Pawcific Northwest Pet Sitting » dog walker

Six Summertime Hazards

Michelle — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 07:19:17 +0000

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.

Interesting article on Basic Schedules for Dogs of all Ages

Michelle — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 04:51:46 +0000

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:

Outside upon waking.
Outside after breakfast.
Outside around noon after second feeding.
Outside around 4:00 p.m.
Outside after dinner.
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.

Newest family member

Michelle — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 05:31:00 +0000

I just got back from a 30 hr trip to California to pick up the newest addition of my family.

This is Moolan Roux’s Rooby (Roux for short) She is an American Bulldog.

Record Temps today?

Michelle — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 02:01:21 +0000

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.

A good day to cat sit

Michelle — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 21:47:07 +0000

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.

Can you believe two days of sunshine!

Michelle — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 19:00:17 +0000

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)

How to screen for a Dog Walker

Michelle — Thu, 13 May 2010 02:00:15 +0000

I take my business seriously. I am licensed and insured , which means I am bonded as well. I saw this article and thought I would cross post it here, because even as a dog walker and dog sitter, I will be the first to tell you…take this seriously. Your putting your fur child/dog into someone else’s hands. I have six dogs and they mean the world to me and on occasion I have to hire a dog walker or sitter. I am very adamant about getting the best service possible.

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!

Happy 2010

Michelle — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 19:42:46 +0000

Another year is upon us. I hope this one see’s more people getting back to work and the economy stabilizing.

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.

Messenger Bags and Dog Walking

Michelle — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 06:00:16 +0000

Recently, as I was walking two of my regular dogs, it occurred to me that perhaps I needed a bag to put all the items I had sticking out of my pockets into.

Here I was walking along and it started to rain, just a little mind you, but enough to get me to start thinking about a messenger bag. At this time, I had two cell phones, poop bags, an extra leash and two sets of keys all crammed in my front and back pockets. Of course I could have used an umbrella at that moment as well, but where to put it.

I started looking at messenger bags. I prefer to buy handmade items made by small business owners, so I started looking online. I found what I was looking by way of Zoe’s Bag Boutique

I wanted a messenger bag made specifically for me that fit my style and my pet sitting/ dog walking business. The owner of this boutique let me pick out my own fabric and I chose her new line of bags, which has a unique style that lets you change flaps. I have two different fabric prints that I can change when the mood strikes. Now I have a custom made messenger bag that I can put my keys, extra leash, bottled water, cell phones, poop bags and yes, even an umbrella. I am now set, now….where did those dogs go?

You can see my custom bag here: Zoe’s Blog

Would you know how to save your pet’s life?

Michelle — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 05:30:30 +0000

One of things I enjoy doing on Sundays is grabbing a cup of coffee then heading over to my big comfy chair to read the morning newspaper. This, however is done “after” I have fed all six of my dogs. They would wither up and die of starvation if I didn’t immediately feed them upon cracking open my eyes..or they seem to think so anyway.

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