It is also a bad season for fleas as I unfortunately found out. I have four dogs of my own and two of a family members that stay with a lot these days. They did not have nary a flea, but then about two weeks ago, the itching started. I wonder now if I inadvertently  brought in fleas from my daily pet sits or walks. However these nasty bugs came into being here in my home. Home they are, right in my dogs fur. Now it is not a cheap expense to get rid of fleas, believe me, especially with the number of dogs I have. I went to Petco today and not only purchased Frontline, but flea shampoo and powder, just to be safe. My pocket book  was a bit more empty. Its bath and flea control time tomorrow, even if the temps are not all the warm.

I encourage pet owners to take the steps to prevent fleas from taking over their furry four-legged companions. Just a quick trip to the pet store or your vet can save you the time and trouble of getting an infestation.

It is one of the things clients should think about when out in the rain with their dogs. Purchasing a raincoat or letting them walk ala’ natural. I do both when walking my dogs. Since I have six dogs, it takes a few minutes to get all their gear on. They are so excited that its hard trying to put a rain coat on jumping, wildly happy four-legged banshee’s (that is what I refer to mine as). Usually I will wait until the rain has slacked off and there is but a slight mist or trickle.

Today looks like one of those days that I will sit in wait and just when I think its safe, I will leash them all up and off we will go.

For those that are walking their dogs in this weather..happy rainy walking!

Today I am pet sitting a cat, who is originally from Russia! He is a great cat, with long hair and beautiful azure eyes. He also knows how to play catch too. Its funny to see a cat fetch a toy. He loves it though.

A lot of people, the majority dog lovers, think that cats don’t get lo nely. Since starting my business I beg to differ. They do and the love attention. They may not be pack animals like dogs, but a nice warm lap to sit in, a good belly or back rub goes along way in reassuring them that they have not been abandoned by the their pawrents. I know some probably think so.

I do want to point out to cat owners that in my years of taking care of cats, having  a pet sitter or friend visit them once every other day for 30 minutes, truly is not enough. Many things can happen to cats when owners are away. They can get sick, get stuck or try and escape. That means there is 47 and half hours of time for something to happen to a cat. Please be aware of this when planning a get away or vacation.

I am very excited to look out the window this morning and see yet another day of sun. Feels great.

Its also  great day to take your dogs out for a stroll. Just remember that even though its not in the high 80’s that dogs can still get over heated, so take plenty of water with you. If you have a white dog, like I do, remember to use dog safe sunscreen so they do burn. Yes, dogs can get sunburns just like humans.

Have a great Sunday from the House of Pawz (HoP)

If your schedule prohibits you from providing for walks and play time for your dog, it is time to hire a professional who can provide those services. Dog daycare and dog walkers can be two great ways to give your dog additional exercise and stimulation. Like in any profession, there are very talented professionals and there are not-so-great companies. Shoddily-run daycares or inexperienced dog walkers and day care employees can create as many behavior problems as lack of exercise can cause, so be very choosy in deciding who you will trust with your dog. Picking the right dog walker is every bit as important as selecting a trustworthy babysitter for your human child – take it seriously.

Evaluating a Prospective Dog Walker

Come well-prepared with a list of questions (ask all that follow and any additional questions you may have):

What credentials does the individual have? Daycare employees and dog walkers should have some knowledge of behavior, training, and dog body language. Are they pet first aid certified?

Ask for veterinary references, references from other canine professionals in the area (trainers, veterinarians, etc.), and references from clients.

What are the businesses rates? Hours? How long has the company been in business? How many dogs do they take at a time? Has a dog ever been injured at or lost by their business? Do they adhere to all local leash laws and clean up after dogs on walks?

What training techniques or tools do they employ? How do they handle unwanted behaviors, like lunging, jumping, or pulling on the leash? Will they follow up with any training techniques and requests you set forth?

Are they fully insured or bonded? All dog professionals should carry liability insurance specifically for pet care businesses, and any professionals entering the home in your absence should also be bonded. Be firm on this requirement.(Please note  an owner is both insured and bonded through the same contract. If they are insured, they are also bonded, same number) Employees of the business must be  bonded separately.

If your dog is aggressive or reactive on walks, what experience do they have working with these dogs? How would they deal with a reactive or aggressive dog being approached by a strange human or loose dog?

If the answers to these questions are all satisfactory, it is time to observe them in action. You should always view the professional “in action.”

No Exceptions

Regardless of whether you’re seeking to employ a dog walker or dog daycare, they should have no objections to you observing them during a work session. Ask to visit or follow along on walks. If they refuse this request, look elsewhere for a professional – your dog walker or daycare provider shouldn’t have anything to hide. Again, no exceptions.

Follow your gut. If you get a bad feeling about a potential dog walker or daycare, keep looking.

Buyer Beware, Unregulated Industry!

At this time, there are no requirements for dog walkers, daycare professionals, or trainers. Anyone, without any experience or knowledge of dogs, can start taking clients as a dog professional. There are many uninsured, uncredentialed, unknowledgeable individuals in all of these fields looking to make a quick buck from dog owners, masquerading as canine experts.

It’s somewhat frightening that one would need a license to cut hair or apply acrylic nails, but no state-mandated licensing program exists for those who are responsible for our best friends. Not all the dog walkers or daycares in the phone book will have insurance, be established as an actual business through the local government, or have the knowledge to keep your dog free from illness or injury, physical or behavioral.

Some cities have started guidelines for dog walkers in response to unscrupulous business owners. San Francisco is one such city, and has posted eight suggested guidelines for dog walkers online at www.sfgov.org. Call your local town or city hall to see if your city has such guidelines. If not, consider passing along San Francisco’s guidelines and suggest something similar be implemented in your town. Keep the S.F. guidelines in mind when evaluating your dog’s new dog walker!

I know it is has affected all of us. The trickle down effect, so to speak. January is always a slow time in retail and business, so it gives me time to reflect and re-organize my priorities.

One of those is how to market my business via the internet. I am an avid user and believer in technology. There really isn’t anything I do not do these days that doesn’t require me to be on the computer or my smart phone. I blog, twitter and facebook all in the name of getting my business out there to my clients and also to new clients. Becoming more efficient and available for my established clients is another important area for me.

In the coming year, I am going to find news ways in which I can reach pet owners through the web. Since dog walking and pet sitting for me is only a ten mile radius, it make the demographics of study a bit challenging.

I guess you  could say this is my New Years resolution. I think we all need something to work towards.

To my established clients, I thank you and I will be working hard at making  your experience with my business even better.

We here at Pawcific NW Petsitting would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year.

I often look for articles about pets. Events, rescues, tips, tricks or the occasional heart warming stories. One Sunday I found an article on “How to save your pet’s life”. I saved the article and came across it again this week, so I thought I would share with you.

What would you do in an emergency? The best thing to do is stay calm, be prepared and act quickly, but be sure to remain cautious. In some case the animal could bite out of fear or pain.

CAR ACCIDENTS
A pet that has been hit by a car needs to see a vet immediately. Internal bleeding is common, and outward signs of distress may not show for several hours. Also, puncture wounds that close rapidly can cause life-threatening infections later on. Enlist someone’s help in moving the animal by sliding a heavy towel beneath it. To avoid being bitten, tie a strip of cloth over your dog’s nose, or cover your cat’s face with a coat.

BLEEDING
Using direct pressure, apply a clean, dry cloth to the wound. If blood soaks through the first layer of fabric, add more so you don’t disrupt any clots that may be forming. Use a tourniquet only as a last resort, and make it just tight enough to significantly reduce the flow of blood. Loosen it every five minutes, and don’t keep it on for longer than 20 minutes. Transport your pet to the vet as soon as possible.

CHOKING
Dogs or cats that are choking may breathe loudly, drool, paw at their mouth, cough, gag, become anxious, or faint. If this happens, gently open your pet’s mouth to locate and manually remove the object. If your pet isn’t breathing and you can’t find what is obstructing its windpipe, perform a modified Heimlich maneuver. With your pet facing away from you, clasp your hands around its waist, just beneath the rib cage. Compress the abdomen three to five times with quick upward thrusts. Repeat as necessary. If that doesn’t work, take your pet to the vet.

LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS
If your pet exhibits signs of cardiopulmonary arrest—unconsciousness, a weak or irregular pulse, no heartbeat, and no obvious signs of breathing—begin CPR. The techniques used on humans can be modified easily to work on animals. If possible, enlist someone else’s help—it’s best to perform CPR on your way to the hospital, so that resuscitation can be continued there. Do not attempt it on a conscious animal.

POISONING
Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, salivation, excitability, difficulty breathing, disorientation, poor coordination, twitching, convulsions, and collapse. Common sources are medications, household cleaning products, rat poison, antifreeze, insecticides, and plants. Not all poisons are treated alike, so if you think your pet may have ingested something dangerous, head to the vet immediately. Try to bring any plant material, vomit, or toxic substances with you.

As you transport your pet to the hospital, provide a cover for warmth and talk in a soothing voice. That way, it’ll know it’s in good hands.

Do you have a First-Aid Kit for Fido or Kitty?

If not here is a list of things you should have on hand

• Phone number and directions to your nearest vet or 24-hour clinic

• Tweezers, to remove splinters, or ticks

• Antibiotic ointment for wounds

• Gauze bandage and bandage tape

• Wound disinfectant

• Heavy towel or blanket, in case you need to carry your pet

• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) for allergic reactions

• Sterile saline for flushing eyes

• Disposable latex gloves

• Muzzle or strips of cloth, in case you have to bind the pets mouth

I also worry about next Friday, the 4TH of July, where fireworks rule the day. I know that two of my dogs are not bothered by the noises, but last fall I added two others to my four-legged family. I am not sure how all the noise is going to affect them. As I was waiting for the train yesterday I read an article about helping cats and dogs cope with all the fireworks.

One tip suggested conditioning your pet to cope with the sound of fireworks, by playing recordings of fireworks at a low volume during which your pet is engaged in a activity, such as eating or playing. As time goes on play the recordings a bit louder. When your pet stops exhibiting signs of stress, such as pacing or panting you know that they’re conditioned to the noise. (This is a great idea, one I am going to use)

Another option is taking your pet to a vet for mild sedatives. However, this is a personal choice. Some experts prefer exercises over sedatives.  A good work out can drain much of the pent up energy.

If your dog or cat does panic during the holiday, get them inside and try keeping them calm. They say to turn either the TV or radio up high to mask the noise. Even a fan or air conditioner would work. If the pets are inside try giving them a toy or something they can chew or lick. Anything that can relax them and let them have fun.

If your pet does get out during the 4TH and becomes lost be prepared.

Make sure they are up to date with their ID tags or microchips. Call your local shelters or vets and be careful how you describe your pet, some people may find them but give a different description. Ask neighbors or anyone near if they have seen your pet. Post signs that include a picture and contact information. Don’t forget the internet, use listservs and e-mail contacts.

Last but not least if you find a lost pet call a shelter to see if anyone has filed a lost report. This is especially important if the animal doesn’t have tags. Shelters and vet offices can also scan the animal to see if they have been micro chipped.

By taking precautions you and your pet can have a safe and fun 4TH of July.

Take from a direct quote Howstuffworks.com some veterinarians say dogs and cats can suffer from depression and seperation anxiety when they are left alone during the day or night. Studies show the more than 10 million dogs  in the US suffer from separation anxiety. They even go on to say that birds do as well. This seems likely as birds are such social animals.

If you think your dog is acting out, chewing, peeing, or listless when  you leave and then come back, this may be one of the causes.

It is another reason why hiring a pet sitter is becoming more and more popular among pet owners. It is one of the reasons I recommend checking out a pet sitter or even for the matter, if your dog can handle it, a kennel. Never leave for an extended period of time without first attempting one of these solutions.

Your dog, cat or bird will thank you for it.