You can help ensure your dog has a great experience on their walks this year by taking steps to prepare and learning more about what dogs enjoy. In this review, we highlight several tips for getting the most out of your dog walking trips in 2023.

Choose a Comfortable Collar and Leash

Choosing a comfortable collar and leash is a great first step to take. This helps ensure a fantastic experience for your furry friend. Your dog’s collar should fit snug so that your dog does not slip out of it. However, it should not be too tight, as this could lead to an uncomfortable experience for your dog.

The leash should also have plenty of length so as to provide your dog with plenty of freedom while they are on the walk. An adjustable collar is a nice choice as it makes your job as the walker much easier as well.

Make Sure Your Dog Has an Identification Tag

You should also ensure your dog has an up-to-date identification tag that states their name and an active phone number to call in case the dog is lost and found. This provides peace of mind that you will quickly find your dog if they get away from you during the walk.

Allow Your Dog the Opportunity to Explore

You want to keep your dog safe, but you also want to provide them with the opportunity to simply be a dog and explore. Allow them room on their leash to sniff and use their natural senses. This also helps them release more energy and allows them to feel better, calmer, and more relaxed throughout the rest of the day.

Bring Food and Water With You on Longer Walks

Dogs get very excited on walks and can quickly wear themselves down. By simply bringing water with you on longer walks, you can help them feel more comfortable and energized.

Reward Good Behavior

Although you should provide your dog with plenty of space and freedom to explore, you still want them to listen to you when necessary. Use positive reinforcement techniques to encourage them to behave while on walks.

For example, if your dog passes another dog in the park and does not bark at them, then you can reward your dog with one of their favorite treats.

Check the Weather Forecast Before You Leave

It is never fun to get stuck in the rain while on a dog walk. To avoid this, check the weather forecast before you leave. If there is a high chance of rain or snow, then stay near your house or car or wait until the weather forecast is more favorable.

Stay Away From High-Traffic Areas

High-traffic areas are dangerous and disturbing for dogs. Therefore, we recommend staying away from highways and busy roads where your dog may feel stressed by all the fast-moving cars. Instead, find a quieter area such as a park or walking trail.

Keep a Close Eye on Your Surroundings

It helps to always keep a close eye on your dog’s surroundings. If there are any potential dangers, such as other dogs or animals that may be aggressive, then you can take action to prevent anything negative from occurring.

Bring the Proper Supplies With You

There is nothing worse than your dog going potty only to discover in the moment that you do not have any waste bags. To avoid this from happening and to ensure you are a responsible dog walker, prepare your supplies ahead of time.

You can create a list of items you want to bring, such as water supplies, your dog’s favorite treats, waste bags, and a backup collar and leash. Store all of the items in an easy to carry bag, such as a small backpack.

Keep the Walks Fun and Mix Up Your Routes

Dogs like routine, so you do not always need to change the route. However, you can provide additional stimulation and excitement for your dog by taking them to new areas every once in a while.

Also, consider adding in fun things for your dog to do on their walks. For instance, if you have a friendly neighbor that loves your dog, then you may stop by and allow your dog to see them on your route.

In other cases, you can take them to the dog park and let them explore off their leash. Every dog is unique, so find what they enjoy and let them have fun.

Contact Paw Pals Pet Sitting Today

Paw Pals Pet Sitting offers dog sitting and dog walking services. If you would like to learn more about our dog walking and pet sitting services, contact us today. We are glad to answer your questions and help you put together the best possible arrangement.

There is so much information about litter boxes and litters for your cat, how do you know where to start? We’ll go through the basics to help guide you and your feline friend!

*Important note: if your cat is experiencing any type of litter box issues, the first step is to have them checked by a vet to rule out any medical concerns.

Boxes: From open to closed, reusable to disposable, and name brand to DIY – the options are endless! Find an appropriately sized box for your cat and the designated space for their litter area. If your cat is larger, then they will need a taller and wider box than a smaller cat or kitten would require. If you find that your cat likes to really dig in their litter (or fling it!), then a covered box might be a better option to help contain the litter. Depending on your space, you may be able to DIY a box by carefully cutting a hole into the side of a large storage container. Don’t hesitate to shop around to find a box that fits you and your cat’s needs. Having a backup box (or 2) in storage also never hurts! If you are interested in splurging a bit, there are a few automatic litter boxes on the market to explore as well.

Litter Types: There a lot of different types of litters available. Finding the best one for your cat and you can involve some trial and error. Important factors to keep in mind are dust levels, clumping, odor control, tracking, price, and availability of the litter. There are pros and cons to most litters, so it may take some time to find the right fit. When switching or trying new litters, it’s best to always offer a box of litter that you know your cat will use alongside the second box of the new litter. Providing fresh current litter can help avoid issues in case your cat doesn’t want to use the new litter. Once your cat has used the new litter, you can switch completely over to it. If your cat seems unsure, you can mix the two litters for an easier transition, until the cat is more comfortable. The main categories of litter are Clay, Crystal, Corn, Walnut, Grass, Pine, and Paper. The most commonly used is clay litter. Clay is absorbent and a finer grain for easy waste removal, but can be dusty. There are many brands of clay litter, including clumping/non-clumping (See Kittens below), scented/unscented, and lightweight to name a few. Crystal litter is unique in that it is absorbent, you can see the waste easier, and is typically dust free. Some even have color changing properties to assist tracking urinary health in your cat. However, crystal litter does tend to be more expensive. Corn, Walnut, Grass and Pine litters are natural products that are usually free of toxins and chemicals, and most are biodegradable. These tend to be pricier as well, and there are many brands to try of these types of litters. Paper litter is a great choice as the safest litter to use, and is typically low-tracking. It is often used with cats who’ve had toe/foot injuries that need a gentle litter in their box. Paper litter doesn’t clump as well, or have great odor control like other litters, so it needs changed out more often. It can be used as regular litter or temporarily while a cat is healing. Try out some different litters to find out what works best for you and your cat!

Cleanliness: It is highly recommended to scoop the litter box at least once a day. This keeps it fresh for your cat to dig and bury their waste, just like they would in nature. Sometimes, if the box gets too full of waste, your cat may feel they don’t have adequate room to utilize the box, and may choose to find another place to go to the bathroom! Scooping once a day will help avoid issues such as that. A complete cleaning of the entire box is suggested monthly to every other month. This involves safely disposing of all the litter, washing the box with plain dish soap and hot water, drying it, and refilling it with fresh clean litter. This helps prevent bacteria from forming in the litter box. Don’t forget to wash the scoop too!

Accessories: There are lots of different types of litter accessories to explore! Products like litter liners and litter genies can help make your job a bit easier. Some cats do well with liners, which allow you to bag up all of the litter right out of the box when it is time to completely change it out. Some cats don’t do well, and may scratch through the liner, putting a hole in it. If you aren’t sure – give it a try and see how it goes! Litter genies (or waste collection containers) are great for holding the scooped waste in a sealed container until you are ready to take it out to the trash bin. They typically have bag liners that the waste goes in that can be replaced once you’ve used it up (usually around 2 months for 1 cat). Finding a good scoop that works for you can make the daily task much smoother. If you have a larger cat that has bigger waste, a sturdy metal scoop may be something that interests you. Litter mats are great for helping decrease the amount of tracked litter outside of the box. There are a ton of different types and materials, so you just need to find one that fits your space and works well with your cat. A high-quality handheld brush and dust pan are very helpful to easily sweep up stray litter.

Multiple cats: If you have more than one cat, then you need to increase the amount of litter boxes that are available. The rule is - there should be one box per cat, plus an extra box. So, if you’ve got 2 cats, you should have 3 litter boxes. This helps prevent issues with going to the bathroom outside of the box, marking, and territory issues in multi-cat households. This will also help ensure that the boxes don’t fill up with waste too quickly. It is still recommended to scoop daily, even with multiple boxes, but depending on your cats, you may need to scoop even more often than that. If you have recently adopted a cat, it is also a good idea to follow this rule, to help prevent any issues or confusion as they adjust to their new surroundings.

Kittens: You will want to make sure you are using non-clumping clay or paper litter for kittens. They tend to be wobbly and unsteady on their feet, and they are usually still learning how to cover their waste, so this will help avoid messes. Kittens also tend to accidently ingest litter (when sniffing/burying in the box), so this will help prevent any internal issues in case any litter is ingested. Their litter boxes also need to have shorter walls so that they can get in and out easily! If your kitten needs help learning to use the litter box, there are products like litter-attractant that you can sprinkle on top to help encourage them to use the box.

The Smell: No one wants to experience the unpleasant smells that can come from a litter box! You can cut down on the stink by using a good quality litter, scooping regularly, and cleaning the box and scoop often. There are products that are made specifically to help the smell of a litter box, but be cautious of those. While it may help us to not smell the odors, sometimes the perfumes and fragrances in these odor-eliminating additives can be very overpowering for your cat. A cat’s sense of smell is significantly greater than ours, and so their sensitivity to smells is greater as well. Perfumes and fragrances can sometimes be too much for a cat and have the opposite effect that you want – it can deter the cat from wanting to go near the super strong smell coming from the litter box. The same thing goes for scented litters. The companies make these scented litters for us humans, not for the cats! If you try a scented litter and your cat seems to be weary of it, try an unscented litter and see how your cat responds. Unscented litter is healthier in general for the well-being of your cat.

Hopefully this information helps you find the best litter box set-up for you, your cat’s environment, and most importantly – your cat!!

History of Pets in Ireland

Pets have been part of Irish culture for centuries! Dogs have been a part of the Irish people’s lives since at least the 5th century, when Irish dogs were prized for their hunting and guarding abilities. Cats were introduced to Ireland in the 12th century, and soon became popular for their mousing abilities. In later centuries, horses, birds, and even exotic animals, such as monkeys, were kept as pets by the wealthy. Today, the most popular pets in Ireland are dogs and cats, although many households also keep small animals such as rabbits, hamsters, and guinea pigs. No matter what type of pet, it’s clear that Ireland has a strong and long-standing tradition of loving animals!

Most Popular Pets in Ireland

According to the Irish Veterinary Journal, the most popular pets in Ireland are dogs, cats, and fish. Dogs are the most popular pet, with 38% of Irish households owning at least one. Cats come in second place, with 24% of households having one, and fish come in third place with about 8% of households having an aquarium. Other pets, such as rabbits, hamsters, and reptiles, are also quite popular.

Most Popular Dog and Cat Breeds in Ireland

According to the Irish Kennel Club, the most popular dog breeds in Ireland are Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Cocker Spaniels, and Border Collies. The most popular cat breeds in Ireland are British Shorthairs, Ragdolls, Maine Coons, Bengals, and Siamese.

Irish Wolfhound Facts

Irish Wolfhounds are the tallest of all dog breeds, standing at an average of 32 inches tall at the shoulder. They are intelligent, loyal, and gentle in nature, making them excellent family dogs. Despite their size, Irish Wolfhounds rarely bark and are generally very quiet. They have a life expectancy of 6-10 years and require daily exercise and a healthy diet to stay healthy and happy. Irish Wolfhounds are also naturally adapted to cold climates and have a double coat that helps keep them warm.

Ragdoll Cat Facts

The Ragdoll is a breed of cat known for its affectionate and gentle nature. It has a long and silky coat and comes in various colors and patterns. The breed is named for its tendency to go limp and relaxed when picked up, resembling a child’s ragdoll toy.

Fun Facts:

• Ragdoll cats are known for their gentle and relaxed temperament, making them great companions.
• They were first bred in California in the 1960s by a woman named Ann Baker.
• Ragdolls are a large breed of cat, weighing between 10-20 pounds.
• They have a soft and fluffy coat that requires regular grooming.
• Ragdolls come in a variety of colors and patterns, including seal, blue, chocolate, and lilac.
• They are often described as “puppy-like” in their behavior, as they are known to follow their owners around and even play fetch.
• Ragdolls are generally healthy cats, but like all breeds, they are prone to certain health issues such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and bladder stones.
• They are also known to be indoor cats, as they are not as street-smart as some other breeds.

The post Fun Facts About Irish Pets and Their History appeared first on Claws and Paws Pet Sitting | San Diego County Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers.

Well, Universal Studios technically, but it definitely felt like Hollywood!

In February, we were invited to do a segment on Access Hollywood so people could learn more about our wedding pet care services & the adoption program we created with our local Humane Society.

We got to share how we started FairyTail Pet Care back in 2015 & created the first wedding pet care company. We also talked to the hosts about what couple’s can expect from a wedding dog handler.

They even asked about our Dog of Honor™ Videography services, which is a wedding video from the perspective of the couple’s dog! We’ve got hundreds of examples on our YouTube channel if you want to get lost in all of the sweet moments from our past weddings.

@fairytail_petcare FairyTail goes to ✨Hollywood! ✨ A sneak peek at our upcoming segment on @accesshollywood ???? We can’t wait to see it air ???????? #accesshollywood #dogs #entrepreneur #dogsinweddings #dogsoftiktok #petsoftiktok #universal #fyp #foryou ♬ Sunshine - WIRA

We were not the only ones invited though!

We brought along four adoptable dogs with us to enjoy a day out of the shelter & to be treated like Stars!

Not only was it great socialization for the pups, we got to tell all the viewers a little more about the adoptable dogs in hopes that they would find their forever homes.

To learn more about including adoptable dogs or kittens in your next event, check out our Yappily Ever After program.

We arrived at the Humane Society of Tampa Bay while the sun was rising & packed up the chosen four into our cars for the drive to Universal Studios where Access Holly wood was taping for a few days. The volunteers at the shelter arrived before we did to give the pups a nice bath, breakfast & get them completely prepped for our departure.

We pulled up to the valet with the VIPs (Very Important Pups) & were escorted to the backstage area. We were welcomed with open arms & the pups got some amazing socialization with all the new friends.

The pups were taken to their fitting room areas to find the paw-fect outfit for their TV debut. They had all different sizes, colors, fabrics prepared to choose from & after a few minutes they were all ready for their close ups.

We got ourselves mic’d up & excited for this opportunity! We were brought on stage & seated in front of the cameras. Then, we met our hosts - Mario Lopez & Kit Hoover! We chatted for a few minutes while the crew got ready & then they called Action.

@fairytail_petcare Wait for it ???? Big news for FairyTail today!! ???? @mariolopez #greenscreen #accesshollywood #orlando #dogs #weddings #fyp #foryou ♬ original sound - jaylnrowe

Check out below to see how the segment all came together:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Wedding Day Pet Care! (@fairytail_petcare)

At the time of recording, all the dogs were available for adoption. If you’re interested in learning more about any of the pups & to see if they’re still available then visit the Humane Society of Tampa Bay’s website.

If you’re planning an event & would like to learn more about our dog event services & dog wedding services,

then click here to find a FairyTail location nearest you!

If you’re not sure what to expect from wedding pet care & event pet care then start by clicking here.

Are you considering an overnight pet sitter? If so, then it is important to properly prepare your pet and home before they arrive. In this guide, we provide a step-by-step guide for when you have an overnight pet sitter.

Your Overnight Pet Sitter Preparation Guide

How to Prepare Your Pet

Preparing your pet may help limit the amount of separation anxiety they experience. Here’s what to do:

• Ensure your pet has plenty of food and water available and prepare a list of instructions of how much and when to feed them.
• Ensure your pet has all medications they need (if applicable). You should also leave a list of clear instructions on how to administer the medications for the pet sitter.
• Groom your pet thoroughly. This can help them feel more comfortable and sleep better while you are gone. You can also prepare grooming instructions for the pet sitter as well.
• Prepare a comfortable place for your pet to rest. This may include collecting their favorite bed and toys and placing them in their favorite spot.
• You can also prepare a list of instructions for the pet sitter as to how to best comfort your furry loved one.

Expert tip: Your pet(s) may not be entirely comfortable with the pet sitter at first. To avoid separation anxiety and ensure they are familiar with the pet sitter beforehand, have the pet sitter take the pet for a walk or come over to play with them a few times before you leave.

How to Prepare Your Home

You should also prepare your home for your pet sitter’s arrival. This helps ensure there are no complications and your pet does not get into anything that could harm them (i.e. a pantry of which the pet sitter was not aware). The easiest tip is to simply keep your home clean and ensure everything that your pet needs is easily accessible. In particular, you should ensure the area where your pet spends most of their time is clean.

You may need to also go shopping beforehand to ensure they have all of the food and supplies they need. This may include cleaning supplies (for the pet sitter) and pet litter (if you own a cat). To ensure there are no dietary changes, you should also prepare plenty of their regular food. Lastly, you should ensure your pet sitter has full access to everything they need. This may involve providing them with keys, access codes, etc.

How to Prepare Your Pet Sitter

Lastly, you should help the pet sitter prepare before they arrive. As mentioned, one of the best ways to help the pet sitter prepare is by simply having the sitter meet with your beloved pets before they arrive. This could be a simple meet and greet, or you could request for the pet sitter to take them for a walk. It may also help to provide them with a tour of your home as well.

Additionally, written instructions are your best friend. They are a great way to tell the pet sitter everything they should know in a manner they can remember, and it can save you the hassle of answering questions while you are away. Specifically, you should provide notes and instructions about your pet’s routine, behavior, medical needs, diet, and other special needs. You can also create an emergency plan. Your pet sitter may already be trained in how to deal with pet emergencies, but reviewing a specific procedure with them can certainly help ensure everything goes well if a medical (or anxiety) emergency occurs.

Last but not least, devise a plan to communicate with your pet sitter. This should, of course, include exchanging contact information and having a talk beforehand so that both you and the pet sitter can address any concerns or ask any questions before you leave.

Need a Pet Sitter? Contact Paw Pals Pet Sitting Today

Paw Pals offers pet sitting services for residents in Centreville, VA and the surrounding cities. It is our passion to ensure your pets are comfortable and content when you travel. If you need a sitter for your furry friend while you are away and/or if you need a pet walker, then give our pet-friendly team a call to make arrangements.

Taking your dog to the dog park can be tons of fun, but it’s important to make sure that you are prepared and have considered any potential hazards before heading out. In this blog post, we will look at the benefits and potential risks of taking your pup to a dog park as well as some helpful tips for having a successful experience.

What To Look For In A Dog Park

Before selecting a dog park, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Is it well-maintained? Are there separate areas for large and small dogs? Are there plenty of benches, toys, water bowls, etc.? It’s also important to check if the park is being monitored by staff or volunteers who can help ensure everyone is following the rules. This will help ensure that all pups remain safe while playing in the park.

Tips For Having A Successful Experience At A Dog Park

Before going, make sure that your pup is up-to-date on vaccinations and flea/tick medication. You should also bring along copies of their vaccination records just in case they are asked for them (some parks may require proof). Be sure to bring plenty of water and treats as well as poop bags so you can clean up after your pup. When at the park, don’t forget to pay attention to how your pup is interacting with other dogs—if they seem overwhelmed or uncomfortable, it may be time to leave.

What Hazards Might There Be At A Dog Park?

The most common hazard at a dog park is overcrowding. If there are too many pups in one area, fights can break out between dogs who are unaccustomed to each other which could lead to injury or even worse. Make sure not to leave food lying around as this could cause fights between hungry pups or create an inviting environment for wild animals like raccoons or skunks who may wander into the area looking for an easy snack. Lastly, be aware of any potential diseases that could be present in the area such as parvovirus or kennel cough which can easily spread from one pup to another if proper hygiene protocols aren’t followed.

Taking your dog to a dog park can be an enjoyable experience for both you and your furry friend but it’s important to know what you’re getting into before heading out! Be sure that you select a well-maintained park with plenty of room for all types of pups; make sure your pup is up-to-date on vaccinations; bring water, treats, and poop bags; pay attention while at the park; avoid overcrowding; keep food away from wild animals; and watch out for potential diseases. Following these tips will help ensure that everyone has an enjoyable experience while visiting the dog park!

Looking for a truly professional pet care experience in Brecksville, Broadview Heights, Parma, Seven Hills, Independence, North Royalton, and Richfield? Click HERE to get our rates!

With its cooler temperatures and cozy ambiance, it's no wonder that so many couples choose to tie the knot during this time of year.

And for those couples who want to include their pups in their special day, fall offers a plethora of pet-friendly options.

Here are some ideas for fall weddings that will make your pet feel right at home:

Coordinating Outfits

@fairytail_petcare Cuteness overload ???????????? #dog #dogsoftiktok #dachshund #petsoftiktok #weddingtiktok #wedding #weddingday #fyp #foryou ♬ Get You The Moon - Kina

One of the cutest ways to include your pet in your fall wedding is by coordinating their outfit with yours. Dressing your pet in a bow tie or a floral collar that matches your wedding colors will add a personal touch to your special day. We will dress them up with any provided attire or in one of our snazzy suits or flower collars. You can even consider a matching scarf or jacket to keep your pups cozy during outdoor photo sessions!

Include Your Pet in your Wedding Photo Booth

@fairytail_petcare We think your wedding day should be your dog’s best day ever too ???????? #yourdogsplus1 #wedding #weddingtiktok #dogsinweddings #dogs #dogsoftiktok #petsoftiktok #corgi #fyp #foryou ♬ sos - evie

A wedding photo booth is an excellent way to capture memories with your guests, and your pet can be part of the fun too. You can create a custom sign with your pet's name and include it in the photo booth. You can also place a few props, such as hats or glasses, on your pet to create some hilarious photos. Use fall themed props to really feel the season.

Engagement/Family Photos

Fall is a beautiful time to enjoy the outdoors! Consider an outdoor location for photos where your pet can join in on the love! You can choose a scenic location with fall foliage and have your pet pose with you for some beautiful photos.

Pro tip: bring a pet sitter to help care for your pup when they’re not needed for photos!

Wedding Favors

@fairytail_petcare WAIT FOR IT ???? This is literally what dreams are made of ???????? #cat #catsoftiktok #petsoftiktok #kitten #kittensoftiktok #rescue #rescuecat #wedding #weddingtiktok #weddingday #weddingpetcare #fyp #foryou ♬ What Dreams Are Made Of - Hilary Duff

If you're giving out wedding favors to your guests, you could include treats from “your pup to theirs”. A “treat bar” with options for them to pack their own bag is a fun way to make it interactive. Or if you’re getting something for your wedding party you could include “hair of the dog” supplies (advil, electrolyte drink, etc.).

Pet-themed Decor

You can also incorporate pet-themed decor into your wedding reception. For example, you could have table numbers with photos of your pets on them, or place cards with your pet's name and photo. You could even have a custom cake topper with a figurine of you and your pet. These small touches will showcase your Dog of Honor in a special way.

Pet-friendly Seating

If you're having an outdoor fall wedding, consider setting up a pet-friendly seating area for your Best Dog. This could be a designated section with blankets and cushions where your pets can relax and enjoy the festivities. Make sure to provide plenty of shade and water bowls to keep your pets comfortable.

Wedding Dog Handler

Finally, if you're worried about your pet getting overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of your wedding day, giving a plus-one for your dog will ensure they can have the best day ever too. We will make sure your pet gets plenty of exercise, food, and water throughout the day, and can handle all of the logistics along the way (transportation, etc..). This will give you peace of mind knowing that your pet is well taken care of, and will allow you to fully enjoy your wedding day without worrying about your baby.

Fall weddings are a beautiful and romantic way to celebrate your love, and including your pets in your big day can make it even more special. Whether you're dressing them up in fall-themed attire, incorporating pet-themed decor, or hiring a wedding day pet care service, there are plenty of creative ways to make your Dog of Honor be a part of the celebration.

Learn more about wedding pet care services or

find your nearest location & contact us today!

Remember, if you or someone you know would like to turn their passion for pets into paychecks, fill out our online questionnaire.

especially4paws.com/jobs

Hi! My name is Anna and I’m the proud pet parent of dogs, cats, ducks, a turtle, some fish, and a gecko! If your furry, scaly, feathered friends are looking for someone who loves all critters, look no further! Big or small, friendly or shy, all pets bring something special to their people. I am honored you would share your friends with me!

The most common one that couple’s struggle with is who will bring them to the venue & drop them off after the ceremony.

Luckily, this is one of the main services a

wedding pet care company provides!

Hiring professional wedding pet care means you won’t have to ask someone to leave your wedding to bring your dog home, or ask someone you didn’t invite to be on doggie duty. It also means your dog has the option to head home when it’s best for them & get settled in after a fun-filled day of wedding photos & ceremony while you & your guests enjoy the reception & party.

Every wedding is unique, but typically the wedding pet attendant will pick your dog up from the pre-determined location & then head to the venue.

Commonly, this is your home or a family/friend home, but it can also be the airbnb or hotel you’re getting ready at or a boarding facility/pet sitter’s home.

The same goes for drop off, it will be determined ahead of time where your dog will be dropped off (home, hotel, boarding, etc).

The locations can be different if that is what makes the most sense (i.e pick up at home & drop off at boarder).

@fairytail_petcare Pretty girls walk into their humans’ wedding day like this ????‍♀️ #dogs #dogsofttiktok #petsoftiktok #wedding #weddingtiktok #weddingday #fyp #foryou ♬ Pretty Girls Walk - Big Boss Vette

You may have multiple locations on your wedding timeline & your dog’s wedding handler can provide transportation to & from these locations, as well, if needed.

For example, you may want your dog to visit you at the hotel you’re getting ready in for a few pictures & good luck kisses then head to the venue for the ceremony. Or your reception/cocktail hour may be at a different location than your ceremony.

Your dog’s wedding handler will be happy to settle your pup in at the end of the night, of course.

They’ll make sure they have dinner, if needed, & a potty break, along with any other end of night tasks before heading out. This ensures you can enjoy the rest of your night knowing your baby is all settled in after their big adventure.

@fairytail_petcare Had truly had the best day ever ???????? #dog #dogsoftiktok #petsoftiktok #wedding #weddingtiktok #weddingday #fyp #foryou ♬ bingo heeler saying airport like ehpowt - epilesbian on the side

You can also add additional hours of pet care at this point.

This is especially helpful if you’re dog is dropped off at a hotel room or unfamiliar location. Overnight stays are an option, as well, if you need someone to care for your dog until the next day.

@fairytail_petcare Problem SOLVED ???????????? #greenscreen #dog #dogsoftiktok #petsoftiktok #wedding #weddingtiktok #weddingday #weddingtips #dogsinweddings #fyp #foryou ♬ original sound - prettyaxme

If you’re considering including your dog in your wedding in any way, then we highly recommend investing in wedding pet care.

It ensures you & your dog will have the best day ever by providing peace of mind that your dog is receiving the best care possible & that all of the logistics, like transportation, will be handled by a professional.

Learn More About What To Expect From Wedding Day Pet Care

Ready to hire your dog’s plus-one?

Check out our locations page for a FairyTail Pet Care near you!

Valentine’s Day is a joyous holiday about spreading love and showing others you care for them! There’s lots of ways we can express our love to family and friends, and even our pets. But sometimes when expressing that love to other humans through gifts, we may be putting our pets in danger.

Here are some quick tips and things to watch out for during this lovely holiday.

• All true Lilies are toxic to cats. They should be avoided or thrown out if you have cats. All parts, including the pollen are extremely toxic. This applies to potted Lilies (like Amaryllis) and fresh cut flowers (like the Oriental Lily, commonly found in bouquets of flowers). There are Lilies that are not TRUE Lilies, and those are not as toxic. If you are unsure if what you have is a true Lily, research, call a vet, or just avoid all Lilies to be safe. Lilies are not as toxic to dogs, but it’s still best to avoid any pets eating any flowers!
• Most fresh cut flowers are toxic due to being treated with biocides to prolong their life in the vase once cut. Do not add the little flower packet into the vase water for fresh cut flowers. Sometimes pets like to get into/drink the vase water. This is one step you can take to help avoid possible toxic contact. In general – keep all flowers out of reach of pets!
• Chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats alike. Dark chocolate is especially dangerous. You can share your plain strawberries with your pet, just no chocolate covered strawberries!
• Bath bombs are not safe to be ingested by pets (or people!). They are a popular gift, and can be enticing to some pets. Be sure to keep those out of reach of any prying noses, incase they smell extra yummy!

Being aware of your Valentine’s gifts around the house will help keep your pets safe. You can include your pets in your holiday activities and share the love with them. Some ways you can do this are by going on an extra walk, taking a car ride, hanging out with furfriends, sharing pet-safe fresh foods with them, or buying them a new toy!

We here at Furball Fitness hope you and your pets have a wonderful Valentine’s Day!

Meat

It is universally known that cats love fish, and it can be hugely beneficial for your cat’s health thanks to the high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. However, cats can also eat other meats including beef, chicken, lamb, and turkey. When planning to feed your cat any meat product, though, it must be cooked to support healthy digestion. It must also be free from bones due to the potential choking hazards.

Fruit & Vegetables

Cats are able to eat a plethora of fruits and vegetables. Carrots, broccoli, bananas, blueberries, and seedless watermelon are some of the popular examples. These safe foods for cats naturally contain vitamins, fiber, and other health features. It should be noted, however, that our furry friends can be picky eaters. If your cat turns their nose up at this offer, it could be due to the texture. In this case, try not to force the issue.

Grains

Whole grains are also added to the list of safe foods for cats. They contain protein and are filling. Oats, corn, and brown rice are three great examples of grains that can be added to your cat’s diet. In addition to grains, you may also introduce scrambled or boiled eggs. But you will probably want to keep these human foods to low quantities. 

Foods To Avoid 

Appreciating safe foods for cats is one thing, but it’s equally crucial to avoid introducing potentially harmful foods to your cat. The list includes dairy, nuts, seeds, caffeine, and alcohol. If you’re unsure about a particular food, consult an expert first.

In the meantime, if you need a pet sitter in North Carolina who knows which foods are safe and unsafe for your cat, contact Raleigh Pawz today.

The post Human Foods Cats Love appeared first on Raleigh Pawz.

Cats are one of the most popular pets to keep. Thanks to their self-reliance and independent nature, cats usually require minimal supervision and do well while you are at work or school. But even though cats are happy to lounge around all day, it's still important to make sure they stay active and engaged. Here are some fun activities that can help get your kitty up and moving!

Interactive Toys

Introducing your cats to interactive toys is an exciting way to build their confidence and mental capacity. It may take a couple of tries for them to realize the toy isn't going anywhere, but once they do, there's no stopping them from pursuing it! Be sure you offer plenty of rest intervals in between play sessions so that your feline doesn't become exhausted or overwhelmed.

Exploration Time

Cats love exploring new places, so why not give them an area in your house where they can safely do this? You can start by setting up a few shelves near a window for your cat to climb on and explore. Put some small toys or treats on each shelf to encourage them to keep exploring and see what else is out there! Just make sure that any areas you allow your cat access to are safe and secure—you don't want them knocking anything over or getting into something dangerous!

Scratching Posts

Scratching posts are another great way to encourage activity in cats. Not only will they enjoy scratching on the post, but it also helps keep their claws healthy and strong. Make sure you choose a sturdy scratching post made from durable materials that won't easily break down with use. You should also place the post somewhere accessible for your cat—like near their favorite resting spot—so they'll remember where it is when they need it!

There's no doubt that cats make wonderful companions, but just like any other pet, they need exercise and stimulation too! By giving them interactive toys, access to explore different parts of the house, and scratching posts, you're giving them an outlet for all their pent-up energy while also keeping them physically fit. Plus, these activities provide mental stimulation as well which helps keep cats mentally sharp throughout their life. So go ahead—give your kitty some fun activities today! They'll thank you later!

1. Provide a balanced diet full of the essential vitamins and nutrients your cat needs. Avoid feeding them human food, as it can be unhealthy for them. Explore the many fresh and raw food options to improve their diet. Locally, we recommend Pupologie, Dexter’s Deli, Earthwise Pet or Pet Power as go-to sources of great food and pet products. The Staff at these local pet shops in Encinitas, Del Mar and Carlsbad are very knowledgeable. .

The post National cat health month appeared first on Claws and Paws Pet Sitting | San Diego County Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers.

Dogs are an amazing addition to our lives, but sometimes there are situations where you need to retrieve a dog off their leash. Maybe they got out of the yard or got lost while on a walk. There are many ways to end up in this situation, but don’t worry! Here’s everything you need to know to bring back a dog off its leash.

What should you do if your dog gets off leash?

If your dog gets off leash, it’s important to stay calm. If you are able to walk toward them in a relaxed manner, they may return on their own. You can also use a treat or toy to entice them back toward you. If this does not work, consider practicing recall with your dog in a secure area before taking them out for walks next time.

If your pet is still running away from you, try turning back so that he or she has a clear path back home. You might even want to run the opposite direction and encourage them with an excited voice and an extended arm pointing them in the right direction.

Here are several additional tricks that could encourage your dog to return to you if they continue to run away:

Make sure to avoid these knee-jerk responses:

• Do not chase the dog. They will think you are playing with them and will run even further away from you.
• Do not yell at them or make any sudden movements, as this could cause the dog to become afraid of you and run around even more than before.

Prevention Methods

The best way to prevent your dog from getting lost is to make sure they’re leashed at all times. If you have a large yard, consider putting up an invisible fence so that your pet stays within their designated area and doesn’t wander off or escape.

It’s also important for owners to register with the city or town where they live so that officials know who owns pets in case there’s ever an emergency situation.

Microchipping is also a great option for keeping track of your pet. Microchips are implantable devices that contain information about the owner and the location of where the animal was last seen. They are inserted under their skin by veterinarians, local shelters and rescue groups as well as other entities who help find missing pets. The microchip itself lasts for 10 years, but some companies offer lifetime registration services so that if yours gets lost again in the future, there’s no need for another procedure-just call them up!

You should make sure to always have a collar and tags on your pet whenever they go outside if they’re not microchipped. It helps identify them when someone finds them running around off leash because it lets folks know right away who owns them even before asking any questions. This way, if anything happens while they’re gone, like getting hit by a car or picked up by animal control officers while roaming free without permission from their owners, it’ll still be easy to get them back. Collars should fit snugly around their necks to prevent injury while wearing them.

Conclusion

As we’ve seen, dogs can get disconnected from their leash and away from their owners in an instant. The key is to be prepared with a plan for every scenario-even if you think it won’t happen to you! And remember, solutions are often easier than they seem at first glance. If you take these tips into account when training your dog, it will be much easier for everyone involved when trouble arises.

They need to know right from wrong. Exercise is very important in this as well. Grooming is also a way to bond with your dog, some may not enjoy this, but it is a must, or else a lot of health issues can arise. The most obvious form of bonding is petting and making your dog feel loved, this is also most likely the easiest part for us humans along with playing with them. Getting your dog into a routine is also a must. I believe the hardest part for owners is giving their dogs the space they need when they want it.  

Training helps with building a bond with your dog for tons of reasons. The better your dog listens to you the more you will be able to do with them. Not only will this help you be able to do more activities with them, but if they are well behaved you have a wider variety of places you can bring them. For instance, if your dog has a strong recall, meaning your dog comes to you when called, you can bring them to all sorts of nice places such as the forest preserve or beach. Training your dog to do anything new can be challenging, but if they have a strong recall, you won’t be hesitant to let them run free in a large field. This is great because who doesn’t like freedom! Not only is it great to give your dog freedom but they can burn so much energy, which every dog needs.  

Training and exercise go hand in hand. They need to be exercised physically for health reasons, obviously this can be done by walking them, running them or even playing fetch. Your dog also needs to be exercised mentally as well. In previous blogs I have talked about the importance of interactive toys to keep them mentally stimulated. These toys consist for finding treats or playing with puzzles. These types of toys are great for when you leave them while you go to work or run an errand.  

Most likely every dog’s least favorite form of bonding is grooming. While some dogs may not mind, I know there are a lot of dogs that would love to cancel their appointments. It is so important to be able to groom your dog or even make sure they let a groomer do their job. Grooming typically consists of ear cleaning, bathing and nail trimming. Each have their own importance. Cleaning your dog’s ears is important, because you do not want their ears to build up with wax and gunk causing an ear infection. Then, you will need to purchase medication for the infection. Bathing is important for obvious reasons; they may have stepped in a puddle of muddy water or maybe went as far as rolled around in one or maybe they got sprayed by a skunk. No good! In which case, you will need to give them a bath. Nail trimming is very important as well. Trimming your dog’s nails regularly is so important because if you let their nails over grow this can affect the way they walk. If their nails are causing them to walk a certain way, that is not normal, this can also affect their spine and joints. 

 Does your dog refuse to have you trim or clip their nails to the point where you can never get them all done? Try clipping one nail a day and by the time you finish every nail, it will most likely be time to circle back to the first one. I believe this helps a lot because its quick and is lower stress for your dog. Remember to always check their dew claw that is located higher up on their legs. If these nails go unnoticed, they can grow and curl up, ending up growing into your dog’s skin. This will be very uncomfortable for your dog as well as more difficult to trim or clip.  

Spatial awareness is also important. There may be times where your dog does not want attention. That could be while he/she is laying in their bed or on the couch. You need to learn when your dog wants space for you and respect that. Not all dogs want to be pet constantly, dogs can get annoyed and frustrated with us humans as well as the other way around.  

Lastly, I believe feeding your dog is a hug part of the bonding between you both. It is nice to switch up their meals every now and again to keep feeding fun and exciting. You can include some raw food and/or toppers to help them get started if they are a picky eater. In the past I have noticed that most dogs really like peanut butter. Adding some broth or water helps release the smell of kibble and that helps to get them to eat as well. Eating the same thing every day can be boring for your dog so it is important to switch things up and keep then excited for meal time! 

It's wintertime, and that means your pup's paws need some extra protection from the cold temperatures. From harsh winds to icy surfaces, your pup's paws are vulnerable to the elements. Fortunately, there are some great ways to keep your dog's paws safe and warm this winter. In this blog post, we'll discuss the benefits of paw protection, the best dog paw protection for winter, types of paw protection, safety considerations, store-bought solutions, DIY solutions, tips for choosing the right dog paw protection, and more.

The Benefits of Paw Protection

One of the biggest benefits of paw protection is that it can help prevent your pup from getting frostbite. Frostbite is a serious condition that can cause severe pain and tissue damage. It can occur when your pup's paws are exposed to cold temperatures for too long. Paw protection can help prevent this by providing an extra layer of insulation between your pup's paws and the cold ground.

Another benefit of paw protection is that it can help protect your pup's paws from the harsh winter elements. From snow and ice to sharp rocks and debris, there are a lot of things that can hurt your pup's paws. Paw protection helps to provide a barrier between your pup's paws and the ground, helping to keep them safe from injury.

Finally, paw protection can help keep your pup's paws from getting too dry and cracked. The cold winter air can be extremely drying, which can lead to cracked and sore paws. Paw protection helps to keep your pup's paws moisturized and healthy.

Types of Paw Protection

When it comes to paw protection, there are several different types to choose from. Some of the most popular options include dog boots, paw wax, paw balm, and paw pads.

Dog boots are a great option if you want to provide your pup with extra insulation and protection from the elements. They are waterproof and durable, and they can be easily adjusted to fit your pup's paws perfectly. This option may take some getting use to for some pups. We would recommend trying these on in the house for you pup to get accustomed to.

Paw wax is another popular option. This wax helps to form a breathable barrier between your pup's paws and the cold ground, helping to keep them warm and dry.

Paw balm is a great option if you want to prevent your pup's paws from becoming dry and cracked. It helps to keep your pup's paws moisturized and healthy, and it also provides a protective barrier between your pup's paws and the cold ground.

Finally, paw pads are a great option if you want to give your pup extra cushioning and protection. These pads are designed to provide extra cushioning and insulation, helping to keep your pup's paws safe and comfortable.

Tips for Choosing the Right Dog Paw Protection

When it comes to choosing the right dog paw protection, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure to choose a product that is waterproof and will keep your pup's paws warm and dry. Second, make sure that it is comfortable and not too bulky. Finally, make sure that it is durable and will last through the winter.

Additionally, make sure that the product is the right size for your pup's paws and that it fits properly. Check your pup's paws regularly for signs of irritation or injury. If your pup's paws become irritated or injured, discontinue use of the product and contact your veterinarian.

Store-Bought Solutions for Paw Protection

If you're looking for store-bought solutions for paw protection, there are a few great options to choose from. One of the most popular store-bought options is Musher's Secret Paw Wax. This wax helps to form a breathable barrier between your pup's paws and the cold ground, helping to keep them warm and dry.

Another great store-bought option is Ruffwear's Polar Trex Winter Dog Boots. These boots are waterproof, lightweight, and comfortable. They also have an adjustable fit, so they can be easily adjusted to fit your pup's paws perfectly. Additionally, the boots are designed with reflective trim, so you can keep track of your pup in the dark.

DIY Solutions for Paw Protection

If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, there are some great DIY solutions for paw protection. One option is to make your own paw balm. To make your own paw balm, you'll need a few simple ingredients such as beeswax, coconut oil, and shea butter. Just mix the ingredients together and apply it to your pup's paws for extra protection. Here is a quick video with the ingredients and instructions!

Another option is to make your own paw pads. To make your own paw pads, you'll need a few supplies such as fabric, foam, and Velcro. Simply cut the fabric and foam into the desired shape and size, and then sew the pieces together with Velcro. Place the paw pads on your pup's paws for extra cushioning and insulation. This page has several blueprints for DIY pads and booties that includes both stitch and non-stitch options.

Keeping your pup's paws safe and warm this winter is easy with the right paw protection. From store-bought solutions to DIY options, there are a lot of great options to choose from. Just make sure to keep safety in mind when selecting a product, and check your pup's paws regularly for signs of irritation or injury.

With these paw protection options, wintertime doesn't mean you have to stop walking your pups. Go to especially4paws.com/request-a-quote to hire a professional dog walker and keep your furry friend active this winter!

In reality, it is one of the greatest benefits of becoming a dog owner. Here are just some of the ways that dogs will boost your heart health over the years to come.

Dogs make your life less stressful

Stress is a leading contributor to poor heart health and a plethora of other health issues. Just 10 minutes of petting your dog can spark changes in your brain that ultimately see your stress levels fall.

Meanwhile, the companionship and unconditional love from a dog will relieve a lot of stress. Simply having a dog and spending time with your furry friend is, therefore, a great asset for supporting your physical wellness and heart health.

Dogs promote reduced blood pressure

Petting a dog can also be shown to reduce blood pressure. However, it is also shown that simply being around the pup can support heart rates in people with conditions as well as individuals in great health.

This can be linked to the fact that dogs instantly make the pressures of the day fade away when you return home. Dogs additionally provide psychological support  in difficult times. Their infectious positivity can boost your heart and brain health.

Dogs help you stay active

As well as motivating you, dogs give you the added responsibility of taking them for walks. Exploring the best trails in Raleigh, NC will naturally increase your daily step count. Even playing games around the house will bring benefits for your heart.

Heart health and dogs are very closely linked. Better still, most of the rewards come naturally without any conscious effort on your behalf. And for the times that you cannot take your pup out due to life responsibilities, the Raleigh Pawz team is here to help with dog walking and pet sitting services. Visit the Raleigh Pawz website to easily book visits for your pets.

The post How Dogs Improve Your Heart Health appeared first on Raleigh Pawz.

After trying some of these ideas, you may find different ways to change up the enrichment to cater to your pet’s specific needs, by making them more easy or difficult. Always monitor you pet when giving new enrichment for safety purposes - plus it’s fun to watch! These DIY enrichment crafts are purrfect for the winter months to help keep your pet engaged!

Snuffle Mat – You need: Fleece, Scissors, Rubber Sink Mat (with holes), Treats

1. Cut fleece into small strips, about ½”-1” wide and about 4”-6” long. Cut enough to fill each hole in the mat, plus some extra just in case.

2. Cut the sink mat to whatever size you prefer (smaller dog or cat = smaller mat).

3. Thread a strip of fleece from (front to back) into a hole in the corner of the sink mat. Bring the two ends together and tie a simple knot. The long ends should be facing you, with the back of the mat being smooth.

4. Continue to tie pieces of fleece all the way down the edge of the mat.

5. Once you’ve completed one edge, go back down that same row and tie a piece through the same holes to the next row. continue this until you have fill all of the rows with tied pieces of long fleece. It should look like a forest of fleece, with the knotted pieces filling the holes and gaps.

6. Ideally, when finished, the fleece strips will be 2”-3” long sticking out. Just enough for a treat to be buried down in the fleece, but no too much excess fleece flopped over. (If the strips are too long, you can always cut them shorter after you’ve made the mat.)

7. Bury a couple treats down in the mat and place it on the ground for your pup to sniff and hunt. Don’t forget to let your cat try this too!

*The size of strips completely depends on the mat and your preference, play around with it! If you have a smaller dog, you may want to make the strips shorter so they don’t have to bury their whole head to find the treat.

*The softer pliable sink mats work best for this project. These can be thrown in the washing machine to make for easier clean up.

*Always cut longer strips than you need, because you can shorten them later, but you cannot lengthen them again.

*You can start by having less strips and seeing how your dog handles it. If it is too easy for them, add more to make it harder to find the treats!

Burrito Roll – You need: Towel, Treats

1. Using your preferred sized towel, lay it out flat on the ground.

2. Starting with the short end facing you, line up a single row of treats (or pieces of food!)

across the bottom of the towel.

3. Roll up the towel like a burrito, rolling the row of treats into it, just past the food.

4. Add another row of treats or food and roll again.

5. Repeat step 4 until the whole towel is rolled up in a burrito!

6. Place on floor (careful not to spill any of the treats!) and let your pup work for their delicious snacks!

*For first time pups, let them try the basic burrito to begin and see how they handle it. Once they have mastered that, you can add variations.

*Variations include spacing out the treats, using multiple types of treats, knotting the towel (smaller towel works better) after rolling it up, overlapping multiple towels rolled together, and knotting multiple rolled towels.

Krinkle Kicker – (Cat Toy) You need: A Long Sock, Wax Paper, Catnip

1. Add a small amount of catnip down inside the toe of the old sock. (it needs to be a long sock for this to work)

2. Take a small piece of wax paper and crinkle it up into a small ball. Stuff this down into the toe of the sock.

3. Tie a knot in the sock, leaving a little room in the toe, so as not to squish the wax paper ball.

4. Add more catnip down into the sock.

5. Take a much larger piece of wax paper and roll it like a burrito (you can always cut this down if it’s too long). In the middle, twist the paper burrito about 5 times so it is tight in the center and loose on the ends.

6. Place the long twisty wax paper burrito down in the sock. Add another sprinkle of catnip on top of it.

7. Tie a knot at the top of the sock, making sure not to crush the wax paper burrito. You can double knot here if you are at the end of the sock, but you don’t have to. One solid knot should suffice.

8. If you have more room, repeat steps 1-3 until you reach the end of the sock.

*You can replace the wax paper and catnip as time goes on and it gets worn/kicked down.

*If you don’t have wax paper you can use parchment paper to get the crinkle sound. Wax paper holds up the best. Do not use foil as it doesn’t move in the same way and can be sharp.

*Cats typically love wool, so if you’ve got a long wool sock that would be purrfect for this craft.

Tube Treat Dispenser – You need: Empty Paper Towel Roll, Scissors, Treats

1. Cut 2 or 3 holes in random spots in the cardboard roll. Avoid the ends, and spread the holes out so they aren’t directly across from each other. Make sure the holes are big enough for the treat or food to fall through. You can always break the treats into smaller pieces so the holes can be smaller.

2. Fold one end of the tube. Stand the tube up length wise and you will work on the end that is in the air first. Push one edge down, then push the opposite edge down to meet the first one. You’ll have two points that are flaps. Fold each flap down to create a solid enclosed end of the tub. It helps to crease the cardboard with your fingers when folding these, so they stay in place. There shouldn’t be any gaps in the end.

3. Add treats or food to the tube. Don’t fill it too full - leave space for them to roll around in

there.

4. Repeat step #2 on the other end to completely enclose the tube. Watch for treats falling out of the holes!

5. Lay on a flat surface and push it around to test the ease of accessibility. If you’re finding that the treats aren’t falling out easy enough, you can cut the holes to make them a bit bigger.

6. Let your pet enjoy pushing the tube around to dispense treats!

*If needed, you can add tape to the ends to secure the treats inside. Be sure to watch you pet so they don’t eat the tape.

*Make sure to monitor your pet, especially if they have a tendency to chomp down on things that have food inside. This may not be suitable for some dogs who like to eat their way through everything. You never know until you try! *You can refill through the holes, or by opening one of the ends and resealing it.

It can be difficult to find a pet sitter you trust. You want someone who is reliable, knowledgeable, and passionate about animals—someone who will treat your pets with the same love and care that you do. That’s why it’s important to find a personalized pet sitting service that can provide all of these qualities

.  

Hiring a Professional Pet Sitter or Dog Walker

When looking for a pet sitting or dog walking service, it is important to find one that offers personalized care. This means that they take the time to understand your pet’s needs, including their personality and any medical concerns.

Also, it’s vital that they are knowledgeable about different types of animals, so they can provide appropriate care for your specific type of pet. Additionally, look for sitters and walkers who have experience with the breed of animal you have.

Make sure the sitter or walker you choose has good references and that they have a valid license if required in your area.  Additionally, ask for proof of their insurance coverage to protect yourself from any potential liabilities.

Finally, it’s a good idea to schedule an initial meet-and-greet with the sitter or walker so you can discuss your pet’s care needs and ensure they are comfortable together. This is also a great opportunity to ask questions and see if you feel comfortable with them.

With the right pet sitting or dog walking service, your pet can stay healthy and happy while you’re away.

Benefits of Personalized Care for Your Pets

• Your Pet is Given Customized Care & Attention

Personalized care is beneficial because it allows your pet sitter or dog walker to tailor their services specifically to your pet’s needs.

Say for instance your pup has anxiety issues when meeting new people, then a sitter can take extra time during their initial visit getting to know them in order to build trust. This helps create a safe and comfortable environment for both you and your pet.

A personalized pet care ensures that each visit is tailored to fit the specific activity level of your pup—whether they need an extra-long walk on hot days or just prefer cuddling up on the couch with their favorite toy.

• You Get Peace of Mind While You’re Away

When you use a personalized pet sitting service, you can rest easy knowing that your pet is in good hands. A professional pet sitter will take the time to get to know your pet and their individual needs, meaning that they can provide the best possible care. They’ll also come to your home so there’s no need for your pet to go through the stress of staying in a kennel or boarding facility.

Plus, when you’re away on vacation or business trips, having a regular visitor can help keep your home secure by making it look like someone is still living there.

• You Have Nothing to Worry About Your Tight Schedules

Having an experienced pet sitter means that you don’t have to worry about finding time in your busy schedule for exercise. Instead, they’ll come over when it’s convenient for you and give them the attention they deserve.

Having another person involved in the walks helps provide socialization opportunities for your pup which can be especially helpful if they tend to be shy around other dogs or people.

Making Sure Your Pet Gets the Most Out of Each Visit

To make sure that both you and your pup are getting the most out of every visit from your professional pet sitter or dog walker, there are several things you can do in advance:

• Make sure they are aware of any special instructions regarding feeding times, medications, etc., before their first visit so they can provide the best possible care for your pup.
• Communicate any changes in behavior since their last visit.
• Update them on any medical concerns. 
• Give them plenty of positive reinforcement throughout each visit so that both you and your pup feel comfortable with them. 
• Provide them with a detailed list of emergency contacts in case anything happens during their visit.
• Let your pet sitter or dog walker know if you’ll be away for an extended period of time so they can make the necessary arrangements for your pup’s care.

By taking these extra steps, you can ensure that your pet sitter or dog walker is providing the best possible service. With a little preparation and communication, you can trust that both you and your pup are getting the most out of each visit.

Finding a professional pet sitting and dog walking service in Charlotte, NC doesn’t have to be stressful! With personalized care from experienced professionals dedicated to providing quality care for all types of animals, you can rest assured knowing that both you and your furry friends will get the most out of each visit.

Do some research beforehand so that you know exactly what kind of service would be best suited for both you and your pup’s individual needs! That way everyone will enjoy every minute spent together! 

Give yourself peace of mind knowing that both you and your furry friends will get with these knowledgeable professionals.

Professional Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Services You Can Trust!

When it comes to your pet’s health, safety, and well-being, you want someone who is reliable, trustworthy and experienced. That’s why our professional pet sitting and dog walking services are a great choice. Our team of certified professionals at Animal People Pet Sitting & Dog Walking knows how to care for pets of all sizes and breeds.

You can rest assured that your pet will be in safe and capable hands. We understand that each pet is unique and has different needs, so our services are tailored to meet those individual requirements.

Whether you need daily walking services for a puppy or occasional check-ins for an elderly dog, we provide the care your pet deserves.

Contact us today if you need pet sitting and dog walking service in Charlotte, NC! 

They even had tons of adorable cat themed wedding decor!

It was the definitely the most intense “bouquet toss” we’ve ever witnessed

(check it out below!)

@fairytail_petcare WAIT FOR IT ???? This is literally what dreams are made of ???????? #cat #catsoftiktok #petsoftiktok #kitten #kittensoftiktok #rescue #rescuecat #wedding #weddingtiktok #weddingday #weddingpetcare #fyp #foryou ♬ What Dreams Are Made Of - Hilary Duff

The cats got some amazing socialization interacting with guests at cocktail hour,

and even joined us for photo booth pics to sign the guestbook!

The best part!? These 2 kittens found their furever homes!

While here at FairyTail Pet Care we primarily offer wedding pet care services for your own pet, we launched this program with the Humane Society of Tampa Bay back in 2020. Since then, our “Yappily Ever After” program has helped over 70 shelter animals find their forever homes!

click here

For more information about our wedding pet attendant services

click here

For more information about our adoptable “Yappily Ever After” program

To ensure that your puppy grows up to be a well-mannered, sociable, and obedient dog, training them is an essential step. However, it can feel quite difficult to train a new puppy at times, particularly if this is your very first. It’s important to be aware of effective puppy training techniques to utilize, the mindset you should have as a dog owner, and the essential advice for raising a happy, healthy, and housebroken dog can help you get the most out of your pup.

Here are some ideas on how to train your new puppy and the dangers to avoid.

Begin Training Early

It is important to start training your puppy as soon as it is eight weeks old. Your puppy will be prepared to comprehend and pick up simple commands like “sit,” “down,” and “stay” at this age. As they mature, provide more challenging training and enroll them in puppy classes.

Avoid Training Techniques Centered on Punishment

Dog owners frequently make blunders like trying to coerce their puppies into performing actions they don’t want to do or punishing them when they don’t display desired behaviors. Using reward-based training techniques to train all canines is a key training premise. According to research, reward-based strategies are more productive and less prone to lead to problematic behaviors.

There is less risk of creating problematic behaviors with this method of training because it does not rely on creating anxiety or fear in dogs. Why would we choose any other strategy when it results in higher welfare for dogs, training that they like, and stronger bonds between them and their owners or caregivers?

Going into training with an open mind and a positive outlook will make the experience more enjoyable for you and your pet. There’s no such thing as a perfectly behaved puppy, so don’t be ashamed if yours barks or poops on the floor during a training session.

Begin with the Fundamentals

The foundation of training should be imparting the fundamental skills that owners and dogs need to succeed in daily home life. You should be concentrated on providing full instruction in the fundamentals so that you can move through life with your new best buddies.

When you have a puppy, it’s crucial to focus on developing that incredible bond with your pet. One of the first skills dog owners can educate their dog to help them adjust to life at home is house-training. All dogs can be trained to relieve themselves outside, but few will do so naturally. Instead, they require us to model appropriate behavior for them and help them develop healthy habits.

Be Persistent and Patient

Every dog is different and will learn things at their own rate, so it’s vital to be patient and to not expect too much too fast. It takes several months for a puppy to become properly housetrained, which is quite normal. All puppies need diligent and constant housetraining.

Make sure to avoid teaching your dog while they are hungry or tired since they may become irritated and not enjoy training. Start your dog’s training in a setting that is calm and free from distractions, then progress to busier areas as your dog gains more self-assurance.

Teach Your Dog Relaxation Techniques

It’s crucial for dogs to learn how to unwind, lie down, and enjoy alone time. When you’re busy at home with guests, preparing dinner, tidying up the house, or out and about with friends at a bar or café, it’s especially crucial for your dog to know how to behave on their own. It’s ideal to start practicing somewhere quiet because distractions, a busy environment, or incentives for attention make it difficult for your dog to learn to be calm.

Tips for Fearful or Hesitant Puppies

When around other dogs or people, some dogs can be timid or anxious. Here is some advice to help your dog get over their worries and realize that the world isn’t so scary:

• Speak to your dog in a calm manner to make them feel more at ease.
• Avoid forcing your dog to view or engage in activities they express anxiety for so they don’t feel worse.
• Attempt to make all of their interactions with unknowable things positive.
• If your dog is wary of new people, kindly request that they avoid approaching or petting your pet.

Contact an Expert for Guidance

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the best training techniques for new puppies, you are not alone. The good news is that our friendly and helpful staff at Paw Pals Pet Sitting are here to support you! We are happy to guide you in training your new furry friend the right way to ensure the love and success you both deserve in your newfound friendship. If you have any questions or concerns regarding pet sitting or training tips, don’t hesitate to reach out to our professional staff today!

The post Airplane Prep appeared first on Heidi's Hounds.

However, when you start thinking about all of the logistics, you realize it might be a little more difficult to include your dog than you’d hoped.

Luckily, we are here to help!

We have the ultimate guide to including your dog in your wedding day!

From what they’ll wear to who will bring them home, we’ve thought of it all & are so excited to share it with you!

Let’s get started with your step by step guide to giving your dog the best day ever at your wedding!

STEP 1: CONSIDER YOUR DOG’S PERSONALITY

@fairytail_petcare WEDDING GOALS ???????????? #dog #dogsoftiktok #petsoftiktok #wedding #weddingtiktok #weddingday #goldenretriever #golden #groom #fyp #foryou ♬ original sound - FairyTail Pet Care

This is likely the most important step so please don’t skip it! Carefully consider your dog’s personality & how it relates to the wedding day by asking questions like:

What are their energy levels?

Are they a flight risk?

How do they react to new people?

What about kids?

Do they get overwhelmed in crowds?

How do they react to new environments?

These are just some of the questions you’ll want to ask yourself before deciding the best way to incorporate your dog at your wedding.

And if you find yourself thinking my dog might be too “crazy” or “hyper” to be a part of the celebration, we have tips specifically for you that may help you decide so don’t give up on your wild child just yet!

STEP 2: DECIDE ON THEIR “ROLE”

Now that you’ve thought about their personality, it’s time to decide HOW you’d like to include them in your special day.

Check this blog post out for extra tips on including your dog in your wedding ceremony!

If they are your typical happy go lucky pup that’s down for an adventure & meeting new friends then likely they’d be a great fit for any part of the wedding festivities - whether that be walking down the aisle, greeting guests, attending cocktail hour or taking family photos.

That’s not to say that a dog with some “quirks”, if you will, can’t be a part of these activities, but you may just need to be a little more conscious of their exact role.

For example, you want your sweet dog to walk down the aisle with your wedding party but they are strong & known to pull on the leash. In this case, we’d recommend choosing someone that is comfortable & confident with them to walk them down.

If your dog gets anxious in big crowds or around people they don’t know very well, then you likely want them to head out before cocktail hour so as not to overwhelm them.

If you’ve given it a lot of thought & you come to the conclusion that your dog just wouldn’t be comfortable attending your wedding in any way, then don’t worry, we can still help you include them!

Check out our additional tips here on how to still incorporate them in the day, even if they can’t physically attend.

STEP 3: INFORM YOUR VENDORS

Your vendors are there to make sure you have the best day ever! They work hard on the details of the day to make this happen which is why it’s so important to keep them in the loop that your dog will be at your wedding.

Not every vendor needs this information, but it’s important that you discuss it with your planner, photographer & venue.

It’s especially important to discuss with your venue, perhaps before even booking with one, to understand their pet policies. It would be the worst to find out later on that they have a strict no pets policy when you really wanted to have your dog as a part of your wedding day!

Your planner will want to add your dog’s part in the wedding day to your timeline & keep track of any important contact info, such as your wedding dog sitter.

Your photographer may suggest bringing your dog to your engagement session so they can get familiar with each other & the camera.

Click here if you want our tips on including your dog in your engagement photos!

STEP 4: HIRE A PROFESSIONAL WEDDING DOG HANDLER

@fairytail_petcare A real life FairyTail ???????????? #dog #dogsoftiktok #petsoftiktok #wedding #weddingtiktok #weddingday #labrador #lab #fyp #foryou ♬ Sensual Seduction - Snoop Dogg

Yes, this service actually exists!

You can hire a wedding pet attendant, or wedding dog sitter, to specifically take care of your pup at your wedding! This is hands down the best way to ensure that everything goes smoothly on your big day.

When you hire a professional wedding dog service they will plan every last detail with your pup’s needs in mind. They will likely coordinate with your vendors, as well, which can save you a lot of time & hassle.

When you enlist a reputable wedding pet care company, they will have the experience to be flexible on the wedding day & handle any situations that may arise. They will not only be pet professionals, but wedding & event professionals, too.

It’s also the best way to ensure you get those picture paw-fect photos with your pup without it becoming too overwhelming or time consuming on the day of!

If you’re not sure what pictures you should get with your dog on your wedding day, check out our recommendations here.

They will also handle one of the most difficult logistics that couples run into when planning their wedding dog care, which is round trip transportation! You wouldn’t want to ask someone to leave your wedding to bring your dog home, or even worse, ask someone that you didn’t invite to your wedding to handle this, so hiring a wedding pet care company means this stressful logistic will be taken care of.

A dog wedding chaperone service also means that your dog will be receiving constant love & care throughout the day & you won’t have to put that responsibility on anyone else. No need to ask your parents or a member of your wedding party to step into this role, it’s truly best to leave it to the professionals!

Here is more information on what you can expect from a wedding dog handler at your wedding!

STEP 5: PICK OUT THEIR ATTIRE

This is such a fun part of the planning process! A quick google search will pull lots of options for dog wedding attire so you’ll have a lot to work with.

If you want something basic & comfortable for your dog, Amazon is a great place to start. They have bandannas with sayings such as “I Do Too” or “My Humans Are Getting Married” as well as tuxedo bandanas that slip into a collar.

You’ll also be able to find tutu or dress options if your pup is up for that!

If you want something a little more custom, we recommend heading over to Etsy. You’ll find hundreds of options for custom tuxedo bandanas, full suits & flower collars that can all be custom made for your pet’s size & your specific wedding color palette.

Another option, custom or not, is a special harness or leash for the wedding day. Maybe a nice white rope leash or a harness with lace material.

We also love the idea of having a special tag made for your pup that says something like “Best Day Ever” or “Dog of Honor” with your wedding day. It will be such a special momento for you to hold onto!

An additional option is to work with your florist to create a custom fresh floral collar or leash. This is absolutely stunning in photos & gives your pup that extra special flair!

We love seeing greenery on leashes, too. It’s important that your florist makes note of your pup’s size so they can plan accordingly & it doesn’t hurt to remind them to avoid any flowers that may be toxic for dogs!

STEP 6: PLAN THE LOGISTICS OF THE DAY

@fairytail_petcare What’s better than belly rubs at a wedding!? ???????? #dog #dogsoftiktok #petsoftiktok #wedding #weddingtiktok #weddingday #fyp #foryou ♬ Bejeweled - Taylor Swift

If you opted to hire a pet wedding service then this step will be quite simple as they’ll walk you through every detail, but either way there will be some coordination to consider.

First of all, where will your pet be picked up & dropped off at on the wedding day? Ensure whoever is taking care of this has access to the locations ahead of time with a key or door/garage code.

Consider what time your pup should arrive at the venue.

Think back to what their role will be on your wedding day. If they’ll just be there to wish you good luck before the ceremony & take a few photos during your “First Look” then they won’t need to be on property for too long.

If they will be a part of the ceremony, you’ll want to plan their day with time on their side. You always have to remain flexible when it comes to animals so it’s best not to cut things too close. We recommend having your dog arrive at least an hour before the ceremony begins so they have time to get their sniffs in & energy out before guests begin arriving.

Hopefully you’ve already discussed this with your photographer, but if not now is the time to think about what photos you’d like them to be a part of.

If you are doing a “First Look” with your partner we highly recommend including your dog in some wedding photos right after this. If not, it may be best to try to have your dog near the top of your list for photos after the ceremony so as not to keep them anxious & waiting for too long!

STEP 7: PACK THEIR BAGS

Your dog will need a few supplies for their big adventure at your wedding so be sure to pack a bag for them!

Again, if you’ve hired a wedding day pet care company then they’ll likely bring a pack of supplies of their own for your dog, but it still doesn’t hurt to plan ahead.

STEP 8: ENJOY YOUR (& Your Dog’s) BEST DAY EVER!

@fairytail_petcare Cuteness overload ???????????? #dog #dogsoftiktok #dachshund #petsoftiktok #weddingtiktok #wedding #weddingday #fyp #foryou ♬ Get You The Moon - Kina

It’s finally here! Your special day! You’ve thought of it all & it’s time to relax & enjoy your best day ever!

Luckily you’ve taken the steps ahead of time to plan the wedding day for not only yourself, but for your dog, as well.

You’ve coordinated with your vendors, hired a plus-one for your dog & packed up everything they’ll need to make sure your pup is happy & comfortable on their big wedding adventure.

Your dog will be so grateful to be invited to celebrate this big moment with you & your loved ones. Not only will they get out of the house & explore a new environment (yay for new smells!) but they will be able to experience a moment unlike any other with all of their favorite people in one place celebrating the love of their parents!

Dogs are family & we get that. As long as you carefully consider the steps we’ve listed out there is no reason your wedding day won’t be your dog’s best day ever, too!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

FairyTail Pet Care is Your Dog’s Plus-One™.

They are the nation’s FIRST wedding pet care company. Founded in 2015 by two lifelong best friends they have included over 1000 pets in weddings! They have locations all throughout the state of Florida, as well as Las Vegas & Pittsburgh. They are available for travel worldwide & are currently awarding franchises throughout the country.

Learn more about the company that brings the paws-itivity to weddings by clicking here.

If you are looking to include your pet in your wedding day & are interested in learning more about wedding day pet care please click here to reach out to FairyTail Pet Care.

Enrichment is incredibly important for your pet to have a fulling life! As house pets, our furkids tend to get bored easily. They run out of new and interesting things to see, smell, hear, and taste. Our role is to provide a safe, healthy, and enriched life for them! There are many tools we can use to aid in enrichment, including toys, new foods, furfriends, going for walks, and playing interactive games. Enrichment allows your pup to utilize senses they aren’t using on a regular basis. The energy expended, or brain power expended, on enrichment activities help wear out your dog, which keeps them from getting into trouble in other ways! If your dog is constantly chewing up your shoes, try looking into some enrichment ideas to engage your pup throughout the day, and they will most likely have less interest in the shoes. Wearing a dog out also helps them sleep deeper and longer, allowing for a more productive rest for their mind and body.

A Kong toy is an excellent and durable way to provide enrichment that elevates your pup’s day. Kong makes a wide variety of toys for all sizes and strengths. From puppies who are teething, to adult dogs who are heavy chewers, you’re sure to find a good fit for your dog. The Classic Kong is a great go-to for beginners, so you can learn what the dog’s chew-level is and what they prefer! The Extreme Kong is excellent for really tough and rough chewers – it holds up to a lot of intense chewing. The Puppy Kong is perfect for young pups who are teething; the rubber is softer and gentler on their teeth and gums.

Kong is also designed specifically to be a safe product, although it’s always best to supervise activity, especially with a new toy. All Kongs have a small hole in the top to prevent suction while the dog is licking or chewing on it. When filling Kongs, remember to stick a straw or long skinny utensil down through the center so the hole remains (especially if freezing it). If you aren’t completely filling or packing the Kong, and only putting some food on the sides (or using a dry treat), then this step isn’t necessary. There are many different foods and treats you can fill a Kong with – the options are plenty!

Below is a fun winter recipe created for enrichment with a Kong, during snowfall!

SNOW KONG*

Step 1: place Kong outside for 20 mins. (don't skip this step or it'll be a regular ole empty Kong!)

Step 2: place a towel** down inside where this activity will take place

Step 3: brave the freezing cold, go outside, and fill pre-chilled Kong with fresh snow

Step 4: bring inside, have your dog lay on the towel

Step 5: Give the Snow Kong to your dog to enjoy! ❄️

*It must be cold outside; have snow on the ground to make a Snow Kong

**The towel also works for training and enrichment. You can use it for the command place;. The dog will go lay down on the towel/dog bed/rug, then gets to enjoy the reward on it. This makes clean up very easy for most food related enrichment!

Kongs will make great stocking stuffer for your fur baby. You can get yours today at our Pet Resort for only $5. While supplies last. Contact us for details.

This quick guide to holiday decorations and dogs should help you avoid potentially problematic situations for both your fur baby and your decor.  

Take Extra Care with Food-Related Items

All food-related items will quickly be sniffed out by dogs, which can lead to a great deal of mess if they open them or try to climb up to packages that are out of reach. So, you should take extra care with any food-related items that are integrated into your festive decorations.

Meanwhile, hanging chocolates and chocolate stocking stuffers pose a real threat to your dog’s health. While they may be fun, it’s probably best to keep a tub of candies and chocolates up high on a kitchen counter or another location where they are out of your pup’s reach.

Use Caution with Glass Ornaments

The festive season is a magical time, and having pets should not stand in the way of creating a magical homey vibe. Still, dogs will likely knock at least one ornament off of the tree. Avoiding glass and other breakable materials can prevent injuries.

On a side note, you should avoid tinsel and other items that your pet is likely to eat. Even consuming a few strands can cause major problems for your pup’s digestive health. When considering holiday decorations and dogs, prevention is the best form of protection!

One Last Thing…

Whatever decorations you opt for, they are far more likely to become a source of problems if you fail to help your pup find an outlet for their energy. Getting your dog outside is the perfect solution, even when you are personally unavailable.  Book a dog walk with the Raleigh Pawz dog walking team today.

The post Holiday Decorations to Avoid Around Dogs appeared first on Raleigh Pawz.

We’ve all heard people refer to pets as “simply” animals as if their significance in our lives were insignificant. These people probably haven’t ever had a faithful dog or a devoted cat, and their statements couldn’t be more false. Most pet owners are aware of the joys of animal ownership and the companionship and lovely bonds that can develop between animals and people.

Fortunately, the extra work that comes with having a furry child at home is more than made up for by the unconditional love and happiness that pets bring into our lives. All responsible pet owners are expected to provide the items on the list below in order to safeguard the well-being of their animals.

Healthy Food

Pets need food that satisfies their unique nutritional requirements, just like people do. Dog meals meet a dog’s dietary requirements, and those of a cat are met with cat foods. Importantly, they have pretty different food requirements. 

A different diet is needed for puppies and older dogs. Special diets may be necessary for pets with health conditions. Most foods we eat, like onions, salt, and garlic are bad for your pet’s health and cause sickness, or worse death. Table scraps for dogs and cats are a big no-no! 

Pets should receive the appropriate amount of food, too. Giving your pet too many treats or overfeeding him might make him obese, which can bring on additional health issues like heart disease and kidney issues. 

To prevent these illnesses, weigh your options regarding pet food. If you’re unsure which foods would be best for your pet, you should ask your veterinarian for advice.

Professional Pet Sitting Service

Pets need to be taken care of when their owners are away. If you plan on going away for an extended period of time, it’s best to hire a professional pet sitting service. This specialized service can give your pet the attention and care he needs while you’re gone. 

So what’s the role of a pet sitter? A pet sitter feeds your pet, takes him for walks, provides him with plenty of playtime and exercise, and keeps an eye on his general health. 

In simple terms, a pet sitter takes care of everything that concerns your pet in your absence. You can for updates while you’re away so you can rest easy knowing your pet is in good hands.

Safe, Cozy Shelter is a Part of Proper Pet Care

Cats are constantly at risk from predators, violent dogs, and cars, so keeping them inside is in their best interest. Many cats appreciate having a covered area of their home that resembles a cocoon where they may hide and feel safe.

For dogs, make sure they are microchipped, wearing identification tags along with your contact information in case something unexpected happens. Registering your pet with Finding Rover is a smart move. 

Water should always be available, as well as shelter. Dogs often appreciate having their bed indoors, and senior dogs, in particular, may benefit from having an orthopedic bed.

When you leave your dog outside for any length of time, they are at risk from predators that can see them as prey. Not only does this happen in extremely hot or cold weather conditions but even when it’s raining heavily and dark as well. 

Additional Needs

Give Your Pets Access To Clean Water At All Times

Pets require easy access to water to survive, just like humans do. Therefore, all animals in your care should always have access to a clean, fresh water dish. Place it near their meal bowl to make it more convenient, and remember to replenish your pet’s water dish at least twice daily. As a result, your pet will stay cool, hydrated, and healthy.

The same thing with your pet fish in the aquarium! Be sure to clean the tank at least once weekly. Failure to do so might result in unhealthy animals and odorous tanks!

Pets Require Frequent Bathroom Breaks

Numerous pet breeds can be trained to be housebroken, allowing them to explore the house without fear of spills. Get at least one litter box for your cats.

During the day, puppies often require a bathroom break every one to two hours. A puppy can usually hold it for the number of hours multiplied by her age in months plus one. A three-month-old puppy, for instance, needs to go potty at least once every four hours. 

You’ll get to know your personal dog’s requirements, but no dog should be asked to “hold it” for longer than six hours. Like elderly people, senior dogs also need to go potty more regularly. Dogs can be trained to use potty pads and doggie doors or to wait until they go for a walk before going potty.

Regardless of where your pet uses the restroom, clean it frequently. Maintaining good cleanliness and sanitation will assist in safeguarding your pet’s health by preventing the buildup of dirt and bacteria. Additionally, your pets will value having a spotless area to relieve themselves.

Pets Require Doctor Visits and Healthy Habits

You should bring your pets in for wellness examinations at least once a year to ensure they are strong and agile. It’s essential to keep up with your pet’s vaccines. Your pet’s well-being is also significantly influenced by clean teeth and healthy gums. 

Take your pet to the veterinarian or animal hospital as soon as you see any sickly signs or symptoms so they can start feeling well as quickly as possible.

Regular grooming is another approach to keeping your pets happy and healthy (if needed). However, for dogs, matted fur can be uncomfortable and unhealthy. Although washes, brushings, nail trimmings, and flea/tick removal may be required for your pet’s health, dogs and cats may not enjoy it.

Professional Pet Sitting For Your Pets

Animal People Pet Sitting & Dog Walking is the best choice for pet sitting services. We offer daily walks, in-home visits, overnight stays, and pet taxi services to ensure your pet is looked after when you are away.

Our experienced sitters will keep your pets safe and secure while always providing attentive care and love. We understand how important it is for your furry friends to receive specialized attention, so let us ensure your pets are well taken care of. 

Contact us today to learn more about our pet sitting services!

Have you introduced a lick mat to your pup? Maybe you use the homemade lick mat for them,secured saran wrap with peanut butter smeared on it. Have you filled those hollow bones or kongs with peanut butter? It is a common treat that is utilized to keep dogs occupied, aka ,mental stimulation. Yesterday was also International Peanut Butter Day so let’s take a look.

Peanut Butter can be safe when given in moderation, but you do need to read the labeled ingredients. There are plenty of brands out there that contain the ingredient, Xylitol. Xylitol is a sugar substitute. This is dangerous for dogs and can cause hypoglycemia(low blood sugar), seizures, liver failure and even be fatal. Here’s some food for thought(Yes, pun intended) from the AKC on should they eat it, how much they should eat, and how xylitol, if ingested, can affect your dog.

,Can Dogs Eat Peanut Butter?

Your dog might be approaching their senior years if you find that their muzzle is starting to become a little gray. While senior dogs’ age range varies by breed and size, dog owners should keep an eye out for aging symptoms and make the appropriate adjustments to give their animals the best senior dog care possible. In this brief article, we will be sharing some tips on how to care for senior dogs.

How to Care for Older Dogs

Making small adjustments to your dog’s routine, veterinary care, and living space as they age will assist them in living a healthier and more pleasant life.

Keep Your Older Dog Active

It’s crucial that dogs continue to get lots of exercise as they get older. The primary regulator of metabolism is muscle mass, and dogs who lose muscle develop frailty syndrome, which has the effect of hastening the aging process.

The degree of activity in a dog may progressively decline over time if something isn’t right. Older dog owners should look for subtle indicators of pain and consult a veterinarian to develop a suitable treatment strategy. Still, pet parents believe that “slowing down” is a hallmark of aging. It can be a sign of untreated pain, but that isn’t always the case.

Dog GPS trackers and activity monitors are examples of handy devices that are made to help owners keep track of their dog’s activity level. Dog owners may change their dog’s exercise regimen to incorporate more playtime or longer walks if activity levels are low.

Additionally, exercising your senior dog will aid in preventing weight gain. The most crucial thing you can do to lessen the effects of arthritis on your dog is to keep them lean.

Check Your Dog’s Blood Work

It’s advisable to take your dog to the vet for inspections on a frequent basis as they age. In addition to an annual or biannual exam, pet parents should have their senior dog’s blood testing done annually.

Make sure to also get your senior dog’s blood tested to make sure everything is healthy, including the white and red blood cells, kidney, and liver function. This is a simple method for identifying many ailments.

Invest in a Heated and/or Orthopedic Dog Bed

An orthopedic dog bed or a heated dog bed may benefit senior dogs that are afflicted with arthritis and other joint issues. It’s crucial for any dog to have pain-free, peaceful sleep. It can increase flexibility, lessen pain, and raise their quality of life.

An older dog with joint issues and stiffness may benefit from a heated dog bed. It features an inside heater that raises the temperature to your dog’s normal body temperature. A heated pad or mat can be put inside your dog’s bed to achieve a similar result. Think about electric heating pads with thermostatic controls and overheating emergency shut-offs. A pad like this will significantly relieve arthritis-related pain caused by aging.

Utilize a Dog Support Sling

A dog support sling or a harness that is especially made for dogs might be of great assistance to an older dog who has movement issues. A dog sling may occasionally be able to assist your dog in standing up if they have an extremely difficult time doing so. There are excellent harnesses with a handle on the back that make it simple for you to help your dog. Dog support slings make it easier for your senior dog to walk, climb stairs, use the restroom, or get into the car.

Change Your Dog’s Environment Subtly

Making even tiny changes to your dog’s surroundings can make a major difference. Installing extra carpeting all over your home will make it easier for your senior dog to stand up and less likely for him to slip on tile or hardwood floors.

Senior dogs may benefit from dog socks with rubberized, non-slip bottoms to help with traction.

Owners should also think about utilizing dog ramps throughout their houses. Ramps are a great method to make it easier for dogs to enter vehicles, climb stairs, and get onto furniture. To alleviate stress on a dog’s head and neck, pet parents might also think about using an elevated dog dish for their pet’s food and water.

If your pet has difficulties remembering where their water bowl bowl is, you might need to place more water bowls about the house. Another aid is a nightlight next to the food and water. Installing nightlights throughout the house will benefit your elderly pet because night vision is the first sense to deteriorate with age. Using dog gates is another option to restrict staircase access and prevent injury.

A Rewarding Journey

As a member of the family, our dogs deserve to live out their final years with the highest possible quality of life. Unquestionably, taking care of older pets is a unique and gratifying experience. If you have any questions or concerns regarding an aging pet, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly and professional team at Paw Pals Pet Sitting today for more information!

The post Best Holiday Gifts For Pets appeared first on Alexandria Pet Care: Pet Sitting, Dog Walking, and Dog Training.

Cash

This Golden Retriever walked down the aisle all by himself! Then he got allllll the pets while he sat up there with mom & dad for the whole ceremony.

@fairytail_petcare He ran to his dad down the aisle - but got some pets first of course ???? #fyp #foryou #dog #dogsoftiktok #petsoftiktok #wedding #goldenretriever #cute ♬ Put Your Records On - Ritt Momney

Otto

This silly pup started chasing his tail during his parents' vows!

@fairytail_petcare Wait til the end for the happy ending we all need right now ???????????? #dog #dogsofttiktok #golden #goldenretriever #wedding #funny #weddingday #weddingtiktok #fyp #foryou #couplegoals #dogsinweddings ♬ Funny Song - Cavendish Music

Ajax

This Golden retriever had his very own “First Look” with his mom & dad!!

@fairytail_petcare Wait for it ???????????? #dog #dogsoftiktok #petsoftiktok #firstlook #wedding #weddingtiktok #weddingday #goldenretriever #fyp #foryou ♬ Love Of My Life - Metrow Ar

Bennett

This Golden Dog Of Honor left his humans a very special voicemail on their phone call guest book!

@fairytail_petcare Wait for it… so cute!! ???????? #wedding #guestbook #weddingday #weddingtiktok #dog #dogsoftiktok #petsoftiktok #weddingtrends #goldenretriever #fyp #foryou ♬ love nwantinti (ah ah ah) - CKay

…Bennett also had some fun rolling around with dad while waiting for mom to come down the aisle!

@fairytail_petcare The cutest ???????? #dog #dogsoftiktok #petsoftiktok #wedding #weddingtiktok #weddingday #golden #goldenretriever #fyp #foryou ♬ original sound - ????????‍❤️‍????‍????????

Zeke

This Goldie stole the show when he walked down the aisle!

@fairytail_petcare Yep ???????? What’s the problem? #dogsoftiktok #petsoftiktok #wedding #weddingtiktok #weddingday #goldenretriever #fyp #foryou #imtheproblem ♬ Anti-Hero - Taylor Swift

Beau

This handsome Retriever made his parents’ wedding photos pawfect!

@fairytail_petcare Facts ???????? @beaunosebones #dog #goldenretriever #dogsoftiktok #petsoftiktok #wedding #weddingtiktok #weddingday #fyp #foryou ♬ long way 2 go remix - ????????????????????????????????.????????️????

…Beau also had his very own Dog Of Honor Video from the big day! He is so loved & was truly a part of EVERYTHING on his mom & dad’s big day.

Luna & Ciri

These 2 adorable siblings were included in tons of their mom & dad’s formal photos!

@fairytail_petcare The paw-fect family photo doesn’t exis… ???????? #dog #dogsofttiktok #petsoftiktok #goldenretriever #wedding #weddingtiktok #weddingday #fyp #foryou #couplegoals ♬ BRENT MORGAN What Dreams Are Made Of - Brent Morgan

Denver

We’re convinced that this cutie was the star of the show!

@fairytail_petcare When you include your dog in your wedding ???????? #dog #dogsofttiktok #goldenretriever #wedding #weddingtiktok #weddingday #petsoftiktok #fyp #foryou ♬ original sound - .

….The Groom even walked down the aisle with Denver!

@fairytail_petcare Who is cutting onions ???????????? #dog #dogsofttiktok #petsoftiktok #goldenretriever #wedding #weddingtiktok #weddingday #fyp #foryou #puppy #doggo #goals ♬ wait m83 - ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

…seriously, the whole bridal party was obsessed with him, too!

@fairytail_petcare When your dog is the main character at your wedding ???????? #dog #dogs #dogsofttiktok #goldenretriever #wedding #weddingtiktok #goals #love #fyp #foryou ♬ Surrender - Natalie Taylor

Belle & Chloe

These sweet pups were anxiously waiting for their mom & dad at the end of the aisle!

@fairytail_petcare The only acceptable thing to say after getting married ???????????? #dog #dogsofttiktok #goldenretriever #petsoftiktok #wedding #weddingtiktok #weddingday ♬ Send Me on My Way - Guy Meets Girl

Benny

This puppy was the main character at his humans’ wedding and you can’t convince us otherwise!

@fairytail_petcare He had the best day ever ???????? #dog #dogsofttiktok #petsoftiktok #lab #weddingtiktok #wedding #fyp #foryou #couplegoals #doggo #puppy ♬ Originalton - POV’s

…and of course he ran down the aisle to his mom & dad curing their ceremony!

@fairytail_petcare When your dog is the ring bearer in your wedding ???????????? #dog #dogsofttiktok #wedding #weddingtiktok #fyp #foryou #puppy #dogs #goals #cute #love ♬ Call me - 90sFlav

FairyTail Pet Care is the Wedding Pet Care company that made including all of these dogs in their humans’ weddings possible!

We are your dog’s plus-one, and the nation’s first wedding pet attendants.

We’re so much more than just a dog sitter for your wedding - we take care of all of the logistics so your wedding day can be your dog’s best day ever too.

Click here to see our locations & get more information on how we can help include YOUR dog in your wedding day!

@fairytail_petcare He ran to his dad down the aisle - but got some pets first of course ???? #fyp #foryou #dog #dogsoftiktok #petsoftiktok #wedding #goldenretriever #cute ♬ Put Your Records On - Ritt Momney

This Golden Retriever, Ajax, had his very own “First Look” with his mom & dad!!

@fairytail_petcare Wait for it ???????????? #dog #dogsoftiktok #petsoftiktok #firstlook #wedding #weddingtiktok #weddingday #goldenretriever #fyp #foryou ♬ Love Of My Life - Metrow Ar

This Golden, Bennett, left his humans a voicemail on their phone guest book!

@fairytail_petcare Wait for it… so cute!! ???????? #wedding #guestbook #weddingday #weddingtiktok #dog #dogsoftiktok #petsoftiktok #weddingtrends #goldenretriever #fyp #foryou ♬ love nwantinti (ah ah ah) - CKay

…Ajax also had some fun rolling around with dad while waiting for mom to come down the aisle!

@fairytail_petcare The cutest ???????? #dog #dogsoftiktok #petsoftiktok #wedding #weddingtiktok #weddingday #golden #goldenretriever #fyp #foryou ♬ original sound - ????????‍❤️‍????‍????????

This Golden Retriever, Zeke, stole the show when he walked down the aisle!

@fairytail_petcare Yep ???????? What’s the problem? #dogsoftiktok #petsoftiktok #wedding #weddingtiktok #weddingday #goldenretriever #fyp #foryou #imtheproblem ♬ Anti-Hero - Taylor Swift

This handsome Goldie, Beau, made his parents’ wedding photos pawfect!

@fairytail_petcare Facts ???????? @beaunosebones #dog #goldenretriever #dogsoftiktok #petsoftiktok #wedding #weddingtiktok #weddingday #fyp #foryou ♬ long way 2 go remix - ????????????????????????????????.????????️????

If you have brought your dog home from the shelter and they are very rambunctious, you must learn how to drain that pent up energy. Sometimes this may take more than just a couple walks throughout the day. You will have to try all sorts of new things. Maybe taking them somewhere new to let them smell new scents. When a dog uses his nose, it helps decrease stress levels. While we walk our dogs, we are typically using our eyes to look around and pay attention to what is going on. Dogs typically use their noses to get a feel of what is going on in the environment they are in as well as who was also in that environment. A top dog food website states that it’s best to let your dog take 5 minutes to simply just sniff. If you make this a habit for your dog, it will very much calm them down after being amped up from the shelter life. This should be done daily. It also would be in your best interest to go and look at interactive toys to help with your dog’s mental stimulation. With the right amount of physical exercise and mental stimulation you can tremendously help you dog! 

If you have a nervous dog that is very fearful of other people, it is important that you do not coddle this behavior. I know well, most owners tend to pet their dog when they are shaking with fear. This is completely wrong when trying to help a nervous dog. When you pet your dog, do not cuddle or give them treats as it’s rewarding their nervous and fearful behavior. When you reward your dog with pets while they are fearful of another person, you are telling your dog it is okay to be scared. If you want to get your dog to the point where they are not fearful of other people, you must not pet or reward them. When your dog realizes nervous behavior does not elicit a response, it becomes easier for them to acclimate to new people and gain confidence.  

If your dog is meeting new people infrequently, you should have whoever they are meeting greet them with treats. If someone new to your dog is going to come over, try different things to get your dog more comfortable. If a dog is scared and somebody quickly approaches them for pets, it may retaliate with a snarl or bite. I have whoever is meeting my dog come over and sit on the floor of a common area. Give the person they are meeting their favorite treats. While the person is sitting on the floor, simply have the individual toss the high reward treats toward your dog. Conversate with the person so that your dog understands they are not a threat. This will not work if your dog is aggressive.  

Fearful dogs usually need a confidence boost. Teaching your dog new tricks or involving them in activities can help gain confidence, while also being a lot of fun. When dealing with a fearful and/or nervous dog you do not want to rush the process. One great activity I enjoy is “Go Find”. This is an activity that makes them really use their nose, and like I said earlier this can drain a lot of energy and can be very fun for both you and your dog. You can play this game inside the home or outside. You can use treats or pieces of their kibble. I would suggest using their kibble, so their calorie intake does not rise substantially. If you play inside, you can toss kibble around the house while they are in another room. When you let them in, say “go find.” Typically, they will smell out the pieces of kibble you have hidden around the house. You can also use an old blanket or towel for the pieces of kibble. Roll it up, which forces the dog to try and figure out a way to open the cloth up and get their reward. If you play this game outside, it’s typically done the same. Except instead of them trying to open a cloth, they will have to sniff through the grass and/or a pile of leaves which can be a super fun activity for most dogs. 

I believe these little activities can really help a dog grow and build self-confidence. They may be a little different, but they can really get your pup thinking and using their nose. Like I said earlier in this blog a dog’s sense of smell is quite amazing and when they are using that sniffer it really helps decrease stress levels. In terms of a nervous dog, always remember to not reward that nervous/anxious behavior because it rewards what the dog is feeling at that time.  

Going in for a vacation or having a business trip out of town is undoubtedly enjoyable. This will help us relax even for a day, but for pet owners, this will be stressful because they will leave their pet’s homes. The urgent business trips, even for a day, will leave your pets in either a pet sitter or a pet boarding facility. Not all hotels are pet-friendly, making bringing your pets during urgent business trips more challenging. 

Pets are considered our family. However, we cannot take them every time we go out. As much as we want to always take them with us, there are times that we cannot do that, especially if we go on business trips or urgent seminars and work-related activities. In this regard, we must ensure they are well taken care of while away from home. When traveling without our pets, one of our plans is to know where your pets will stay while you are away. We can either choose pet sitting or pet boarding. Both are popular methods of caring for your pets. However, it would help to consider which is best suited for your pets. 

Our goal is to ensure that our pets are well taken care of while away. We want them to be comfortable while we are gone. Animal People Pet Sitting & Dog Walking is one of the most trusted companies to help you with your situation. Our pet sitting services have gained good feedback from our previous customers. Our employees are well-trained and authorized to ensure that your pets are properly taken care of while their fur parents are away. 

How does pet boarding vary from pet sitting?

Pet boarding and pet sitting are entirely different methods for caring for your pets. But both pet sitting and pet boarding are popular methods of taking care of pets. Here are some of the differences between pet sitting and pet boarding. 

Pet Sitting

Pet sitting is often less expensive and less stressful for pets because they will only remain in familiar surroundings. Some pets love to stay home. They don’t like boarding; therefore, it is becoming stressful for them to travel and stay in unfamiliar places. Pet sitters often come to your house at a specific time to feed and exercise your pets. This is an excellent option for pets who might be nervous in unfamiliar places. Most pet owners opt for pet sitting because the pet sitter only focuses on your pet. Pet sitters will spend most of their time playing and interacting with your pets. Your pets will also not have to adjust to their new environment since they will only stay in the same domain.  Staying in the comfort of their homes will make them at ease. A sudden change in the environment may cause stress to pets. 

Staying at home lessens the chance of catching diseases from the environment and other animals. With pet sitting, you can always give instructions on whom your pet should interact with, where to walk the pet, and when is the best time to walk them. Lastly, having a pet sitter will assure you that someone will watch your house while you are away. Pet sitters can stay overnight to care for and feed your pets. Someone will look and notify you if emergencies happen while you are away. However, this will require additional costs for homeowners. 

With all the advantages of pet sitting, it is understandable that this is a bit more expensive than pet boarding. A one-on-one session will be more costly than a group session. Some disadvantages of pet sitting are difficulty booking during busy seasons; some pets do not respond well to strangers; accidental scape and some homeowners have difficulty trusting strangers with their home. 

Animal People Pet Sitting & Dog Walking has trusted pet sitters who can help you with your pets. Our pet-sitting services will take care of your pets until you return from vacation or business trips. We have trustworthy pet sitters you can trust with your pets and property. 

Pet Boarding

Pet boarding involves taking your pets, like cats and dogs, to a facility away from home while you are on a vacation or business trip. Some advantages of pet boarding include socializing with other pets, exercise, a supervised environment, and no strangers coming to your home. 

Socializing with other pets is an excellent choice for your pets; however, this can also be the reason why they will acquire diseases. Pet boarding offers more opportunities to exercise because Animal People Pet Sitting & Dog Walking have ample facilities for playing. Animal People Pet Sitting & Dog Walking also has staff who are well-trained in animal behavior to handle the unique behaviors of boarding pets properly. We conduct temperament tests from time to time to make sure dogs and other pets are friendly and play well. Some pets need to be monitored for their food and medication intake. If your pets strictly follow a proper diet and medication, Animal People Pet Sitting & Dog Walking will help you maintain it. Our staff includes certified veterinarians that will indeed watch your pets. 

With all these advantages of pet boarding, some disadvantages include animal stress, a significant chance of injuries from interacting with other animals, and risk of illness due to exposure to other animals and the environment during transport. Some pet boarding facilities are more expensive because of their state-of-the-art facilities. 

As pet owners, we must consider all the possible things with our pets. Their temperature, health, age, and needs are our primary concerns in choosing whether we should go for pet boarding or to opt for pet sitting. Some pet owners have difficulty choosing between pet boarding and pet sitting. Pet owners must be extra careful in determining which of the two is more applicable for their pets. If you are unsure what to do with your pets while away, you can visit Animal People Pet Sitting & Dog Walking. They have professionals that can help you decide which one best suits your pets.  

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Story

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Conclusion

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Waistcoat gluten-free cronut cred quinoa. Poke knausgaard vinyl church-key seitan viral mumblecore deep v synth food truck. Ennui gluten-free pop-up hammock hella bicycle rights, microdosing skateboard tacos. Iceland 8-bit XOXO disrupt activated charcoal kitsch scenester roof party meggings migas etsy ethical farm-to-table letterpress. Banjo wayfarers chartreuse taiyaki, stumptown prism 8-bit tote bag.

Story

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Conclusion

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Readymade godard brooklyn, kogi shoreditch hashtag hella shaman kitsch man bun pinterest flexitarian. Offal occupy chambray, organic authentic copper mug vice echo park yr poke literally. Ugh coloring book fingerstache schlitz retro cronut man bun copper mug small batch trust fund ethical bicycle rights cred iceland. Celiac schlitz la croix 3 wolf moon butcher. Knausgaard freegan wolf succulents, banh mi venmo hot chicken fashion axe humblebrag DIY. 

Waistcoat gluten-free cronut cred quinoa. Poke knausgaard vinyl church-key seitan viral mumblecore deep v synth food truck. Ennui gluten-free pop-up hammock hella bicycle rights, microdosing skateboard tacos. Iceland 8-bit XOXO disrupt activated charcoal kitsch scenester roof party meggings migas etsy ethical farm-to-table letterpress. Banjo wayfarers chartreuse taiyaki, stumptown prism 8-bit tote bag.

Story

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Conclusion

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Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to spend with family, friends, and pets, and of course – eat delicious food! The majority of us love to eat big meals at the holidays, and that includes the drooling puppy and the paw-must-touch-everything kitten. Unfortunately, not all holiday foods are safe for our four-legged friends to consume. So, it’s up to us to make sure they are only given food that is safe and digestible.

It’s hard to resist the temptation of puppy dog eyes staring up at you, but here is a list of Safe and Unsafe foods to let your pup try at your food gatherings.

Safe Foods:

• Unseasoned Turkey Pieces
• Plain, Pure Pumpkin
• Fresh Apple Pieces & Blueberries
• Plain Green Beans (unseasoned/unsalted, NOT casserole)
• Plain Carrots (No glaze)
• Broccoli (unseasoned/unsalted)
• Plain Sweet Potato (NOT casserole)

Unsafe Foods:

• Cooked bones (the most important one on this list!)
• Seasoned/Marinated Meat: Turkey/Duck/Chicken
• Turkey Skin
• Gravy & Stuffing
• Onion & Garlic & Mushrooms
• Candied Yams & Cranberry Sauce
• Chocolate/Cookies/Candies/Pies
• Sage & Nutmeg & Nuts
• Raisins & Grapes
• Alcohol
• Any food containing the ingredient Xylitol

This list also applies to Cats, Guinea Pigs, and Rabbits. Hamsters, Mice, and Rats may have nuts included in their Safe Foods list. If you are unsure, double check with your vet to see what foods are safe for your pets before feeding.

Here are some other tips to help your animals around the holidays when it comes to food!

• Always feed small portions, even large amounts of Safe foods can cause digestive upset.
• Gate the dog in a secure area of the house while food prepping.
• Give a treat or frozen Kong to keep the pup busy while the smells fill their nose.
• Create a safe room for your cat, with food/litter box/toys/scratch post where the door can be closed if they are sneaky.
• If you are concerned about stealing food or jumping on tables/counters, then crate or gate the dog during the dinner, and give lots of treats and playtime after everything is cleaned up.
• Make sure that all guests attending the dinner are on the same page as to what your pets can and cannot eat.
• Watch children to ensure they don’t try to slip something to any of the animals.

We are so thankful for our pets & we hope you enjoy your Thanksgiving!!

Let’s hope for nice weather on March 17th. I’m sure a lot of you would love to head out on St Patrick’s Day to one of the many dog friendly bars in Charlotte.

If we are lucky enough to get nice weather, hanging out with your BFLF (best four-legged friend) at a local dog friendly bar might just be the ticket.

I know some of you probably aren’t comfortable going out yet because of covid-19 but I know a lot of people are. If you are going out, supporting the locally owned, dog friendly bars in the area is a great idea.

(I am not passing judgement on anyone… whether you feel it is safe to go out yet or not. This is not a post to debate that topic.)

St Patrick’s Day falls on a Wednesday this year so while that’s not ideal, I’m guessing this year of all years, that’s not going to stop people from going out.

Remember St Patrick’s Day 2020? Life was pretty normal. If we knew then what we know now, the bars would’ve really been packed.

Here’s a list of popular dog friendly bars here in the Charlotte area that will probably be busy on St Patrick’s Day:

1. Rosie’s Wine Garden

2. Olde Mecklenburg Brewery

3. 1501 S. Mint Street

4. Charlotte Beer Garden

5. Sycamore Brewing

Frankie the English Bulldog pictured here was photographed by BARKography at Rosie’s Wine Garden. It’s an amazing spot for photos too!

If you have a favorite spot to go with your dog that I didn’t mention, please let me know. There are so many here in Charlotte, I know there are plenty that I’ve not been to yet.

As always, when you take your dog out in public, please keep him and others around you safe. Also remember beer is not for dogs. And lastly, don’t drink and drive. Keep yourself, your dog and all those around you safe.

Happy St Patrick’s Day 2021 everyone!

We want to give back to the many local pet charities in our area and a food and donation drive is perfect!

This month, if you want to donate any treats or pet food (opened, unopened, canned, dry, you name it), pet clothing your pets no longer wear or don’t fit, toys, unexpired flea/tick/heartworm meds, leashes, collars, even crates they’ve outgrown. Anything you think a dog or cat in need could use, send them our way. You can leave them in a bag or box labeled for Gina’s Family Pet Sitting and we will get those items to the charities we utilize most. We can pick up during any scheduled service or please message us to arrange a pickup if you have nothing scheduled, especially for any oversized items or heavy bags or boxes.

If you would like to make a monetary donation, please leave a check made out to any of these charities:

• Sophie’s Mission
• Street Cat Angels
• Volunteer Humane Society
• NEADS

Gina has a direct relationship with all of the above. They are all doing tremendous work in the community and we would love to help them help others!

Let’s make it fun–win a $50 PetSmart or Petco gift card!

Get a raffle entry for:

• every 5 pounds of food (for example a 50 pound bag would be 10 entries)
• every can (dog or cat, doesn’t matter) or single item (collar, leash, sweater, toy, etc)
• every $5 donated, cash or check–please leave in an envelope clearly labeled for us (for example, a $25 check would be 5 entries)

Let’s make it HUGE!

The post Pet Food and Donation Drive–December 2018 appeared first on .

Stay safe out there!

From our family to yours, Happy Saint Patrick’s Day.

The post Happy Saint Patrick’s Day From Waggy Walkys appeared first on Waggy Walkys.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, many people are working from home or not leaving home at all. Though that’s distressing in various ways, it’s undeniable that it’s a win for dogs to have their people home all day. I urge everyone who suddenly has unlimited time with their best friend to take advantage of it, but also to be aware of the challenges this change presents. Here are some specific things to keep in mind.

The post At Home With Your Dog Courtesy of Coronavirus? appeared first on Waggy Walkys.

Southeastern Guide Dogs will be holding “virtual” dog Walkathons and not their “in-person” in the parks typically events. See how you can join in.

The post Dog Walks Virtually in the Time of COVID-19 appeared first on Waggy Walkys.

Body Language

Before you schedule the first meet and greet between your two pets, learn their body language cues.

Happy cats will purr and rest with their feet tucked under their bodies, maybe with their eyes half closed. They’ll rub up against you and act with an overall calm demeanor. Cats who are agitated will pin their ears back or puff up their tails. They may growl or shriek, or roll onto their back or side so that they’re ready for an attack, bearing their teeth and claws.

Happy dogs will be loose in their body and tail, maybe with a tongue hanging out. They may be playful, but will alternate between a chase and be chased posture. Dogs who are displeased may stiffen their body or tail, fixate on the other animal, and stare. Dogs may also bark and whine if they’re upset.

While these are standard body language cues, your pet may have a unique signal for you to watch out for, so be sure to know what the warning signs are before you schedule an introduction.

Making the Introduction

When it comes time to make the introduction between your animals, there are a few different options to consider.

Desensitizing Your Dog

In some cases, your dog will be so fixed on the cat that you’ll need to desensitize them so that you can make a controlled introduction. This usually starts with sequestering the cat in a room so that the dog can get used to the cat being in the house, while creating a bit of separation. Set the cat up in a bathroom or spare bedroom with all of their needed supplies (water, food, litter, toys, blankets). Feed the dog right outside the door, so they begin to associate positive rewards with the smell of the cat. After a couple of days, swap the blankets of each animal with the other animal’s bedding so that they can continue to get used to the smell of the other animal. Slowly start to let the dog see the cat without getting to the point of overstimulation, so that by the time they are both allowed to be free in the same room, the dog is disinterested or otherwise not excited by the new animal.

Face-to-Face Introduction

If your dog has a naturally calmer demeanor, you can try a face-to-face introduction right away. Keep the dog on a leash and let the cat walk around the dog, getting acclimated. If the cat’s body language stays calm (see body language above) and the dog is able to remain controlled, responding well to commands and direction from you, perhaps even lying down, then the dog should be rewarded for ignoring the cat. Ultimately, the goal is for the cat to be close to the dog, sniffing it even, without eliciting a reaction from the dog. If the dog lunges, this method likely will not work right away and you should try desensitizing it before making another introduction.

Professional Training

If after desensitization and a face-to-face introduction, the dog is still unable to remain calm around the cat, it’s best to consult a professional, certified trainer to discuss a more structured training regimen for your dog. This doesn’t mean that the two animals will never be able to live in harmony together, but you will need to keep them separated until you know they’ll be safe when left alone together.

Sources: https://www.americanhumane.org/fact-sheet/introducing-dogs-to-cats/, https://www.petmd.com/cat/slideshows/15-signs-your-cat-happy, https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/common-cat-behavior-issues/aggression-cats

Being a pet sitter, I connect with pets much like my own, especially those that I see on a regular basis. But, not necessarily. I can see a pet once every 6 months and we might have an instant connection 90% of the time. For instance, a client of mine right now has a cat that is a “stray” cat, that can mean many things to many people, to me, that usually means it is someone’s cat but they didn’t pay enough attention to him or her so it wandered to the next best person they could find – a neighbor or anywhere there might be food and shelter. This cat (still not sure if it’s a boy or girl but I call him a boy) has connected to my heart so fast and I just love him. Today, I actually got him into the sunroom for some MUCH NEEDED love and attention. He was on my lap and getting belly rubs. My clients haven’t been able to get this close to him yet and he’s been coming around for a month or so. It’s a connection with animals that I’m proud of and I’m happy that I have. It makes my heart skip a beat.

So, because of that special connection I have, when our clients lose a pet, I lose a pet. As a pet sitter, it’s truly a sadness similar to the loss we feel when we lose a pet. We don’t see them every day like we would our own but just knowing they are there and waiting for us, is a joy to us. We know the pain our clients are suffering and in our own way, we suffer as well but other than telling our clients we are so sorry and how wonderful their pets were and how much we loved them, we don’t always get to share our feelings of loss. We can tell our spouse or our family about the pet and how much they meant to us but the mourning of our 4 legged clients is truly an inside job, in our hearts, we are hurting. We think about them when we pass their house on our way to another client’s house, we come across other pets that remind us of them and we see pictures of them on our phones that we took when they were happy and enjoying our times together. We also may help their 4 legged brothers and sisters mourn the loss, sometimes left alone for the first time in their lives in the house while their pet parents are at work. It’s part of the responsibility we have as a professional, as their pet sitter, we are there for them always. The connection is real, we aren’t just a person that comes and lets them out to go potty. We are there with them through the good times and the bad, feeling the pain right along with them. We talk to them about it, at least I do. I know many pet sitters that struggle to find ways to deal with the pain and loss of losing a 4 legged client. I have found talking to the pets that are left behind helps. They understand the most, they are feeling the loss as well. They NEED us to comfort them, which in turn helps us. Just like when we lose a 2 legged friend or family member, going to their funeral and talking with others that knew them helps our pain. And, also, sending a card offering sympathy to them helps us both. When we lose a pet, we will always be connected to our 2 legged client by that pet, always. We take that very seriously. We let them know we are here for them and we are sorry. We hope we have made a difference in their lives by caring and loving their pet. We will carry the memories we have of them with us forever. For that, we can be proud.

We will give your babies ONE on ONE attention EVERY….SINGLE…DAY! When we come to your house, we aren’t in a hurry to go on to the next pet….OUR responsibility is to be there for YOUR fur babies. We make sure they are fed correctly, according to your instructions. We get to know your pets so that we will know if something isn’t right. They aren’t just given food and water/taken out to potty and on to the next one! We are THERE just for YOUR baby!! We will play with your pets and have a good time! If you have CATS….same goes! We will sit on the couch and let them hang out on our lap, we LOVE that! And, nothing against family or friends helping take care of your pets but aren’t they busy? Do they really WANT to come and spend time with your pets?? If they do and maybe you swap pet sitting, that’s one thing, but if not, and they are doing it just because you asked them to….are they really going to give your pets the FUN and attention that they need and deserve? Is that really fair to your BFF? I for one know that your fur babies are WORTH IT! And, guess what?? When you hire a professional pet sitter, we COME TO YOU! You won’t have to gather up your babies and take them to the kennel! You won’t have to pay for nights that you are HOME because the kennel is closed the day you leave or the day you arrive back home. All you have to do is think of YOU and what you need to pack for your trip! After all, you deserve a STRESS FREE vacation! Your fur babies will get to kiss you good-bye and be waiting for you when you get home! And, the most important aspect…THEY get to stay HOME!! Now, if you are reading this, I do hope that it’s because you are wondering if this would work for you and your pets! Only YOU can decide if a professional pet sitter would! You know your pets best and you know how they act when you are away from home. It’s not a lot different than when you go to work every day. Matter of fact, if you need your babies to have a midday let out, we can do that too!!! There are many benefits to YOU the pet owner also to ponder when choosing a in-home professional pet sitter….your home looks more “lived in” when our pet sitters come to your home, we will take care of YOU as well as your pets! We will adjust the blinds in the house, turn lights on and off, put that garbage out for the garbage man to take, get your mail, papers and packages while you are away, we will make sure your alarm is set, we will be in your home so we will know if there has been a water pipe broken before it ruins your entire house, we will know if something needs attention. We are HERE to give YOU peace of mind! You are getting a BARGAIN when you use a professional pet sitter! Not only are our prices very COMPARABLE to a kennel’s pricing but you get SO MUCH MORE!! I could go on and on telling you how GREAT it will be to have Waggs 2 Whiskers come to your home and take care of your furry friends….but I suppose I better close for now by telling you, we would love to meet you and your fur babies! Fill out the contact form on our website and we will be in touch asap to set up your FREE meet & greet! And, I can promise you…you will NOT be sorry you did!!

Kelly Catlett – PROUD owner of Waggs 2 Whiskers, LLC

502-836-9742

Figure Out What to Outsource

No matter the type of business you’re starting, you’ll be hard-pressed to do everything on your own. Not only will outsourcing certain tasks increase the productivity and efficiency of your business, but it will also help you avoid becoming overwhelmed and burned out. Moreover, it will leave you more time to focus on running your company and caring for your pet. Think of any jobs that you either lack the expertise for or detest doing, and find qualified professionals to handle them.

You can find reputable freelancers via job boards like Upwork for a wide variety of tasks and projects. For example, a virtual assistant could take care of all your menial everyday responsibilities like fielding phone calls, responding to emails, and invoicing clients. A graphic designer could help you create eye-catching online marketing materials. A web designer could help you produce a killer business website. All you have to do is post your requirements on the job board and connect with potential candidates. Furthermore, working with freelancers is very cost-effective. For instance, a web designer will typically charge $15 to $30 an hour.

Incorporate Business Tech

Along with hiring freelancers, look into the various technologies that can help you run your business efficiently. There are plenty of communication, project management, time tracking, and financial management apps and tools on the market. Do your research, and invest in anything that will save you time and help you move your business forward.

Look to Smart Pet Gadgets

The same goes for your pet: there’s plenty of tech that can improve your pet’s life and free up more time for you two to spend together. For example, there are GPS collars, fitness robots, health trackers, automatic feeders, pet doors, and pet cameras that will integrate with your mobile device for easy operation.

Establish Your Pet’s Space

One of the most important steps in welcoming your pet into their new home is to carve them out their own living space. If you’re going to be working throughout most of the day, it might be ideal to set them up in a spot in or near your office. Make sure they have a comfortable bed, blankets, toys, and access to food and water.

Develop a Routine

Routine is critical for pets, so you’ll want to establish a routine as soon as possible for your new pet. This includes feeding times, potty times, playtimes, walks, and any other activities that your pet will be engaging in on a daily basis. Try to remain as consistent as possible with your pet’s routine, and take advantage of these moments to spend quality time together.

Find a Sitter

Finally, you never know when you’ll need a helping hand with your pet. If you take business trips or a well deserved holiday then you could benefit from hiring a pet sitter to take care of your pet while you’re away. The Aussie Lambs have many years of experience with providing top-notch pet sitting services, and would love to care for your pet!

It’s no easy task to build a business. And it’s definitely no easy task to build a business while simultaneously welcoming a new pet into your home. Consider the tips above as you navigate the challenges, and you and your pet both will thrive in the season ahead!

Thanks to Jessica Brody of Our Best Friends.pet for writing this guest blog.

We’ve found the saying “time flies when you’re having fun” to be so true. Since our first house sit in Thailand in December 2015 the time has just flown by. We’ve travelled all over the globe from Australia to Asia to Europe to the Middle East to North America and enjoyed so many memorable homes, home owners and most importantly – pets.

We didn’t realise until just recently that in August 2019 we completed our 50th house sit!

When we embarked on our house sitting journey I don’t think we had any idea how exciting and fulfilling our life would become. We’ve loved meeting so many amazing people – be they home owners, other travellers or fellow house sitters, and forming wonderful new friendships.

We can’t thank home owners enough for the kindness and generosity they have shown us in so many different ways. It is so humbling and we are always blown away that they have entrusted their homes and furry family members to our care. We know what a big decision it is to have, in essence, complete strangers living in their home and caring for their pets. We truly appreciate the trust you place in us and always endeavour to ensure you can go away worry free on your holidays.

As an aside, our 50th sit turned out to be a repeat sit in Edinburgh. We were looking after the beautiful Field Spaniel Robbie, Pippa a gorgeous British Short hair cat, three chickens and 5 Koi pond fish.

As usual, we enjoyed our few weeks together with our temporary Scottish family. The bonus this time was that the dates co-incided with the Edinburgh Fringe Festival so we were able to enjoy the annual festivities too.

We have no intention of stopping our house sitting journey any time soon and looking forward to seeing where our next 50 sits take us!!!!

PS – if you’re interested in reading about some of our adventures from our house sitting travels take a look at our travel blog – Lambies Travels or our youtube channel .

In February 2019 we accepted a 2 week house sit in Hampshire, England caring for sheep and pigs on a small rural holding. The sit would be in April and we were told that even though it would be lambing season there would be no additional responsibilities. The sheep would look after themselves and their lambs however prior to arrival things had changed.

One week before arriving, we received a message saying that two lambs had become orphaned and would require bottle feeding. This would be a new experience for us and we were excited at becoming surrogate parents for these twins.

The twin lambs had become orphaned at 4 days old when their mum died and were only 12 days old at the time of our arrival. They required four feeds every day from a bottle and their milk was made up the same way as human babies – formula powder mixed with warm water.
They were the cutest lambs we had ever seen and after a few days when we entered the field with our bottles of milk the two lambies would bleat and come running towards us. It was a lovely feeling and made this particular sit very memorable.

Over the two weeks we watched them quickly grow and frolic with the other spring lambs, but there was a little sadness in our hearts that they had no mummy of their own.

In addition to feeding the lambs there was a large pet pig named Gwendolin, two smaller weaner pigs and two guinea fowl who needed to be fed each morning. The pigs were so cute as they came running to us when they saw the feed bucket containing their food. The pigs also all loved a scratch behind their ears!!

We really enjoyed this small farm sit as we had some great new experiences and learning opportunities.

What the home owners said – “Glenn & Jacqueline housesat for us for two weeks and looked after the house beautifully. They had to bottle feed our two orphan lambs, which was a novel experience for them and they coped fantastically.“

So this post is all about how to change your dog’s food.

Certainly you should speak with your veterinarian first. You want to make certain your dog doesn’t have something else going on that could be causing his upset stomach. If your vet does recommend changing his food, this is what’s worked best for us.

Talk to your vet about what types of food she recommends. Do you research on the various options. Some are a lot healthier than others. Some are a lot more expensive than others. I don’t the most expensive is always the best choice but the least expensive probably isn’t the one you want.

My biggest recommendation once you determine which food you’re going to try is to make the switch gradually.

As long as your vet says it is okay to continue feeding your dog what he has been eating, cut back on his regular food by a small amount and replace the amount with the new food.

On day 2 or 3, start feeding him 75% of his old food and 25% of his new food. Feed him this ratio for a week. Then switch to 50/50 for a week. Then 75% new food and 25% old food. If he’s tolerating the 50/50 just fine, hopefully he’ll tolerate 75/25 and you can feed him 100% of the new food within a few days of switching to 75/25.

Switching his food over for some dogs may take a few weeks. Other dogs might tolerate a faster change.

In some instances you may need to change the food more quickly if you can no longer feed him his regular food. In that case, I’d recommend feeding him smaller amounts of food more frequently.

Be sure to monitor your dog closely as you are changing his food. Common symptoms that can occur if it’s changed too quickly are diarrhea, vomiting and lethargy.

Best of luck if you have to go through this and as always, be sure to consult with your veterinarian.

So many of us have been working from home because of covid-19. Since the world shut down in the spring of 2020, many families have taken the opportunity to add a new furry member since we’ve all been home so much.

But now it’s time to return to work so you need to hire a midday dog walker. Or perhaps you’re feeling comfortable about taking a vacation and Fido isn’t going along so you need to hire a pet sitter.

Perhaps your previous dog walker or dog sitter isn’t available any longer because so much has changed over the last year. Or perhaps you’ve never hired a dog walker or pet sitter.

If you are in the market for a new dog walker or pet sitter, here are the things I think you should consider:

1. Find someone credible. Perhaps that is someone who has been doing this for a while who can provide you with references from current clients. Perhaps you can get a referral from a friend of yours or from your veterinarian.

2. Check the dog walker’s references. Actually call and speak to or email their references. Ask them what their favorite things are about them. Ask them if they’ve ever had any problems with the person. If so, what were those problems and how were they resolved?

3. Find out where the person lives. I believe having someone who lives fairly close to you makes the most sense.

4. Find out what your dog walker’s backup plan is if for some reason they can’t come at the last minute.

5. Find out what the person’s backup plan is for when they take time off.

6. Find out what their experience level is with dogs, cats, hamsters, etc. Whatever type of pet you have, ask about his/her experience. If you have a pet with special needs, definitely discuss in detail what those needs are and how you expect your pet to be cared for. Is your dog sitter comfortable with what you need to have done?

7. Ask about how your pet sitter or dog walker will handle any type of emergency. Hopefully nothing will happen but what if something does?

8. Does the dog walker have liability insurance? God forbid, what happens if your dog injures another dog while out on the walk? What if your pet sitter loses the keys to your house and your home has to be re-keyed?

9. Ask the dog walker if the same person will always walk your dog. If you’re hiring a pet sitter, ask if one person will do all of the visits or if it could be multiple people. In my opinion, having the same person is best so your pet has that consistency.

These are just a few of things that I can think of off the top of my head when I think about things to consider when hiring a new dog walker or pet sitter.

Do your research. Trusting someone with your beloved pet and with the keys to your house is a big deal.

Here’s just one recent example of what I’ve had to do in a last minute emergency situation.

This was a few months ago and Charlotte was experiencing a windy, rainy day. Branches were coming down and sure enough our power went out. Our garage door is VERY heavy and I can’t open it by myself when the power is out. So I had to walk to my next dog walking client.

I texted my client and explained what happened. I told her I’d be about 20 minutes late but that I was on my way and I’d get there. I did. But I’ll admit, walking in that type of weather was a big scary. Branches were coming down as the wind was swirling around.

But my client and perhaps more importantly, her dog were expecting me and Poppy needed her potty break.

This is why in my opinion, it’s important that your dog walker or pet sitter lives near you.

I’ve had other instances where I go to hop in my car and it won’t start. That’s actually happened to me twice. Once I flagged down a neighbor and she graciously let me borrow her car. Another time I walked to the job.

I started my dog walking and pet sitting company in 2009. I’ve had hiccups happen and now all these years later, I’m pretty good at handling whatever comes up. Luckily it’s only been a handful of issues in all these years but it’s important that you have confidence in whoever you hire.

You want to hire someone who can handle whatever happens. Because things will happen. Even to the best dog walker.

If you have questions or would like to discuss your dog walking or pet sitting needs, please contact me. 704-340-4105 or kim@SeeSpotRunCharlotte.com.

Credentials

Naturally, you will want to be sure that your pet sitter has the appropriate credentials to be providing services. The Right Fluff staff are all trained in Pet First Aid and CPR. Your pet sitter should be educated and knowledgeable enough to be able to identify pet emergencies or handle a health crisis that may arise while you are out of town.

Safety and Security

If you are letting a person into your home, safety and security is crucial. Be sure to verify that your pet sitter is bonded and insured to protect both you and the pet sitter in the case of any problems that could arise.

Caring for Your Pet’s Needs

Each pet is an individual and has unique and specific needs. Needs may include medication, socialization, or exercise. You should ensure that your pet’s specific needs will be able to be met by the pet sitter you are hiring.

What’s Included in the Services

You may have specific services while you are traveling aside from pet care. You should confirm with your sitter what other tasks may be included in the cost of service, such as checking the mail or watering plants.

How to Stay in Touch

Each pet sitter will have their own way of keeping in touch throughout their pet sitting services. For example, The Right Fluff has an easy-to-use app that is used to provide daily reports and updates with pictures and notes. Be sure to ask your pet sitter how they plan to update you about your pet while you are away.

Are you ready to start looking for a pet sitter? Contact The Right Fluff Pet Sitting to schedule a Registration Meeting today!

Clip Nails Regularly – Cats often scratch to remove their worn-out outer claws. If you make sure to regularly trim your cats’ nails, this can prevent excessive scratching behavior.

Provide Scratching Posts – Providing a variety of appropriate scratching options for your cat can help dissuade him or her from scratching the furniture. You can get horizontal or vertical posts, and posts made from different materials in order to figure out your cat’s preferences.

Deterrents – You may try purchasing cat scratch spray or deterrent spray, which can be sprayed on furniture that your cat likes to scratch. There is also cat scratch tape that can be taped onto furniture or doors to prevent and discourage scratching. If you temporarily make typical scratching areas uninviting, your cat may learn to scratch where you want him to (on the scratching post!)

Did you have a cat scratching problem? How did you solve it?

Fencing

The first and number one priority for a dog friendly yard is the fencing. This is what keeps your dog inside and other creatures outside. If you already have a fence installed, you will want to check for any possible gaps or weak places where your dog might be able to escape. It is also important to ensure that the fence is high enough to prevent your dog from jumping over it. Some dogs are likely to try to dig underneath of fences as well. You can lay down wire or cement under the fence to prevent your dog from digging and escaping underneath of the fence.

Potential Hazards

Dogs can and will try to ingest things that may not be healthy for them. It is important to consider what potential hazards may be in your yard, including bits of trash, fertilizer, or poisonous plants. If your dog is a dog that likes eating things it shouldn’t, you may consider purchasing a soft muzzle for your dog to wear while in the yard. Long grass can also be hazardous since it can harbor ticks and fleas. To keep your dog cleaner, be sure to mow your lawn frequently. This will also prevent hiding places for creatures such as snakes that could be dangerous to your pet.

Provide Shelter

If you are planning to leave your dog outside for long periods of time, you will want to consider providing shelter. While you are away it may rain, or temperatures may change. If your yard doesn’t have a lot of natural shade, a shelter can also provide shade from the heat for your pet. You can choose to build a dog house, or purchase one that is already made. As well as shelter, you will want to make sure your pet has access to water when it is outdoors.

Do you let your dog out in the yard? What steps did you take to make it a safe place for your dog to be?

Chestnut Oak Loop Trail

The Chestnut Oak Loop is the longest trail in Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve, stretching for 1.2 miles in total. You can easily make a five-mile loop by linking up with the park’s other trails. You can enjoy views of the rare Piedmont hemlock, which is a relic of the Ice Age, from the many scenic overlooks and boardwalks along these beautiful trails.

Lake Johnson Loop Trail

The Lake Johnson Loop Trail, which spans over four miles, completely encircles the lake that shares the park’s name. The trail can be hiked in either a complete loop or in separate West Loop and East Loop segments with your dog. Parts of the boardwalk that skirt the lake are among the most picturesque, but you’ll also pass through forests and come across picnic tables.

Crabtree Creek Trail

The length of the Crabtree Creek Trail is 15 miles. Take your dog for a walk on this paved path that winds through the scenic Capital Area Greenway Trail System. Winding its way through a variety of landscapes, it features bridges, boardwalks, and a picturesque creek. It connects a number of parks and dog friendly trails in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Outdoor exercise is important for your dog’s physical health and mental stimulation and the beautiful dog-friendly trails in Raleigh, North Carolina, are a great way to meet the needs of your fur baby. Whether you are able to get out on the trails or not, Raleigh Pawz is here with our dog walking and pet sitting services.  We also make sure your pup stays active and engaged when we’re there.  Contact us today!  

The post Best Autumn Trails to Explore with Your Dog in Raleigh, NC appeared first on Raleigh Pawz.

A Street Cat Named Bob

This is the true story of the unexpected relationship between a homeless heroin addict named James and Bob the Ginger Tabby. Bob becomes attached to James, and through their relationship, James becomes a better person and manages to turn his life around. It is a true love story. You can purchase this in Quail Ridge Book Store Raleigh. 

Iris Grace: How Thula the Cat Saved a Little Girl and Her Family 

Iris Grace is a little girl with autism whose life was transformed by Thurla the Cat. Thurla had an innate power to calm Iris and help her feel more content and happy. Thurla was a form of therapy in itself. This inspiring tale can be bought on Amazon.

The Secret Language of Cats: How to understand your cat for a better, happier relationship 

This book, available on Amazon, may be especially good for new cat owners. It is a guide designed to help cat owners communicate with their cats better. It will help you interpret their meows and growls, among other sounds and movements. 

Do you have a favorite cat-themed book not listed here?  Share it in the comments below!

The post Best Books for Cat Lovers appeared first on Raleigh Pawz.

A Pet-Friendly Room

If you feel that your pet will interfere with the event or just get too stressed, a pet-friendly room could be the answer. Close off a room in your house and keep your pets inside. Ensure that they have adequate food and water, a few treats, a litter box for your cat or be sure your dog has been out before the event starts. Make the room off-limits to guests and rest assured that your pets are cozy and comfortable away from the festivities.

Traveling

If you are going to be traveling more than usual, be sure you have plenty of cat or dog toys and/or treats for the trip. Their usual food is always recommended to avoid additional stress. Travel safety gear is always a good idea and frequent stops are encouraged. If at all possible, the best case scenario is to leave your pet home with a pet sitter so they can remain in their own familiar space.   

Stick With the Usual Routine

Last, but not least, try to stick to your pet’s normal routine as much as possible.  This means taking walks or going outside at the usual times, feeding on schedule, and offering plenty of affection as you normally would. Don’t forget things like medications, fresh water bowls, and simply play time with your pet, as well.  These things will help set you and your fur baby up for a less stressful holiday season.

If you find yourself needing some extra help during the holidays, reach out to Raleigh Pawz for pet sitting, dog walking, and more.  We’re here to help!

The post Tips for Helping Your Pet Adjust to Hectic Holiday Schedules appeared first on Raleigh Pawz.

First off, when we are walking our dogs, we must be paying attention to what they are doing. Some people seem to love this activity with their dogs. They bring their dogs on hikes or to the beach. Some of the great dog owners out there really go above and beyond for their dogs. When I say go above and beyond, I mean their dogs have a different activity and a different new place to explore almost every day. If you are the “above and beyond” dog parent or the typical, you must be paying attention to your dogs and making sure they are not going to do anything to harm themselves.

Dogs can cause serious harm to themselves by ingesting foreign objects, running into the street, sniffing a dog that may not be friendly. We must pay more attention or else it will eventually cost us. Dogs (albeit mostly puppies) will eat almost anything off the ground. I’ve seen dogs eat rocks, asphalt & even woodchips. Things that are in our homes that I’ve seen come out of dogs varies from baby socks, women’s garments to whole chunks of yarn. Luckily the dogs were able to pass these objects instead of having to get a serious and expensive surgery. This is a very dangerous habit and can be vert costly.

Our pets develop habits; some will be quirky and cute, while others can be not only dangerous, but very expensive.  Let’s think about all the cute habits our pets can develop. Let’s say when you get home from work your dog will greet you with his front paws waving, while he stands on his hind legs. Or maybe they spin around excitedly, how cute. Maybe, when you get home from work your dog just swiftly runs around the house joyfully. No harm no foul.

In some cases when you get home from work, maybe your dog has already found a sock of yours that he has already ingested half of while you weren’t home whether out of separation anxiety or being under-stimulated. We need to pay more attention to the habits our dogs will develop and research why they may be doing things like this. A foreign object removal will most likely be between three and four thousand dollars. Some people may not know it, but a lot of times when your dog is behaving in such a way, it’s because they have too much time on their paws. They need structure and exercise to get all that energy out, or else they act up. 

Also, is your dog being corrected for behaviors like this? Are you as the dog owner taking the correct precaution to make sure this doesn’t happen on a daily basis? Are you making sure you have the items your dog loves to eat, put up and out of reach? This is a must while you are helping them deal with stress and teaching them this is not what you want them to do. We could all deal with this in a different way, but your pet may simply need another hour or two of exercise a day. Some of us would just make sure everything is put away, while others may just want to crate train their dog, so their dog doesn’t have the option to go find something to get into. If your dog does need more exercise, it will most likely be a lot harder for you to be confident that your dog is safe in that kennel, while it is home alone. 

I have seen dogs eat through doors, drywall and even wooden trimming along the house. I have even seen dogs break out of locked kennels. You would be surprised what some of these boys and gals are capable of. It’s important to make sure you get some of that energy out of your dog before leaving them home alone to hurt themselves or cause any damage to your home.

If your dog has separation anxiety and is ingesting things when you are not home or maybe even when you are home, this can cause great harm to your dog and may in some cases be deadly. There are so many interactive toys you can buy for your dog now a days it’s insane, and they keep coming up with new ideas. These help dogs deal with stress and anxiety along with giving them some mental stimulation. They can even play with these toys when you are home and busy around the house.

Amazon has tons of cool toys such as “snuffle mats” which come in all different sizes and styles. This toy kind of looks like a shaggy rug that you can put a bunch of little kibbles in, in hopes they won’t fine every piece of kibble right away. There are lots of styles like I said so you can always find one that is more complicated for your dog. A few other interactive toys I would recommend to dog owners who think their dog is dealing with separation anxiety. Or, even dog owners who want their dogs to have a little stimulation or just simply something to do while there away would be an interactive toy “Seek-A-Treat” it’s almost like a puzzle for your dog to solve and once they do there are treats hidden inside the pup puzzle. There are also great “Kong” toys that can hold a whole meal, and this can take something 10-20 mins for your dog to finish just one meal. If you use raw food and freeze the Kong it may take even longer. Not only is this fun for your dog but also helps them slow down the rate at which they are ingesting their food. These are also all great enrichment toys.

If your dog is prone to destroying ever toy you put in front of them, it may be a good idea to watch them the first few times they are playing with their new interactive you. If you are nervous about giving them a toy that has treats and/or food in it with the worry they may eat the toy, play it safe and look for a tougher interactive toy for your dog. There are tons on amazon.

Another huge reasons your dog’s behavior may have gotten this bad is because of lack of stimulation and exercise. Keep that in mind.

At the end of each day, dog owners will have had to put in some kind of work and/or money being the pet parent. In this blog I have mentioned some awesome interactive dog toys to help keep your dogs entertained while you are not home and with some pointers on how to keep them safe when you are away. In most cases I think it’s safe to say they may need a lot more physical activity and play time. 

In this blog I am going to talk about all the benefits of caring for a cat or dog, along with what I loved doing for pets and how much fun owning one can be. Every cat and/or dog comes with their own share of issues and challenges, or as some would say quirks, but if you have a strong bond with your animal nothing is impossible to fix. 

I always loved caring for cats and dogs. One of my favorite tasks about caring for animals was feeding time. I do as well enjoy food, but I always loved feeding animals. Weather it was at a dog daycare that I worked at or at home with my own cat. Feeding time for pets was always a highlight of the day for me. They always get so excited and that’s one thing that truly lets our animals know we love and care for them. It was sometimes rough feeding 15-20 boarding dogs each morning, but it was so rewarding. The wagging tails, and the smiles were always so cute. I’ve have noticed more and more that people use automatic feeders for their animals. I like the idea of the automatic feeder if you are out of town and/or have hired a pet sitting service. I personally wouldn’t use one because I love that aspect of owning an animal. 

Owning a cat or dog is a large responsibility, but I think caring for a pet helps us grow as human beings and teaches us disciple, along with helping you develop a schedule. You always have something to look forward to when coming home after a long day. It is a great blessing having a live animal who needs to be cared for and relies on you on a day-to-day basis. Having a dog can also help you get into a great exercise routine. I don’t think many people can say the same about cats, but I love playing with my cat. Weather its running around the house with them, while they chase that wand that they love, or simply rolling a ball for them to chase. Some cats are a lot more active than others, and it is so cute to watch them play with little toy mice around the house. 

When you own a cat or dog you need to make sure that they have the appropriate necessities. I personally use ceramic bowls and plates for animals because, “glass or ceramic bowls do not absorb external odors and are the best choice for feeding.” I found that my cat would rather drink the water I have in a coffee cup instead of drinking out of his metal bowl, which is why I no longer use metal. But, It is also a very heart warming and adorable site to see. Not sure why, but I have been led to believe that he thinks the water out of my coffee cup is fresher or maybe even tastes better.  

The pet owners out there who do not mind their pets on the furniture benefit from a furry cuddle buddy at night. I think most other owners who do not agree with pets on the furniture usually have their animal’s bed close to theirs. 

I personally have anxiety that can be a lot worse than I would like it to be sometimes and I always found that animals really calm me down a lot. I do understand a super high energy dogs can usually give you a little anxiety rather than taking it away, but you got to love them. I also find a sense of peace and relaxation when petting a dog or cat. They are just so cute and cuddly. I also recently started to feel like my cat is transforming me into the morning person I have always wanted to be. Right before my alarm goes off, I have my own kitty alarm that goes off first. He always gets really close to me and puts his little head in my hand for pets. It is just the cutest. So, I wake up a little before my alarm and give my lovely cat some well-deserved attention before starting my day. 

I think this helps me tremendously because instead of waiting for my alarm to go off, and then setting a few snoozes. I am up and ready to go earlier than ever. This also keeps me from having a ton of anxiety about running late for work and simply feeling like I don’t have a second to myself, since I waited till the last minute to get up and hit the road for work. Find yourself a nice pet, give it pets, and the rest will be history. 

Change can be stressful and unwanted and that is one thing as adults we must get ourselves ready for. Whether you are starting a new job, moving or simply traveling to a new place for work, you want to prepare yourself. I have never been a fan of change, but that certainly did “change” when I wanted something better for myself, which we all also want for our pets. When I started working downtown in Chicago, I was beyond overwhelmed. I would have horrible anxiety getting on the subway, I wasn’t sure if I could live up to my new career and I always had a feeling of worry. I calmed myself down day by day, paid close attention to my mentor and have shaken my stress and anxiety. I stressed myself out, but once I learned to calm down and take a deep breath life got a whole lot easier. 

I know that most of our dogs do not have jobs, but changes do happen in our pets’ lives as well. It is up to us to help make these changes as stress free as possible. Dogs are creatures of habit, and they get into a flow of where and when they get to do certain things, typically after puppyhood. How do you acclimate your dog to new situations? Let’s say you are trying to kennel train your dog and he doesn’t like the cold. There can be lots of circumstances in which your dog may protest a new exercise, and that is why we must guide and support them. 

Kennel training your dog may not be the easiest task, but in this blog, I will give a couple pointers on how to help. When you are kennel training your dog, you want them to go into the kennel stress free and willingly. You can start by using positive reinforcement, essentially you will make it worth your dogs while to go into the kennel by luring them with food or treats. Some people may use their favorite toy, I personally wouldn’t use toys especially in the beginning of the process just because they may potentially ingest the toy if they are overwhelmed by being in the kennel in the first place. When starting out this process I recommend kenneling them while you are there to supervise. Many dogs can hurt themselves by trying to break out of the kennel or even biting the metal wiring. I personally always suggest never putting your dog intp the kennel with a collar on especially until you trust them in there. I only say this because all the kennels that I have put together in my life working in dog daycares and boarding facilities always had a warning label that read “TAKE OFF THE DOGS COLLAR WHILE KENNELED” 

If your dog no longer likes to go on walks since the weather is changing and it’s getting colder you must motivate them. Some dogs, especially smaller dogs and dogs with less fur usually wear a nice little pup coat and maybe some booties. You can always try out the new clothing in the home to try and get them used to walking/moving around while wearing their gear. If they do not want to walk outside with the gear on, bring some high reward treats and help them get going on their walk. If you are against the idea of dressing up your dog that’s totally fine too. I would just suggest shorter timed walks on more frigid days, maybe even try getting a tread mill for indoor winter exercise. Getting your dog on a treadmill isn’t as hard as you would imagine but it would also take some patience from you and practice from your dog. Treadmilling your dog is another big activity you would need to supervise. Typically, I would start by getting the dog on the treadmill with a leash, motivating them with treats. If they refuse to get on the treadmill while it is on, take a step back and make the new first goal getting them on the treadmill while its off. You can try leaving treats on it throughout the day as well as even possibly feeding them meals on it just so they are comfortable being on the treadmill while it is off. This is a great activity for them in the winter and it is great mental stimulation for them. 

This may sound a little crazy but not only dogs, cats as well need to acclimate to new food. When you are changing your dog’s food or even opening a fresh bag of the same food, it’s in your dog’s best interest you mix the last of the old bag with the newer bag. When you are changing your dog’s food completely,  it’s a good idea to mix mostly the old food with a little new food, then gradually mix in more and more of the new food. (I suggest 1/5 of the new food and 4/5 of the old food, and then gradually integrate them to completely new food only.) A lot of dogs have food allergies, so I believe this helps make sure the food is right for your dog as well as making sure that they aren’t getting sick from the high increase of protein intake. I only say that because most dog food is full of filler and if you are changing them to a better high-quality food, it can really bother their stomachs since they lacked protein previously. 

Lots of dog and cat owners are switching to “raw” food. I totally support it. I believe it is better for a lot reasons, mainly because they are eating human grade food to an extent. I am not against dry food, but it is good idea to switch up your dog’s diet every now and again. If you take a good look at what’s in your dog’s current dry food, I am sure you would have a lot of questions and/or concerns. Most are full of filler and that’s not the best thing to feed your dog everyday forever. Take small steps toward changing their diet. Acclimate them slowly. Try putting a little ground beef on their dinner every other night. I believe this can really help all dogs be healthier, this will especially help dog parents who have very picky eaters. 

Remember the key to helping your dog is to support and guide them through rough new situations and help them build self-confidence to try new things. Also, little by little is always very helpful and a lot less anxiety ridden! 

The dangers of strangulation in the crate 

The reason being, if a dog snags the collar on a hook or bar in the crate, it will very quickly start to panic. As the dog tries to free itself from the snagged collar, it can stress the dog, and start to tighten around the neck.  

The dangers of choking in the crate 

Another reason to take a dog’s collar off in the crate is due to boredom. When dogs are left alone for long periods of time, they will start to find ways to amuse themselves. This can often mean they start to chew, scratch, or paw at the collar. I’ve also heard a report of how a dog managed to get its bottom jaw into the collar, so the collar was stuck in the mouth. You can imagine how stressful and painful that was for the dog when it was left overnight in the crate in that position. In fact, the same study I referenced earlier said that more than half of pet professionals (e.g., vets, kennels, dog walkers), have experienced a collar related incident with dogs. 

We love our pets so much it’s painful to think that we may be aggravating them without realizing it. As much as they love us, even our best friends have limits. Go over this list and see if you may have inadvertently antagonized your best friend (don’t worry, they have big hearts and will forgive us).

Both felines and canines dislike being lonely. They are social animals, not solitary, and they love attention and companionship. Even with our busy lives, we can all find bits of time here and there to spend with Fluffy and Fido. If you’re at home, stop now and then to give them a scratch, a kind word, or a 2-minute training session with treats. Our pet sitters are available to stop by to give your pet some extra attention when you can’t.

With their incredible sense of smell, neither cats nor dogs care for artificial scents, even mild ones. Strong scents can irritate their noses. Don’t spritz them with scented sprays, avoid air fresheners, and purchase mildly scented cleaners.

All pets like consistency with rules and feel more settled with a schedule. Try to keep them on a regular schedule as much as possible and be consistent with things like feeding, playtime, and bedtime.

No one likes to be awakened from a sound sleep, and that includes your buddy. Make sure to tell your friends and family to let sleeping dogs (and cats) lie. If you need to wake them up, do so gently by quietly calling their name.

A few additional things cats don’t care for; they don’t like spoiled food, so if you feed Fluffy wet food, remove it from her dish after an hour. Of course, all cats want a spotless litter box, maybe even two boxes! Your kitten will adore a high perch so consider a cat condo or window bed.

Most dogs don’t like hugging, and all animals need some personal space. The same goes for staring; it makes most dogs nervous.

Dog parks and playgroups are OK for some dogs, but they should be small, well-controlled groups. If you watch the dynamics, you’ll often see that as those groups get larger; more dogs display signs of stress (ears back, tail straight or down, yawning, and occasional fights). Many dogs are very selective about their friends; don’t force them to be social if that isn’t in their nature.

If you occasionally annoy your pet, don’t worry; no one is perfect. If you are aware of your mistakes that’s the first step to change and a more laid-back relationship with your best friend.

The post Things Humans Do That Annoy Our Pets! appeared first on Lucy's Pet Care.

When you call Mittens, what happens? Does she come, or does she choose to ignore you? We’ve heard many people (non-cat owners) say that cats don’t know their names like dogs do. Several studies have proved that cat owners are right; of course, their kitty knows her name and she will, occasionally, when she feels like it, come when called.

Certainly, cats are different from dogs, but both know their names and know that you want them to come when you call them. Depending on her mood, that may or may not happen with your cat (and some pooches we know).

A study done in Japan found that cats know their names and recognize their person’s voice. Even when a stranger called the study cats by their name, they still responded. They turned their heads, or their ears twitched, and sometimes they even approached the stranger.

So if Mittens does know her name, why doesn’t she come running as Rover does when you call? Both you and your kitty will be happier if you stop comparing her to your dog. Love Mittens for who she is; a complex animal with her own decision-making agenda. Maybe she needs a snooze, perhaps she is bird watching from the window bed, or it is possible she just wants to keep you guessing! Sometimes Mittens feels like doing her own thing, and that is okay.

Researchers also found that cats respond better to certain vowel sounds, particularly a “long ee” sound. So, next time you get a kitten, you may want to consider names with that sound, like Fluffy, Zoe, Maxie, Charlie, or Ernie! Like dogs, cats also like high-pitched chit-chat and respond more readily to it.

Cats (like all of us) are still evolving. It wasn’t too long ago that most cats were outside pets, perhaps coming in only at night or in bad weather. But now that more of us live inside with our feline, Mittens is getting better at reading us and understanding what we want.

Never use your pet’s name and then punish them; that’s a good excuse for your buddy to start to ignore you. Give Mittens a reason to respond to her name – call her and offer her a tasty treat, and you’ll find that she will respond far more often. But don’t worry, she’s still a cat, and there will be days she ignores you.

The more we understand our best friends, the closer our relationships with them will be (and they may even come when called!).

The post Does My Cat Know Her Name? appeared first on Lucy's Pet Care.

Most of us understand that we need to pick up after our pooches and poopy bags make the task more convenient when we are out and about. But are poopy bags ecologically sound? Ask Kermit the Frog – it’s not easy being green.

Many waste bags are made from plastic, so the short-term convenience has long-term implications. Those plastic bags end up in a landfill, and they take eons to degrade. There are biodegradable bags on the market. While that may sound nice, many bags labeled as biodegradable contain some plastic, so when the biodegradable part of the bag breaks down, it leaves behind microplastics, which are damaging to the environment.

There are a few good options to dispose of pet waste. You can use 100% plant-based bags and toss them out, you can compost the waste, or you can flush it (not the bag, just the waste).

Several brands of waste bags are made from plants, and once you throw them out, they will degrade faster than anything made of plastic. Make sure to look for plant-based bags rather than “biodegradable.” That being said, even plant-based bags don’t decompose quickly at the landfill. To decompose well, air is needed, and landfills squish the trash, so there is little air to make the composting process work quickly.

You can buy a commercial pet waste composting bin. However, do not use this waste compost in your vegetable garden! If you have a rural property, you can bury it in an out-of-the-way spot. Dig your hole at least 6″ below the surface. Some people bring it home and flush it into their sewer system, but we don’t suggest doing this if you have a septic system. Some areas have a facility that accepts pet waste, so check with your municipality to see if they do.

And if you use liners in your cat’s litter box, you have the same problem to solve. Again, companies are now making plant-based litter liners.

All of these disposal ideas have pros and cons. Choose a method that works best for your lifestyle and feel better about “picking up.”

The post Poopy Bags – Green Or Not? appeared first on Lucy's Pet Care.

Pet parents and their pets both benefit greatly from the services of pet sitters. But finding a great pet sitter involves more than just giving animals the bare minimum of care. Several key details can make the difference between an excellent (or even outstanding) pet caretaker and an inadequate pet caretaker.

There’s more to pet sitting than simply giving the pet their daily servings of food and water. If you want a great pet sitter, you should strive to find one who adheres to the following guidelines.

They Meet with You and Your Pet Before the Job

Before you hire your first pet sitter, you and your pet will both want to meet with the prospective caretaker who will be caring for your pet in your home. Look for signs that they want to build a relationship with the animal and yourself. Get a sense for their personality and traits.

Ask them questions. How often will they be able to stop by the house? How much time will they spend with your pet (or pets) when they are there? What does their past pet-sitting experience look like? Do they have any references to whom you can speak? Moreover, ask them about how they would solve common pet-sitting problems. Examples of common problems might include pet CPR and first aid, or responding appropriately to pet anxiety or poor pet behavior.

Allow the sitter to interact with your pet by encouraging them to sit and spend time with the pet at your pet’s level. You are going to want to find a pet sitter who can truly assure you that they are going to take the finest possible care of your dog, cat or other pet. And they should be empathetic of the fact that leaving your pet at home can be upsetting for both the animal and for the owner.

Provide your pet sitter with all relevant information they’ll need to succeed in their role. That information should include emergency contact information, veterinarian details and contact info, pet food preferences and/or dietary restrictions, medication information, house alarm codes, and so forth. Be as detailed as possible. Not only does it set your pet sitter up for success, but it also decreases the likelihood that they’ll need to call you with questions while you’re away from home.

Flexibility

Life is full of unforeseen occurrences. Your work schedule might change at the last second, or you might have the abrupt realization that you are unable to care for Fido on your own. Having a fantastic and accommodating pet sitter on call can solve those worries. A pet sitter who is adaptable – and capable of stepping in at the last minute – is a major plus. A “can-do” spirit is another great qualification in a prospective pet sitter.

Controlling Expectations

As a pet parent, it can be hard to find a pet sitter who meets certain expectations, but this is essential and could mean the difference between finding a successful or unsuccessful pet sitter. Be honest with the potential sitter if you discover, during your early meetings, that you require something that they are unable to offer. You must be open, honest, and communicative with each other if you hope to receive the best care.

Talk about the purpose of each visit and describe a normal day in the life of your pet(s). Be honest (and realistic) about the amount of time that they will need to spend at your home on each visit. If the pet sitter also offers house sitting services, make sure to go over any and all house sitting duties such as watering plants, checking your mail, and turning on and off the lights.

Go Beyond Their Call of Duty

Find a sitter who is able to keep in constant contact with you. When they get to your place, ask them to send you a text with a status update assuring them that everything is going well and that your pets are happy, healthy and behaving.

It is advisable to find a sitter who is capable of observing what your animals need. With animals who are reserved or afraid, a patient and composed pet sitter is necessary. Make sure that your pet sitter is able to maintain your own routine as much as they can in order to help your pets who are susceptible to change and might be missing you. Ask if your pet sitter can send you images after your pet is at ease so that they can let you know that they are paying particular attention to your furry family member and so you can see your pet’s happy face.

A Joyful and Upbeat Outlook

Nobody wants their dog or cat to be cared after by a miserable, pessimistic pet sitter. After all, when you have a furry loved one around the house, things don’t always go according to plan. Things not owned by the animal may be thrown over, chewed, or even worse, buried in the yard! No pet owner desires to leave their cherished pet with a grumpy or unenthusiastic person. So be sure to always keep a grin on your face and see the positive side of things.

Dependable and Accountable

A pet sitter may be in charge of keeping extra copies of your house keys, making sure the home is locked and secure when they leave the property, and watching out for escaped or runaway pets.

You can think about conducting a background investigation on potential pet sitters, getting in touch with their previous and present clients, and checking their references. Never underestimate the strength of going with your instincts when choosing a pet sitter.

Are You in Need of a Pet Sitter?

Northern Virginia pet owners can get pet sitting and other helpful services from Paw Pals Pet Sitting. The services we provide are beneficial for pet owners who genuinely care about their animals and do not want to board them when they are away. We work hard to provide the area’s “Best Care for your Best Friend.” Even the busiest pet owner can fit our flexible pet sitting services into their schedule. The skilled and certified specialists on the Paw Pals Pet Sitting team will ensure that your dogs receive the highest caliber of care.

If you need a house sitter who can also watch your pets when you’re away from home, it can be tricky to determine how much to pay the sitter. However, there are some universal benchmarks that you can use to determine the appropriate rate for each and every house sitting job. Those universal benchmarks will prove useful regardless of whether you’re trying to find a house sitter to take care of your house (and possibly your pets) while you’re away, or you’re a house sitter who is unsure what you should charge. When deciding on house sitting rates with pets, here are some factors that deserve your consideration.

What are reasonable prices for house sitting? The general range is broad according to the data at hand. In addition, all of the house sitters and families we spoke with paid per day rather than by the hour, even though the majority of the data breaks down house sitting fees by the hour, with $15 per hour being the average, according to the Economic Research Institute (ERI).

Nevertheless, a variety of considerations, including the following, must be taken into account when determining a suitable rate, regardless of how pay is distributed:

• Whether any animals are present
• Which obligations are involved, including the number and complexity of said obligations
• Whether the sitter will spend the night or will only stop by every day
• What the market rates are in your area

What Influences the Rates of House Sitting

Here’s a closer look at how the aforementioned elements can affect the cost of house sitting.

Pet Care

When it comes to home sitting, animals, notably dogs, are frequently present. Taking care of the dog takes up most of the job. Pet house sitting assignments often last from a long weekend to four days, during which the sitter stays at the house and receives payments of $50 to $100 a day. Additionally, the homeowners typically leave roughly $200 for grocery money or stock their fridge.

Other house and pet sitters may be able to take care of your animals while you are gone by just stopping by your house or by taking your animals with them to their residence. These prices are typically lower, averaging between $25 and $30 per day. For a larger fee, you can ask them to perform a variety of tasks that go beyond pet care.

The type of animal and the level of care it requires should be considered when determining the rate when pets are the primary focus of house sitting. In contrast to someone who is feeding fish, the rate for someone watching and walking a dog ought to be greater, for example.

Duties of House Sitting

House sitting responsibilities might vary greatly depending on the residence and pets. For instance, families may have a list of additional responsibilities to be done each day for a pet/house-sitter, even though their primary position will simply involve caring for relatively low-maintenance pets:

• Watering flowers and plants
• Removing waste and recycling
• Bringing in goods and mail
• Dehumidifier waste
• Checking the house for leaks of gas and water for safety

It’s a matrix when it comes to choosing the appropriate rate.

The ERI specifies the following as obligations required of house sitters, however they can vary depending on the needs of individual household:

• Keeping the peace and the safety of the property
• Carrying out essential business tasks while the occupier is temporarily away
• Accepting messages, answering the doorbell, and relaying information as needed
• Archiving or forwarding mail
• Cleaning the house
• Feeding and looking of animals
• Inspecting the plumbing and air conditioning in the building
• Maintaining the grounds or a swimming pool

Overnight Stays

For some house sitters, the main draw of house sitting is staying at someone else’s home. Many house sitters like the idea of having the house duties taken care of without involving overnight stays. You can always opt to give your potential pet/house sitter the option of staying there or going home as well. Giving this option is often ideal due to the fact that it can make your pets feel more comfortable being able to stay in their own home while you are away, and also gives you peace of mind that someone will always be there both for your pet and also the protection and care of your home.

The Conclusion

It’s important to have a chat with the sitter up front because the relationship between the homeowner and sitter should be long-lasting, even if selecting a fair and reasonable house sitting rate is contingent on a variety of circumstances. You best bet in terms of choosing the best possible rate for your potential pet/house sitter is to simply put forth a bit of research regarding rates in your personal area. Once you know what the going rates are for sitters in your area, you can then decide what you are going to want to have them do in your home as well in terms of chores, and also if you want them to have the option of staying overnight or coming and going. If you have any questions or concerns regarding pet-sitting rates and options for your personal needs, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of professionals at Paw Pals Pet Sitting today!

Similar to people, dogs can develop degenerative brain problems as they age. Dog dementia or canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) are the terms used to describe these diseases. The signs of dog dementia are numerous. Because the warning signals may take time to manifest, dementia frequently goes misdiagnosed. Disorientation, decreased family engagement, erratic sleeping patterns, and problems with house-training are typical signs. A dog suffering from dementia may also fail to recognize a familiar face or obey orders.

If you think your dog may have CCD, you should take them to the vet. There are numerous things you can do to enhance your dog’s quality of life, despite the fact that canine dementia is a progressive disorder that cannot be treated. Drugs can lessen symptoms and stop the disease’s progression. Here are several other ways to care for a dog with dementia.

Be Patient

Canine dementia frequently results in odd actions in dogs. They could lose their housebreaking skills, become less receptive to directions, or have trouble swallowing. When they are anxious, dogs with CCD will frequently bark more than usual.

You must be patient with your dog during these transitions. Even while it can be upsetting if your dog has an accident inside, for instance, he didn’t mean to do it, and reprimanding him will only make him feel more stressed and anxious.

Ensure that Food, Water, and a Bed Is Easily Accessible

Dogs with canine dementia are more likely to experience confusion, especially if they are also dealing with eyesight problems.

Always keep water, food, and a bed in the same location for your pet to make life easier. A new piece of furniture or other items should not be placed close to his bed or water since they are more likely to run into it.

Additionally, make sure your dog’s bed is cozy and supportive. For older dogs, orthopedic dog beds are frequently the best choice since they eliminate pressure spots that might exacerbate joint problems.

Exercise Remains Vital

For canines suffering from dementia, walks are crucial since exercise is strongly correlated with brain health and emotional wellbeing. Because moderate activity increases blood flow, the brain receives more oxygen. New sights and smells are also excellent for stimulating the mind.

The greatest walks for senior dogs with dementia are leisurely ones. A challenging stroll may be too much for your pet, and it might not have the same positive effects on the brain. Allow your pet the opportunity to sniff and stroll at his own speed.

Brain Training

Playing activities that challenge the mind can keep your dog busy and potentially slow the onset of dementia. Examples include the following:

• Supporting natural foraging behaviors using a snuffle mat
• Teaching your pet simple tricks or practicing the commands they already know
• Distributing food or prizes using straightforward puzzle toys, such as a stuffed Kong
• Letting your dog search for treats that have been hidden around a room

These games should ideally be simple and brief. You don’t want to exhaust or aggravate your dog. If you see any symptoms of tension, finish the game and switch things up the next time.

Keep a Regular Schedule

The majority of dogs appreciate routines, but dogs with dementia require a strict routine. Anxiety and disorientation are two of the most prevalent signs of CCD. Lack of routine can exacerbate these issues since the dog is unable to predict when it is time to play, eat, exercise, or unwind.

Try to stay regular with your dog’s feeding, walking, and bedtime schedules if you want to aid your pet. While not always simple, doing so can help lower anxiety. Additionally, your dog may be less prone to experience nighttime confusion if you maintain a regular sleep routine.

Ensure Your Dog Can Be Recognized

Dementia can cause confusion or disorientation in dogs. During these episodes, they frequently stray from the backyard or become disoriented while out walking.

Due to these factors, a dog suffering from dementia should never be left alone. This is crucial in unfamiliar environments, insecure yards, and on hikes. Always make sure your dog has a collar with his name and phone number on it and is microchipped with the most recent information.

Change the Care

The disease of canine dementia progresses over time. Although the specifics of how each dog may be affected are impossible to anticipate, the symptoms are likely to evolve with time.

You can still form a strong attachment with your dog, no matter how your health impacts his behavior. To ensure that the dog feels safe and loved, make sure that everyone in the home is advised of these adjustments and is willing to modify how they engage with the dog.

Please be aware that older pets may have additional health issues. These can include kidney illness, diabetes, and eyesight loss. Your veterinarian has to be informed of any new symptoms in order to make a proper diagnosis.

To Sum It Up

The care of a dog with dementia is not always simple. CCD can be complicated and involves a variety of therapies. Additionally, symptoms may evolve with time. Fortunately, there are numerous ways to support keeping your dog in good health. To treat symptoms and stop the spread of the condition, your veterinarian may suggest taking medications and dietary supplements. The advice given above can be used to treat your dog’s ailment.

The most crucial thing is to show your dog a lot of love, kindness, and patience. Maintaining your dog’s calm and happiness is essential since many signs of dementia are exacerbated when he or she is worried, anxious, or confused.

• Aggression
• Anxiety
• Fear

New encounters with people, other pets, and situations stimulate pets. Pets who have not adequately socialized are more sensitive to new encounters. Socializing cats and dogs help them accept their surroundings rather than merely conforming to their standards.

Pet daycare provides a suitable environment for cats and dogs to socialize with other pets. Effective pet daycare management technology such as kennel software creates healthy pet daycare centers.

Straightforward Pet Daycare Management Significance to Pet Temperament

Pet daycare management takes a lot more effort, and it provides a lot of pets a place to socialize. Cats and dogs have different temperaments, health, and personality in interacting with others. Some pets are less outgoing and social than others, and they dislike being around large crowds of people or animals.

Pet daycare software helps manage pet daycare centers to run efficiently for both owners and their furry friends. Boarding kennel enterprises require the appropriate technology and resources to provide excellent services.

Each kennel boarding business is unique in its way. The most important thing to ensure is that customers and their pets have a good time. Here are some aspects of maintaining a successful kennel:

1. Encouraging Comfortable Social Area

Each pet should be able to feel comfortable running and playing in the kennel. Social pets can interact and play together, while reserved pets require their area.

A Pet boarding system helps maintain order in the kennel spaces with the details of each pet. Employees should watch areas where dogs interact and get as many details about each client’s dog as possible.

2. Boosting Security and Hygiene

Foul scents indicate poor hygiene practices. Pets can become ill due to poor cleanliness.

For safety, playpens should be in good condition and fenced in. Kennel personnel should take heed of any broken toys or equipment to prevent any injuries. Kennel boarding spaces should be tidy and well-organized. Debris and clutter should be out of walking areas. Of course, no one wants their furry friends or any person to be injured by wandering tools or equipment.

3. Providing Proper Medications and Food

Providing high-quality food for pets is part of running a successful kennel. Also, offering medications to the pets in their care is a must.

Not every boarding facility has the appropriate setup and equipment to administer medications. Kennels without nighttime personnel to provide care may cause complications for pets who need more care.

Kennel boarding software helps monitor pet health and activities. It allows users to track, schedule, and store data for pets in their care. Pets in need of more care are supervised and given special attention.

4. Accommodating Kennel Staff and Groomers

Kennel staff and groomers give the first impression to clients and their pets. Kennel personnel must always be accommodating and friendly. Making clients and pets relaxed in their environment and a happy atmosphere for humans and dogs help with socializing.

Dog boarding reservation software helps accommodate clients and pets without trouble. Organized schedules help kennel staff members to arrange their plans accordingly, allowing them to adjust to clients and dogs better.

5. Specific Kennel Floorplans

Kennel floorplans can include three different regions. One area is for pickup and drop-off zone, another is a social area, and another is where pets can rest.

Better pet daycare management helps keep pets in place. Enhancing security and monitoring systems help keep the area safe for personnel too. It provides peace of mind for clients, knowing that their pets are protected and secure.

Preventing anxiety and fear in pets means keeping them in a secure area.

6. Efficient and Faster Services

The kennel boarding technology is expansive and versatile. The same technology applies to cat kennel software in catteries.

Petcare businesses must implement software solutions that improve the production and delivery of services. Such software is necessary, especially when consumers expect to schedule services or update their pets’ information in the kennel.

The Importance of Socialization in Pet Health

When animals get scared, they react in different ways. Some animals growl or bite, while others curl into a ball or scurry away to hide. Although pets are domesticated, others still behave with aggression or anxiety.

Pets like cats and dogs do not inhabit the wild and must learn from the other pets, owners, and environment.

In an environment such as kennels and catteries, pets need to be properly socialized. Kennel boarding means interacting with different animals with different personalities.

When Should Pets Start Socializing?

The optimal time for socializing in puppies is between 3-14 weeks of age and 3-9 weeks in kittens. They quickly create relationships and attachments throughout this phase of development. They have more developed senses, are more self-reliant, and are physically capable of interacting with others.

Getting the most out of pet socialization means starting during the time frames. Pet daycares are the best option to let puppies and kittens socialize with humans and other animals.

An efficient pet daycare management boosts pets’ social skills and relationships with other pets when it becomes part of their daily routine. Cats and dogs can play in a safe environment with personnel trained to read their body language. Pet software assists in creating a better and stress-free environment for clients, personnel, and pets.

Listed below are some essential pieces of advice on how to socialize puppies and kittens:

• Request socialization plans when adopting a new puppy or kitten.
• Creating a kitten’s or puppy’s socialization plan to help them adjust to their life in their new home. Planning exposures to other pets, people, locations, activities, and objects help them adapt to their new environment.
• Provide excellent and varied experiences regularly to encourage kittens and puppies to try new things without aggression or fear.
• Puppy or kitten socialization programs that are well-managed are a fantastic approach to socializing new pets during this critical period.
• Puppies and kittens without complete vaccination should not be around unvaccinated animals or environments (such as outdoor parks).
• Give rewards to pets when responding to positive social contacts with calm and lively responses.
• If behavioral problems arise in pets, it’s best to contact a specialist or veterinarian to develop a socializing strategy.

Conclusion

Not all kennels provide the same level of service, practices, or personnel. It’s up to you to stay ahead of the pack. Take some time to observe successful kennels to learn how they operate.

K9Sky pet daycare management software has the features and functionalities you need to run your pet care business. All your business data is secured, and our innovative software technology ensures the safe management of customer data.

The post Encouraging Pet Socialization with Dynamic Pet Daycare Management appeared first on K9Sky.

The good news is that while successful businesses take a while to build, it’s possible to plan them. Having the right resources and information can help you succeed in running your pet daycare.

What Should Pet Daycare Businesses Expect When Starting?

Starting a business comes with unexpected challenges, but you can make it work with the proper planning and research. Here’s what you need to expect when starting a pet daycare business:

1. You Need to Reach Your Target Market

Searches for “dog daycare near me” have increased significantly, which shows how popular pet daycare has become. Your target market will obviously be pet owners, so your location needs to be close and relatively accessible.

Aside from physical location, you also need to reach out to your target market through social media. Creating your business page on Facebook or purchasing ads can widen your reach.

2. You Need to Price Your Services Accordingly

In addition to boarding, you also need to offer something that lets you stand out. Most businesses usually offer something through an additional service or a small store that sells pet care goods.

After establishing your services, the next thing you need to do is figure out your prices. A few factors to consider when pricing usually include location and operational costs. You can get a feel for this by checking how other pet daycares price their services as a reference.

3. You Need to Manage Your Finances

Business owners need to consider their finances. When starting your daycare, keep in mind that its profitability will depend on different variables, such as:

• Market reach (advertising, social media presence, physical location, etc.)
• Services offered (overnight and daytime care, grooming, training, etc.)
• Pricing
• Business costs (fixed and variable)

You also want to manage the client relationship aspect of your business, which includes things like sending invoices and receipts. Investing in kennel boarding software is an excellent start to simplifying this process.

 Pet Boarding Mistakes Dog Daycare Owners Need to Avoid

Dog boarding services are ideal for pet owners who can’t take their companions with them when they travel. However, dog boarding can have unexpected challenges, even for the most passionate animal lovers.

Here are five pet boarding mistakes that dog daycare owners need to avoid:

1. Not Delegating Tasks

As your business grows, you will need a few extra pairs of hands to tend to clients’ pets. This means finding qualified and passionate staff is a priority, including boarding staff and management.

On top of this, you also want to automate and simplify as many processes as possible. Having the right dog daycare software is a great way to do this. Aside from keeping information easily accessible, it also makes boarding simpler.

2. Not Treating Your Business as a Business

Animal care may be your passion, and it might be something you would even do for free. However, a pet daycare business is still a business – you need to consider the costs of caring for animals.

While you shouldn’t be ruthless about it, you need to consider money, staffing, and even daily expenses. Medicines and other supplies can be costly because of their limited availability.

3. Not Having the Correct Information on File

Pets have different requirements. You should note specific medications, behaviors, or even supplements beforehand. The same also goes for pets’ vaccinations.

Many pet daycares ask for this information so that the staff knows what these pets need. To ensure this information is readily accessible, they also need the proper care management software. Be sure to find out what suits your business’ needs!

4. Taking On More Pets Than You Can Handle

Your business’s most significant selling point is the safe, comfortable environment for pets. Because you need ample space to provide this environment, capacity is essential.

Going over the limit means risking the environment you can maintain for the pets. This makes it more likely for dogs to feel more anxious and stressed, which results in a poor experience.

What Do You Need to Start Your Pet Daycare Businesses?

Successful dog kennels need many things to stay up and running. It includes providing the best services possible, either directly or indirectly. To turn your passion into your chosen career path, you must have the following:

Staff

Having a few staff members to handle clients’ pets and the business processes will definitely help. It’s important to understand that you won’t be able to do everything alone when your business grows.

When taking on clients, you want the best people for the job. You also want to ensure your staff knows how to access pets’ information via the pet boarding system.

Equipment

There are quite a few things every dog daycare must have. Consider having a plentiful supply of the following when opening your dog kennel business for the first time:

• Different types of pet food and treats
• Cleaning supplies
• Leashes
• Refrigerator (well-stocked with medicine and food)
• First aid kits (both for people and pets)
• Waste bags
• Towels
• Toys

Of course, other tools aren’t as obvious. For instance, you also need an adequate computer and the right pet management software. You need cashiers, air purifiers, and even other comfort items like coffee makers on-site.

Management Software

Today, having the right software to keep all your information in one place is just as valuable.

To make your business viable, you need more than just Quickbooks for pet groomers. You need the right pet daycare management software to keep the necessary information on file and simplify different processes.

The Takeaway

Running a pet boarding and grooming business can be exhausting if you don’t know what to expect. Like any business, you need to consider your operational costs while meeting your clients’ needs.

For this reason, you need the right people and the right equipment to keep pets clean, safe, and happy. On top of this, you also need the right software to keep owners’ and pets’ details accessible in one place. This is where a dog kennel app can come in handy.

The post Four Pet Boarding Mistakes Dog Daycare Owners Need to Avoid appeared first on K9Sky.

The program aids in the management of reservations, the tracking of food supply amounts, and the recording and storage of information about animals and their owners. It also streamlines several additional operations, including invoicing and billing, receiving money, and communicating with clients via text or email.

What Does Kennel Software Entail?

Kennel software is a pet care management program that allows pet boarding kennels, pet care centers, grooming salons, and training hubs to monitor pet wellness and activity. It can also schedule appointments, maintain food supplies, and take client transactions. Advertising, scheduling appointments, and records management are all included in the software k9.

Kennel management software automates management operations, including monitoring pending invoices, issuing payment reminders, keeping track of pet maintenance and vaccination appointments, and contacting clients about special offers or business changes.

Kennel Software’s Most Typical Characteristics

We’ve compiled a list of typical boarding kennel software functions.

• Access the timetable of forthcoming visits, obtain detailed information about each session, and avoid booking conflicts.
• Take online consumer reservations and accommodate extra service demands such as pet trimming or vet examinations using the k9 software.
• Inform clients regarding specials and offers, and invite them to join your membership and referral programs.
• Prepare bills for the services that consumers have requested. Add any applicable taxes and discounts to these invoices.
• Keep your pet’s information in one place, including service history, food choices, medical problems, vaccination regimens, and photographs.
• Allow customers to make payments through online banking, debit cards, or e-wallet transfers.
• Send Notifications and text alerts to pet owners and specialists to notify them of future vaccination schedules, food regimens, or pickup and drop-off times.

What Kind of Shopper Do You Mostly Encounter?

The kind of kennel software you need depends entirely on your and your customers’ needs. Let’s look at the various customers out there and how pet kennel software can be helpful.

1. Individual Pet Owners

They can use software to keep track of their pets’ routines, including feeding and activity plans, vaccination schedules, and doctor appointments, among other things. Kennel software that is easily downloadable as a mobile app might be ideal for such clients. Other recommended improvements include calendar control, updates, and discussion boards for asking general inquiries. Such clients might also search for free kennel software that is mobile-friendly.

2. Pet Retailers

They use kennel software to keep computerized records on the animals they sell. They record birthdays, family history, grooming requirements, eating patterns, and sales price. It also notifies the customers via promotional emails and notifications regarding new pet releases, new items, and important dates. Some significant characteristics recommended for such customers are advertising, data storage, management, and invoicing and billing.

3. Pet Daycare and Boarding Organizations

They utilize the tool to monitor reservations, keep track of animals, guardians, and trips, and pay for services rendered. Those who also keep track of meals, accessory inventories, customer meetings, and special requests.

Kennel Software Advantages

Learning the advantages of dog kennel management software allows you to determine its suitability for your industry. The following are the main advantages of kennel management software:

More time-saving: Whenever you start a pet service, you’ll have to deal with everyday administrative activities like scheduling appointments, issuing payments, keeping track of stock, and connecting with customers. It can leave you with little energy to devote to your pets. Kennel software may manage most of these regular recurrent duties, allowing you to focus on your pets and develop new pet care solutions. Excellent client satisfaction: Kennel software has many features that help satisfy pets and their families.

Excellent Client Satisfaction: Kennel software has many features that help satisfy pets and their families. Constant pet updates, images of the pets, information on the current goods, and any special offers or savings help keep clients interested. Clients can plan appointments, inquire about their pets’ schedules, and monitor their pets’ habits more easily with kennel software.

 Essential Factors to Consider in Choosing a Kennel Software

Before purchasing kennel software, you must examine the following factors contributing to functionality.

• The kennel software you use must work effectively with your other software, like mail, networking sites, point-of-sale (POS), bookkeeping, advertising, and Microsoft Office. Software integration allows you to communicate data smoothly between apps and eliminates the need for human data entry.
• Kennel software may come as a SaaS membership or an on-premise subscription. Most cloud-based apps charge a flat subscription cost and enable you to handle reservations and other duties from any gadget. On the other side, on-premise solutions are a one-time expenditure that can only function on the platform on which they are placed. Nevertheless, unlike cloud-based systems, you may quickly adapt such solutions to produce the desired output. Weigh the pros and cons of every tool before selecting the one that best suits your kennel’s needs.
• Spending plan: Search for a kennel system with the functionality you want that can handle the number of people you need without breaking the bank.
• Kennel software featuring mobile accessibility allows you to complete duties while on the go. Verify providers regarding the mobile app available for iOS and Android systems, as well as the functions and limits of the app
  

  Take Away:

Are you unsure where your company stands? As a kennel business operator, you want to identify your business’s  progress and initiatives. To acquire significant insights, you’ll need kennel software to help you monitor your interaction with integrated reports.

You’ll better grasp where your firm sits with statistics, including financial statements, user records, service reports, and pet and customer reports. You’ll be able to track trends and develop efficient marketing plans to enhance earnings and sales once you have a better understanding of your firm through reports.

The post Essential Things to Know for a Successful Kennel Management appeared first on K9Sky.

The team at Heidi’s Hounds work together as a well oiled machine Our pet sitters are employees not independent contractors or some random stranger at the end of an app. This is an important distinction for you as a pet owner.

Of course you can hire someone who walks dogs and pet sits as a side hustle and save yourself some hard earned cash. But the difference in the quality of service is like comparing a McDonald’s hamburger to filet mignon. Shopping online vs. shopping at Neiman Marcus. I mean, it’s just a dog walk, how different can the kid next door be from the professionals?

There are many benefits to you working with a company that hires employees. Read on to learn why this is so important for you AND your precious pets.

INSURANCE
As a start, we provide Workers Comp coverage to protect our clients from legal responsibility in case a pet sitter is injured on the job. In addition, our entire team is covered by our bonding and liability coverage. A dishonesty bond gives you peace of mind that you will be reimbursed if anything is stolen from your home. We also carry a liability insurance policy that protects you from financial loss if we are liable for accidents that occur while caring for our client’s pets.

HIRING
Only the strong survive . Heidi’s Hounds pet sitters undergo a vigorous screening process. This includes a third party risk assessment and personality evaluation. An in person interview with the company owner and secondary interviews and tandem visits with field supervisors. Once a candidate has passed those evaluations, they are subject to a national criminal background check, a Massachusetts ICORI check as well as a national sexual predator check. Your peace of mind is our highest priority.

CONSISTENCY IN CARE
Because we consistently train, coach and mentor our pet sitters, you will receive the same five-star service at each and every visit regardless of which Heidi’s Hounds pet sitter is assigned. Believe it or not, businesses that use independent contractors are not allowed to provide any guidance in determining how to service a client. Did you know that independent contractors can contract out their jobs? They can legally send anyone into your home without notification to you.

ACCOUNTABILITY
All of our employees are monitored and supervised each and every day by Heidi’s Hounds field supervisors and by the business owner directly. Companies utilizing independent contractors are not legally allowed to supervise pet sitters working under their company name.

In addition, management will periodically accompany pet sitters in the field for further guidance to reinforce training, company policies, procedures, and protocols. The management team also randomly performance checks work after a pet sitter has completed a visit to ensure Heidi’s Hounds standards are always being met.

COMPETENT, RELIABLE, DEPENDABLE
If you have any questions or concerns about our service, we encourage clients to reach out to the business owner directly by phone or email. Our employees are held to the highest standards of care and accountability. If you’re not happy, we’re not happy. If you’re hiring Independent Contractors through Rover, Wag or other online apps, who do you call if there’s a problem with your pet sitter?

I’m not going to lie, you will save some cash if you utilize the big tech apps or the kid next door. But I think you can see why it’s critical to hire a professional company that does it’s due diligence in hiring and training it’s employees. In a nutshell, we have the acumen that it takes to run a real business. Well-established systems that operate in the best interest of your pet’s safety are key. When you hire Heidi’s Hounds, you are hiring the best in the business and can feel confident your home is safe and your pets are given the very best care.

Like everyone else who has made the decision to euthanize a sick pet, I agonized over making this decision for my little buddy. Fletch was very sick with failing kidneys and early stages of dementia. But as sick as he was, he remained amazingly mobile. Whenever I thought I had a clear conscious about making the decision to euthanize, Fletch would drop onto his back and do his little happy dance at the end of a walk. The decision was killing me.

The evening of June 15, Fletch had a horrible night. He paced for hours in a confused state, walking in circles, moaning, restless and toileting constantly. When the sun rose I knew I needed to humanely put my buddy out of his misery.

Fast forward a few hours later to my veterinarian’s office. I signed the requisite paper work and paid the bill.

What should have been a normal euthanasia started to go downhill immediately. Fletch was reactive and aggressive and it was obvious biting was part of his repertoire that day. I got a muzzle on him with some effort to side step his teeth and snarky behavior. Even with a muzzle he put up quite a fight but the vet managed to administer the initial sedation. Once sedated, the vet left to give us time alone prior to administering the final euthanasia drug.

While Fletch was sedated and “sleeping” in his bed, I took off his muzzle and leaned over to give him a final kiss goodbye … and all hell broke loose. My sick old man, my BFF of 11 years, turned into an animal that was unrecognizable. I remember the blood curdling scream coming from him as he latched onto my face and attacked me over and over again. I was so surprised and it happened so quickly, I did not react to the attack because I believed he would let go when he realized it was me.

I recall Fletch attacking me three times. The last attack he latched onto my left eye and in that moment, I realized I needed to react or I would likely lose the eye. Regrettably, our last interaction after 11 years was me literally beating Fletch off my face. I remember looking down at him and seeing blood everywhere. He was back on his bed and never moved again. The rest is a blur of people yelling, more blood, and strategizing about my own needed medical care.

Regrettably, in the middle of this nightmare, Fletch still needed the final euthanasia drugs. The vet kindly laid me on the floor next to him so I could say goodbye and then sadly I had to leave for the emergency room.

Since then, I’ve had three surgeries on my face and will likely need one or two more revisions on my left eyelid. By law, Fletch’s brain had to be tested for rabies which I knew would be negative (and it was).

I suppose the moral of the story is to listen to your pets at the end of their lives. In hind sight and without emotion clogging my brain, Fletch had become snarky and snappy with me and my husband for months before this incident; behavior that was completely out of character for him. His lifelong fervor for meal time had disappeared and it was a daily struggle to get him to eat.

I think Fletch was trying to tell me it was time to go, but I was unable to make the decision until he was so sick that he was literally out of his mind. It is our job as pet parents to maintain care and comfort, quality of life and to preserve the human animal bond with our pets. I obviously have regrets about my handling of Fletch’s final days but share this with the hope our story helps other pet parents make better, albeit difficult, end of life decisions for their fur friends.

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After a long stressful day of playing with his siblings and being pampered by my sitters…Zeus comforts himself by sucking on his hedgehog

I think we could all use a hedgehog by Friday

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Terie Hansen

This may come as a surprise to many dog owners but, allowing your dog to meet other dogs or people while on leash may be the single biggest mistake you ever make.  It can result in a multitude of negative outcomes and behaviors.

Repeated on leash greetings can take an otherwise relaxed, happy, social dog and turn it into a nervous insecure dog or an over stimulated excessively excited dog.

When dogs are in an uncomfortable situation they can get into flight or fight mode. In social interactions, where your dog is not on a leash they can move away (flight) if they feel stressed, nervous, fearful or anxious. That would be an excellent choice on the dog’s part. However, when they are leashed, they no longer have that option, and they know it. That leaves them looking for alternate ways to deal with the situation. One option may be to fight. This may not have happened yet, but with repeated exposure to stressful on leash interactions your dog may one day choose the fight option. In their mind, you are not advocating for them. In fact, YOU are placing them in the stressful situation in the first place.

At the very least you can end up with a leash reactive dog (one that barks, growls, lunges at other dogs or people while on leash). REACTIVITY is the way that that many dogs choose to deal with stressful situations. Reactivity can be mild or pretty scary. One thing for sure is, if you don’t address the behavior it will worsen.

Who and how do you let dogs interact with? Happy, social dogs that you know, off leash in an enclosed area (house/yard). Also, doggy daycare is a great choice. It is a social environment that is structured and supervised by trained professionals.

Next time you think it’s a good idea to let your dog meet another dog on leash, put yourself in their place. Would you like to be repeatedly placed situations where you couldn’t get away if you wanted/needed to?

Terie Hansen is Owner of Good Dog! Coaching & Pet Care. More information at www.gooddogcoaching.com

Remote Collar Dog Training, Yes or No?

Hundreds of thousands of dogs are euthanized yearly because they are ill mannered (because they were showered with love and affection but weren’t trained. Love and affection are easy, training

Heart breaking photo shows how many dogs are being euthanized at one shelter a day.

takes effort and dedication). Euthanized because they jump too much, bark too much, fight, bite, run away, get hit by a car, pee and poop in the house, get into something harmful, have to have a surgery that the owner is financially unprepared for etc.

Do you know a dog that counter surfed and died? I know of many, and many more who needed surgery to remove an obstruction. Wouldn’t you rather have stopped the behavior? I would.

 Sadly, it’s this lack of control that is the number one cause of dog abandonment and euthanization in the United States, and that’s the truth.

Terie Hansen

As the saying goes “You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression”. The same applies when introducing a new dog/puppy to your current dog(s). My best advice? Go slowly through the process. And it IS a process. Let’s face it, it could go either way if you just put them together to see what happens. Which is what most people do. It could turn out just fine in the short term, but in the long run it could be building towards a fight.

Taking it slowly means, for the first few days to a week just allowing the dogs to exist around each other. Not interacting and certainly not playing. Have a separate crate/area where, at least the new dog is confined for sleeping, meals and down time (preferably for several weeks) and when you need a break from supervising/working your dogs. Walk the dogs together (preferably you and another person each with a dog). Having the dogs hold a command such as place or down around one another. Having them on leashes that are tied to doors so that they can’t make contact. Working each dog through obedience commands while the other looks on.

After a few days to a week, allow them to touch noses, sniff each other a bit (keep initial interactions brief) then separate them for a bit before allowing them another short introduction. This fragmented initial contact can help to prevent escalation of tension and aggression. Keep leashes loose and relaxed.

Stay quiet during interactions, pay attention to each dog’s body language. If either looks nervous, freezes, or offers hard stares, move the dogs away from each other. Pulling their leashes to the side, not back.

Remove toys/bones, food bowls, or anything that could be valued by your current dog to avoid territorial behaviors.

By taking it slowly you help the dogs relax and feel safe. Remember, the new dog is coming into a situation where it knows nothing about you, the other dog or what the rules of this new household are. Your current dog most likely views this new dog as an invader of his territory. This can be stressful for both dogs.

Everybody wants to let the dogs sniff each other right away and become best friends immediately. But what’s the rush? This is a long-term commitment, right? You’ve got all the time in the world. Going slowly is the best case scenario for helping your dogs to eventually become friends.

Teach your dog to walk nicely on the leash and many more FREE DOG TRAINING VIDEOS HERE

Include them in the daily celebration with the 8 gifts:

A Dog Treat Menorah:  This is one of the cutest dog ideas out there. It has 9 dog biscuit pockets that, when you remove the biscuit, uncovers a cloth flame (no real candles here since our pets aren’t allowed to play with fire). But this way, your pup can have a treat each night of Hanukkah and “light” their very own Menorah

1. Toys: Grab your dog a new toy like a ball, rope pull, or even a new Kong. Our dogs love to play and are sure to love this little gift to kick off the season.
2. A Plush Dreidel: You can get an adorable squeaky plush dreidel online and they are great for the Hanukkah season. Give one to your dog on the same night as you give your children a dreidel so they will all able to play with them together.
3. A New Leash & Collar Set: Step up your dogs walking game with a nice new leash and collar set. They are sure to be the envy of the park with their new duds.
4. Special Treats: Go to your local pup-bakery and grab them some special treats. Don’t opt for the usual store bought treats, but get them something extra delicious and freshly made.
5. A Comfy New Bed: Who doesn’t love to lay their head down on a soft plushy cushion? After years of use, your dog probably could use a new bed. If they are attached to their bed, then grab a new plush blanket to put in it and pad it back up.
6. A Bob-A-Lot Treat Puzzle: Having your dog work for their food is a great (and easy) way to give your dog some more mental stimulation. You just fill it up with food or treats and encourage your dog to roll it around to get the food out. My dog loves it, and filling it up, her Bob-A-Lot keeps her busy for 15+ minutes.
7. Hanukkah-Themed Dog Bandana: Dress your dog in style. This affordable fashion piece makes a perfect Hanukkah present that adds a little fun to your holiday celebration. Your guests will love seeing your puppy dressed up in her Hanukkah best and may even feel inclined to take this opportunity for a fun holiday photo.
8.  Bark Box: This can be a gift that keeps on giving. A Bark Box subscription will bring boxes of toys and chews right to your loved one’s door. You can choose 1, 6, or 12 month subscription plans.

All of these are great ideas on how to include your dog with the gift giving this Hanukkah. What is your favorite gift to give your pet at this special time of year? We’d love to hear what your dog loves! Let us know in the comments below.

The post Eight Hanukkah Gifts For Your Dog appeared first on .

Why Pumpkin is Good For Your Dog

• It is good for digestive health

 Pumpkin is actually a great source of fiber for everyone. You want to make sure you’re getting either fresh from the source, or canned puree without all of the added sugar and spices. In fact, the benefits go above and beyond when it comes to digestion because it helps with both constipation and diarrhea. If you add just a tablespoon or two in with a normal meal it can help keep them regular. Seriously, if it were any better for digestive health Jamie Lee Curtis would be the new spokeswoman.

• It is good for weight loss

Like most of us, our pets could probably spare a few pounds. Pumpkin is a brilliant dietary supplement. This is even a good idea for cats that can be pickier about eating pumpkin by itself.  Mix some puree with their usual fair and they will be just as full with half the fat and twice the health benefits.

• It is good for overall healthy

Speaking of health benefits, boy does pumpkin take the cake. The flesh & seeds have awesome essential fatty acids and antioxidants. Not to mention vitamins A, C, and E, plus beta-carotene, potassium, zinc, and iron. Just like humans, this is great for their skin, fur or hair, and eye health.  It also supports a healthy immune system and urinary tract.

Pumpkin Precautions:

Do not give your pet pumpkin pie filling. These have added sugars and spices that could upset their tummies. And be especially careful of sugar-free pumpkin pie filling, it could contain Xylitol, which could be fatal if your pets eat it.

Instead, give them natural unsweetened canned pumpkin. Put a little bit aside before you make a pie or buy a little can just for them.

Basically, it is no wonder that pumpkin is now touted as a “super food” for your pets. Some studies even suggest that it may reduce cancer. When it comes to dishing out the pumpkin this season, we declare it a win.

It is simple to see that pumpkins are great for both our cats and dogs, so make sure to prepare some for them this Thanksgiving. And why not try to make it a staple in their meals? After all, it really is a great food for them to eat.

What is your pet’s favorite pumpkin treat? We’d love for you to share what they love so we can try it with our own furbabies!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!

The post Why Pumpkin is Good for Your Dog appeared first on .

Spooky season doesn’t have to be scary! A lot of us enjoy dressing up in costumes for Halloween, and that can include our pets. But sometimes wearing a costume can be a very scary event for an animal. So here are some tips to make the experience less frightening!

• Buy the costume well in advanced, before the event is planned. For example, a party, contest, or parade.
• When first introducing your pet (cat or dog!) to the costume, simply take it out of the packaging and let your pet sniff it all over! Make this a supervised play, so that you can monitor their reaction and help create a positive experience. Try to avoid letting them play with it like a toy, but rather just accept its new smells and existence. Give lots of praise and treats for calm and positive behavior! (You may need to repeat this step a couple times in order for your pet to move on.)
• Once your pet is comfortable around the costume laying on the ground, you can try putting it on them. Depending on what the costume is, you may try smaller parts first (like a hat or a shirt). Give lots of praise and treats the whole time, even if you don’t get the costume completely all the way on! Do as many sessions of this as it takes to get the costume fully on them comfortably (without them fighting you).
• Have your pet wear the costume for short periods of time. This might range from 1 minute to 5 minutes depending on your pet’s tolerance. Even if your pet does great with the costume for a short time, still take it off and give them a break. This lets them know that you aren’t leaving it on them forever, and builds confidence and trust with the costume.
• Consistently put the costume on (multiple times a day if possible) and increase the amount of time they wear it each session. At least once a day is a good base for them to become very accustom to the costume.
• Be sure to supervise all costume sessions, to make sure no parts are ingested or torn up, and to keep it positive!
• Every pet is different, so some steps make take longer or go quicker! Some might need repeated more often.
• Before you know it, your pet will be hanging out in their costume at length without issue!

Now you can show off your adorable (or silly or scary!) pet in their costume and know that they are confident and comfortable!

Join us for our Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest on October 31st! Check out our facebook page for more info!

You might be wondering how to include your pet(s) on your wedding day, and we’re here to help. Say ‘Yup to the Pup’ and incorporate your pup into your big milestone event! If you have a cat or other social pet, they can be included too!

THE BASICS

It’s important to make sure your wedding venue, whether it be indoors or outdoors, allows pets. Sometimes exceptions can be made for special events, but always make sure to ask before planning the details, to avoid future issues. If you aren’t sure how your pet will handle loud noises, such as a room full of people, music, or a microphone, it’s a good idea to help desensitize them before the wedding day. Also make sure your pet has the proper identification on them in case of emergencies. The goal is to have a safe, fun, and fulfilling experience with your pet on your big day! Since you are going to be a bit preoccupied all day, you can hire a pet-sitter to take care of your dog to ensure things go smoothly. Whether it’s a friend or trusted Furball Fitness Pet Sitter, you will know that your dog is safe and happy, so you won’t have to worry. There are a few necessities that are good to have on hand for a big event. Such as a leash & collar or harness, fresh water; a bowl, poop bags, grooming essentials, treats or food, and maybe a toy or blanket. You can put together a Wedding Day Survival Bag for your pup so everything the pet-sitter might need will be easily accessible.

THE LOOK

You want to look your best for your wedding, and so should your pup! Something to consider well before the big day is a grooming appointment for your dog. Depending on what breed you have, your dog may need a more thorough grooming, so it’s best to schedule an appointment with your groomer (or ours!) in advance to ensure you get on the schedule in time. If you’ve got a low-maintenance breed, a nice spa day will get them squeaky clean with a shiny coat. If you’ve got a higher-maintenance breed, a full groom with a snazzy haircut will have them looking sharp. A fresh nail trim or Dremel will cut down on the click-clacking noise that long nails can make, so don’t forget to add that in there. During the events of your wedding day, it is important to have a few light grooming essentials on hand in case there are any mishaps. Some wet wipes, a brush or comb, and a hand towel are a few examples. You can purchase a new collar and leash set to make your pet stand out too! If your pup tolerates clothing, there are a multitude of options out there, from bandanas and bowties to dresses and suits! Shop around beforehand to make sure you get the size, color, and style of clothing or accessory you desire for your pup. Check to make sure it fits well and your dog will tolerate it, well before the wedding day. You can practice desensitizing them to any clothing or accessories so they can become more comfortable!

CEREMONY

A pet-sitter (like Furball Fitness!) is a good idea to have during the ceremony so that you can focus on saying “I do”. The sitter can handle your dog before and after their big moment, hang out with them the whole time, or even walk your pup down the aisle! The classic ‘Ring Bearer’ or ‘Flower Girl’ roles are great interactive moments for your pup. Using a piece of string, you can gently secure the rings to the string first, then tie the other end around your dog’s collar. A simple bow will make it easy to undo at the alter and if it happens to fall off, the rings will still be attached to the string for safety. Walking down the aisle with rings doesn’t need to be complicated, and if you want a combination of the

two roles you can add artificial flowers to your pup’s collar with hot glue. If your dog can hold and carry items in their mouth, then there are so many options, including a flower basket or a ring box. Another item to attach to your pup so they can walk down the aisle is a sign, saying “my humans are getting married!” or “Here she comes!”. For those pups who can’t contain their excitement about your wedding, a sitting position might be more appropriate. A Groomspup or Bridespup can hold a spot up front with some help from the nearest wedding party member, and some treats too of course. There’s also the VIPup seat, if being in front of a crowd makes your dog nervous! Stationed in the front row, you can reserve a special ‘chair spot’ with a sign saying “RESERVED FOR VIPup”. Remove the chair and throw down their favorite cushion and you’re good to go! It would help to have someone near by with treats and water, in case your pup’s attention span doesn’t last the entire ceremony. You can always place the VIPup seat in the back, if you’re concerned about distractions or noise for your dog. Including your furkid in your ceremony can be very memorable and special. The same concepts apply to cats as well, if they accept being out of the house and around people. Some cats are very social and can handle a brief moment of quiet fame, while others might do better participating through a video feed. If you have other pets, such as a bearded dragon or guinea pig, you can evaluate their tolerance levels and see if they can physically participate in your day. If they aren’t able to, that’s okay, you can still incorporate little signs and items that remind your guests of them!

RECEPTION

The reception is another avenue to include your pet in your big day. Receptions tend to be quite loud and stimulating. Keep this in mind while planning how to incorporate your pup in your wedding. Understanding your dog’s limits and what they enjoy will help make it a successful event! Introducing your pup at the beginning of the reception and letting them do an entrance walk shows off their style and personality. A moment on the dance floor with a favorite song is a great way to showcase your dog, even if they aren’t that great at dancing! If your pup handles being around large groups of people and tighter spaces well, you could have them walk around with you to the tables to greet your guests and get some love. Not all pets are comfortable in a high-traffic space with lots of sounds and new smells, so you might need to think outside of the box. A “Meet Our Furkid” station is an innovative way to keep your pup comfortable during the hustle and bustle of the reception. The guests can come visit your pup in a designated area, where they are able to relax a bit. This can include your pup’s favorite bed/pillow/blanket for them to hang out and a large cushion(s) or chair(s) for guests to utilize while giving your pup some love! The space can be designed to best fit your dog’s needs to make it a safe

space to enjoy themselves. Some other things to add to the area are food/snacks, a toy, a bone, a gate enclosing the area, or even their crate if they enjoy it. Whether your pet likes hustle and bustle or prefers calm and chill, there’s options for both to be a part of your big day!

GIFTS

Gift favors are a great way to show your fellow pet-loving guests that you’re thinking of them and their pets. An elaborate decorated baked treated is sure to make a good impression, especially if it’s from a local dog bakery. A “doggie bag” full of smaller treats will be long-lasting and shareable. Poop bags are a must-have for dog owners, so add a little decoration to a roll and a tag that says “Roll with me furever”. For cat lovers, some cat grass or wheat grass seeds in a pouch marked “Grow with us” make for a fun project for your guest and their pet.

No matter how you incorporate your pets into your wedding, there’s a way for everyone to be included! Furball Fitness is happy to help your pup be a part of your big day! Click here for more information.

Our dogs can't keep up with their hygiene. It is up to us, as responsible owners, to maintain their hygiene. The better we maintain our dog's hygiene, the more opportunity we give them to live long and healthy lives with us.

But if your dog is like mine, they are a pain in the butt when it comes to anything hygiene-related. He used to refuse to hold still! I was fed up trying to do everything myself.

My dog, Bear, wouldn’t even get in the shower or sit still for his teeth cleaning and nail trim.

Why struggle to do all the grooming your dog needs when you could pay someone else to do it? I asked myself this question every time.

With a little bit of work, he improved using some easy tips. Now, he can't wait to get everything done. He knows there is a reward during everything and after we finish.

You can save a lot of money by slowly implementing and working with your dog on all aspects of grooming (Dogs who require hair removal, such as types of doodles, can be taken to a professional groomer when they want a cut/shave done.). You can also set your own schedule and take care of your dog's hygiene when you feel it is best.

There are 4 main areas of dog hygiene you should know. These should all be done frequently, with exercise happening almost every day.

IMPORTANT TIP TO START!

Don't show signs of anger or stress during the grooming process. Your dog can sense your emotions. Do your best to stay in a good mood by using a cheerful talking voice and encouragement, or use their favorite food, treats, and toys.

Let's get started with one of the more frustrating areas - bathing.

Bathing your dog:

Some dogs are easier to bathe than others. Some people have walk-in showers that make bathing your dog at home easier. I struggled to bathe my dog, even with a walk-in shower. These struggles make bathing your dog seems impossible and deter you from doing it regularly. It is best if you bathe your dog regularly to keep them clean.

How do I know when to bathe my dog?

Different breeds of dogs shed different amounts of hair each year. Dogs with thicker coats shed more often, especially right before the warm spring weather.

Some Common heavy shedding dogs include:

• Labrador Retrievers
• Golden Retrievers
• German Shepherds
• Pugs

Unless you have a hypoallergic dog, your dog most likely does some type of shedding throughout the year.

Bathing your dog after the winter weather ends will help get the excess hair they are shedding off. Follow the spring bath up with multiple brushing sessions.

Other ways to tell if your dog needs a bath are running a hand and brush through their coat to see how much hair comes off. Also, if your dog smells or any dirt comes off when you are petting them, they need a bath!

Make sure you brush after any bath, or you feel hair falling off when you pet them.

Brushing your dog often will reduce the amount of dog hair flying around your house!

How do I bathe my dog?

If you are struggling to bathe your dog, fear not. You are not alone! I also struggled to get my dog anywhere near my shower or hose when he was younger. Here are some tips and tricks for bath time with your dog:

Use peanut butter (or something similar)

Put peanut butter on a wall in your tub or shower. You will be surprised how encouraging this tactic is. The peanut butter keeps them distracted while you get to work. Keep peanut butter or treats close for re-use until your dog gets more comfortable during bath time.

If you are bathing them outside, try putting peanut butter on a plate.

You can also leash up your dog and step on their leash if you are alone to keep them in one place while still using that trusty peanut butter. Anything you can think of to distract and make bath time more enjoyable, try.

Mix Shampoo into a separate bottle

Add some shampoo into a new bottle and mix with water.

This allows you to save money and make bathing the dog easier by spreading the shampoo evenly on the dog’s coat!

A large bottle of shampoo usually lasts me multiple bath sessions. You can also get a conditioner that will help keep their skin from drying up during dry weather days!

How do I brush my dog’s teeth?

The answer is simple - just like you brush your own! My dog loves his peanut butter-flavored toothpaste. He lines up and waits for his brushing. Just open each side of his mouth and brush. Add more toothpaste and rinse the toothbrush for both sides to get a thorough cleaning! The key is making it a fun experience for your dog. Use rewards after and praise.

Keeping your dog’s teeth clean will help prevent plaque build-up and ensure your dog’s teeth have fewer issues when they get older.

You can order toothpaste online or ask your vet about options. Your vet might also provide the service, but they will charge you for something you can do easily at home!

DON’T USE HUMAN TOOTHPASTE FOR YOUR DOGS!

You can brush their teeth multiple time a week for the best results.

How do I trim my dog’s nails?

Trimming your dog's nails can be a frustrating and challenging experience. If your dog is like mine, it is challenging to keep them still during a nail trim. Fear not. You can use the same method you did with bathes!

Use peanut butter again.

Add peanut butter to a plate, a bone you can fill with peanut butter, or give them an almost empty jar of peanut butter. Try to keep their mind busy.

Trim their nails over time.

If you let the nails get too long, the quick inside the nail grows longer with the outside nail. Bleeding in the dog's nails occurs when you clip the quick, causing pain to the dog's nail.

Black and dark dogs are challenging to locate the quick, as the quick is often black. For white nailed dogs, cut to a comfortable spot before you see the quick.

The longer you let the nails grow, the more of a chance you clip their quick. If you do clip their quick, get something to stop the bleeding, such as styptic powder or a towel on the nail. Leave the nail alone and let it heal.

I use a battery-powered Dremel nail trimmer. It allows me to take off a little each day or week. My dog has always been more comfortable and preferred the battery-powered Dremel nail trimmer over the standard squeeze pair.

https://lifestyle.brando.com/electric-pet-nail-trimmer_p12089c1806d131.html

Exercise Exercise Exercise!

Health continues with the last important aspect of a healthy dog - exercise. Ensure your dog gets proper walks. They can also play in the yard to maintain a healthy weight. I walk my dog 1 or 2 times a day if possible.

Having an overweight dog can lead to health issues as the dog grows older. Some of which include joint or other problems.

Walking a dog who can't behave is frustrating. If you are struggling because your dog is a bad walker, look into getting a trainer to help or hire a professional dog walker. See https://www.furballfitnesspetcare.com/dog-walking or https://www.furballfitnesspetcare.com/dog-training for more details.

Try using your dog’s favorite treat as a reward for walking well. Look for some free training guides on YouTube for reference as well.

Should I clean my dog’s ears?

Some dog breeds get ear issues more than others. Dogs with bigger ears tend to be susceptible to ear infections, but all breeds can develop infections.

Check your dog’s ears for soreness, redness, or a strange odor. Also, if your dog is itching or shaking their heads a lot, they may need to be cleaned out. Use a Q-tip or cotton ball to clean inside the ear. Consider keeping a bottle of ear cleaner from your vet on hand for this task.

Be Patient

Keeping up with your dog's hygiene may be a difficult task at first. Some dogs have a better temperament, and others take some time to adjust to stressful situations.

Make taking care of your dog’s hygiene fun and interactive. Include their favorite foods, treats, and toys. Always remember, don’t get angry. Your dog can sense your stress, and it will ultimately stress your dog out even more. Stay calm, make it fun, and take your time.

As you can imagine, we’ve scooped a LOT of litter boxes over the years. We have seen it all when it comes to litter scoops. From wooden spoons to spatulas, we’ve tried them all.

I was intrigued when I found a new litter scoop at a client’s house recently. I instantly fell in love with it. It’s called the Litter Lifter and this is how it’s described on their website:

The Litter-Lifter® has parallel triangular tines that cannot pick up clean litter.  The other traditional scoops clog as they they fill with clean litter which needs to be shaken out to separate the waste from the clean litter.

The award-winning Litter-Lifter® provides you (and your cat) with Easier, Faster Cleaning, Less Dust, No Shake, No Clog, Fewer Passes, Traps Smaller Fragments, Easy on Wrist and it’s Arthritis Friendly

They come in a variety of colors and would make a great stocking stuffer!

Have you tried this litter scoop yet? If not, good news!

We’re giving one away!

To enter, simply leave a comment on this blog post and tell us what you currently use as a litter scoop.

One comment will be selected at random on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at 8pm EST. Contest is open to U.S. Residents only.

You can also purchase them from Amazon.

Sometimes it takes something shocking to realize the value of a professional cat sitter.

Recently, I started a cat sit for one our favorite cats, his name is Grayston (aka GMan). We’ve been caring for Grayston for at least ten years now.

As soon as I walked into the house for my first visit, I knew something was off.

Grayston, who never misses a meal, left crunchies in his dish. I proceeded to feed him dinner and he took a few bites, but then walked away and just looked at me.

Something was DEFINITELY off.

I got down on the ground with Grayston and took a closer look. It didn’t take long to figure out what was wrong.

Grayston was sporting an abscessed tooth!

Having recently dealt with an infected tooth myself that thankfully didn’t turn into a full on abscess, I can only imagine the pain that Grayston was in. It had to be agonizing!

I immediately called his owner and texted him some pictures. We agreed that GMan needed to be seen by the vet ASAP!

I took him to Shaker Vet, where they decided to keep him for the day. They had to sedate him to drain the abscess and clean it out to see what they were dealing with. I was able to pick him up later that day and bring him back home, armed with some antibiotics.

If he had a cat sitter who didn’t ‘know’ him, how long would he have suffered until they noticed? Other than not eating all his food, he was still his usual loveable self.

Would a hobby sitter or the kid next door have caught this? Would they have known what to do?

I’ve written before about noticing things that the owner themselves hadn’t noticed because they see their pets every day and don’t notice the slight changes that take place over time. You can read about that here.

Sometimes it’s just not worth trying to save a few bucks. Hiring a professional in this instance was life saving!

The Barkery LLC

Service: Professional Customized Pet Goodies

Business Highlight: Woman-Owned 

Calling all dog moms and dads! FairyTail Pet Care - Las Vegas has recently partnered with an amazing new small business located here in Vegas to help better serve you and your pup. Meet Kierra, the owner of The Barkery LLC. She is our neighborhood dog baker who offers organic dog goodies to ensure your pet lives a long, healthy, and tail-waggin’ life.

Kierra was compelled to start her business in 2020 when she put conscious thought into what exactly she was feeding her dogs and how she wanted to make a healthy and yummy alternative. She started researching tons of recipes and bringing her treats to coworkers at her job. When she saw that her coworkers' dogs were going crazy over her treats, she knew she had something special. Since then, Kierra has committed to creating recipes using only organic ingredients for everything she makes. Over the past two years, her business has expanded into so much more than she could've ever imagined. Not only does she bake organic dog treats, she also creates custom dog cakes, donuts, macaroons, and more!

Be sure to check out The Barkery’s paw-some work:

Website: https://www.thebarkerylv.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebarkeryyy/ 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebarkeryyy 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thebarkeryyy 

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/thebarkeryyy/  

FTPC-LV Wedding Cake Collection 

• Row 1- Dog Of Honor 

• Row 2- Dogs Plus One 

• Row 3- Yappily Ever After 

• Row 4- FairyTail Magic 

• Row 5- Furever Family 

• Row 6- Puppy Kisses

FTPC-LV Pupcake Collection

• Option 1- Best Pup 

• Option 2- Viva Las FairyTail 

• Option 3- Flower Pup 

• Option 4- Pawfect Day 

More Details If You’re Interested In Adding This Service To Your Las Vegas FairyTail Wedding:

On your wedding day, everything is about you and it's finally the day where the two of you can celebrate each other with loved ones. Our goal at FairyTail is to ensure that your furry best friend is able to join in to celebrate the love, too! To help make it the best day ever for your pet, we are partnering with The Barkery LLC to provide your pet(s) with customized wedding treats for the big day. If you are interested in adding on customized pup-goodies for your furry best friend on the wedding day, then email us directly and we will work with our pup-caterer to provide this for you! 

Pricing:

• Organic 4” Customized Wedding Cake (1)

$50

• Includes pick-up and delivery on wedding day 

• Flavors (pick one): banana-carrot, coconut-berry, peanut butter, pumpkin

• Icing color: pastel colors 

• Wedding Cupcakes (½ dozen) 

$45

• Includes pick-up and delivery on wedding day

• Flavors (pick one): banana-carrot, coconut-berry, peanut butter, pumpkin

• Icing color: pastel colors

• All Organic Treat Bag (4 oz)

$15

• Seasonal Wedding Treat Bag

• Includes pick-up and delivery on wedding day 

• Flavors (pick one for each 4oz bag): anti-inflammatory, banana-carrot, cinnamon roll cookie, blueberry-oat, brownie, or pumpkin

• Organic Gourmet Cookie Box 

$40

• 6 Small Dog Cookies & 1 Medium Dog Cookie *wedding themed*

• Includes pick-up & delivery on wedding day 

• Flavors/Icings: Pumpkin and pastel icing colors

Please note: Minimum order value of $30. All orders must be placed no later than 3 weeks prior to your wedding date. Custom treats will be distributed to FairyTail Pet Care - Las Vegas directly and provided on the day of the wedding. This is to allow enough time for quality treat production (you can’t rush art!) and on-time delivery. This add-on is a pur-fect option for local and destination couples alike for a convenient service offering delivery of a custom treat. Your pup won’t want to miss this!

What a crazy year we’ve had! We went from having a rapidly growing business before Covid to having to close for several months. Suddenly, everyone stopped traveling and our business screeched to a grinding halt. Like most small businesses, we lost some staff.

I’m THRILLED to report that over the last couple of weeks, reservations have started coming in! People are stir crazy and starting to travel again!

Because of our smaller size it’s more important than ever to plan ahead and book early.

We’re also getting busier with dog walking since people are going back to the office.

We want to be able to assist everyone who is looking for the most experienced team of pet sitters and dog walkers in Southern Rensselaer County.

Please don’t wait to make your 2021 reservations if you’re anticipating traveling.

Our calendar will fill in quickly and every year we have to turn down reservations; especially at peak times likes holidays. I’m sure this year will be no exception.

Thank you SO much for your support!

So, if you’re planning a photo shoot, whether it’s for an engagement, holiday cards, maternity or any number of reasons, it can be a great idea to include your pup. If you’re not prepared though, it can quickly turn into a stressful experience for everyone involved.

Luckily, we are professionals in getting that ‘paw-fect’ shot & we’re here to help with our top tips to get your dog to pose at your next photo shoot!

1. Talk to Your Photographer in Advance

   It’s so important to not only inform your photographer that your dog will be tagging along, but to also discuss how you’d like to include them. Perhaps there is a specific photo you’re looking to recreate or maybe your dog is a bit anxious when meeting new strangers & so your photographer may want to allow them to warm up before trying to take their photo.

   This will also allow your photographer to select an appropriate location that is dog friendly & plan their photo timeline accordingly.

2. Pack Their Supplies

Any time you take your dog out for an adventure it’s a good idea to pack anything they might need. After all, you can’t expect them to remember to do it! You wouldn’t want to forget to bring poop bags or water for them, but you also may want to add a lint roller to the pack.

If you bought any attire for them to wear during the shoot be sure not to leave it behind. And of course, don’t forget the treats!

3. Let Them Take Breaks

Not every dog is cut out to be a professional model so while you may be eager to have them in your photos & keep working until you get the perfect shot, it’s a good idea to allow them to take breaks. If they don’t have a chance to be free in between shots, they may get frustrated & tire out too quickly.

4. Practice Ahead of Time

Take the time before the big shoot to practice with your pup a bit. Find out what gets their attention & better yet, what may get them a little TOO excited.

Do they have any favorite words or phrases that elicit a head tilt or make their ears perk up? Knowing this ahead of time can make the actual photo shoot run much smoother.

5. Get Their Attention

Time to put that practice into action! When it comes time for your pup to be in front of the camera, you’ll want someone to help get their attention. If you want them looking at the camera, you’ll need to bring their focus there.

It can be helpful to have a squeaky toy, or a treat in hand to ensure they’re looking at the right place. Be aware to not have too many people trying to get their attention at once as it can get them too riled up or confuse them.

6. Hire a Professional!

Believe it or not, there are actual professionals that will tend to your pet at your photo shoot. Hiring a professional is the absolute best way to ensure you get that paw-fect shot without it being too overwhelming or to time consuming.

They’ll be there to help your pet pose for the photos, get their attention & then step away with them to ensure they have a break without taking time away from your photo session. This also allows your photographer to truly focus on you & all the important aspects of their job instead of trying to wrangle your pup & keep their focus.

If you found these tips helpful, please let us know!

And if you’re interested in hiring a professional for photo shoot pet care then

contact us today!

Pet Project by Jess

Service Offered: Professional Pet Photography Service

Woman Owned Small Business

Calling all dog moms and dads! FairyTail Pet Care - Las Vegas has recently partnered with an amazing new small business located here in Vegas. Meet Jess, the owner of Pet Project by Jess. She is a dogtographer offering dreamy, whimsical, custom photography designed for the pet obsessed. If you're the type of pet parents who consider your dog family and want to include them in all of life's big milestones, she has got you covered. Her style of photography is made for the modern day pet parents that want to show off and obsess over their fur babies. 

Jess is married and has a rescue pup named Ellie, who many times makes guest appearances in her mommy’s photography. Pet Project By Jess began as a challenge to learn a new skill to add to her media related talents but once she was hooked, that quickly turned into a pretty regular hobby outside of her full time job. She has since turned that little pet project of her’s into something special and meaningful by combining two of her favorite things - dogs and photography and turning it into her everyday, full time job. Over the years, her skill level and equipment grew into what it is today. Over the past 10 years she has experience photographing families, engagement, maternity, newborn and grads, but found a real passion working with pets. “ I believe it’s a niche that’s not as widely offered to those who are just as obsessed about their beloved dogs as I am, so I’d like to change that and offer something a little different for people like me.” - Jess Rodriguez

Jess is also our preferred puptographer for our twice a month Foster Field Trip (hyperlink blog post for foster field trips). We host two monthly field trips for the pups located at The Animal Foundation, this is where we get to check out a pup from the shelter for the day so we can help get them socialized which hopefully helps get them adopted faster. We take this time with the adopdatple pup and we ensure their day is magical and exciting. We also take this time to get some fun loving pictures of the pup for their shelter profile. We both volunteer our time and money for these field trips as we are dedicated to finding animals their furever home! 

Book a stress free engagement session with just the two of you and your pup to be sure you get all the photos you need to celebrate this special occasion! 

Check out her work and a whole lotta cute pups on Insta @petprojectbyjess 

FairyTail Engagement/Celebration Shoot With Jess

Price- $325

This package is perfect for couples wanting to include their pet and ensure they have a photographer that specializes in doing this. This is also a perfect time for you to work with us before the big day for some extra needed practice. This shoot can be booked before the wedding or even after the wedding to ensure we capture all of those timeless memories with your pet.  We can help celebrate any holiday or accomplishment with both you and your pet. (Birthday, Gotcha Day, Engagement Shoot, Save The Date, Baby Announcement, etc. )

Package To Include: 

• 2 hours of photo shoot pet care

• 30 minute consultation call with FTPC LV

• Delivery of Professionally Curated Posing Guide 

• Attire for the pup 

• Up to 2 hours of shoot time with Jess Rodriguez

• 30 minute planning call with photographer Jess

• Raw gallery delivery (client will work with photographer directly to choose photo packages) 

• Travel costs 

His name was Squeaks

I adopted him as “Xander” at 4 months old on 1-20-08 and he died 10-5-10. I had less than two years with him. It’s wrong that he died so young and I feel cheated that I didn’t get more time with him.

He didn’t like my dog, sometimes attacked my cat Charlie (who would beat his ass), but he was a sweetheart.

My pet cat Squeaks and his idiosyncracies

He was small with a small head. As a matter of fact, he only weighed 9.1 lbs in July 2010 when he was almost 2 years old. Here is a litany of his behaviors and characteristics.

From general to specific stuff

• He squeaked like a mouse, reared like a horse when I petted him on the back, and like a dog would drag a turtle-stick-string toy to the room I was in and play with it in front of me
• Two or more times he broke through the screen window in the backroom and went out onto the roof of the 1st floor apt and then on the roof of the garage. He would be stuck there until I went out to get him.
• When he pooped he would stand on his hind legs and his front legs would be on the lip of the litter box (whatever helps you go, buddy).
• He would lick water from the bathtub drain.
• Quite often he would swipe at my dog or attack my cat Charlie after cleaning her (Why so aggressive, dude?)
• My futon was his favorite sleeping spot, either underneath it, lying on it, or he would climb into my sleeping bag that I left on the futon.
• He chewed thru my cell phone charger cord once which cost me over $40 to replace.
• When I first got him I had to pry his eyes open because they were sealed shut because of some eye disease or something (eye goo).

How squeaks entertained himself

• He would climb everything and go in the cupboards under the kitchen counter-top
• He would climb on my keyboard and walk all over the keys (thanks!)
• I mentioned this above, but he would carry the stick-string-turtle toy in his mouth like a dog.
• If there was anything “open”, then he would go inside to investigate: closets, bags, shelves, cabinets, etc.
• Chasing flies was one of his exercise routines.
• Of course, he went crazy for catnip.
• He looooved my laser pointer. He also loved any string toy and the mouse and bell-ball toys.
• He would play with anything he found – pens, rubber bands, pieces of paper, …

How my pet cat interacted with me

He was really funny and quite a character, though he did have a tendency to piss me off – I loved him. He would anger me after 10 “bad” things and then do 1 awesome thing and I totally forgave him. He followed me like a shadow. He apparently loved me and I hope he knew I loved him as well

• He would reach his paw out from under the table by the door and try and swipe me – he loved hanging out under that table.
• He would reach his paw under the front door when I would leave (hilarious).
• I would pet him as he walked past me and he would rear up like a horse when I pet his back while he continued walking.
• He would snuggle by my arm on the couch and would sometime put his snout in my armpit and lick my pit. That was gross but it did tickle.
• He would “knead” my shirt or shorts before lying on my lap.
• My favorite was when he would crawl up my chest and “kiss” me. What he would do is rub his mouth and snout all over my lips. I would give his Eskimo kisses in return.
• When I tried to put on my boots, he would go after my shoelaces.
• I would sometimes put a collar on him which he would chew and claw to get it off.
• He would partly run into the room in a funny way when I called his name – he always came when called.
• When I went to sleep, he would climb under the blankets, push Charlie out of the way to get closer to me, stay for 5 minutes then leave. Charlie would never move back closer to me after that. I wasn’t happy about that result.
• I would walk into a room to find him with a look of “caught in the act” and then he would take off into another room and hide like he knew he was guilty. What was he doing?
• I often put him on top of the fridge to investigate or just look around.
• He would always bite the zipper of my pull-over jackets
• He also responded to “hey little buddy” or just “little buddy”. I named my dog Buddy because he did the same thing.
• He would chase or, more often, get chased by Charlie.
• He always responded to his name – “Squeeks”.
• He would “squeak” when I picked him up.
• He would “rough-up” my shorts or shirt or whatever I was wearing before he settled in on my lap.

I never got the chance to take him camping to Assateague Island as I did with Charlie. He would have loved that place.

Final Thoughts

Squeaks was a cat whose life was too short and I wish I could have saved him. But then I wish all my pets were with me. I’m sure you feel the same if you have lost a pet in the past. I’m grateful that I have had them in my life, and my pet cat Squeaks is no exception.

The post My Pet Cat Named Squeaks appeared first on Fairmount Pet Service.

List of lost pet websites for Philadelphia pet owners

I constantly see posts about someone losing their cat or dog, and each time neighbors mention a site or group where the owner should share their post.

So I decided to get as many links as I could and put them in one location. Please let me know if you know of a website, forum, or group whose focus is lost pets and I will update this article. Also, don’t forget to contact all the shelters and rescues in the city if your pet has gone missing.

Read my Where to Adopt a Cat or Dog article for the list of shelters in Philadelphia or my Pet Services Rates Philadelphia for a list f all pet services in the city.

Websites that focus on reuniting lost and found pets with their owners.

The 6 websites below help you to find your lost pet. Three are national-level sites and 3 are Philly based. Here are 3 general lost and found pet websites and I’m sure there are many more.

I don’t consider these sites as the best way to get your pet back. However, the last two Philly websites off a list of things you should do if you lost your pet so check out that information.

• FindPet.com – a site where you can register your pet in case he or she ever goes for a walk without you.
• LostFoundPet.us – lost and found pet database, report your lost pet, and search their database of found pets.
• PawBoost.com – Create A Free High-Quality Lost Pet Flyer. Boost Recovery Chances. Post A PawBoost Alert. Email Shelters For Free.

Here are 3 lost and found websites that are specific to Philadelphia, PA. If you are from another city then look for local shelters and pet service companies that have a page, or group for lost pets.

• Philadelphia Fido Finder – Lost dogs in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Search the lost dog listings for your dog. Register your lost dog so that you can be contacted when they are found.
• Friends of Schuylkill River Park Dog Run – they use petfinder.com so I’m not sure how good this link is.
• PhillyNoKill.org – this just mentions things you should do if you lost your pet.

Facebook lost pet pages and groups

Here are 12 Facebook groups I found for Philly lost and found pets. The text after the links are most from the groups About page.

• FostAndFoundPhilly – Lost and Found Pets, Philadelphia – Powered by ACCT Philly – your place to post pictures and information about lost or found pets in Philadelphia, PA.
• GetLouieHome – The team that helped bring Louie home is now working to serve pets in need around Philadelphia.
• LetsFindEddie – You can also post about your lost pet in this group.
• MayfairPetsLostandFound – the largest and most successful lost pets group in Northeast Philadelphia.
• PALostFoundPetsPage – This page was created for everyone to post lost/found pets from Pennsylvania and surrounding areas.
• Northeast Philly Lost and Found Pets – The purpose of this group is to reunite lost and found pets with their owners.
• Lost and Found Pets of Philadelphia Mauser – Lost and Found Pets of Philadelphia..or Anywhere.
• Northeast Philly Dogs-Lost And Found – Lost and Found Pets of Philadelphia..or Anywhere – same description but a different Facebook group.
• Pets of Philadelphia! – Post your pets, pet advice lost & found pets, pet businesses, promote adoptable & shelters in need, & anything pet related!

Here are 3 Delaware County groups that are good if you live in a neighborhood that borders Delco. Also, check out groups for other surrounding counties.

• Lost and Found Pets in Delaware County Pennsylvania –
• Lost Pets Of Delaware County PA –
• Lost And Found Animals In Delco –

Finally, don’t forget about any neighborhood websites like Nextdoor where you can post about your lost pet.

Final Thoughts

I hope these resources help you find your lost pet. Don’t give up – your pet is counting on you!

The post Lost Pet Websites (Philadelphia) appeared first on Fairmount Pet Service.

In case you or someone you know have lost a pet, then here are some online sources to post photos and contact information. Also, use these groups if you have found or spotted a lost dog or cat.

Websites and groups geared towards reuniting lost and found pets with their owners

The 3 sources below are national-level sites but they are worth a try if it helps return your pet to you:

1. FindPet.com – a site where you can register your pet in case he or she ever goes for a walk without you.
2. LostFoundPet.us – lost and found pet database, report your lost pet, and search their database of found pets.
3. PawBoost.com – Create A Free High-Quality Lost Pet Flyer. Boost Recovery Chances. Post A PawBoost Alert. Email Shelters For Free. Notify Thousands of Nearby.

Here are 6 Delaware county-based Facebook groups.

1. Lost and Found Pets in Delaware County Pennsylvania
2. Lost Pets Of Delaware County PA
3. Lost And Found Animals In Delco
4. Bring the Lost Pets of Delaware County PA Home
5. Delaware County Lost and Found
6. Delaware County, PA – Lost Dogs, Cats, and Pets

Don’t forget to check with shelters and animal rescue groups in the event they were brought to one of them. Here are 6 that I found in Delco.

1. Animal Friends of Lansdowne
2. Providence Animal Center
3. Animal Coalition of Delaware County
4. All 4 Paws Rescue
5. Catnip 
6. Delaware County Humane Society 

Final Thoughts

I wish you luck finding your furry friend! Also, take a look at my article for Lost & Found Pets in Philly. Some of the groups are in areas that border Delco so look into these as well. Let me know if you know of any other online groups or rescues and I will update this post.

The post Lost Pet Websites (Delaware County) appeared first on Fairmount Pet Service.

You can read more about Caitie below.

Remember, if you or someone you know would like to turn their passion for pets into paychecks, fill out our online questionnaire.

especially4paws.com/jobs

Hi there! My name is Caitie, and I live in Seven Hills with my family and dog when I'm not away at college. I attend the University of Dayton, and I am currently a senior studying pre medicine with a minor in psychology. I plan on pursuing naturopathic medical school and moving out west later on in my life. Some of my hobbies include going to the gym, hiking, reading, and painting. My own pup is a fourteen year old cockapoo named Skippy, and it's no understatement to say that he is spoiled rotten. My late dog, Trevor, was quite a medical anomaly––tore both ACLs, ear and eye infections due to allergies, rectal cancer, and a few others to name. Because of this I learned how to administer eye drops and ear drops as a teenager, as well as pills. Skippy is slowing down due to his age, but he is overall decently healthy for being as old as he is. I have always been fond of animals, and I cannot wait to get to know the animals of my clients!

Remember, if you or someone you know would like to turn their passion for pets into paychecks, fill out our online questionnaire.

especially4paws.com/jobs

My name is Megan, and I'm the mom of four cats (Finnegan, Keegan, Molly, and Reilly) and one dog (Flynn). I'm also currently fostering a dog (Millie) and a cat (Gabby) as well as a mama cat (Bunny) and her six kittens (Chick, Duck, Jelly, Bean, Tulip, and Eggbert).

In addition, I volunteer as a dog walker at the Cuyahoga County Animal Shelter, and I rescue birds and other wildlife with Lights Out Cleveland and Lake Erie Nature and Science Center.

My pets are my children and my life. We share as much of our days together as possible. In our free time, Flynn, Millie, and I love hiking in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the Brecksville Reservation before relaxing with a good puppacino. Recently, Flynn and I even spent a weekend in Chicago, where we hung out at the dog beach and enjoyed Flynn's first Sprinkles pupcake. At home, the kitties and I love making biscuits and playing with their favorite toys.

Every day is a wonderful adventure, and those adventures are always better with my fur kids by my side.

I will care for YOUR fur kids with the same love I give my own, and I can't wait to feel their love in my life too.

If you would like to turn your passion for pets into paychecks, go to ,especially4paws.com/jobs

My name is Janet and my passion has always been animals of all kinds. I've been a pet parent to birds, rabbits, fish and between 2 and 4 dogs at a time for the last 34 years, including special needs rescues. Not concentrating on a particular breed has exposed me to a variety of behaviors and personalities. I am excited to be able to share my experience and look forward to helping other pet parents. Currently, my furry friends include Kaine, an ex-racing Greyhound, Isabella, an Olde English Bulldogge, and my newest edition, Einstein, a chocolate and white Parti-Doodle.

Happy Tongue Out Tuesday from our Aberdeen NJ Dog Walking buddy, Fin! Contact us today to schedule your FREE Meet and Greet consultation!

The post Aberdeen NJ Dog Walking appeared first on Professional Dog Walker in Keyport, Aberdeen and Hazlet NJ.

It’s Monday and our Keyport NJ Dog Walking buddy, Black Jack, is ready to take on the week. After a treat, of course! Visit The Dog Blog to see photos of all our furry friends!

The post Keyport NJ Dog Walking appeared first on Professional Dog Walker in Keyport, Aberdeen and Hazlet NJ.

Our Matawan NJ Dog Walking buddy, Reo, is the definition of a Positive Mental Attitude (PMA). This guy had surgery on Tuesday and yesterday he was out with us on his regular walk smiling the entire time! Dogs are amazing and inspiring! Be like Reo, keep that PMA!

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What causes diabetes in cats?

• Physical inactivity
• Male gender
• Use of steroids to treat illnesses such as feline asthma or skin allergies

• Burmese in Australia, New Zealand, and Europe
• Maine Coon, Russian Blue, and Siamese in the USA
• Norwegian Forest cats in Europe

Signs of diabetes in cats

• Weight loss, even if the cat is eating normally, or even has an increased appetite
• Increased thirst and water consumption
• Increased urination, either inside the litter box or as “accidents” outside of the litter box
• Difficulty fully straightening their back legs or limping on the back legs

How to test for diabetes in cats

How to treat diabetes in cats

Diet

Insulin

• Vetsulin (lente insulin)
• ProZinc insulin (PZI)
• Glargine insulin
• NPH insulin
• Detemir insulin

Blood sugar monitoring

Is it expensive to treat a cat with diabetes?

Prognosis

The post How to manage diabetes in cats appeared first on Claws and Paws Pet Sitting | San Diego County Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers.

“Sit”

The easiest command to teach your dog is to sit down. Sitting down is the most natural concept for your pet, so this is one of the commands they can learn quickly.  Once your dog knows how to follow this command, it will be easier for them to understand the other commands you teach them.

How to teach your dog to sit:

1. Get your dog’s attention by holding a treat. 
2. Bring the treat near your dog’s nose and in their direction until they back down to sit. You can also try lifting the treat above your dog’s head but not too forward. This action will force them to sit down to reach the snack.
3. Once their butt touches the ground, give them the snack as you say “yes.” Positive keywords will help them understand what they are doing. 
4. Repeat this a couple of times. Once they get used to it, do the same without the food in your hand. Reward them with a treat once they sit down. 
5. Continue doing this a few more times. Once he gets the hang of it, start saying “sit” before doing the hand signal. 

It is essential to reward them once they do what you are asking. This will help them know and distinguish what you want them to do.

“Stay”

If your dog knows how to stay, the chance of them running to the streets or somewhere hazardous will lessen. Like the other commands, this will help keep your dog and the people around them safe.

How to teach your dog to stay:

1. Put a treat on your hand. Give a hand signal (you can use your palm as a signal for “stop”) when they approach you. 
2. Wait a few moments, say “stay,” then give it to them. Make sure that they are lying or sitting down when you reward them. Do not give the treat if they are standing or approaching you.
3. Continue doing this while slowly increasing the time your dog is sitting or lying down. 
4. Once they get used to this, gradually increase your distance.

Come 

This command is essential, especially if you take your dog off-leash. Teaching your dog to come when called will help keep them and the people around them safe and avoid any hazards. 

How to teach your dog to come:

1. Go near your dog and say their name and “come.” If you want, you can also just use their name or the word “come.”
2. Say their name or “come” and give them a treat. This lets them know you want their attention once you say those words. 
3. Once they get used to it, place the treat on the floor. After they eat the food, say the chosen words. Give them a treat again once they look at you.
4. Continue doing this but place the treat farther over time. Give them a treat once they turn to face you. Do not overuse the words; twice is the limit. Continuously repeating the command words will confuse them.
5. Once they understand the concept, try going further and calling their name or using the word “come.” Once they get to you, give them a treat or pet and praise them.

Continue doing this but at a greater distance. You can go to the beach or park when training them. The bigger the space, the better. You should also pay attention to their safety. While training your dogs, they might trip or run into something. If needed, contact your vet, or if off hours, Veterinary Emergency Group in Encinitas.

Sources:

http://www.vetster.com

How To Train Your Dog To Stay | RSPCA

Teach Your Puppy These 5 Basic Cues – American Kennel Club (akc.org)

The post Dog Training 101: The Basics appeared first on Claws and Paws Pet Sitting | San Diego County Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers.

10/1 Pet Blessing & Festival

4050 Mission Ave., Oceanside

https://allevents.in/mobile/amp-event.php?event_id=200023279613309

10/1 San Diego Humane Society’s Fur Ball

6:00pm-11:00pm

https://fox5sandiego.com/community-calendar/?_escaped_fragment_=/show/?ser=Omnia#!/details/San-Diego-Humane-Soceity-s-Fur-Ball/9927416/2022-10-01T18

10/2 Blessing of the Animals at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, (8am & 10:15)

• St. Peter’s Episcopal Church 334 14th Street Del Mar, CA, 92014

https://www.visitdelmarvillage.com/all-events/https/wwwstpetersdelmarnet-yymdb-txgp3-w8mz6-bms24-5jrzt-9yycf-369dt

10/8 PICKLEBALL for the PETS

Encinitas

Join the SPAY NEUTER ACTION PROJECT for a fun evening of pickleball as an expert or a beginner, or just come for the party!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pickleball-for-the-pets-tickets-398294628957?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

10/22 Howl-o-Ween Doggie Costume Contest and Parade

Bates Nut Farm

15954 Woods Valley Road, Valley Center, CA,  92082 

Don’t miss the annual “Howl-o-ween” Doggie Costume Contest and Parade. Bring your dog in their favorite costume to enjoy the pumpkin patch and compete in the contest. Prizes will be awarded to the top dogs! Registration opens at 9:00. Judging and parade begin at 11:00. After the contest, take part in all of the Pumpkin Patch festivities, sample some great food. 

https://www.eventcrazy.com/Valley-Center-CA/events/details/589308-Howl-o-Ween-Doggie-Costume-Contest-and-Parade

10/29 9th Annual Howl-O-Ween Mutt Run

08:30 AM – 01:00 PM PST 

Road Runner Sports San Diego

5553 Copley Dr, San Diego, CA 92111

https://events.com/r/en_US/registration/9th-annual-howl-o-ween-mutt-run-san-diego-october-853773

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https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMLokDqsM/?k=1

I have posted a number of Facebook Lives and YouTube videos about how to trim cat claws.

Some cat owners think their indoor-only cat can maintain their claws solely via scratching posts, but I’ve repeatedly found this to be ineffective. Cats might be able to sharpen their claws on a scratching surface, but not all cats are able to do this, and the resulting claws end up needle-sharp! If a cat’s nails becomes overgrown, it will continue to grow into a circle until it embeds itself into the cat’s paw pad, which is painful and can lead to infection, as is shown in the TikTok above.

If you are uncomfortable trimming your cat’s nails, then have someone else else do it. Veterinarian clinics, pet stores, pet sitters, groomers, etc. will often offer pet nail trimming. Mobile groomers and pet sitters can come to your home so the cat doesn’t have to go anywhere. I offer this service on its own and I also include it without extra charge when I am cat sitting, because it helps everyone when cat nails are trimmed! If the cat gets very stressed, fearful, aggressive for nail trimming, veterinarians can sedate them for the nail trimming.

Small pet nail trimmers are best for cats and can be very inexpensive, like the model the vet is using in this TikTok. Like nail clippers, nail trimmers need to be sharp in order to cut the nail cleanly, so they will need to be replaced every so often depending on use. Maybe every other year for one cat.

Don’t worry about getting all of the claws at once – it’s perfectly fine to trim a couple and take a break. And giving lots of treats throughout can help to make it a positive experience for everyone!

The post Trim your cat’s nails or get someone else to do it for you appeared first on Cats and Hamsters.

This new option will include a species-appropriate vegetable and fruit selection comprising a special selection of:

• organic produce
• produce grown by myself from seed in my community garden plot
• produce from the public markets

I am excited to share that this summer I am trying a local organic farm share, La ferme coop Aux Champs qui Chantent, and will include produce from that share in the daily Special Selection. La ferme coop Aux Champs qui Chantent is a local, organic, worker-owned, worked-run cooperative. Their pick up locations include the Plateau and Petite Patrie. Their philosophy includes offering good, healthy food and making it accessible. So uncollected shares are donated to community organizations and they offer “Solidarity Baskets,” where a weekly basket can be subsidized via donation and members can request a basket at a reduced rate to match economic need.

The original daily fresh produce service for Guinea pig and rabbit clients is still available, and may or may not include some of the same items in the Special Selection.

Clients who prefer to specify a specific list of vegetables and fruit for their Guinea pigs and rabbits can choose the concierge service.

The post Organic veggies for Guinea pig and rabbit clients appeared first on Cats and Hamsters.

Happy Cat Month

For Happy Cat Month, here are some simple tips to keeping your cat happy, from your neighbourhood cat sitter. In no particular order:

1. Access to clean, fresh water at all times.

Some cats like drinking directly out of the faucet, but they should still have another source of water in case the water stops.

Likewise, if you use a pet water fountain that has zero access to water if the power goes out, then an additional bowl of water is needed.

2. Keep pet water fountains clean. If you have a water fountain, be prepared to completely disassemble it almost daily, including the motor. Replace the filter when it gets discolored or slimey.

3. Comb your cat as-needed. Some cats are mostly self-sufficient when it comes to maintaining their coats and don’tneed much help. Some need daily combing to manage matting and shedding. Some only need a weekly comb. Each cat is different. Combing out small mats is doable, but if you let the mats grow too big, it will take more time and effort to work out, until they have to be shaved off by a groomer. Don’t let it get that bad. Mats are painful to cats.

4. Trim your cat’s claws. It’s just like using a nail clipper, except you use a small pet nail trimmer and you only remove a tiny bit off the tip, about half a grain of rice. It is more comfortable for the cat, as their claws won’t snag on fabric, furniture, or carpet. Not all cats are able to sharpen their claws on scratching posts or outside. Keep an eye on them so that they don’t become overgrown.

5. Enrichment Enrichment Enrichment. Play with your cat. Get them a cat tree, some toys. And use the toys! Lick mats and food puzzles can make a big difference for certain cats. Some like music or certain tv shows. A lot of indoor cats enjoy smelling the outdoors. And there’s the universal favourite, the cardboard box.

6. Please, don’t antagonize your cat for social media.

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Before determining which service is ideal for your fur buddy, you should know a few fundamental distinctions between pet boarding and pet sitting. First of all, pet boarding usually happens in a place where your pet will spend overnight or for a considerable amount of time. Contrarily, pet sitting typically means having someone visit your home to check on your pet and give them essential care while you are gone.

Another significant distinction is that, in contrast to pet sitting, pet boarding services frequently have a larger team on hand to care for the animals. Therefore, if you have a pet that requires a lot of maintenance, you should consider this. Last but not least, the cost of pet boarding can be more than that of pet sitting. However, this will depend on the length of stay and the particular services offered.

Consider your pet’s needs and what will make them the most comfortable when choosing between pet boarding and pet sitting. Be careful to see your veterinarian for advice if you have any questions or concerns.

When to Consider Boarding Your Pet

If your pet is a young animal, boarding is your best bet. You may relax knowing that Pet Sitting Services will give him the potty breaks, attention, and social interaction he needs to stay happy and stimulated. Additionally, boarding is preferable if your pet becomes disruptive while away. Pets who are prone to separation anxiety will fare better with round-the-clock care. If you’re planning on being away for an extended period, boarding is also an excellent solution to guarantee that your pet will be taken care of while you are away.

Pricing for these boarding alternatives varies tremendously depending on the amenities and level of service chosen. These add-ons can run up the fees. However, the more personal attention given to your pet reduces the strain of adjusting to a new habitat and unfamiliar human companions, making this extra cost. 

Many pet owners prefer to board their animals at a veterinary clinic so that they can receive medical attention. Unfortunately, although it seems like a good idea, most veterinary boarding facilities are sterile, frigid, and antiquated. Additionally, boarders will likely receive less attention and care because medical and surgical patients take precedence in veterinary institutions.

When to Consider Sitting Your Pet?

If your pet is elderly or has unique requirements, he might function best at home. Pet sitting services are the best choice in this situation. While you’re away, your pet sitter will come to your house to offer food, drink, potty breaks, medicine, and company. Both you and your cat may feel less stressed and anxious due to this. Pet sitting services also enable your many dogs to be together in their own comfortable spaces if you have them.

Consult your veterinarian if you’re still unsure about which choice is best for your pet. They can determine your pet’s needs and recommend the best course of action.

Pet sitters’ most typical service includes going to the house at specific times to feed, allowing for bodily elimination, and exercising the pet. Other pet care providers will not only look after the animals. Still, they may also stay at the pet owner’s home, giving the animals a constant companion or at least a bedtime companion.

When their owners are absent, pets might become stressed, but when they are in their homes, where they are accustomed to being, the symptoms tend to be milder. Since many years ago, I have never had to treat a pet that a sitter has looked after for stress-related bloody colitis.

The advantage of having sitters is that the pet owner’s house is protected. In addition, live-in sitters produce a nearly regular household routine that deters prospective robberies and reduces “away from home” signals to potential “bad guys” by collecting the mail and newspaper.

Without considerably lowering prices, live-in sitters can collect phone messages and care for interior and outdoor plants. Additionally, live-in sitters can arrange for the pets to be evaluated by a veterinarian and are more likely to identify any potential health issues early. Finally, my experience is that pets with live-in sitters tend to be less subject to separation stress.

When Pet Sitting is a Good Option

Do you own several cats, dogs, or other pets? A pet sitting service might be a good fit in such a case. Dogs who live with another dog or two won’t feel as lonely as an only pet might. Additionally, keeping senior dogs in their familiar environment will help them stay calmer. Finally, having a sitter who can check in on your house cats once or twice a day may be all you need if they like to be left alone when you’re home.

In general, you should opt for boarding your pet if:

·         Your pet is young and needs frequent potty breaks and social interaction.

·         Your pet becomes disruptive when you’re away and needs to be separated from other animals.

·         Your pet has anxiety disorders that make him uneasy when left alone.

·         You have several pets who will do better with companionship while you’re away.

On the other hand, you should consider a pet sitting service if:

·         Your animal companion does well when left alone and doesn’t need constant supervision.

·         You only have one pet who won’t become too anxious in your absence.

·         You’re only going to be away for a short time, such as overnight or for a weekend.

·         You have several pets who will do better in their home environment.

·         The cost of boarding is too high for your budget.

When in doubt, it’s advisable to seek your veterinarian’s advice on the best course of action for your pet’s care. Based on the unique characteristics and demands of your pet, they will be able to provide expert advice.

What would happen if your sitter couldn’t drive to your house due to a snowstorm?

Having a dependable neighbor who can access your house and check on your pet is a brilliant idea, just in case. However, the reputation of the person taking care of your pets is something else to consider. Do your homework every day. Ask them if you know of a boarding facility or sitter they can recommend. Look through social media and websites to see what other people say. If you use one, ask for references and confirm that the pet sitter service is insured and bonded.

Be prepared in advance in case of an emergency. If you don’t have service where you’re going or the pet sitter can’t reach you for any reason, leave the phone numbers for your veterinarian and at least one backup person. Making sure your pet is “in excellent paws” will provide you peace of mind while you’re away, whether you decide to board your pet or hire a pet sitter.

If you have a pet, you know the anxiety of leaving your cherished dog or cat in a boarding facility while you are away. Thankfully, this isn’t your only choice! For many pet owners, an excellent substitute for typical boarding arrangements when they must travel for a few days is Pet Sitting Services here in Animal People Pet Sitting & Dog Walking. Contact us for more information.

Finding a reliable pet sitter that could perform overnight pet sitting shouldn’t be as difficult as leaving your cherished pet at home while you are away for the day at work or on vacation. As a result, more people are hiring professional sitters to ensure their animals are healthy and happy due to hectic schedules, lengthy commutes, or even a pet suffering from separation anxiety. But choosing a sitter involves many factors.

In addition to caring for essential family members, they also visit your house. Therefore, they ought to be dependable, competent, knowledgeable, and capable of handling emergencies. Additionally, your pet ought to feel at ease around them. If you’re looking for a sitter that meets all of these qualifications, here are some key factors to keep in mind during your search.

Start Online

The internet is a beautiful place to start, including neighborhood and community websites. Professional pet-sitting organizations like Pet Sitters International and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters mention their members on their websites. You can focus your search by reading online reviews and looking at potential applicants’ Facebook sites.

Get Referrals From Friends or Family

You may have a friend or family member who has utilized a pet-sitting service in the past. They can give you first-hand accounts of their experience, what they liked and didn’t like about the service, and if they would recommend them. If you don’t have anyone to ask, try your vet’s office or the local animal shelter for recommendations. Look for ads on the notice boards at neighborhood shops or your veterinarian’s clinic, then ask prospective babysitters for recommendations. Additionally, you might seek advice from friends, family, and neighbors. Alternatively, get in touch with your veterinarian and nearby humane groups, who may hire staff members who work as part-time pet caregivers. Just remember that individuals with full-time employment could not have the required availability.

Getting Ready for the Interview

Before doing a phone or video interview with prospects, consider your questions. You may learn a lot about someone’s personality and character by talking to them for a long time, so don’t hesitate to do so.

THE BASICS

Please find out how long they have been in business, how much expertise they have with your pets’ species, and what their backup plan is if something stops them from visiting your home.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Ask about their policies on payment, vacation days, cancellations, and what they do if your pet becomes ill while you’re away.

EMERGENCY PLAN

Inquire about what the sitter would do in case of an emergency. For example, find out if they are comfortable handling and administering medication or if they know CPR.

HOUSEHOLD DUTIES

Will the sitter be expected to take out the trash, bring in the mail, water plants, or turn lights on and off?

FEES

Moving forward is pointless if you cannot afford their services. However, you shouldn’t just choose the service with the lowest price; you need a trained expert.

SERVICES

Please inquire about the exact services they provide and whether they are competent to dispense drugs. Do they possess any unique training or credentials? Are they bonded and insured, which may shield you from harm if your dog bites someone else while the sitter and you are out for a walk? It can be helpful to provide a few emergencies to observe how applicants react, such as what they would do if their pet started vomiting or the air conditioner broke on a hot day.

SCHEDULE

Make sure the sitter is available when you’ll be away and that they’re willing to commit to being there for the entirety of that time.

Prepare for the Introductions.

You and your animals should meet the potential pet sitter before scheduling a date. You can do this to learn more about the individual, clarify any individual instructions, and watch how they connect with your pet. To assess how a candidate interacts with your dog, you might even ask them to take your dog on a trial walk.

Don’t forget to request credentials, such as copies of their bonds, licensing, and references. Additionally, you might want to obtain a criminal history check.

Recognize That it Might Not be Successful

Even with the most satisfactory screening, hiring the incorrect individual could still happen. However, you may take a few easy actions to see if the employee is performing their duties.

For instance:

You may want to request regular updates, including text messages, photos, and videos.

Consider using a GPS dog tracker to see where the sitter takes your animal during walks.

Schedule check-ins with the pet sitter so that you can speak with your animals in person.

When You’re Not Home.

Once you have found a sitter, you still need to do some things to prepare for your time away.

You should:

Provide the pet sitter with a list of emergency contacts, such as your veterinarian’s phone number.

Ensure that the sitter knows where you keep essential supplies, such as food, leashes, collars, and toys.

Ensure that the sitter is aware of your pet’s feeding schedule and any medications they are taking.

If you have any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to ask the sitter or call a professional organization, like the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), for advice.

When you return home, take some time to speak with the sitter about their experience and ask for feedback on how your animal behaved. If everything goes well, give them a positive review and consider using their services again in the future!

While it’s wise to proceed with caution when working with a new person, remember that most of those who chose pet sitting as a job are animal lovers. A pet sitter has the potential to become a dependable friend over time!

Here at Animal People Pet Sitting & Dog Walking, we understand how important it is to find a qualified, professional pet sitter. We hope this guide has been helpful in your search for the perfect individual to take care of your furry friend while you’re away!

Additionally, hiring a pet sitter might be far less expensive than boarding your animals if you have two or more. Remember that you might wish to round up our estimated expenses by a dollar or two if you reside in a city. One or two dollars could reduce the costs listed below if you live in a rural location.

Services at a Professional Level

Professional Level services charge the most and provide the greatest treatment.

You won’t have to worry while you are away if you pick a reputable provider. Instead, you can relax knowing that a qualified and responsible pet care professional is caring for your house and animals. This kind of business will concentrate on offering dog walking and pet sitting services.

You will always be covered when you travel since local professional pet sitting businesses will always have a team of sitters on hand. In addition, a reputable agency should, at the very least, have a backup sitter on hand for you in an emergency.

Professional services have a local manager you can get in touch with to help resolve any issues that may arise while you are away from the area. They also have the expertise to help you with the pet-sitting recruitment process. In addition, they can assist you in determining the optimal visitation times and durations for your dogs.

Professional babysitters will visit your home for drop-in visits, typically lasting between 15 and 60 minutes. In addition, mail collection, litter box cleaning, prescription administration, plant watering, wet food plates, cleaning up pet messes, turning lights on and off, and a host of other complimentary services are frequently provided.

You will have the support of a reputable dog walking and pet sitting service at every turn. You feel comfortable leaving your pets in their care since they make sure all of your questions are addressed.

Professional pet sitters go above and above to ensure that their sitters have everything they need to perform well. A lot of policies and guidelines will be in place at professional pet-sitting and dog-walking businesses, and they will put your pet’s safety first in order to provide consistent service.

Cost-Binding Factors

Companies will charge more if their sitters have more years of experience in addition to the overhead associated with offering top-notch home and pet sitting services.

Some businesses pay their employees a fair wage, while others do not. Businesses that charge more frequently pass along more money to their babysitters. Paying its employees somewhat helps keep them on the job longer and gives you and your pets greater consistency.

Independent Contractors vs. Employees

Professional pet-sitting businesses will expand their staff by hiring employees or independent freelancers.

Employers typically charge a little bit more to offset the expenditures and benefits they provide to their staff. However, businesses with workers usually provide better service because they can teach their teams to adhere to standardized procedures.

However, independent contractors are less expensive for the business, so you might be able to obtain a professional service for less money. However, independent contractors are free to carry out tasks however they see fit.

Cost of a reputable pet sitter

The following amounts will roughly cover the cost of daily dog and cat pet sitting visits:

$23 to $28 for a 15-minute appointment

$27 to $31 for a 30-minute appointment

$32 to $37 for a 45-minute appointment

$37 to $45 for a 60-minute appointment

On the low end, hiring a dog sitter will cost between $85 and $90 per day. This would be for three daily visits of 30 minutes each. Therefore, you should budget between $110 and $125 per day if you hire a dog sitter and schedule 4 trips per day.

If you plan one 30-minute visit per day, a cat sitter will run you $27–$31 a day on the low end. You should expect to pay between $54 and $62 per day if you hire a pet sitter for cats and book lengthier visits or two visits per day. Animal People Pet Sitting & Dog Walking is the perfect solution for your pet sitting needs! We offer various services to fit your schedule and your pet’s needs, including drop-in visits, dog walking, overnight stays, and more.

What to Think About When Choosing a Pet Sitter

Finding the ideal pet sitter for you and your pet will be easier if you take the time to consider what is essential to you in one. Consider the following when you evaluate your pet-sitting options:

1. Specialty

Sitters could specialize in particular breeds of animals. Others might only watch cats or small animals, or they might favor little or huge canines. Some people could have a gift for connecting with elderly dogs or be enthusiastic about handling puppies. Inquire about the sitter’s experience with different breeds of animals if it isn’t specified in their online profiles.

2. Location

Whether you want the pet sitter to come to your home or if you’re willing to take your pet to theirs is a crucial consideration when selecting someone. Of course, it’s often simplest to have a pet sitter stay at your house if you have many animals needing attention. But aside from that, it’s a question of taste.

Having a visitor stay over keeps your dog on a schedule and can be less stressful. On the other hand, some puppies prefer socializing with other dogs and may truly enjoy visiting a home where there is a pack to play with.

3. Space

Choose a pet sitter with a home comparable to yours in terms of the layout if you are dropping off your dog there. If your dog, for instance, is accustomed to having a backyard to run around in, pick a pet sitter with a fenced yard. However, leaving your dog behind in another apartment is not a big concern if they both reside in apartments.

4. Health Needs

Does your pet need any medical attention? If so, seek out pet sitters trained in pet first aid, veterinarians, or veterinary technicians. When someone is watching your dog or cat, you want them to be capable of giving them the degree of care they require, such as giving them pills or injections.

5. Communication

While you’re gone, some pet sitters are eager to send you pictures and videos of your pet. Ask pet sitters if they frequently do this or if it’s something that matters to you. Thanks to this communication, you may relax and enjoy your vacation more, knowing that your pet is having fun.

Over the holidays, when there is a greater need for the service, you might spend more for pet sitting. Puppies can also increase pet sitting costs since they require frequent potty breaks daily and at night.

Just keep in mind that being completely open and honest about your requirements and expectations is the best way to choose a pet sitter. By communicating your needs, you’ll be able to leave your pet in the capable, compassionate hands you’ve been looking for.

Here at Animal People Pet Sitting & Dog Walking, we understand that your pets are family members. We offer various services to fit your schedule and your pet’s needs, including drop-in visits, dog walking, overnight stays, and more. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you!

We have witnessed a 50% increase in pets that struggle with emotional regulation. Most pets are more sensitive to external factors, including us! 

Trends we’ve seen through 2021-2022

• Dogs have increased anxiety and reactivity to normal everyday life (cars passing by, other people/dogs, rustling of trees, other wildlife, etc)
• Cats have increased anxiety towards unfamiliar humans
• All pets have an increased intolerance for being left home alone after having their family home 7 days a week
• Increased surrender rate of pets that were adopted during the pandemic

What we’re doing to meet their needs

• Our team is now Fear Free Certified and we’re well versed in personalized ways to improve pets’ emotional wellbeing during our visits.
• We have extended our free consultation to include a comfort visit for all new dog clients, practice dog walking visits as needed and a practice visit for any cats that require being handled for medication administration. 
• We will assess and recommend any changes that can be made to reduce your pets anxiety during our visits. This can include higher reward treats upon our arrival, an extra baby gate so we can greet them slower, a distraction toy, etc. 

What you can do to help your pets

• Establish a regular routine, even if you are working from home, some semblance of a routine will help ease your pets anxiety. 
• Consider crate training to give your dog a safe and secure spot to retreat to.
• Don’t force your dog into social situations or environments they aren’t equipped to handle, this can make the situation worse.
• Try to leave the house even for short periods of time, leaving your pet at home. 
• Work with a professional trainer as needed. 

The post The Impact of the Pandemic on Pets and How We’re Adapting to Their Needs appeared first on Alexandria Pet Care: Pet Sitting, Dog Walking, and Dog Training.

When temperatures are above 90 degrees, Alexandria Pet Care modifies dog walking visits to keep your pets safe, and adds A/C checks to our pet sitting visits for cats, birds, rabbits and other indoor pets we visit.

Our visits always remain the same length in time (if you’ve chosen a 20 minute visit, your pet will have a 20 minute visit – not shorter because of the heat), and we do all we can to keep your pets comfortably cool.

Our Team’s Modifications For Heat, Heat Index, and Air Quality Caution Days:

1. For dog walks, we will seek out shady areas and walk in the grass or the sidewalk. 
2. We avoid asphalt (and you should too) that can be up to 150 degrees on a 90 degree day, ouch! 
3. We will monitor your dog(s) and turn around to return home before they overheat. Early signs can include not wanting to walk, seeking shade, and light panting – but not every dog will even give us those signs.
4. We may split a walk into two shorter walks with a break indoors to cool down in the middle of the visit. 
5. We may go out for a potty break and short walk when we arrive, then spend time inside with brushing & belly rubs.
6. For pet sitting visits we monitor that your air conditioning is in working order and that your home remains cool to keep your pets comfortable.

Pet Owners’ Hot Weather Pet Safety Tips

• Give your pets plenty of fresh water (some cats and dogs love water with ice cubes!)
• Ice cubes on the floor make good toys for both cats and dogs
• Limit your indoor/outdoor pets to time outside only when temps are 85 and lower
• Know if your pet is more prone to heatstroke; animals with flat faces (ex: Pugs and Persian cats) cannot pant as effectively, and pets who are older, or overweight or with any medical issues are at an increased risk.
• Never leave pets alone in the car, even with the windows cracked the temperature inside the car can rise 20 degrees within 10 minutes. 
• Keep all unscreened windows closed to prevent pets from jumping or falling out.
• Limit outdoor exercise on hot or humid days to early mornings or late evening when the temps are coolest and ozone lowest. 
• Provide indoor cooling items like a fan, a cooling mat good for cats or longer haired dogs, or cooling dog harness (best for short haired dogs)
• Don’t run or exercise your dog outdoors in temps of 85 or higher
• Know the signs of heatstroke; heavy panting, increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, lethargy, unsteady gait, increased salivation or dry gums.

If you suspect your pet is experiencing heat-related difficulties from walking on hot surfaces, overexercising in heat, or suffering from heatstroke, contact your veterinarian immediately.

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Preparing your pet to be home alone and reinforcing the positives of quiet time alone, will prevent separation anxiety and stress. Pets are adaptable!  They do not all have “separation anxiety” the moment we leave them.

With time to get used to their new routine and these tips, your pet will adjust.

1. Introduce the new routine & ease in. 

   • If your pet is used to sleeping in with you and waking up slowly, start setting your alarm early a few days in advance to transition.

   • Start providing meals & doing bathroom breaks at new times based around your anticipated schedule.

   • Slowly increase their time of being left home alone.

   • Adjust exercise schedule, especially increasing morning exercise to help them get their energy out  – more walks in the morning and when you return home! 

2. Leave toys, chew safe items and treat puzzles to mentally stimulate your pet. Boredom can lead to unwanted behaviors and increase anxiety. 

3. Play soothing sounds. Your pet is used to the comforting sounds of their people, the silence can cause anxiety. 

4. Play it cool when you leave your pet: do not give hugs or goodbyes and leave quietly. If you are stressed and making a big deal of it, they will sense this and respond the same way.

As you start your new routine, monitor your pet for signs of separation anxiety. Symptoms can include trembling, drooling, increased barking or whining, regression in potty training & attempting to escape. If you suspect your pet is suffering, contact your veterinarian.  

If you’re in need of a midday dog walker to help tire out your pup or have an especially long work day and need someone to feed your kitty their dinner, we are happy to help! Contact us today.  

The post 4 Tips to Prepare Your Pet for Your Fall Schedule appeared first on Alexandria Pet Care: Pet Sitting, Dog Walking, and Dog Training.