Archive for the tag 'Beaverton'

Finding the right pet sitter for the holidays

November 21st, 2011

Since the holidays are right around the corner, many owners are looking for someone to care for their pets. If your like me, you want the best fit possible and someone you can trust. Your neighbors and friends might be a good fit, but if the pet is not healthy, older or needs medication, it might be better to find another option.

Your primary vet is one, so is a kennel if you have a dog, but if neither of these quite fit your pets personality, then the next option would be to find a personalized service, such as a pet sitter.

While reading the newspaper I came across an article on how to find the right petsitter for you and your extend fur family.

I thought the it was worth sharing,since many have questions on what a petsitter does,as well as how to go about hiring a “Professional” petsitter.

One of the first steps when looking for a pet sitter is to make sure  they are licensed, bonded and insured

*Check references.

• Interview the pet sitter before hiring them to make sure they fit your needs.

• Watch your pet’s reaction to the potential pet sitter, and how he or she interacts with your pet. (They are your best indicators)

• Request updates while you’re away. (Many of my clients have me text them daily)

• Write down detailed instructions for each task before you leave, and ask if there are extra fees for services such as medication dispensing or cleaning multiple litter boxes.

• Also, ask if the pet sitter will help in other ways, such as checking the mail or watering plants. (My service includes these)

• Establish a back-up sitter just in case. (I always have a back up pet sitter, who is licensed and insured)

• Make sure the pet sitter has your contact information. If you provide a cell phone number, make sure it has service where you’re going.

• List emergency contact numbers, including those of a back-up pet sitter, relative and veterinary clinic.

• Include your authorization for emergency vet charges, including how much you’re willing to pay.

• Provide medication amounts and times to administer, how much food to provide and where to look if your cats hide.

• Leave extra food and supplies somewhere in plain view, such as on the counter.

 

 

 

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Six Summertime Hazards

June 8th, 2011

I saw this in a monthly news letter I get and thought I would post this in its entirety.

Written by Casey Lomonaco, KPA CTP

Seasonal pet health hazards should be considered during the extreme temperatures of both winter and summer. Keeping pets safe during the summer is easiest if you know what the risks are and how to manage them for your dog’s safety.

The dog days of summer provide lots of opportunities for fun with your dog (camping, hiking, swimming, kayaking and backpacking, to name a few) but also bring a unique set of health hazards and risks pet owners should be aware of; including, but not limited to: dehydration, burned pads, parasite infestation, heat stroke, leptospirosis, and seasonal allergies.

Six Common Summer Hazards for Dogs

1. Dehydration
One of the best ways to keep your dog safe in the summer time is by providing lots of cool, clean, fresh water. Consider preparing low sodium chicken broth or yogurt ice cubes, and introducing canned dog foods (best when frozen in a Kong!) to increase the moisture content in your dog’s diet.

2. Burned Pads
Under the summer sun, asphalt on sidewalks and streets can heat to a temperature that can burn a dog’s paws. To avoid scorched paws, walk your dog very early in the morning or in the late evening when the streets have cooled off. If you must walk your dog during the day, dog booties can protect his feet. Always put your hand down on the asphalt for about thirty seconds – if you must pull your hand away because the street is too hot, it is too hot for your dog to walk on without hurting his paws. If you don’t want your hand on the street for thirty seconds, your dog probably does not want his paws on it for thirty or more minutes of walking.

3. Parasites
Summer is the season for fleas and ticks, and mosquitoes; pests which can present a minor discomfort to your dog at best and at worst may be life threatening or cause self-mutilating behaviors. Feeding your dog a high quality diet, without preservatives or chemicals will build his immune system, making him generally more resistant to parasite infestation. There are a wide variety of preventatives on the market, including chemical spot-on treatments, repellent shampoos, essential oils, and flea and tick collar; talk to your vet to see what she recommends for your dog. Cleaning your house frequently and keeping your dog well groomed will also reduce the risk of parasite infestation.

4. Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is a serious risk to dog’s health – in worst case scenarios, it can be fatal. You can prevent heat stroke by restricting your pet’s exercise during the hottest hours of the day (early morning or late evening are the best times for exercise during the summer), by making sure he is well hydrated, providing cool places for him to relax, providing opportunities to swim, cooling mats, and by never leaving your dog unattended in the car during summer heat.

Many dogs die annually in hot cars. Even if your windows are cracked or you park in the shade, heat can build quickly in a car in the summer, turning it into an oven. If it’s 95 degrees at noon and you leave your windows cracked, the temperature in your car may still rise as high as 113 degrees. This is a recipe for disaster for your dog. If you must leave your dog in the car for any period of time, the air conditioning should stay on. Leaving a dog to die in a hot car is not just a health risk for your dog, but may be cause for animal cruelty charges in some area. The solution? Don’t leave your dog in a hot car.

5. Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is contracted through bodily fluids or tissue and can be transmitted through direct (as in the case of a bite or ingestion of flesh) or indirect contact (through water sources, food, etc.) with an infected animal. Stagnant waters are a common source of leptospirosis bacteria. Lepto can cause permanent health problems or death if not treated quickly. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, trembling/shaking, lethargy, anorexia, tenderness of joints and muscles, and increased water intake. If you suspect your dog has lepto, get him to a vet right away, an emergency vet if need be.

There are vaccines for lepto but they do not prevent all strains and can cause significant adverse reactions. Talk to your vet about weighing the risk of infection with the risks associated with the lepto vaccine.

6. Seasonal Allergies
Your dog may be allergic to one or more seasonal items, which include fleas, grass and various plants, and mold. If you suspect your dog may have seasonal allergies, is scratching and perhaps losing fur, a visit to your vet is recommended.

 

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Interesting article on Basic Schedules for Dogs of all Ages

October 19th, 2010

I just came across this article. Its very interesting, since I have five dogs of various ages and since I walk dogs.

I am just copying and pasting the article here. Doesn’t have an author to give credit too.

Many of us use some sort of scheduling tool, like a Daytimer, to plan our hectic days and nights. This plan helps us to establish a routine and to get all the important tasks done. Dogs don’t need reminders about picking up the laundry or going to Little League but they benefit from a schedule which includes things like eating and play time. Dogs thrive on routine and, though they do not keep track of time like we do, their circadian rhythm, or internal clock, makes it possible for them to tell when it’s close to the time for a routine task.

The following sample schedule is meant for a breed or mix who is of average activity and has no health problems.

Sample Schedule of an Average Day with an Adult Dog

Food: Most adult dogs should eat twice a day. This keeps their metabolism stable and aids in digestion. You’ll find they quickly catch on to when feeding time is. A sample schedule would be:

  • 7:00 a.m. – Breakfast
  • 6:00 p.m. – Dinner

Water: In general, it is best to leave a fresh bowl of water out for your dog every morning and every evening. Dogs should always have clean water after any activity. If you’re working on housetraining or have a dog who overdrinks, you can schedule the amount and times you provide it. But watch your dog carefully and, if he seems to be thirsty, increase the amount. A sample schedule for monitoring water would be:

  • 7:00 a.m. – Clean and fill bowl half-way.
  • Noon – Rinse out and refill half-way.
  • 6:00 p.m. – Rinse and fill half-way.
  • Bedtime – Clean and fill bowl about 1/4 of the way.

Sleep: An average dog sleeps about 14 hours a day. Unlike humans, they sleep for shorter times more frequently. A dog’s REM cycle is more active than a human’s and may explain the phenomenon of “chasing in their sleep.” If your dog sleeps more than 16 hours a day, it is wise to check for any illness. By scheduling his activities throughout the day, you will naturally create a good sleeping routine.

Play: Play is imperative to keep a dog’s skills honed, to provide stimulation and just to have fun. Play can mean a game of fetch with you, a board game where your dog has to do tricks to earn a turn, a doggie play date, or even interactive toys when you are away. Try to get two play sessions in a day. A sample schedule would be:

  • 8:00 a.m. – Spend at least 15 minutes playing with your dog
  • 4:00 p.m. or Right after work – Schedule a play date or try something creative like a game of hide and seek

Activity: Activity is imperative for a dog’s mental and physical health. Ideally, a dog should be walked twice a day for 30 minutes. An extra walk does no harm and, in fact, will benefit you both. In our hectic society, however, this can be tough, so consider enlisting the help of a dog walker. Also keep in mind activities other than walking such as the dog park. A sample schedule would be:

  • 6:30 a.m. – Walk your dog before his breakfast
  • Noon – Walk your dog (this is where a dog walker could be helpful)
  • 5:00 p.m. – Walk your dog before his dinner

Together Time: Together time is a bonding experience for you and your dog. This is the easiest thing to schedule as it can be on the couch while watching T.V. or outside reading a book, or on the bed at the end of the night. The key is to focus on your dog and pet and massage him. Dogs love a light massage and many are happy with your foot stroking their back. Even just sitting touching your dog is a bonding activity.

Modifications for Puppies

Housetraining: With puppies, there is housetraining to consider in your schedule. When beginning housetraining, you or someone you trust, such as a dog sitter, really needs to be on hand frequently, so you can catch your pup before or in the act and rush them outside. Older puppies can go between three to four hours between elimination. A sample schedule would be:

  1. Outside upon waking.
  2. Outside after breakfast.
  3. Outside around noon after second feeding.
  4. Outside around 4:00 p.m.
  5. Outside after dinner.
  6. Outside before bed.

Food: A puppy will ideally eat three times a day so schedule in a feeding around noon. Get a dog sitter to help if needed.

Sleep: A puppy sleeps more than an adult dog, averaging about 16 hours a day. But some will sleep for up to 20 hours!

Activity: A puppy will have bursts of energy and then flop down where he is and sleep. Try to get your puppy out as much as you can, starting with short walks and building up to 20 minutes.

Modifications for Senior Dogs

Food: Older dogs should be fed twice a day but it should be a smaller amount since their activity is limited.

Water: Older dogs may need more water than their younger counterparts.

Sleep: A senior dog will sleep more than an active adult dog, on average 16 to 18 hours a day. Just like humans, the older a dog gets, the more his needs resemble that of a puppy.

Activity: It’s important for a senior dog to still get walks and mild activity. Ideally, you, or a sitter, could take your dog out three or four times a day for shorter walks. Avoid excessive activity and any rough play such as at dog parks.

Modifications for Active Breeds

There are a few modifications for active breeds such as the Border Collie, the Vizsla and any Terrier. Sleep for these dogs is often less than an average breed and you will find they are usually running around even when dozing. It can help to feed these breeds three times a day because their metabolism is higher.

Modifications for Sedentary Breeds

Breeds that are very large such as the Mastiff and the Great Dane tend to sleep more than an average sized dog. Some of the large breeds, such as the Greyhound and many of thehounds, do as well. The feeding schedule is also often different with these dogs being fed only once a day since they are not burning off as many calories.

Every dog is unique and you may have to alter your schedule depending on your dog’s activity level. You also may need to adjust your dog’s schedule to meet yours. The things to keep in mind are that a dog will need something scheduled every two – four hours, whether feeding, activity or playing. And consistency is key to keep you on schedule and your dog happy. Perhaps someday there will even be Daytimers for Dogs.

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