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 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.

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

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

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.