We all love our dogs. We nourish and feed them and in return they give us companionship and love. We make sure they get the best food and take them for veterinary visits on a regular basis, but is your dog getting enough exercise? Sometimes this is the one thing that a lot of pet owners overlook.

Exercise is as essential for dogs as it is for humans. Getting your pooch to exercise for at least thirty to forty minutes at least three times per week will keep joints, bones, and his brain functioning at their peak. Dogs that get enough exercise will be more even-keeled and generally happier.

In case you were wondering, taking your dog out for a potty-walk does not count as exercise. Here are some easy ways to make sure your dog gets enough exercise. Remember that the activity must be aerobic.

• Get a tennis ball, a Frisbee, a chew toy or a stick and play a few games of fetch in your local park.
• If you have a pool, live near a lake or the beach take your dog swimming. Swimming is terrific for toning all major muscle groups.
• Take your dog with you on your daily morning jog.
• Take your dog bicycling. There are products available which allow you to attach a leash to the back of your bicycle. That way you will not have to worry about holding a leash with one hand. This way you can keep both hands on the handlebars.

When your dog receives the right amount of exercise, chances are that it will live a longer, healthier and happier life. However, another these benefits will not only enhance your dog’s life but yours as well.

Pet owners cannot assume all household products are safe for use. Not only are many common cleaners toxic to humans, they are actually more harmful to our pets. Factors like curiosity, higher metabolism and closer proximity contribute to higher exposure for animals. Here is a list of household products and their chemical ingredients to watch out for.

Flea Control and Pet Shampoo Products – Any flea repellent product containing the chemical d’Limonene can be considered harmful to cats, as well as Tea Tree and Pennyroyal essential oils. Many pet shampoos can be found to contain the chemical formaldehyde.

Outdoor Products – Products often used for fertilizing lawns containing 2,4-D herbicide should be avoided as well as the chemical metaldehyde, which is used in many herbicide and insecticide products. De-icing salts containing sodium chloride should also be avoided.

Household cleaners – Many oven, glass and stainless steel cleaners contain ammonia. You can find chlorine in most disinfectants, bathroom cleaners and dishwashing detergents, even laundry detergents. Glycol ethers, also toxic to animals, can be found in glass cleaners, carpet cleaners and spot removal products. Formaldehyde is also used in soaps and cleaners. Using floor cleaning products such as Pine Sol creates toxic exposure from lasting vapors.

Home Furnishings – The chemical formaldehyde can be found throughout the home in some construction materials, laminate flooring, wood paneling and any item made of particleboard, plywood or medium density fiberboard. It can also be found in new fabrics, such as clothing and bedding.

Drain Openers – Although the products is not used on any open surface in the home, the toxic emissions left over after use can be harmful to your pet.

Mothballs – Mothball fumes are toxic to animals and ingestion causes poisoning. The chemicals to look out for are naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene.

The best way to avoid exposing your pet to these chemicals is to use non-toxic alternatives. Always make sure any products mentioned are safely stored. Avoid using products when you animal is in the area and always make sure to ventilate your home post-use.

Just like humans, pets can succumb to depression too. It’s imperative that depression in animals be treated as quickly as possible to ensure the condition does not worsen. Fortunately, there are several tips and tricks you can follow to help your animal stay happy. If you don’t notice any improvement in a depressed pet, it’s highly advised that you visit a professional veterinarian.

Take Your Animal Outside for a Few Minutes Each Day

If your pet is an inside pet, make sure to take him or her outside for a bit each day. From running around the yard to going for walks in the woods, pets love seeing the outdoors. Just make sure to use some type of leash to ensure your furry friend doesn’t run away and never come back.

Provide Nutritious Food

When humans don’t eat right, this can lead to depression. The same applies to animals. Make sure you’re providing your pets with wholesome meals on a daily basis.

Be Friends with Your Pet

Did you know pets can actually improve depression in their owners? They tend to offer unconditional love, and when the two of you form a bond with one another –playing together, sleeping together, running errands together– the two of you will both improve symptoms of depression.

Put Your Pet On Medications

Another way animal depression is similar to human depression is that it can be treated with medication. You’ll need to visit a licensed vet to ensure you’re getting the right type of medicine. Always follow your vet’s directions exactly as they are outlined.