Pawcific Northwest Pet Sitting » Pet Sitting

Finding the right pet sitter for the holidays

Michelle — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 07:31:33 +0000

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.

Top Ten Pet Toxins

Michelle — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 05:06:10 +0000

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

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.

Made my morning

Michelle — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 04:43:03 +0000

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

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.

Oh fun the rain has come back.

Michelle — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 20:12:47 +0000

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!

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)

Changes to my Blog Posts

Michelle — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:39:44 +0000

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.

walking dogs, changing codes, …

Michelle — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 20:36:38 +0000

walking dogs, changing codes, updating…

No dog walks today…so updati…

Michelle — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 22:09:43 +0000

No dog walks today…so updating twitter, FB and my blog