Author: Pawjourr

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Creator's Academy

5 ways to become a great paw-fluencer

1. Having your own style

Image credit: @nikki.pompom

Every content creator has their own way of doing things. When you’re an influencer, your social media page is your brand – no matter if you’re a human or pawpal! Whether you’re just embarking on your journey in social media, or you’ve already established a good following and online presence, take time to reevaluate what your style is. It could be anything from the types of pictures you post, the tone your captions have or a whole concept that you and your pawpal are going for. Get creative and have fun. The most important thing is finding a style that represents you. Think authentic and real. We love it when creators get genuine and honest – it doesn’t hurt that your pawpal will look cute doing anything!

2. Engage your audience even when no one is looking

Image credit: @kopi.thedog

No one likes one-sided relationships. If your followers leave comments, questions, or even message you just to say hi, reply to them! When you step into the world of influencing, you aren’t doing it for the fame or popularity, you’re doing it to create a community of like-minded people (and pawpals) and form genuine connections. I created my dog’s Instagram a year ago, and I’ve made so many new friends from all walks of life. 

From learning about the best walking routes to sharing common struggles, it’s the community that eventually keeps you going when the going gets tough. Don’t stress about statistics or clinching partnerships with reputable brands, engaging your audience and finding out why they care about the content you create will get you there in due time.

3. Be reliable

Image credit: @goldengirlbellagomes

When you’re working with brands and sponsorships, it’s a major red flag if you aren’t keeping up with communication. Running an Instagram account is no different from running a ‘brand’ of your own – your pawpals! Having a good channel of healthy communication builds a good relationship between you and your sponsors, ensuring that the content creation gets done successfully. 

It also doesn’t reflect well if you ignore briefs or take more than one working day to respond to emails or messages. Let companies know what you and your furry friend are struggling with. Is your pet under the weather? Does he have mixed reactions to the sponsored products? Communicate that. This ensures that the needs of both you and your pet are taken seriously.

4. Sincerity goes a long way

Image credit: @goldengirlbellagomes

Authenticity matters. It shouldn’t matter how many followers you have, how many campaigns you’ve done or how successful you’ve been. Every job matters. Go the extra mile to understand what the company’s vision is for content curation, what exactly they need from your page and how you can best achieve that. Trust me, brands will remember your sincerity and earnest interest in the campaign. In fact, they’ll probably want to work with you again or even recommend you to other brands for different projects.

5. Make everyday moments magical

Image credit: @ziggy.thepomsky

It’s a common misconception that an influencer’s life needs to be luxurious or fashionable. Go with real. I’ve seen many accounts of pets in private planes, eating the best foods and wearing customised fits. You don’t need all of that. Your followers on your page very likely don’t have access to such things and making relatable content goes a long way. A walk in the park? A scuffle in the mud with your dog? A little scratch on your arm from your kitten? Share it! Chances are, everyone will love it.

Being a pawfluencer isn’t meant to be stressful or challenging. It’s about having fun with your furkid and creating a community where you can be yourself!  Pawjourr exists to help you and your furkid have the best time creating content you both love. From taking your pick of the jobs (you never need to take on something you don’t like), to getting help throughout the whole process – it’s as easy as getting your dog to come over when you have food in your hands. Plus, it’s extra sweet when all compensation from every job is yours to keep. All we ask for is that you have fun and stay true to what you’re creating. Do all that and you’re already the best kind of pawfluencer you can be.

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Uncategorized

Does Your Dog Like to Shred Toys? Here are the Right Kind of Toys You Should Get

Is your dog an aggressive chewer who goes through one toy after another without sparing a single one? Well, this is a common trait in most dogs, as they like to put their toys in their mouths and chew on them. Especially with a teething puppy at home, it is nothing uncommon. You may wish to buy indestructible toys for the dog, but it is tough to figure out the toys that would last. You also need to ensure that the toy actually keeps the dog engaged. You have come to the right place, as we have all the details listed below.

1. Dog Puzzle Teething Toys:

These are other types of teething toys that prevent the formation of tartar and also help the teething puppy to get relief. These are made of non-toxic rubber that is puncture resistant. These toys are designed such that you can stuff them with treats for the dog to slowly feed on. This keeps the dog busy for a long time and makes them tired as they increase brain activity. A few products like Kongs offer different rubber quality depending on the chewing issue of your dog. They have a puppy version too, which is easier to chew on for smaller dogs. If you have a puppy at home or plan to get one from one of the puppy breeders, do not get one of these toys to keep the young puppy busy and make it tired.

2. Bone Toys:

This is quite popular with dogs as they are obsessed with bones. Real bones can be hazardous for the dog as the splinters can puncture their esophagus and cause severe damage, so sticking to a bone toy is a much safer alternative. Especially a few bone toys have some flavor to them, which makes it really interesting for the dog to chew and engage them. These are simple chew toys that can withstand aggressive chewing. The design is curvy from the edges, which can be easily gripped by the paw. These toys further help strengthen the dog’s teeth and are safe for heavy-duty jaws.

3. Rubber Chew Toys:

When we talk about rubber toys, we mean the ones made with high-quality rubber that is used in aircraft and spaceships. These come in multiple sizes and shapes with different levels of durability. You should choose one based on the level of chewer your dog is. These toys work well for dogs who like to shred. They come in cute animal shapes too, though the dog only cares about chewing the toy.

4. Squeaker Plush Toys:

These are soft toys for dogs that are more durable than the usual ones. A few come with a stuffed rope that is suitable for the dog to play with; others are simple plush toys with a squeaker that makes a sound when pressed. Dogs are enticed by the sound of the squeak, maybe because it is close to the duck and love to play with one. Getting a durable plush toy for dogs can be a challenge; hence a few trial and error to needed to fire to what stays.

5. Chase and Fetch Toys:

These toys are pretty popular with dogs as they love to fetch. This is suitable for dogs’ mental stimulation and also offers them a good amount of physical workouts. This type of toy is not meant to be chewed, as the dog’s interaction with the toy is just to catch it and bring it back to you. This may be a simple tennis ball or a rubber ball. You can also get a frisbee for the dog to fetch. These toys may not be as durable as the chew toy, solely because this toy’s purpose is different.

6. Rope Toys:

This is a simple toy that is helpful for you to interact with the dog. As the name suggests, these are made of rope and purely meant to play tug-of-war with the dog. The dog may try to destroy the toy, but mainly you will find your dog holding the rope in their mouth and requesting you to play along. Do not forget to lose at times to enhance your dog’s self-confidence.

7. Interactive Toys:

These toys are the by-products of pet technology. These toys are battery-operated and need to be connected to the home network. There is usually an app that helps control the toy. These toys can be remotely operated; hence, no physical interaction of yours is needed. The toy interacts directly with the dog and keeps it absolutely engaged. This means you can leave the dog home alone and not worry for a while, as your dog has a friend to play with now. 

Things to Consider While Getting a Toy for the Dog:

When shopping for toys for your dog, you should always consider the age and size of the dog. Bigger dogs have more chew strength and can easily destroy a toy as compared to smaller dogs. Hence, you need to buy toys appropriate for the dog’s size. A small toy for a large dog can be a choking hazard and also will get destroyed sooner. On the other hand, a larger toy for a small dog might seem tough for the dog to play with, and eventually, they may not show much interest.

Another parameter to consider is the durability of the toy. Usually, the tag you find on a toy mentions if it is suitable for aggressive it moderate chewer. If your dog is an aggressive chewer, get more durable toys that are specifically designed for aggressive chewers.

The Bottom Line:

Toys are meant to be used, and as dogs do not use their paws to play but their mouths, there is a high possibility that toys may get destroyed, which is ok at times. Be sure to offer your dog enough exercise, so they do not get destructive around their toys. A few simple changes can help curb the habit, and your dog will enjoy playing with its favorite toys longer.

Photo by Josh Sorenson

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Brand Highlights

Pawjourr Reviews: Proteger Nature Enzyme Toothpaste

This article was brought to you by Pet Lovers Centre.

There’s nothing more telling of poor grooming than bad oral hygiene. It rings true for humans, and even more so for your pawpals. Keeping your pets’ chompers clean and healthy ensures they have the strength to live freely and eat the food they want. With that in mind, good pawrenting means taking care of teeth and gums on the regular to prevent bacterial build-ups — which is exactly what Proteger Nature Enzyme Toothpaste brings to the table.

Proteger Technology 

To give your pets the best in oral protection, Proteger’s toothpaste is made with five naturally-occurring enzymes/protein: Amylase, Glucose Oxidase, Lactoperoxidase, Lysozyme, and Lactoferrin. These ingredients in unison provide an anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory defense that can combat tooth decay.

Proteger Nature Enzyme Toothpaste also employs Pearl Powder, which contains all the vital amino acids needed to maintain a healthy furbody:

  • Helps to repair enamel in teeth
  • Rich in essential amino acids

Made for cats & dogs

“We’ve always been on the lookout for a good brand of toothpaste that Theodore would like, and we might have found it in Proteger! ? He likes the smell and seems to enjoy it when we brush his teeth during recording. ?” – Theodore_the_japanesespitz

Proteger’s highly effective formula is also non-rinse and food-grade (not to mention chicken flavoured!), so it can double as a nutritious paste for your furbaby to consume. Unlike most toothpaste for hoomans, the Nature Enzyme Toothpaste is made free of substances like Xylitol, Fluorite, Triclosan, and Tea Tree Oil that would be extremely harmful to dogs and cats.

Usage Guidelines

Why should I brush my pets’ teeth?

Proteger puts your pets’ hygiene at the center of their innovative strategies when it comes to making dental care easier for pet owners to carry out. If left unaddressed, poor dental hygiene will cause a plethora of problems, including:

  • Gum inflammation
  • Organ disease 
  • Weight and appetite loss

How often should I brush my pets’ teeth?

The best way to protect your pets’ dental health is to brush their teeth once a day or at least three times a week to remove plaque and prevent tartar from accumulating. Just apply the toothpaste onto the teeth and gums and massage it gently. If you have a feline pawpal, you can also consider just putting the toothpaste onto their paw for them to lick off!

Where can I buy Proteger Nature Enzyme Toothpaste?

Adopt the good habit of brushing your furbabies’ teeth regularly and purchase your first tube of Proteger Nature Enzyme Toothpaste from any Pet Lovers Centre outlet store. Visit Pet Lovers Centre to find a store near you, or make your purchase from their online store!

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Community Stories

Aon’s Happy Tales: Dashdashingdachshund

There’s a common saying that our pets are caricatures of our character and personality. A stay-home hermit will have a low-energy furbaby who keeps them company, and a high-functioning socialite will have a pawpal who can match their energy. So what happens when you have an outdoorsy hooman who loves swimming, long walks, and a little bit of sun? Eleanor, graphic designer and pawmom, has a furry-footed answer in the form of a Dachshund named Dash.

A friend for the hard times

Eleanor’s transition to pet ownership was by no means easy. 

Despite wanting a dog at 17 years old, Eleanor was well aware that she could not afford to maintain a pet as a student. Her father was also allergic to pet fur, which was another setback for her, but that did not stop her from making preparations regardless. “After graduating, I got myself a full-time job walking dogs,” Eleanor said. “Thanks to that, I learnt to handle all kinds of dogs and even do obedience training with the ones I am in charge of!” 

Eleanor then switched from full-time dog-walking to simply volunteering at a dog rescue, when she found a new job in the office. But as work took a change of pace and commitment became difficult, she stopped volunteering altogether.

A few years after, Eleanor’s father passed. Then came the pandemic.

To cope with their loss and the anxiety from the pandemic, Eleanor and her mother felt it was time to introduce a furbaby into their family. The two went store to store looking for a puppy that the two could agree on. Their search led Eleanor to an adorable Dachshund pupper.

“It was an instant decision when I saw him interacting with his two sisters,” she said. “His sisters were barking non-stop, but Dash just quietly initiated play. He’s gentle, sticks closely to me, and is definitely the one I was looking for.” 

Knight and Shining Pupper

Dash sees all strangers as friends-to-be and approaches them as such. With dogs, he always puts his best paw forward. With humans, he asks for head rubs and belly rubs. More than anything, the Dachshund just wants to play all day. 

The doggo is a big fan of walking. “His daily routine includes hour-long walks in the neighbourhood park, playing with his best friends in the evening and chasing them around snatching sticks from them.”

“Every week, Dash gets to visit a fun place at least once. It could be dog runs, swimming at the beach, dog cafes, or just walking around Singapore’s tourist attractions. He enjoys it, and so do I.”

“One can never be too prepared”

Eleanor knows that a doggo as active as Dash runs a high risk of injury from all his running, jumping, and climbing. Her house has since been fitted with cushioned carpets and ramps to make Dash’s home environment that much safer. But one can never be too prepared, so she covered him with pet insurance. 

“I purchased Aon Happy Tails on the same day I got Dash because I knew that Dachshunds run a higher risk of inherited diseases,” Eleanor said. “Hip and spinal injuries are also highly probable, and treatment would otherwise be very expensive.” Dachshunds are predisposed to suffer from Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD). IVDD causes a dog’s vertebrae and discs to become brittle, running a risk of nerve damage or spinal damage similar to humans.

“Obviously, I would never hope to use these claims — I have tried very hard to stop Dash from jumping off of stairs or higher ground, but he does have a tendency to forget his training whenever his excitement gets the better of him.”

When asked about her thoughts on pet insurance as mandatory, Eleanor was quick to support the notion. “I’ve been recommending Aon Happy Tails to many Dachshund owners. Specifically, because it will help to cover the otherwise costly bill for surgeries related to spinal and hip injuries — both of which are common to the Dachshund breed.”

*Bonus Question*

Say Dash could speak hooman for 7 days. What would you say to him for that week?

“Dash speaking? If anything, he will be asking me for treats all the time and head out to find his friends! I guess I will get headaches because he is not going to stop demanding it.

Although, I would love to talk to him and negotiate terms with him ?. It will save me a lot of time on training and correcting him!”

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Community Stories

Aon’s Happy Tales: Lola.thegoldenshowgirl

This article was brought to you by Aon Happy Tails.

Holding the title for the most friendly dog breed, Golden Retrievers are as wholesome as they come. The breed is synonymous with being happy and easygoing and will want nothing more than for you to be happy. Such an embodiment of sunshine and rainbows is an absolutely accurate way to describe Lola, the durian-loving doggo to pawmon Daphne.

Lola is a good-natured cinnamon roll, friendly to humans and doggos alike. Despite being in doggy daycare since she was 14 weeks old, the Golden Retriever is rather unaware of her own size when playing with dogs and people alike. 

A smile worth protecting

Lola and Daphne

Lola’s golden rays had been shining for as long as Daphne could remember. “By chance, Lola was one of two remaining puppies in her litter of nine,” she said. “We picked Lola because she was the more playful of the pair and approached us. It was an easy choice after that.” The litter would still meet from time to time, thanks to Daphne and the other pawrents exchanging contacts and keeping in touch with each other. Because of that, Lola’s bond with her pack is even stronger than most — the litter even gathered to celebrate their first birthday!

Energetic and playful

As one would expect, Lola is incredibly high-spirited and active; possessing energy rivalling a dynamo. “She will play and completely forget that you can (and might) tip over if a 30kg doggo gets too excited and jumps at you!” Daphne mentioned that Lola is obsessed with tennis balls and swimming, so the pawfamily would go for regular swims (Sentosa Beach is where her heart lies). “Lola is also just happy being at any big field,” Daphne said. “There, she can run freely and chase after her tennis balls.”

Lola having the time of her life at Sentosa

Past experiences, present worries

“From past experiences, pet insurance is something that I know we should have.” Daphne’s previous Golden Retriever had passed due to Advanced Nasal Cancer. The harrowing experience had left the pawmom worried the same might happen to Lola.

Among dog breeds, Golden Retrievers, unfortunately, have the highest rate of cancer — slightly less than double the rate of cancer in all dogs. The estimate for that is one in three, according to the Golden Retriever Club. 

Daphne believes that pet insurance is mandatory for all pet owners to have peace of mind. After all, insurance exists to protect us from unforeseen circumstances. She recounted an incident when Lola was 15 months old, whereby the doggo accidentally swallowed an antler chew that she had been playing with. “We brought her to the vet for an X-ray and they performed an endoscopy on her to fish out the chew bone,” she said. “Thankfully, the majority of the cost of surgery was covered by insurance, so did not have to pay as much in the end!”

*Bonus Question*

Say Lola could speak hooman for 7 days. What would you say to her for that week?

“We would tell her to stop snatching someone else’s toys at the dog pool or beach. It’s embarrassing! We would remind her of her size and to give others their personal space. Most importantly, we want Lola to know that she brings lots of joy to everyone around her and we love her so very much. 

We always hope to be able to bring her along for a long holiday trip. Probably Canada during Autumn/Winter so she can experience a different and cooler climate because we think she’s gonna love the weather. It will be an adventure too, having her tag along on our travels and explore a whole new world for herself.”

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Community Stories

Aon’s Happy Tales: Littlenutcass

One’s life is the sum of all their choices. It is rarely what your circumstances are that matter, but rather how you rise above them that do. Will you let your conditions define you? Cassiopeia, a two-year-old corgi decides to blaze her own trail. With her pawmom Keen, the duo overcome hip dysplasia with peace of mind and explore Singapore’s many nature trails.

When Keen first met Cassiopeia in 2020, she mistook the doggo for a purebred Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Although Cassie did look like a corgi, and act like a corgi, so there was little room for doubt anyway. Imagine the shock, when it was revealed in a DNA test that Cassie was actually part Russell Terrier! “Nevertheless, I wouldn’t trade her for the world!”

Instant energy at the flip of a switch

Cassie’s spontaneity shines in how ready she is to match a mood. The pooch is content with just taking full-day naps or playing fetch at home. But when the pawfamily brings her out, she is raring for an adventure. Keen takes Cassie out every weekend for all sorts of activities, and lets Cassie run alongside her when she’s on her kickscooter. Cassie is also a natural water doggo, and enjoys swimming with her pawrents while out on their woodland adventures.

Funnily enough, Cassie startles easily and lends herself to peer pressure. “She loves humans but is very selective when it comes to other doggos. She has a fear of missing out (FOMO),” Keen said.  “Even though she may be cheeky, and uses her smarts for mischief… Though she gets weird about sudden noises, and thus hates our air fryer.”

The thing about small dog breeds

“My biggest fear is, one day, something will suddenly happen that will take Cassie away from me.”

Keen was sorely aware of the health risks that would lay dormant in small dog breeds like corgis. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi is prone to Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) and Hip Dysplasia, the latter being exceptionally common among poorly-bred corgis. “We took her for an X-ray when she was 11 months old and sure enough, her hip socket is shallower than it should be.

Canine Hip Dysplasia is a condition that results in a loose fit of the hip joints, causing hip pain and limb dysfunction. There is no cure for it, but dogs can take measures to delay its symptoms, such as maintaining a healthy diet and a regular exercise routine.

The only thing they can do, Keen says,  is to make sure that Cass is fed right and take as many preventative measures as possible, all so that she lives her best life every day.”

“It was never a question to get it too.”

Keen wasted no time in finding Cassie an insurance plan. “It’s never a question for us humans to get insured. Considering vet fees are also very expensive, it only makes sense to get insurance for Cassie as well.” They are now insured with Aon Happy Tails, which provides coverage for congenital conditions like Hip Dysplasia and IVDD (with no pre-existing conditions). This way Keen is able to have peace of mind knowing that she will be able to tide through any rainy day expenses, such as surgery.

“I think a lot of people don’t realise that getting a pet costs much more than just the initial price tag,” Keen says. Other than its coverage, pet owners also need to consider the affordability in proportion to the coverage offered. “Personally, I’d rather pay the premiums once a year, than be suddenly hit with a ginormous vet fee with nothing to offset the cost.”

Check out Cassiopeia’s shenanigans on her Instagram, @littlenutcass.

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Creator's Academy

How to Prepare Your Pet for the Influencer Life

Your furry friend might have star quality, but making it big as a pet influencer is tougher than it may seem! While the leading pet influencers have massive followings –– 2 million Instagram followers for a husky mix named Loki and 1.9 million for Marnie the 17-year-old Shih Tau, according to Influencive –– it takes more than good looks and a cute groom to get to that point. Indeed, just as human influencers work hard to build brands, create content, and attract followers, it’s hard work to establish a star pet on social.

But if you want your pet to break out on social media, here’s how you can prepare them:

Train your pet to do basic poses and tricks

Just like the pets mentioned above, your furry loved one needs to be entertaining and engaging to shine on social media. Apart from being able to show off a few good poses (which is often as much about staging as anything else), they should ideally be able to pull off some tricks for their social followers.

While there are many ways to go about teaching tricks, The Spruce Pets recommends dog obedience programs to set the foundation for your furry friend. This teaches them how to follow basic commands, while also setting them up for more advanced training –– like learning on-command poses and tricks. You can also integrate games and treats into your training program, so that your pet can have fun while learning some moves. And remember, most pets thrive on the intellectual and social stimulation of training, anyway!

Keep your furry friend in the best shape

It’s not easy to live the influencer life! You may find that you need to uphold a regular schedule to keep the updates coming for followers, and it’s even conceivable that your pet will secure some more formal work for brand partners. Amidst everything that may be going on with a pet influencer though, it’s still your duty to protect their health and wellbeing.

This mostly means helping them maintain a proper diet and having regular check-ups. However, there are also unexpected issues that can arise with any pet, which is why advance protection (in the form of insurance) is a good idea as well. Sound Dollar notes that pet insurance can cover things like accidents or illnesses, as well as surgery costs and certain medications. Of course, the hope is that you never have to rely on any of this, but having insurance in place will ensure that your pet gets the best possible care if something ever comes up. Most importantly, this will keep them healthy and safe! But it will also help them meet influencer demands as regularly as possible (and uphold any agreements with those brand partners!).

Help your pet get used to the camera

Yes, pets can also become camera shy! Our previous article “Lights, Cameowra!” shared the story of petfluencer Kyubi, whose attention lasted for only two to three minutes during their first few photoshoots. But since Kyubi’s owner, Jane, is a skilled photographer, she knew that it was essential to be patient with Kyubi, and let her get used to the camera in time.

On top of that, Jane conveyed that you have to reward your pets with a good treat for behaving during photoshoots. With a bit of patience and positive reinforcement, you can help your pet become a natural in front of the camera –– and they’ll be a better influencer for it!

Recognize and respect their limitations

Although your pet may be willing to do a few poses and tricks, it’s still important for you to recognize and respect any limitations they might have.

Aurélie Four, the owner of pet influencer Marcel, warned in a piece at Medium that pet owners shouldn’t try too hard to get their furry friends famous. She says that Marcel and all pets tell the truth in their eyes, which is why it’s important to know what’s okay for your pet and when to stop. While plenty of pets enjoy things like training, new activities, and being the center of attention, others may have less patience for (or interest in) the process.

It takes a lot of work for you to train a pet influencer, so to speak. More than teaching your pet how to pose in front of a camera, you have to build a healthy and happy relationship with them so you can make the most of your time together. If it all works out though, you’ll have a blast watching your furry best friend becoming a minor celebrity online!

Cover image by Karsten Winegeart on Unsplash

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Community Stories

How to Safely Have Plants and Pets

This article was written by Cady Cohen from SiegeMedia.

As a pet owner, you want to keep your furry friends safe, especially at home, whether that is by storing household chemicals or making sure your indoor plant life isn’t harmful. No matter how gorgeous and green they look, not all plants can coexist well with your pets. That doesn’t mean you have to pick one over the other; you just have to educate yourself on pet-friendly plants.

A poisonous plant contains toxins that can harm your pet if touched or ingested. If a sufficient amount is ingested, the results can be fatal. For example, lilies and aloes are two poisonous plants you do not want to have in your home for your pets to come into contact with. 

If you still want to have some greenery in your home but don’t know where to stay, start here with these pet-safe plants.

1. Spider Plant

While the name may seem a bit toxic, this is one of the best pet-friendly plants. Spider plants also a great option if you are a beginner when it comes to greenery. These plants thrive alone in dark areas without the need for any sunlight. Spider plants can even be hung high if you are nervous about your pet messing with the leaves.

Image by @live.healthy.outdoors on Instagram

2. Goldfish Plant

This plant gets its name from the red and orange flowers that create an illusion of jumping goldfish. If your cat or dog mistakes this plant for a real goldfish, there is no need to worry since it is non-toxic to them. This plant does best indoors and can last up to a decade.

Image by @sunday.plant.check on Instagram

3. Money Tree

Unlike its name, the money tree doesn’t actually have to do anything with actual money. However, it is a jackpot for those looking for non-toxic plants to have in their home. While it is one of the less harmful plants for your pets, be sure they are not nibbling on the leaves to avoid an upset stomach. This plant does require routine maintenance. Water the tree frequently, especially when the top layer appears dry, which means the plant needs hydration. But avoid overwatering it so the plant isn’t sitting in a puddle. It will then start to rot.

Image by @viveromobile on Instagram

4. Orchid

Add some color to your pet-friendly plant collection with beautiful orchids. This plant will also need more TLC than the previous plants mentioned. Orchids thrive best in partial lighting in an environment that is warm and humid. If cared for properly, your orchids will blossom and last for months.

Plant Safety Tips

Having plants in your home is a great way to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve memory and concentration. You just have to do some research before bringing them home to know which plants can coexist with your pets. If you are still nervous about your pets messing with your greenery, put them on shelves or hang them where your pets will not be able to reach them.

If your pet does at any point come in contact with an unfamiliar substance or ingests something toxic, bathe them and seek treatment immediately.

For more information on how pets and plants can coexist, check out the infographic below.

Image from lemonade.com

Cover photo by Chewy on Unsplash

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Brand Highlights

EmBARK on a majestic dog cruise aboard the Royal Albatross with Olliewoof_Sheltie

The Royal Albatross is Asia’s only Luxury Tall Ship — meaning that has been fitted to look like a traditional ocean-going vessel (like the ones you’ve seen in pirate movies). This modern superyacht boasts four masts with 22 sails, making it look like it came straight out of the 15th Century.

Image from Royal Albatross‘ official website

The Royal Albatross also hosts a leisurely day trip around The Singapore Straits, coupled with a romantic three to six-course meal service for both you and your furbaby; better known as a Dog Cruise. After winning our last giveaway, Shetland Sheepdog @Olliewoof and passionate dog mom Sandra Vincent boarded the majestic ship for their grand voyage around the straits. 

Q: Have you been on any cruises with Ollie before?

Sandra: When I told my friends I was going on a dog cruise, they looked absolutely surprised. “A cruise dedicated to dogs? Is there such a thing? What kind of ship is it? Is there a casino on board?” Those were the questions I received in return.

The Royal Albatross is famous for being booked for several corporate and personal occasions. In fact, it is also the world’s first dedicated dog cruise onboard a luxury tall ship! I was beyond excited to go for it and so a date that was during the March term break just seemed perfect!

Q: What preparations did you make for Ollie before going aboard the DogCruise? 

Sandra: While awaiting the date of the cruise, like most dog mums I was guilty of searching for the perfect bandana or bowtie for Ollie. I knew he did not like hats, so all the cute ship captain ones were rejected. 

In the end, I decided he looked best in his barkday suit, all-natural, fluffy and majestic.

Q: What was the boarding process like? Were there any difficulties?

Sandra: On the day of the cruise, the weather app said it might rain that afternoon so I was keeping my fingers crossed. Good news — glorious sunlight bathed the sky!

The check-in process was smooth, very organised and efficient, which was something I really appreciated. The walk up the gangway was also in batches so you can take lovely videos and pictures while moving.

Seats are on a first-come-first-served basis and honestly, I did not know what to expect or where is ideal. I know it’s really popular to sit at the front, but I also knew I wanted a bench for Ollie to sit comfortably in. Thus, I chose a seat in the middle with a view of the sea. Ollie was mighty pleased with his seat as you can tell in the way he was soaking in all the wind and chill vibes of the ship.

Q: How were the service and crew of The Royal Albatross?

The service of the crew was great. They were attentive and quick and the timing for the food for the doggos and humans was just right. It was just so relaxing to see the sunset and hear the sound of the waves on the hull while slowly dining with your loved ones.

And I must say, the toilet was so well-maintained and clean too! I was trying not to drink too much as I’ve had bad experiences in the toilet of ships before, so I’m so glad it wasn’t like that at all!

Overall, it was a lovely dining experience with our darling Ollie and that’s got to be the best part of it all! Would I book this again? Definitely! It’s a perfect place to celebrate an event or just to cruise over dinner!

To make the experience onboard much more exceptional, The Royal Albatross has partnered with PetCubes to provide your pawpal with a balanced, nutritious, 3-course gourmet dinner, as well as TwiceYoung for delectable ice cream that both you and your pawpal can enjoy! 

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How To Choose The Right Dog Breed For Your Family

Many different breeds of dogs on the grass

Dogs are man’s best friend and part of the family. If you’re a pet owner and thinking about adopting a new dog but don’t know what dog breed to get, this article is for you.  

It’s crucial that you carefully choose the right fur baby, especially if you live with your family, as not everyone might appreciate the dog breed. 

Also, you need to be sure about getting a dog. Don’t discard them when you get bored. Dogs are not toys that you can just toss around. They have feelings like human beings. 

Continue reading for factors to consider in choosing a dog.

Size Matters   

Before getting a dog, you should consider how much space you have in your home or apartment. Size is a significant factor that you and your family need to consider before selecting any breed. 

If you have a spacious house with a backyard, you can go for medium or large dog breeds. It should give your fur baby enough space to play, roam around, and poop in the backyard. 

On the other hand, a small dog breed is suitable if you live in an apartment or a condo unit. These rarely need to go outdoors. Keep in mind that although tiny dogs don’t require a lot of room, most of them are prone to accidents around the house. Perhaps they’re too little, and you didn’t notice that you’re already stepping on their tail or paw.   

Large canines may also cause damage to your furniture. They’re not ideal for tiny homes because being confined to a tight space doesn’t give them enough room to release their pent-up energy, making them prone to behavioral problems.  

Here are examples of dog breeds in different sizes: 

  • Small-Sized Dogs: Bichon Frise, Dachshund, Maltese, Pomeranian, and Pug. 
  • Medium-Sized Dogs: American Foxhound, Bulldog, Chow Chow, Dalmatian, and English Springer Spaniel 
  • Large-Sized Dogs: Akita, Doberman Pinscher, Great Dane, Mastiff, and Siberian Husky. 

Grooming Needs

Every dog needs to be groomed. It’s advisable to start getting your puppy groomed when they’re around 10 weeks old. Some dog breeds require a little more based on their coat type. If you have hairy dogs, you’ll need to groom them regularly.

Furthermore, most short-haired and smooth-coated dogs shed a lot. Hence, you’ll have to vacuum or sweep the floor and other parts of the house frequently.  

Additionally, some breeds are more susceptible to diseases than others. And dogs with floppy ears are prone to ear infections and require regular ear cleaning.

Life Stages 

The dog’s personality evolves with every life stage: puppy, adolescent, adult, and senior.  

During the first six months, puppies require a lot of training and attention. Hence, they’re best for families that can devote more time and patience. The entire process won’t be easy, and there will be a lot of damaged furniture and other items in the house. 

But on the bright side, they’ll eventually mature as they age. It’s like watching a kid grow up right before your very eyes. 

Now, adult dogs are already house-trained and a lot calmer than puppies. Additionally, you know what to expect with older dogs, and you’re familiar with their medical history.

Fits Your Lifestyle 

Look for a dog that matches your stamina. If your family lives an active lifestyle, high-spirited dogs are suitable. They will complement your energy, and you can do many outdoor activities together.  

But if you’re more of a laid-back household and prefer taking strolls around the block or park, go for low-energy dogs.  

If you randomly choose a dog, you may get frustrated or bored. 

Here are several dog breeds classified according to energy level: 

  • Active Dogs: Border Collie, Jack Russell Terrier, Weimaraner, Belgian Malinois, and Boxer. 
  • Couch Potatoes: Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Saint Bernard, Basset Hound, Pekingese, or a Neapolitan Mastiff. 

Distinguishing Traits  

Dogs have distinct characteristics. Thus, choosing the right breed suitable for the entire family is crucial.  

If you’re sensitive to animal fur, consider hypoallergenic breeds such as Affenpinscher, Bolognese, Chinese Crested, Löwchen, and Yorkshire Terrier.  

Families with infants or small children should get kid-friendly dogs like Bernese Mountain Dog, Golden Retriever, Beagle, Poodle, and Cocker Spaniel.  

If you live in an apartment with elderly neighbors, select from dog breeds that fit a quiet neighborhood, such as French Bulldog, Australian Cattle Dog, Shar-Pei, Greyhound, Shiba Inu, and Shih Tzu. 

Suppose you need guard dogs to watch over your house and the entire property. In that case, it’s ideal to get three from the following dog breeds: Appenzeller Sennenhunde, Bullmastiff, Cane Corso, German Shepherd, or Rottweiler can help secure your home.

Conclusion

Choosing the best dog breed for you and your family can make all the difference. You’re not only adding a new member to the family but also giving the dog a home. 

Many dogs have been abandoned, ending up in shelters. By adopting one or two, you’re giving them a chance at a better life.  Buying a dog will do just as well, but be sure to take good care of them.