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.

I can’t believe it is October already. Where did the summer go? Oh that is right,not much of a summer here in the North West.

My favorite month is October for many reasons, one is the spooky little creatures that come to my door every October 31 and while everyone enjoys treats and tricks, we mustn’t forget our four-legged furry friends.

I found these tips from the Pet Sitters International webpage and thought I would post them here.

5 tips to ensure pets stay safe, comfortable.

When asked about his plans for Halloween, Garfield, the world’s most finicky feline, said, “Halloween is my kind of a holiday. Not like those other stupid holidays. I don’t get pine needles in my paws. There’s no dumb bunnies, no fireworks, no relatives, just candy. Boom, you go out, you get candy. It’s as simple as that.”

Halloween can be a traumatic and even dangerous time for pets. As the only “Garfield-approved” pet-sitting association, Pet Sitters International cautioned the fat cat about eating candy.

The association shares these suggestions with its members, and the 740,000 pet owners who use its members’ services, in hopes that all pets have a howlin’ good Halloween.

1. Think things through before putting your pet in a Halloween costume. Unless your dog or cat is extremely receptive to this kind of thing, you could be causing discomfort and stress. If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume doesn’t obstruct your pet’s vision and isn’t uncomfortable or unsafe.

2. Know when to say “No!” This isn’t news to anyone, but dogs and cats will beg for treats. But please remember that Halloween goodies are for the Trick-or-Treaters, not pets. Most pet owners know that chocolate is poisonous to pets, but candies made with the sugar substitute xylitol are also dangerous. Candy wrappers can also pose a problem. Be sure to keep candy and candy wrappers out of paw’s reach.

3. Your pets might not be the party animals in your family. If you’re having a party, put your pets in a room where they won’t be disturbed. Be sure to check on them and reassure them that everything is all right. They may not be prepared to take part in the Halloween fun, but they don’t want to be isolated and ignored, either. Also don’t give alcoholic beverages to dogs, cats, birds or any other animals. Keep a watchful eye on party guests. Some may think it’s funny to give an animal alcohol, but it can result in serious illness and even death.

4. Don’t let your pets become escape artists. Be extra careful that cats or dogs don’t dart outside through an open door. Once a pet is out the door, its familiar neighborhood can become unfamiliar and scary territory on Halloween. House and yard decorations, Trick-or-Treaters and increased traffic can panic an escaped pet. A panicked pet may run too far from home to find its way back.

5. (Fire) safety first. Pets don’t understand that small fires are inside of Jack-O-Lanterns. Dogs, particularly enthusiastic tail-waggers, can easily knock over a pumpkin and cause a fire. Curious kittens also run the risk of getting burned. Place Jack-O-Lanterns where they can’t be knocked over by swinging tails or prying paws.

Most of all, have a safe and fun filled Halloween.

Please be sure your pets are safely indoors this holiday weekend. It is also strongly recommended that you have dog licensed. Be sure to secure both the license and name tag to durable collar. For both dogs and cats, it is also very, very important to have them micro-chipped.

Every year hundreds of dogs and cats end up in shelters or worse due to the fireworks. News channels, shelters, newspapers are always reminding each and every pet owner to take these simple steps to avoid this. It doesn’t take long to go to your local pet store and get a name tag engraved with the dogs name and your phone number.

If your pets are afraid of the noise, then be sure they are securely in a room or kennel with plenty of toys, blankets anything that comforts them. Turn the TV up loud, air conditioners (The noisy kind) and fans work well too. There are companies that sale products that can comfort your dog. For instance a vest called the “Thunder Shirt” is available. Your vet can even prescribe medication if it is really bad.

Small and easy steps can go a long way to ensure you have a happy pet.

Pawcific NW Petsitting wants you and yours to have a fun and safe holiday.

apparently is not that easy. Since we have become such a social society, I feel having Facebook and Twitter is the way to go. I love technology and enjoy discovering the latest and greatest.

For updates and day to day tips you can now follow me on Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pawcific-NW-Petsitting/185523738159904

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.

Since Spring is upon us and many of us are thinking about gardening and such, I thought I would share the ton top 10 pet toxins.

The number one ingested toxin to pets was human medication. I was even surprised on this one, but it does make sense since we tend to have any number of medication around and sometimes, left out on the counter.

Insecticides
About 20% of the calls to the APCC are about insecticides. Insecticides are commonly used on our pets for flea control and around our houses to control crawling and flying bugs. The most serious poisonings occurred when products not labeled for use in cats were applied to them. Always follow label directions.

re commonly used on our pets for flea control and around our houses to control crawling and flying bugs. The most serious poisonings occurred when products not labeled for use in cats were applied to them. Always follow label directions.

Rodenticides
Baits used to kill mice and rats are mostly grain based. Not only does this attract rodents, but it attracts dogs and cats. There are several different types of rodenticides that can cause seizures, internal bleeding or kidney failure. Always make sure these items are placed in areas that pets cannot access.

People Food
Xylitol, grapes, raisins, onions and garlic are commonly ingested by our pets. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, while onions and garlic can cause anemia if enough is ingested. Xylitol, a sugar alcohol used to sweeten sugar free gums and mints, can cause low blood sugar and liver failure in dogs.

Veterinary Medications
Many medications made for our pets are flavored for ease of giving. Unfortunately, that means that animals may ingest the entire bottle of medication if they find it tasty. Common chewable medications include arthritis and incontinence medications. Contact your veterinarian if your pet ingests more than his proper dose of medication.

Chocolate
Chocolate contains methylxanthines, which act as stimulants to our pets. The darker the chocolate, the more methylxanthines it contains. Methylxanthines can cause agitation, vomiting, diarrhea, high heart rate, muscle tremors, seizures and death.

Household Toxins
Cleaning supplies, such as bleach, acids, alkalis and other detergents, can cause corrosive injury to the mouth and stomach. Other household items such as batteries and liquid potpourri can cause similar problems. Always keep these toxins behind securely locked doors.

Plants
Both house plants and outdoor plants can be ingested by our pets. Lilies can cause life-threatening kidney failure in cats, while sago palms can cause liver failure in dogs and cats. Keep house plants and bouquets away from your pets.

Herbicides
Many herbicides have a salty taste, and our pets will commonly ingest them. Always follow label directions and keep pets off treated areas until they are dry.

Outdoor Toxins
Antifreeze, fertilizers and ice melts are all substances that animals can find outdoors. Keep these items in securely locked sheds or on high shelves where pets cannot get to them.

If you have any reason to suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please contact your veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control Center’s 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435

Be sure to be prepared when it comes to the safety of your pets. Make sure they are either micro chipped or have tags on them. This is one of the busiest times for rescue shelters and animal hospitals. If your dog is scared of the noise, use a fan or turn the volume up on your TV or stereo, make some kind of white noise to drown out the boomers.

Most of we here at Pawcific NW Petsitting want  to wish you a safe and fun filled holiday weekend.

Yep, it hasn’t been this cool since 1984. It is starting to look more like the start of Spring than the start of Summer.

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.

since the sun is in and out today and temps have cooled.

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)