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.

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

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

Every week I walk three dogs and they are a joy to be around. Usually I go to their house and they are waiting eagerly to be harnessed and walked, but today their owner had them leashed up and ready and waiting outside in their driveway. It really made my morning when I stepped out of my truck and saw their faces light up when they recognized me. It was too cute.

Here are the 3 Amigos

Nikky, Wrigley and Sable

]]> http://pawcificpetsitting.com/2010/10/14/made-my-morning/feed/ 0 http://pawcificpetsitting.com/2010/06/15/oh-fun-the-rain-has-came-back/ http://pawcificpetsitting.com/2010/06/15/oh-fun-the-rain-has-came-back/#comments Tue, 15 Jun 2010 20:12:47 +0000 Michelle http://pawcificpetsitting.com/?p=399

Actually I don’t mind the rain, that is one of the things people must deal with, when living in Oregon or Washington. However, not so much fun when your walking dogs. Not only do I get wet, but the poor dogs get soaked. Some have coats, others don’t care, they are out just to have fun on their walk. Its after the walk that the wet starts sinking in.

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!

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)

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!

As many of you know, Twitter has changed the way many of us do business, stay in contact or just interact with one another. I for one, have been slow to make the change for my pet sitting business.

One reason and a big one at that, is my area of business is so small. Ten mile radius from my house small. However, since even one person from afar might know another person in my area, its worth getting all connected through, Blogs, Twitter and Facebook.  My three main areas of marketing online.

It has worked for my art business, but then again,  I can sell art to the world. To be honest I spend more time blogging about my art and posting new items, than I do blogging or twittering about my pet walks, pet sits or the like. How many times does one want to read, “I walked so and so today”, “I played with Kitty for 30 minutes”. It sounds boring, but in reality, I so enjoy my visits with my furclients, but its a bonding thing between just me and the pet.

One reason I wanted to try a Twitter link for my pet sitting is so I can stay up to date with news about dogs, cats and birds. I have followers and do follow quite a few that have great tips on training, interacting, medical issues, laws and the like. In the coming days, I will see what I think of it. If  interested, please let me know what you think as well.

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.

Ahh it’s that time of year again. Turkey, mashed potatoes, family get together’s and of course since your pets are a big part of your family, I am including them in that last part.

This is also a time to take  steps to keep your pet safe and healthy. Since I have dogs, I always pay attention to whats out there on the internet. I have listed some tips I have found that will give you a better idea on the do’s and don’ts of including your pet in your Thanksgiving family ritual.

1. Don’t give your animal different food than they would normal get. Feeding turkey to your dog or cat can cause him or her unwanted abdominal pain, vomiting or diarrhea, none of which are welcome during this festive weekend.
2. Discourage your family members and guests from indulging your pet with inappropriate snacks. Food high in sodium (especially peanuts and chips) and other fatty foods like poultry skin, beef or port fat can cause an inflammation of pancreas. Pancreatitis is potentially life-threatening condition.
3. Dispose of aluminum foil, plastic wrap, and wax paper from holiday foods. If you pet can get to it, he or she will lick the food off foils or wraps. The swallowing of such coverings can cause an intestinal obstruction.
4. Secure your garbage. It only takes a minute for your little scavenger to get into the garbage and wolf down whatever smells good-including the string used to tie the turkey.
5. Turkey bones are also dangerous for you pet. Any brittle, spiky bone could lodge in the esophagus or cause an irritation of his or her stomach or intestines.
6. Maintain his regular schedule for feeding and exercise. Minimizing the stress of animal means being aware of his daily routine and expectations. Pay as much attention to your pet as usual so that he will not feel neglected or insecure.
7. Keep your pet home and away from parade celebrations. With the large crowds, your pet can become stressed or even worse, can get lost in the crowd.
8. Make sure your furry friend has fresh water at all times. Frequently check your pet’s water bowl to make sure the supply is clean. Busy children and relatives may bump a bowl and spill the water.
9. Provide a quiet refuge for your animal. With all the holidays fanfare, you pet will need a “time out” from visiting friends and family. A comfortable crate is one solution; a room with a “Do Not Disturb” sign is another. Give your dog or cat time and space to settle down or take a nap.
10. Keep current registration and identification tags on you pet. With guests coming in and out of your home, it is very easy for a door to be left ajar and for your animal to wander off.

We here at Pawcific NW Petsitting would like to wish you and yours a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving