GR8TR Today Magazine

Living a GR8TR Life Every Day

House & Home

Metal Roof Trend – Is It For You?

Updating a home can be an exciting, but stressful project for any property owner. There are countless decisions to be made that go beyond the color of a room or style of kitchen cabinets. If your biggest concern is replacing an old roof, consider the benefits of a metal roof when making your final decision.

  • Metal roofs areknown to withstand years of wear and tear and are lightweight compared to the traditional asphalt roofing.
  • They have a typical lifespan of 30-60 years and depending on the type of metal roof you choose, it can require minimal maintenance during that time.
  • Metal roofs can withstand 140 mph winds and can have minimal snow accumulation during the winter months as metal panels are patterned to be snow resistant and to have a firm, slippery surface.
  • Warranty – Some metal roofs can have up to a 45-year limited warranty.
  • Metal roofs reflect sunlight, keeping the inside of your home about 20% cooler. If you’re looking to cut utility costs, consider installing metal roofing with solar panels. Tesla recently released solar panel roofing that looks like typical tiles but has solar cells embedded throughout the material.
  • Metal roofs are trendy now. Colorful trendy metal roofs will make your home stand out from the neighbors and will give your property a fresh, new look. Consider the color of your home before choosing a bold look for the roof. Remember you will have the roof for many years before you will have to replace it, choose something bold and trendy now might not be what you like later on.

Now, you know the many benefits of having a metal roof. Here then, we will give you some of the drawbacks as well.

  • Cost– When considering buying a metal roof or replacing the one you have now, ask yourself whether the cost of a metal roof is worth it.  Metal roofs can in some instances cost you double compared to the traditional asphalt shingles.  If this is a starter home and you are planning on selling it in a few years, buying a metal roof might not be a financially responsible decision.
  • Noise – Another important factor to consider when installing a metal roof is the level of noise it will bring into your home. There is no reason why your home cannot be as quiet with a metal roof as with an asphalt roof. Consider insulation, fastening your roof, or a roof underlayment that will help keep the noise to a minimum. Also, consider an impact-resistant material when choosing the type of roof you like.

Now that you know the many benefits, cost and noise associated with metal roofing, your decision now is simple.  You have to choose the type of metal roof you want.

There are four basic types of metal roofing to choose from when deciding which one is the best alternative for you.

  • The most common type is the standard seam, which are panels covering the roof and is fastened between the panels.
  • Metal slates are a great option for those who love the look of singles or tile roofing, as they are designed similarly.
  • Metal tile is a great replacement for concrete because they’re easier to handle and aren’t as easy to damage.
  • Wooden shake roofs are desired by many people because of their rustic appeal, but the metal shake is a great alternative, with an authentic look that has the benefits of a steel roof.

Metal roofing offers plenty of options for the pickiest homeowners and even have room to brand out from the norm. No matter the style of roofing you choose, be sure to hire competent contractors who will help bring your vision to light.

Fire Prevention In Your Home

According to The United States Fire Administration (FEMA) “Fire is everyone’s fight’, and it should be especially important as homeowners and head of households to comply with fire safety standards and make safety around the home a priority.

The National Fire Protection Association’s reports about fire and its consequences are alarming.  According to their information, between the year 2012-2016, there were an approximate 355,400 home fires, 11,670 civilian injuries, 2560 civilian deaths and $6.5 billion in damages due to these fires.

Home fire prevention can be very simple. The worry of being the victim of a fire in your home is always present, but it’s not too worrisome. As a consequence, we grow careless and let things that are dangerous creep into our lives. Preventing a fire is about being diligent about safety precautions, but more importantly, it can save the lives of your family, your pets and your property.

What are some of the basic safety precaution you and your family can follow? There is a long list of little and big things you can do if you want to check online, but here are some of the most important ones you can follow to keep your home and family safe.

  1. Install smoke detectors in every room of the house, but especially in the kitchen. Make sure the smoke detectors are less than 10 years old, the batteries are changed frequently and make sure the smoke detectors are tested frequently to make sure they are working properly. 
  2. Cooking Safety, Keep papers and other flammable items away from the stove. Oven mitts, kitchen towels, paper towels should not be left on the stove or close to the burners. Do not leave the stove on with unattended cooking pots on it, keep small children away from boiling pots.
  3. Carbon Monoxide Detectors should be placed at every level of the house. They become more important during the winter months when the house is closed more securely and outside air is minimal. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can be fatal if inhaled. 
  4. Candles and oil lamps should be used carefully. Extinguish the candles’ flame or oil lamps when you go to bed and keep them away from small children and pets. The candles and oil lamps should never be left unattended. This useful habit can help you prevent a fire that can get out of control within minutes.
  5. Electrical safety is usually a topic many homeowners do not think too much about. We are more concerned about preventing fires that are the result of carelessness or accidents than electrical fires. But, electrical fires should be a concern for us. Frayed, and cracked electrical cords are a hazard that can start a fire without you being home. Old appliances with old cords can short circuit and start a fire within minutes. Appliances big or small should be plugged directly into the wall outlets to help prevent a fire in the home.

Fires are preventable.  Being careful and using common sense can help you keep your family safe.

Preventable Home Health Problems

There are many home dangers that can play havoc to our health, physical fitness and overall well being.  For many families, creating a safe and healthy environment where the family can grow and prosper is of particular concern.

And it should be.

The hazards in and around the home are many but, they are preventable. One of the top home hazards is a physical injury.  These injuries are caused by slippery floors, poor lighting, fire, and overcrowding the halls with objects that can cause injury. Asthma and respiratory system illnesses can be caused by a wet basement full of mold and mildew.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 out of 5 falls results in broken bones or a serious injury in the United States.  And, every year more than 3 million older people are treated in Emergency rooms across the country for fall injuries.  Most of these injuries are head and hip injuries, and for the elderly, a fall can have catastrophic consequences.

The statistics for young children with asthma and respiratory system illnesses is a growing concern for many parents and medical personnel. These are treatable and preventable issues that can be addressed and dealt with before they can become more serious.

Living with young children or caring for aging parents don’t have to be riddled with health issues or injuries.  Preventing these injuries or health concerns requires little effort.

Floor Mats in slippery areas save lives.
  1. Buying a floor mat for the bathroom shower or bathtub can help you avoid slippery falls that can be fatal. Mats placed at the entrance of the house can help you keep water or snow from making the floor slippery. Floor matting in many places in the house can prevent injuries.
  2. Installing smoke detectors in every room of the house, checking the batteries monthly of the ones you have and testing the smoke detectors to check they are functioning properly is something every homeowner should do regularly.
  3. Carbon monoxide detectors should be placed on every level of the home. Checking the batteries and their functionality should be done when you check the smoke detectors to keep a monthly routine.
  4. Fire prevention is a family affair.  Make sure you talk to your children about it, have an evacuation plan, and practice safety.  Keep paper and flammable items away from the stove.  Do not leave cooking on the stove unattended. Oven mitts, kitchen towels, and paper plates should NEVER be close to the stove.
  5. Frayed, and cracked electrical cords are a hazard that can start a fire without you being home. Old appliances with old cords can short circuit and start a fire within minutes. Appliances big or small should be plugged directly into the wall outlets to help prevent a fire in the home.
  6. Asthma, allergies and many respiratory illnesses can and do begin at home. A wet basement can play havoc to your respiratory system without you being aware of the cause. Mold and mildew can grow rapidly in a wet basement causing damage to your health and to your stored belongings.  Waterproofing the basement is a solution that will help your family’s health and your property.

Advances in the medical field have for many years allow people to live longer and fuller lives.  We can do a bit on our own. We can prevent some of these injuries and illnesses by being diligent and by practicing safety with our families.

Personal Tax Prep for Free

Most Americans know April 15 is Tax day.  Some years, such as 2021, this is changed. Because of unforeseeable circumstances, the federal government can change the due date to accommodate the new circumstances afflicting the American population, and to give them more time to do so in a timely matter.

State and local authorities tend to follow the same due dates the federal government dictates, and that makes it easy for people to filed all taxes at the same time.

There are different ways you can file your taxes, and all depends on the complexity and the level of comfort and knowledge you have to file them. Here are the 4 most common ways you can file your federal, state, and local taxes.

  1. Your personal accountant
  2. Electronic filing
  3. Commercial businesses filing for you.  Ex. Walmart , etc.
  4. Personally finding the forms and filing them on your own

For many personal filers, electronic filing has been the preferred choice for many years.  There are many companies offering to file your taxes or to help you file an extension to file. The price, the easy access, and the guidance they offer to file is an easy choice to make for many consumers.

Through the IRS website, there are 9 IRS Free File Online offers you can look over and choose  the best option for you. Not all of them are the same, and not all of them offer the same guidance you might need to file.  If you are comfortable filing your taxes online and want to have the choice of filing your state taxes as well, many of these companies offer to file them for you for a price.  For many families in the United States looking for ways to save money and ease the financial burden and stress of filing, these companies can be the solution for you.

The price to file your federal and state taxes differ greatly from company to company.  It is perfectly acceptable if you have filed your taxes online with one company, but this year decide you might want to try something new. It is very tempting to keep going with the same company because they have all your personal information stored for you, and it is easy and comfortable to just go along with it. But, because of the commodity of having your information stored in their business, they have to charge you to do so in other ways.  Some companies force you to file different forms for your taxes to charge you a premium to do so. And even if you qualify for free filing, that option is so impossible to find, you end up paying the fee. In some instances, the price you pay to file can be twice as much as filing with another company.

Choosing the right company is important and can save you money.  One company that can file your taxes for free if you qualify, or can charge you a very reasonable price is FREE 1040 TAX RETURN.COM INC.  The price for filing your federal return is $39.95. They do not have videos for you to watch if you have a question, but the questions are straight forward and do not need those videos. If you have a question and cannot find the answer in their  FAQ section, they won’t charge you a fee for contacting their customer service department. Filing your state taxes is about $19.95 dollars, and that price is worth the trouble for many people. From the other 8 choices offered through the IRS website, look them over carefully before you decide which one to use. Regardless of your preferred choice, remember not all of them are the same, and not all of them offer great prices. You still have time to look them over, compare prices and services, and file your federal, and state taxes before the due date.

5 Ways To Improve Your Life AND Cut Expenses

The first thing we need to do is agree that some of the things in this article are not going to be more fun.  When I write, “Improve Your Life” I mean in a healthy way, not in a binge drinking frat party way.  The real key to this article is if follow all of these things, you should save many thousands of dollars per year and also be healthier and happier.

Next I want to say I got this information from all over.  We reference some things, in other cases you can do a search and find different numbers from different sources.  This is not a scientific research paper – just an interesting article on how to save money while improving your life.

Cold Showers

Your first reaction might be “Hell no!” but give me a moment.  There are a lot of people that swear by cold (or colder) showers because they have significant benefits and they save you money.  Cold showers have been associated with increases Alertness, Refines Hair and Skin, Improves Immunity and Circulation, Stimulating Weight Loss, Speeding Up Muscle Soreness and Recovery, Easing Stress and Relieving Depression.  I have also heard that taking a cold shower when you cannot go to sleep and getting in bed right away will put you in a great, deep sleep if you have trouble with that kind of thing.

So fine, it is good for you if you can hack it.  But does it save you a lot of money?  I found a calculator for shower costs online here.  I did an example where I did a colder, shorter shower and a longer, hotter shower and compared the cost.  Turns out a family of 4 would save $478.50 in a year.  Not bad – and good for you.

Drink Less

Well, this is already starting to sound really sucky.  Take cold showers and stop drinking.  But in 2018 more evidence has been steadily coming out that the whole 1-2 drinks a day are good for you thing is not really true.  Women should have much less than that and even men should only be have a couple a week.  I found another calculator that will help you see how much you are spending weekly on alcohol.  And remember, it is not as good for you as you have been lead to believe.

In this very reasonable example, I have used this calculator and estimated a $1,872 annual expense per person.  If you live in a big city and like to go out with friends or coworkers a lot you are spending a lot more than this in fact.

Eat Less

The average American consumes more than 3,600 calories daily.  This is a 24% increase from 1961, when the average was just 2,880 calories. A man needs around 2,500kcal a day to maintain his weight with a healthy , balanced diet. Woman need around 2,000kcal a day. These values can vary depending on age, metabolism and physical activity, among other things.  Body builders and professional swimmers should not try this at home.

With all of this in mind, we simply eat too much – and food costs money.  We eat 37.5% too much food to be exactish.

How much money does the average person spend on food per month?  This figure varies based on age and income level.  Assuming you are middle class and a fairly young adult, it is $173 per week times 52 weeks which equals $8,996 in annual food costs.  Now if we cut that back by 37.5%, we would be saving $3373.50 per year per person.  And you would also save money on health care as it would reduce the likelihood of many weight related diseases.

This gets even crazier when you consider Forty percent of food in the United States is never eaten, amounting to $165 billion a year in wasted food, according to a report from the Natural Resources Defense Council.  This would figure that you might be throwing away 40% of the groceries.  If you are someone throwing away a lot of food, plus eating 37% more calories than you need, it means 75% of your groceries could be wasted or eaten when they should not be.

Cook More

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2014, the average American household spent $2,787 on restaurant meals and takeout, compared to $3,971 on groceries. But in 2015, the average amount spent on restaurants and takeout jumped $221 to $3,008. Grocery spending, by contrast, increased just $44 per household to $4,015.

We all know that restaurant food tastes great.  It is higher in sodium, bacon fat, fried breading and slathered in butter or some delicious sauce.   If you learn to make good, healthy meals at home and cut the restaurants, you can save money and be healthier very easily.  Going out no more than once a week should cut that restaurant bill in half or less, saving approximately $1,500 a year and

Walk or Bike More Short Trips

In 2017, the average household made 1.5 trips per week to grocery store.  Most likely these were done driving.  As mentioned above in the article, chances are you have too much food in your home already so going 6 times a month is too much.  But instead of saying “You can’t go”  let’s say you can only go on bike or walking unless you are going for a big run that should only happen 2-3 times per month.

Walking and biking are great exercise and if you really want something, just make yourself go on foot.  Chances are the craving will not be worth it if you have to walk there.

By using this strategy you will help yourself cut down on those food and alcohol expenses mentioned above while also saving gas and car maintenance.  AAA estimates that it costs 58 cents per mile to operate a car. Of that 58 cents,  only around 11 cents is in gas. The other 47 cents goes for expenses like, maintenance, insurance and depreciation.

So if you cut down on short trips by walking or riding your bike more, you could save several dollars on each trip and get better fit and buy less crap.  Putting a savings tag on this is harder but let’s say you cut $5 a week in car expenses plus another $10 per week in stuff you do not buy on a whim.  That is small but would add up to $780 saved in a year.

All told, all of these things would make you healthier.  And I certainly do not mean to imply to never take a hot shower or have a glass of wine again.  But the little daily things add up to huge savings and health benefits.  Let’s recap.

In one year, a family of 4 average people can save the following:

  • Cold Showers: $478.50
  • 2 Adults In Family Cut Drinking: $3,774
  • Eating Only Recommended Calories for Family of 4: $13,494
  • Eating Out Maximum 1 time per week: $1,500
  • Walking more and driving less: $780

This is all based on averages, different sources and fuzzy math.  We are just having fun here.  But this would suggest these changes could save an average family of four $20,026.50 per year.  Your results will vary.  But that is a lot of savings and health benefit.

If this all seems a little extreme, remember to start small and no one says you have to go to this level.  Shorter showers and less restaurants alone could save you some cash.  Make it work for you.  This is just an example of how you can imagine a different life.

After the Snow Melts, Focus on Your Lawn

In Ohio the last snow may appear as late as the early weeks of April. Still, a property owner may notice in February a single day earth thaws and makes it pliable. Gardeners look to this day as a reminder it is time to get lawns ready. Professional landscapers know a single day with a thaw is an ideal opportunity to begin the preliminary steps of lawn care. This assumes proper steps were taken in autumn “before” the first freeze occurred.

The Snow Melts – What Next?
Once lawns remain thawed in an Ohio spring, it is time to begin the work of preparing soil. For some property owners, this may require soil testing to understand the degree of compromise the winter had on soil pH and soil nutrients.

If the lawn was properly “winterized” in autumn, this may not be necessary. However, it is a good idea to know where the soil composition is most compromised in order to know which fertilizers may be added.

A properly prepared lawn may need only a light dusting of lime to start the season. Note that when lime is added, it is important to allow the soil to fully “ingest” lime components deeply into the earth below the grass line. This may take several days or a week.

Ohio, like many states in the region, find spring often brings a rainy season. Too much moisture can cause grass roots to rot or die. To avoid this problem, make sure the lawn has proper drainage. If yellow spots begin to appear in the lawn, this is a sign roots are receiving too much moisture. Alleviate this problem by adding a small patch of potting soil to drink up some of the moisture temporarily until the rainy season ends.

The Real Lawn “Work” Begins
Once the rainy season ends and weather is relatively stable, the real work of lawn care begins. Over winter, bits of dried leaves and twigs may become desiccated into the soil.

This debris chokes off oxygen to grass roots. Begin lawn care with a thorough raking to remove debris. Discuss with a local Ohio garden shop the best type of lawn fertilizer for your particular Ohio region. It is a good idea to become familiar with the various types of components in lawn fertilizer. For example, too much nitrogen in some fertilizers for some Ohio lawns can be as bad for the lawn as too little.

The other issue is to know the actual type of grass or grasses your lawn contains. In many areas of Ohio, lawns are composed of two or more types of grasses that create the ideal lawn structure for durability and endurance in specific regional weather patterns.

Post Fertilizer Lawn Care
Spring and fall are ideal times to add lawn fertilizer. This is because grass roots tend to slow their growth and absorb lawn fertilizers over a longer period. In spring, after a thorough raking and fertilizing, grass should have at least one inch of growth before the first time it is mowed. For those who prefer mulching mowers, lawns should still be inspected to prevent mulch buildup. In any case, lawns should be raked at least twice during the growing season to keep it healthy and vibrant.

Preparing for a Home Inspection

Are you preparing to buy or sell a home? A professional home inspection is a critical step to identify potential issues and ensure that your home is in good condition for potential buyers or renters. But what areas of your home will a home inspector evaluate, and what issues should you address in advance? In a recently written Guide to Passing a Home Inspection, I explore the different areas of a home that a home inspector will typically examine, with a focus on the foundation and water in the basement.

The foundation and structure of a home provide support and stability, and a home inspector will evaluate the condition of the foundation and look for any signs of cracking, settling, or other damage. Water in the basement is also a common issue that can cause damage and affect the livability of a home. A home inspector will evaluate the basement’s drainage system and look for any signs of water intrusion, such as dampness, mold, or mildew.

In addition to the foundation and basement, a home inspector will evaluate other critical components of a home, such as the roof, electrical system, plumbing system, HVAC system, windows and doors, and exterior. By addressing any potential issues in these areas before the inspection takes place, you can avoid surprises and ensure that your home is in good condition for potential buyers or renters.

In the article, I provide more detail on each of these areas and the common issues that a home inspector will look for. I also offer tips for preparing your home for a home inspection, such as cleaning and decluttering your home, addressing any obvious issues, and providing the inspector with relevant documentation.

Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, a home inspection is an essential step in the process of buying or selling a home. By understanding the areas of your home that a home inspector will evaluate and taking steps to address any potential issues in advance, you can ensure that your home is safe, secure, and attractive for potential buyers or renters.

To learn more about the different areas of a home that a home inspector will evaluate, and to get tips for preparing your home for a home inspection, read the full article.

Choosing the Right Kind of Deck for Your Backyard

Backyard decks are an amazing space for grilling during the summer, and they enhance the appearance of your yard. However, there are different materials that are used to create decks, and thus, you should determine the best material for you. Choosing the most suitable material for your deck is more significant than the shape itself. In addition to different kinds of materials, the decks that are available differ in color, texture, installation, and cost. Below are the most common categories of materials used to make decks that you can choose from.

  1. Wood decks

Decks created from wood are strong and comfortable; however, you will have to put a lot of effort into maintaining it compared to other kinds of deck materials. Wood decks require annual cleaning and also re-cleaning some years. Despite these maintenance and cleaning activities, your wood deck is likely to experience breakdowns as a result of rotting, warping and splintering, especially older decks. Therefore, you should apply a colored protectant to your old deck so that it can last for more years.

There are three common types of wood that you can select from:

a) Pressure Treated wood

These are the least expensive deck woods; however, you should perform the installation process carefully because they contain dangerous chemicals. You can choose from many shades, and they last for a very long period of time.

b) Redwood and Cedar

These kinds of decks are very common because they contain a good visual appeal and resistance to bugs. Whereas they are soft and wear out quickly, they can last for many years with suitable maintenance.

c) IPE hardwood

This kind of deck wood is found in South America and does not wear out easily. It is costly, but it can last for more than 25 years.

While wood material for your deck is a good choice as you will save a lot of money, in the long run, it requires a lot of maintenance. Also, you will spend some money after a couple of years to clean your deck so that it can remain in good condition. You will find a lot of information that is available in the various ways to clean your wood deck.

Similarly, it is simple to build a wood deck using simple tools and hardware compared to composite and PVC decks that need advanced tools. Ensure that you choose certified wood for your deck so that you can be certain of high quality and durable deck for your backyard.  Also remember you are most likely required to have a building permit to add a deck to your [city1] home.

  1. Composite Decks

These types of decks are built using a combination of plastic and waste woods fibers that increase its resistance to rot. They have the same appearance as the wood decks, and you will simply choose your most preferred color. Generally, composite decks are more costly compared to wood decks but the advantage is they require little maintenance.

  1. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) Decks

PVC decks are completely recyclable, and they do not rot. They are more expensive but resist fading. They are available in a wide range of colors.

When searching for the right deck, you should take into consideration the appearance and materials that you want. If you are interested in the appearance of a wood deck but still desire a low maintenance deck, then you should choose the composite deck. Composite decks do not shrink or split, and if you are interested in a colorful and durable deck, then your best choice is the vinyl deck.

Determine your purpose of the deck that you want so that you can easily pick the right material that will enhance the value of your home.

An outdoor deck is a big investment, and thus, you should begin by determining your budget and do your homework on the different types of decks that are available. Choose a deck material on the grounds of quality and affordability.

Additionally, make sure that you ask for a warranty for the materials that you will buy. In the case of maintenance, it is important that you read the specifications provided by your deck manufacturer so that you can determine if you can manage and be sure to pick a reliable builder.

Getting Ready For Spring

For many garden enthusiasts, spring cannot come soon enough.  Northeast Ohio weather is likely to make your garden chores come sooner than you think.  With record high temperatures in Ohio, the promise of an early spring is a sweet treat for many gardeners.

Daffodils, Tulips, Snowdrop, Hyacinths and Pansy flowers will soon be making an appearance in your beautiful garden. The question is, how do you keep your flower beds from becoming a mess? A beautiful border along your flower beds will not only keep weeds away from your beautiful flowers, but will give the garden an aesthetic beauty that you can enjoy.

Here are 5 different options when dealing with borders for your flower beds.

  1. Mulching: Mulching your flower beds can give you the border you desire, while keeping weeds at a distance. Plus, the price is reasonable. Digging a trench around the flower bed, and laying the mulch to offer the desire contrast will give your flowers
  1. Wood edging for your flower beds can offer a rustic look while providing a flower bed that stays pretty the whole spring, summer and fall.
  2. Masonry edging is another solution for you if you are not that into wood edging. Although the price is more, a lot of people preferred that option.
  1. Plastic no dig edging is one of the cheapest solutions and easiest to install around your flower beds. If the other options are not affordable or doable for you, a 40ft. landscaping edging roll at a home improvement store can cost you less than $20
  1. Decorative edging – stones or other decorative edging can make your flower beds beautiful while keeping your shrubs,flowers and other plants away from weeds.

We tend to have our flower beds at the front, side and back of our homes, providing a beautiful view from wherever you look.  Having a beautiful border can also offer an almost maintenance free flower bed the whole summer long.

 

 

 

When To Visit The Veterinarian

According to The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) there are approximately 70-80 million dogs and 74-96 million cats that are owned in the United States. Almost half the households in the United States have a dog and 30-37% own a cat.

As dogs and cats grow old, visits to the vet are more  a necessity than a requirement. The ailments affecting them are varied and sometimes scary for a pet owner.  Other than keeping your pet’s scheduled vet visits for vaccinations and such, when do you make the decision to take your pet to the vet?  When does an unscheduled visit is a necessity or an emergency?

These are some of the warning signs your pet could displayed if they are not feeling well, and you need to take them for an unscheduled visit to the vet.

  1. If your cat or dog skips meals for more than a day while it has always been a voracious eater, it may be an indication that there is something wrong.
  1. An excessively thirsty dog can be a warning sign that not all is well. The beginning of kidney problems or diabetes can be displayed by your dog drinking an excessive amount of water.  Having accidents in the home therefore is not uncommon.
  1. Bald patches on your pets coat, or a coat that has lost its shine or is not longer full could be an indication that your dog is not doing well. Check their food to make sure you are providing the right kind.  An older adult pet needs different nutrition than a puppy.  Also, they may develop an allergy to the food they have been eating, or food that you may have changed. Check with your vet and provide the name of food your pet is eating.
  1. A lethargic pet is something to worry about, especially if you have a young cat or dog. If they no longer want to play when the day before they were bouncing off the walls, and if they continue with that behavior for more than a day, it is possible your pet is not feeling well.
  1. Frequent vomiting is something to take seriously. Dogs and cats vomit to get rid of excess foods, or foods that do not agree with them.  But, if your pet is vomiting daily or several times a day regularly, a visit to the vet may be required.
  1. Weight loss. Even an overweight pet that looses a lot of weight fast may be an indication that not all is well. Take him to the vet to make sure the weight loss is due to diet changes and exercise, not because of an illness.

Yearly visits to the vet are necessary to keep your pet healthy.  As they grow older-10 and up-twice a year visits may be required to keep them living a healthy and active life.

P.S

If you are the owner of a young pup or kitten, keeping them away from people’s food is one of the best advice we can give you. Sugary treats or processed foods are unhealthy for them and their teeth.  Do them a favor and keep your food to yourself 🙂