Pawcific Northwest Pet Sitting

Michelle December 8th, 2009

The last couple of days have been bitterly cold, especially with the wind chill factor. I was made very aware of this yesterday as I started my dog walking rounds. Not only should you bundle up and dress warm. (layer, layer, layer), but you should also be aware of how the cold affects your dog, whether they are an outside dog or you are taking them for a walk.

I have compiled a list of things what you should do for your pet during this cold snap.

If your dog spends most its time outside be aware of frostbite. Watch for signs of frostbite. It’s seen most often on ears, the tail and footpads, and look for pale, glossy or white skin.  Make sure the dog house is slightly up off the ground and has plenty of straw or burlap bag stuffed with cedar shavings. Make sure he or she has plenty of water, (no ice or frost) and its changed daily. Even in the cold a dog can get severe dehydration. Better yet, prevent frostbite all together put your dog into a warmer environment, such as an area inside your house or garage.

If your dog is an indoor dog, make sure they acclimated and are not outside for too long. If they are short-haired breed you might consider a sweater or coat, this comes in handy especially on walks. ( I put sweaters on all six of my dogs yesterday while out for their walk).

Consider bumping up their food intake in sever conditions. Consult your veterinarian if your not sure.

Check for dry skin, just like humans, winter conditions cause dry,itchy skin in dogs and regular bathing is essential. If you dread bath time, consider a waterless shampoo. Most pet stores carry such products.

Whether the dog or cat lives indoors or outdoors, aging pets often develop arthritis. Keep a heated pad available for them, this helps reduce the pain. Make sure they are well fed and exercised as well. Joints stiffen up especially during the winter season.

The winter season is upon us whether we like it or not. Following a few simple tips can prevent discomfort or even danger in your pet.

Tags: animal safety, arthritis, Cats, cold, dog houses, Dogs, Portland, winter care

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Michelle July 24th, 2008

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

Tags: Beaverton, bleeding, car accidents, Cats, choking, dog walker, Dogs, loss of consciousness, Oregon, Pet, Pet Sitter, poisoning, Portland

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Michelle June 29th, 2008

If anyone was wondering if summer was ever going to arrive, these last two days should have squashed any doubts. I came home from a day and half trip to a house full of hot dogs even though the air conditioner was on. Being the worry wart I am, I took each one outside and gave them a good soaking of fresh, cool water. There is nothing more funny than to watch my dogs after they get a bath or in this case a dose of cool water. My big guy, Gus was running around like he was a year old puppy. I am sure they all felt a lot better. I know my Pugs, Wheezer and Raven sure do. As is with any blunt-nosed dogs, it is harder to breathe, especially in extreme heat.

I also worry about next Friday, the 4TH of July, where fireworks rule the day. I know that two of my dogs are not bothered by the noises, but last fall I added two others to my four-legged family. I am not sure how all the noise is going to affect them. As I was waiting for the train yesterday I read an article about helping cats and dogs cope with all the fireworks.

One tip suggested conditioning your pet to cope with the sound of fireworks, by playing recordings of fireworks at a low volume during which your pet is engaged in a activity, such as eating or playing. As time goes on play the recordings a bit louder. When your pet stops exhibiting signs of stress, such as pacing or panting you know that they’re conditioned to the noise. (This is a great idea, one I am going to use)

Another option is taking your pet to a vet for mild sedatives. However, this is a personal choice. Some experts prefer exercises over sedatives.  A good work out can drain much of the pent up energy.

If your dog or cat does panic during the holiday, get them inside and try keeping them calm. They say to turn either the TV or radio up high to mask the noise. Even a fan or air conditioner would work. If the pets are inside try giving them a toy or something they can chew or lick. Anything that can relax them and let them have fun.

If your pet does get out during the 4TH and becomes lost be prepared.

Make sure they are up to date with their ID tags or microchips. Call your local shelters or vets and be careful how you describe your pet, some people may find them but give a different description. Ask neighbors or anyone near if they have seen your pet. Post signs that include a picture and contact information. Don’t forget the internet, use listservs and e-mail contacts.

Last but not least if you find a lost pet call a shelter to see if anyone has filed a lost report. This is especially important if the animal doesn’t have tags. Shelters and vet offices can also scan the animal to see if they have been micro chipped.

By taking precautions you and your pet can have a safe and fun 4TH of July.

Tags: 4th of July, Beaverton, Dog Safety, Dog Walking, Fireworks, Pet Safety, Pet Sitting, Portland

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