services can be either mobile or based on a set location. This will affect the minimum investment that you have to pay. Mobile grooming services are always a popular option as some pets feel far safer in their own environment, however, many owners enjoy the experience of heading to a professional pet salon.

Pet sitting franchise

As much as we all love our pets, there are times when they must be left at home whilst their owners go away on holidays or business trips. In these circumstances, pet sitting services are required to provide care for pets when their owners are away.

Some pet sitting services will also be known as kennels, which are like pet hotels and will house different pets for long periods of time. Other services may involve going into a customer’s house to check in on the pet, walk them, feed them and wash them. These services do not look after pets overnight and will instead see the pets for only a short period of time daily.

By investing in a pet sitting franchise, a day’s work will never be the same! One day you might find yourself walking a greyhound and the next you may be cuddling up with a fluffy cat. Think about how great it would be to be paid for playing with animals!

Pet photography franchise

If you have a creative side and would prefer a pet franchise that is less hands-on, you could opt for a pet photography franchise. People around the world love having good photos of their pets to send to friends and family, put onto cards, and post across social media. A pet photography franchise will definitely bring you lots of keen customers and you will get to see a wide variety of very cute pets!

Pet photography franchises come with a pre-established photography brand that you can work under, which is guaranteed to bring you customers who have heard about the franchise via word of mouth. Working under a good brand name will help you to stay competitive in the marketplace and will ensure that your customers maintain brand loyalty.

Although this franchise may not involve caring for pets, the photographers will still be getting close to the animals, entertaining them on set, and ensuring that they are enjoying their photoshoot. If you have a creative side and love animals, this could be the perfect franchise investment for you!

Globally, there are nearly half a billion dogs left as pets and over a quarter of a million cats. Therefore, wherever in the world you wish to open a pet franchise, you should open a franchise with confidence that there is always going to be a demand for pet services.

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What to Expect When You Adopt a Rescue Dog

Adopting a rescue dog is not only a fantastic way to give a dog a new start in life, but it adds a new member to your family. It is the beginning of a great adventure that you and your new best friend will experience together. You should be aware, though, that your new dog is going to feel things a bit differently from you, particularly in the beginning. 

When you first bring your dog home, you will both be going through an adjustment period. You will be learning all about your new responsibility, and your dog will be learning about his or her new home. Depending on your dog’s history, you might also need to be prepared to help your dog in even more ways.

Here are a few things that you should expect when you adopt and rescue a dog and bring him or her home for the first time.

A Nervous Pup

Even if the dog you adopt hasn’t had a particularly traumatic past, spending time in a shelter can make any pup nervous. When your dog’s environment is changed yet again, you might notice that he or she is nervous and jumpy even at the slightest things. You should consider doing a few things to help make the transition a bit easier and promote a calm and comfortable setting.

Start by creating a space that is just for your dog. A comfortable bed away from loud noises and windows that is all their own will give them a place to retreat to when they feel overwhelmed. Do your best to reduce noise and sound as much as possible for the time being too so your dog can get used to the smells and sights of their new home. 

If your dog is particularly restless, you can consider giving him some calming treats to help him relax, especially at night. CBD treats are incredibly safe and effective at aiding nervous dogs when they become overwhelmed. Plus, they will love the taste of hemp doggy bacon.

A Small Appetite

It is common for new dog owners to become nervous when they notice their dog not eating very much. While you want to keep an eye on the situation to make sure no major health issues are developing, you can fully expect your new dog to have a reduced appetite for the first few days that you have him at home.

Just like with humans, stress can cause a dog to not want to eat very much. Stomach pains and bowel issues aren’t uncommon, and they will pass as your dog becomes more relaxed in his new environment. It is essential that you remain calm and don’t force your dog to eat as dogs are susceptible to the feelings of their owners. If you become more stressed out, then your dog will also. 

You should always bring up any significant concerns you have about your dog’s appetite with your vet but be patient with him for the first few days.

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