What To Do If Your Pet Goes Missing in Littleton_Header

What To Do If Your Pet Goes Missing in Littleton

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What To Do If Your Pet Goes Missing in Littleton_Header

Loosing a pet can be extremely scary, especially if you do not know where to start looking. There is a lot of information out there on how to find a missing pet, but I wanted to write something specific to Littleton, so you can just go down the checklist and get it done.

1. The Basics

For the first few minutes after a pet goes missing, you want to start with the basics.

  • Do a patrol of the area to see if you find any evidence of Max
  • Talk to the neighbors, especially anyone working outside, to see if they noticed Max going by
  • If Max is a dog, swing by his favorite places to walk or any place for playdates to see if he went there
  • Read up on How to Catch a Loose Dog for some tips if you do see him running free

2. Who to Contact First

You have done the basic search and turned up nothing. This is typically 15-30 minutes after you have realized Max is missing. Now it is time to reach out for help.

  • Humane Society of The South of Platte Valley – call to speak with someone over the phone and give them a heads up that you just lost your pet. You will need to contact Animal Services to report a lost pet.
    • (303) 703-2938
    • 2129 W Chenango Ave, Littleton, CO 80120
  • Aurora Animal Shelter – Same as the HSSPV, call to speak to animal control over the phone and give them a heads up that you just lost your pet. You will need to contact Animal Services to report a lost pet.
    • (303) 326-8280
    • 15750 E. 32nd Ave. Aurora, CO 80011
  • If Max has a microchip, contact the company to let them know he is missing and how to reach you, just in case your information is not up to date.
  • Contact any veterinarians, groomers, and pet supply stores in your immediate area (around a mile from where he went missing), in case someone picks him up and brings him in.

3. Social Media Time!

The internet is your best friend when it comes to finding a pet. Your friends and complete strangers are going to be happy to help you search the interwebs for any news of Max.

  • Post on all of your personal social media networks. Include a recent picture, where and when he went missing and any directions you want people to follow, such as how to contact you, not to chase Max, Max is afraid of men, etc. Specifically ask people to share the post. If you know any people in the animal world, such as your normal dog walker or groomer, ask them to share since they have such a large reach.
  • Post on these pages. There are many pages specifically dedicated to helping reunite missing pets with their people. Post on as many as you can, but start with Facebook. That is where we have had the most luck in recent years.
    • Lost and Found Pets of Northern Colorado – A Facebook group that is very active and easy to post in.
    • Littleton Colorado Lost & Found Pets – Another Facebook group but this one is dedicated to Littleton rather than Northern Colorado.
    • Nextdoor – This is a newish system for people to coordinate with their neighborhoods on various subjects. When you post it can be seen by those directly in your area.
    • Post on Denver Craigslist in the Community -> Pets section as well as Community -> Lost+Found. There is no charge to do so. Littleton does not have its own Craigslist page. Denver is the closest page.
    • PetFBI – Fill out their form to add your report to their database.
    • PawBoost – You can pay for upgraded service, but they list your pet for free on Facebook and in their database.
    • LostMyDoggie – They post on Facebook but they also alert local shelters and rescues.
    • LostMyKitty – Same thing as LostMyDoggie but dedicated to cats.
    • PetKey – A smaller page, but everything helps!
    • Northern Colorado Pet Lovers – A group ran by Wet Noses Pet Sitting. It’s a small group but another set of eyes always helps!
  • Head out and continue looking for Max. Make sure you are able to answer the phone if someone calls! Ask your neighbors to check their garages, sheds, and yards to make sure he is not hiding there.
    Free stock photo of husky animal

4. What is the Next Step?

If you are approaching evening, there are a few steps you can take, especially if Max is shy and still might be in the area.

  1. Double-check with any neighbors coming home to make sure they did not see him earlier in the day.
  2. Consider leaving your door open so Max can come in at night if he was lost from your home.
  3. If Max is a cat, place his litter box outside where he can smell it.

5. The Next Day

You have done all of the fast, easy options and Max has not been found. Now is time to dig in and spread the word that Max is missing.

  • File a lost pet report if you have not already done so. Animals can travel surprisingly long ways and folks sometimes pick them up and take them to their local shelter, which may not be Arapahoe County.
  • Post a lost pet ad in the paper. It may seem outdated, but they are still read regularly.
  • Contact local breed rescues that relate to Max. For instance, if he is a Golden Retriever, contact the local Golden rescue. There are too many for me to list here, and they change regularly, so search online for one. You can also contact All Breed Rescue Network at (888) 440-6467. They keep a running list of breed rescues in the Colorado area. Sometimes breed rescues will be able to offer more suggestions or help specific to your breed.
  • Print off flyers from one of the sources you used yesterday. Post flyers in veterinary hospitals, groomers, trainers, pet supply stores, the dog park, and anywhere animal-related. Many local businesses also have community boards. Start with businesses near you and increase the distance the longer Max is missing. Posting flyers on mailboxes and phone poles is illegal, although many people do it.
  • Continue to update posts online. People will be wondering if you found Max and you want to keep them searching. Ask for help again and for people to keep sharing your posts.
  • Talk to people in the neighborhood where Max went missing. Offer a reward for any information leading to finding him.
  • If you hear of people spotting him, go to that area and search. Shy animals can be very hard to catch, especially during active times of the day when there are a lot of people around. If you believe he might be in the area, go out during quiet times in the evening or morning when he is more likely to appear. You can also look at renting a humane trap if you are sure he is there but cannot catch him.
    Free stock photo of cat pet

6. DO NOT Give Up Hope

The longer you search the more discouraged you become. Keep looking! Here are a few searches I have helped with over the years for people I know:

  • A small, very shy dog went missing. We tracked her to a neighborhood where kids had spotted her (we paid them to keep an eye out for her). After a few days, we were not able to find her until a kid came forward. A woman in the neighborhood had picked her up and had given her to a family member in Colorado Springs. Once confronted we were able to get her back.
  • A dog ran out of his front door. The neighbors a few houses down saw him, but not not the people at the end of the block. He vanished! They continued searching and found him late that night being walked by a nice couple who lived down the street. They had been leaving earlier when they saw him run by, so they put him in the garage and then left for a few hours. They had just returned home.
  • A woman’s dog had been missing for months. She sent out flyers to shelters across the country and he showed up in Fort Collins. Turned out a trucker had picked her up and driven her across 3 states before dropping her off at the local shelter!

We regularly hear stories of animals being reunited years after going missing due to their microchips. Keep that information up-to-date and continue your search!

7. Once you Find Your Pet

Congratulations! I am so excited for you and you must feel so relieved!

  • Take the moment and enjoy it. Do not scold Max, he is just happy to see you!
  • Plan a trip to the vet if your pet was gone for a while or appears to be injured.
  • Go back and take down those flyers, lost pet reports and postings online so that everyone knows you found your fur kid.
  • Return the favor and share information about missing pets for other people!

Arapahoe County Lost Pet Infographic

If you have a resource that is not listed, Please Let Us Know so we can get it added!

What To Do If Your Pet Goes Missing in Centennial_Header

What To Do If Your Pet Goes Missing in Centennial

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What To Do If Your Pet Goes Missing in Centennial_Header

Loosing a pet can be extremely scary, especially if you do not know where to start looking. There is a lot of information out there on how to find a missing pet, but I wanted to write something specific to Centennial, so you can just go down the checklist and get it done.

1. The Basics

For the first few minutes after a pet goes missing, you want to start with the basics.

  • Do a patrol of the area to see if you find any evidence of Bella
  • Talk to the neighbors, especially anyone working outside, to see if they noticed Bella going by
  • If Bella is a dog, swing by her favorite places to walk or any place for playdates to see if she went there
  • Read up on How to Catch a Loose Dog for some tips if you do see her running free

2. Who to Contact First

You have done the basic search and turned up nothing. This is typically 15-30 minutes after you have realized Bella is missing. Now it is time to reach out for help.

  • Humane Society of The South of Platte Valley – call to speak with someone over the phone and give them a heads up that you just lost your pet. You will need to contact Animal Services to report a lost pet.
    • (303) 703-2938
    • 2129 W Chenango Ave, Littleton, CO 80120
  • Aurora Animal Shelter – Same as the HSSPV, call to speak to animal control over the phone and give them a heads up that you just lost your pet. You will need to contact Animal Services to report a lost pet.
    • (303) 326-8280
    • 15750 E. 32nd Ave. Aurora, CO 80011
  • If Bella has a microchip, contact the company to let them know she is missing and how to reach you, just in case your information is not up to date.
  • Contact any veterinarians, groomers, and pet supply stores in your immediate area (around a mile from where she went missing), in case someone picks her up and brings her in.

3. Social Media Time!

The internet is your best friend when it comes to finding a pet. Your friends and complete strangers are going to be happy to help you search the interwebs for any news of Bella.

  • Post on all of your personal social media networks. Include a recent picture, where and when she went missing and any directions you want people to follow, such as how to contact you, not to chase Bella, Bella is afraid of men, etc. Specifically ask people to share the post. If you know any people in the animal world, such as your normal dog walker or groomer, ask them to share since they have such a large reach.
  • Post on these pages. There are many pages specifically dedicated to helping reunite missing pets with their people. Post on as many as you can, but start with Facebook. That is where we have had the most luck in recent years.
    • Lost and Found Pets of Northern Colorado – a Facebook group that is very active and easy to post in.
    • Nextdoor – This is a newish system for people to coordinate with their neighborhoods on various subjects. When you post it can be seen by those directly in your area.
    • Post on Denver Craigslist in the Community -> Pets section as well as Community -> Lost+Found. There is no charge to do so. Centennial does not have its own Craigslist page. Denver is the closest page.
    • PetFBI – Fill out their form to add your report to their database.
    • PawBoost – You can pay for upgraded service, but they list your pet for free on Facebook and in their database.
    • LostMyDoggie – They post on Facebook but they also alert local shelters and rescues.
    • PetKey – A smaller page, but everything helps!
    • Northern Colorado Pet Lovers – A group ran by Wet Noses Pet Sitting. It’s a small group but another set of eyes always helps!
  • Head out and continue looking for Bella. Make sure you are able to answer the phone if someone calls! Ask your neighbors to check their garages, sheds, and yards to make sure she is not hiding there.Free photos of Dog

4. What is the Next Step?

If you are approaching evening, there are a few steps you can take, especially if Bella is shy and still might be in the area.

  1. Double-check with any neighbors coming home to make sure they did not see her earlier in the day.
  2. Consider leaving your door open so Bella can come in at night if she was lost from your home.
  3. If Bella is a cat, place her litter box outside where she can smell it.

5. The Next Day

You have done all of the fast, easy options and Bella has not been found. Now is time to dig in and spread the word that Bella is missing.

  • File a lost pet report if you have not already done so. Animals can travel surprisingly long ways and folks sometimes pick them up and take them to their local shelter, which may not be Arapahoe County.
  • Post a lost pet ad in the paper. It may seem outdated, but they are still read regularly.
  • Contact local breed rescues that relate to Bella. For instance, if she is a Golden Retriever, contact the local Golden rescue. There are too many for me to list here, and they change regularly, so search online for one. You can also contact All Breed Rescue Network at (888) 440-6467. They keep a running list of breed rescues in the Colorado area. Sometimes breed rescues will be able to offer more suggestions or help specific to your breed.
  • Print off flyers from one of the sources you used yesterday. Post flyers in veterinary hospitals, groomers, trainers, pet supply stores, the dog park, and anywhere animal-related. Many local businesses also have community boards. Start with businesses near you and increase the distance the longer Bella is missing. Posting flyers on mailboxes and phone poles is illegal, although many people do it.
  • Continue to update posts online. People will be wondering if you found Bella and you want to keep them searching. Ask for help again and for people to keep sharing your posts.
  • Talk to people in the neighborhood where Bella went missing. Offer a reward for any information leading to finding her.
  • If you hear of people spotting her, go to that area and search. Shy animals can be very hard to catch, especially during active times of the day when there are a lot of people around. If you believe she might be in the area, go out during quiet times in the evening or morning when she is more likely to appear. You can also look at renting a humane trap if you are sure she is there but cannot catch her.
    Free photos of Cat

6. DO NOT Give Up Hope

The longer you search the more discouraged you become. Keep looking! Here are a few searches I have helped with over the years for people I know:

  • A small, very shy dog went missing. We tracked her to a neighborhood where kids had spotted her (we paid them to keep an eye out for her). After a few days, we were not able to find her until a kid came forward. A woman in the neighborhood had picked her up and had given her to a family member in Colorado Springs. Once confronted we were able to get her back.
  • A dog ran out of his front door. The neighbors a few houses down saw him, but not not the people at the end of the block. He vanished! They continued searching and found him late that night being walked by a nice couple who lived down the street. They had been leaving earlier when they saw him run by, so they put him in the garage and then left for a few hours. They had just returned home.
  • A woman’s dog had been missing for months. She sent out flyers to shelters across the country and he showed up in Fort Collins. Turned out a trucker had picked her up and driven her across 3 states before dropping her off at the local shelter!

We regularly hear stories of animals being reunited years after going missing due to their microchips. Keep that information up-to-date and continue your search!

7. Once you Find Your Pet

Congratulations! I am so excited for you and you must feel so relieved!

  • Take the moment and enjoy it. Do not scold Bella, she is just happy to see you!
  • Plan a trip to the vet if your pet was gone for a while or appears to be injured.
  • Go back and take down those flyers, lost pet reports and postings online so that everyone knows you found your fur kid.
  • Return the favor and share information about missing pets for other people!

Arapahoe County Lost Pet Infographic

If you have a resource that is not listed, Please Let Us Know so we can get it added!

What Is A Hairball & How To Get Rid Of Them_Header

What Is A Hairball & How To Get Rid Of Them

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What Is A Hairball & How To Get Rid Of Them_Header

What Is A Hairball & How To Get Rid Of Them

What is a hairball?

A hairball is a collection of hair or fur that has formed inside of an animals stomach. Any animal with hair or fur, yes even humans although extremely rare, can experience a hairball. Hairballs themselves aren’t usually anything to be concerned about as they are a natural by product of your cat grooming themself.

cat licking its paw

c: Eric Han

How do I get rid of hairballs?

Simply put – you don’t. Hairballs are natural and happen at least once to every cat that has fur. Sphynx’s tend not to have hairballs because they have no hair. If you find your cat is having regular hairballs we have some tips to help reduce the amount of hairballs.

Improve skin and coat health

Hairballs are made up of loose hair that your cat has ingested. To help reduce the quantity of loose hair you can add a fish oil supplement or flax seed if you or your cat are allergic to fish. This will help to strengthen the hair follicles and reduce shedding. Plus you get the added bonus of a cat with a shinier and softer coat.

Regular brushing

Especially true in long haired cats, regular brushing removes that loose hair through means other than shedding or grooming. This way the extra hair ends up in the trash can instead of in your cats stomach.

Hairball gel

If you’re doing all of the above and your cat still gets hairballs, especially during shedding season, a hairball gel might be right for your cat. Tomlyn Laxatone is one of many gel remedies on the market. Nutri-Vet, Licks, and NaturPet are some other brands but are far from the only ones. These work as a lubricant to help the hairball pass smoothly through your but also keeps the hair from sticking together inside your cats stomach. Hairball gels don’t always work and your cat might not willing take it.

If your cat doesn’t want to take the gel, apply it directly to their nose or paw. Cats want to be clean and will groom the gel spot. Thus, ingesting the gel.

Orange Tabby Cat on Chair

c: cottonbro

How do I clean up a hairball?

Hairballs are easiest to clean up when they’re fresh. Hopefully your kitty didn’t have a hairball on a rug or carpet as those are harder to clean up but it happens. You can use gloves if you would like.

  • Remove any large debris with paper towels: Removing the hairball part of the mess is the first step.
  • Use an enzymatic cleaner: Enzymatic cleaners such as Nature’s Miracle work on anything biological. This includes hairball messes. Follow the instructions on whichever enzymatic cleaner you have. Some want you to wait 15 minutes, others less.
  • Dab the spot. Not wipe if on carpet: On carpet, it’s best to dab up the enzymatic cleaner and reapply if needed rather than wipe. On tile or hardwood you can wipe up any residue. Repeat as necessary.

How many are too many?

During shedding season, typically in the spring and fall, you may notice an increase in hairballs. If your cat is having a hairball multiple times a week or more you should make an appointment with your veterinarian.

What is a hairball and how to get rid of them?

Hairballs are perfectly natural and cannot be fully gotten rid of. They are clumps of hair that have formed inside your cats stomach that need to be expelled. You can minimize how many hairballs your cat produces with supplements and regular brushing. If your cat is having multiple hairballs in a week outside of shedding season, consult your veterinarian.

How Much Sleep Does A Cat Need?_Header

How Much Sleep Does A Cat Need?

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How Much Sleep Does A Cat Need?_Header

How Much Sleep Does A Cat Need?

Have you ever wondered how much sleep does a cat need? Do you think your cat is sleeping excessively? There’s a good chance that they’re not!

Understanding Why

Cats are a crepuscular animal

Cats are most active between dusk and dawn which means they sleep during the day and wake up around the evening. This is also referred to as crepuscular. Hamsters, rabbits, ferrets, red pandas, wombats, foxes, and most large cats all fall into the crepuscular classification. Because of this your cat will enjoy screaming at you at the fine hour of 2AM instead of 2PM.

Then why is my cat active during the day?

Domestic animals can shift their schedule to match their caretakers. That’s why your cat will still wake you up at 10AM for breakfast even though it’s well past dawn. Most animals don’t enter REM sleep, that deep sleep humans do, because they are still wired to be on the lookout for predators. So they’ll always have one ear open to be ready to wake up at a moments notice.

Sleep is in their DNA

Our feline companions are remarkably similar to their wild big cat counterparts. If you’ve ever watched a nature documentary about big cats I’m sure you’ve noticed how lions and cheetahs have a big burst of speed but can’t always keep up with their faster prey who can run for longer. Big cats need to conserve their energy for these hunts and while Mr. Noodles doesn’t need to hunt a gazelle, those same mechanisms of conserving energy are still in place.

How much sleep does a cat need?

Cats need an average of 12-16 hours a day but some days your kitty can sleep up to 20 hours. If the weather is gloomy, just like humans, you might find your cat laying low and sleeping more. This is also true if you have an older, arthritic pet where the changes in air pressure can make their joints ache.

Sleeping too much or to little?

What if my cat isn’t getting enough sleep?

If your cat isn’t getting enough sleep it’s time to talk to your veterinarian. You cat could be suffering from anxiety due to changes in the house that don’t allow them to sleep. Or it could be a sign of another health issue. You might also not think your cat is getting enough sleep when in fact they are. Cats are well, cats. They sleep whenever they please and they most likely won’t sleep for the full 12-16 hours at once.

What if my cat is sleeping too much?

It’s also time to visit a veterinarian if you feel your cat is sleeping too much. As our cats age, just like people, they tend to sleep more. Or if your cat has recently had surgery and is recovering you can expect them to be sleeping for longer periods. They may also sleep more if you’ve had a lifestyle change, moved houses, new baby, or even rearranged your furniture. If your cat is suddenly sleeping more and you can’t think of a reason it’s time for a vet appointment.

How many hours does your cat sleep? Are they are 12 hour kind of cat or a 20 hour? Let us know in the comments as we’d love to hear about your cats.

Where are Emergency Vet Clinics in Boulder?

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Where are Emergency Vet Clinics in Boulder?_Header

Where are Emergency Vet Clinics in Boulder?

Considering getting a pet but want to know where the Boulder, Colorado emergency vet clinics are? Hopefully, you never have the need for an emergency veterinary clinic, but often accidents and emergencies happen during the hours when your normal clinic is closed, or busy. First off, knowing the times when you might need an emergency clinic is important. Here are some symptoms to watch out for:

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Profound weakness or collapse
  • Seizures
  • Obvious signs of trauma
  • Protracted vomiting/diarrhea (especially if bloody)
  • Signs of pain or extreme restlessness and vocalization
  • Ingestion of a toxin
  • Hindquarter paralysis
  • Abnormal urination

Emergency veterinary clinics in the Boulder, Colorado area

Boulder Emergency Pet Clinic

  • 1658 30th St, Boulder, CO  80301
  • (303) 440-7722
  • 24/7 emergency care

 

CASE – Colorado Animal Specialty & Emergency

  • 2972 Iris Ave, Boulder, CO  80301
  • (303) 545-2273
  • 24/7 emergency care

 

 

Boulder Road Veterinary Specialists

  • 2000 W South Boulder Rd, Lafayette, CO 80026
  • (720) 699-7766
  • 24/7 emergency care
  • Speciality care

 

Always be prepared in case of an emergency

It is important to know your closest Boulder, Colorado emergency vet clinic, and the one your veterinarian prefers. Program their information into your phone and call them when needed!

Also, never leave your pets unattended for extended periods of time. Even the most relaxed pet can get into mischief if they are bored. Hire a pet sitter when you’re going out of town or on an extra-long day trip. We’d love to set you up with one of our awesome Wet Noses Pet Sitters to help ensure that your pet is safe. Just give us a call any time you need it!

Pet Safety Tips for Valentine's Day_Header

Pet Safety Tips for Valentine’s Day 2022

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Pet Safety Tips for Valentine's Day_Header

Pet Safety Tips for Valentine’s Day 2022

Valentine’s Day is the romantic holiday of the year but it’s filled with dangerous things for our pets. The last thing you need is an emergency trip to the vet. Here are our pet safety tips for Valentine’s Day.

https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1519137847-189aca33af2b?ixlib=rb-1.2.1&ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8&auto=format&fit=crop&w=1170&q=80

Keep candles out of reach.

Candles can cause burnt paws, missing fur, or scorched whiskers. As tempting as it might be to decorate with loads of candles our pets don’t understand what fire is and that they can hurt themselves. If you want to light a bunch of candles to set the mood, consider using battery powered candles. If you must use real candles make sure your pet is confined to an area where there are no lit candles.

Chocolate is a no no.

Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is highly toxic to our pets. Don’t share any with your pets and if you drop any, make sure to pick it up right away. If you want to share some of those chocolate covered strawberries with your pet, consider this dog-friendly carob recipe from dogcancerblog.com. If you plan on substituting the almond butter for peanut butter make sure it does not contain any xylitol. As a general rule, candy should be kept away from pets.

Keep flowers out of reach.

Many flowers are toxic to pets. Those that aren’t toxic may have thorns, such as roses. Roses tend to only cause an upset tummy if only the flower part in ingested. Thorns can cause much more damage. Keep flowers out of reach or consider telling your date ahead of time that you do not want flowers.

https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1633686155785-699da46b7d93?ixlib=rb-1.2.1&ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8&auto=format&fit=crop&w=1170&q=80

Stuffed animals can be a choking hazard.

Are you lucky enough to get one of those Costco bears? First, congratulations! Secondly, stuffing inside of stuffed animal can pose a choking hazard if your pet mistakes it for one of their toys. Additionally, some stuffed animals have small, hard parts such as the nose that if chewed off could also turn into a choking hazard.

Careful with alcohol.

Dogs and cats are curious and if left unattended, that half drunk cocktail might end up in your pets mouth. Don’t leave out half drunk drinks or bottles that are open.

Throw away all packaging.

Valentine’s Day is a day for gifts. Dispose of all packaging in a bin your pet cannot get into. Small plastic pieces can become a choking hazard. If you get balloons as part of your gift put them into a room you can keep your pet out of. Balloon strings, ribbons, and tape are all ribbon-like materials that can easily get tangled in your pets intestines.

https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1613398394612-bd344ab5f53a?ixlib=rb-1.2.1&ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxwaG90by1wYWdlfHx8fGVufDB8fHx8&auto=format&fit=crop&w=1170&q=80

What are your tips for keeping your pets safe on Valentine’s Day? Let us know in the comments.

Have a safe and fun Valentine’s Day!

5 Tips To Keep On Top Of Pet Hair In Your Home_Header

5 Tips To Keep On Top Of Pet Hair In Your Home

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5 Tips To Keep On Top Of Pet Hair In Your Home_Header

5 Tips To Keep On Top Of Pet Hair In Your Home

Keeping on top of pet hair in your home is one thing pet owners are always struggling with. Every time I vacuum the canister is full of pet hair! But, I just swept yesterday how is that possible? Excess pet hair in your home can lead to poor air quality, odor, and just a mess. Here are 5 tips to keep on top of pet hair in your home that you can implement today.

Buy an air filter.

Air filters are great to help filter out and catch the smaller hairs our pets leave behind. Make sure to do regular maintenance on any air filter you buy. This includes changing out the filters, cleaning off the vents, and replacing any other filters/components that need changing out over time. Your air filter doesn’t need to be top of the line or expensive. It just needs to have a filter that you can change out.

Vacuum regularly.

Vacuuming up those tumbleweeds will help reduce how much pet hair is around your house. Cleaning up that pet hair will additionally reduce dust and dandruff floating around in your air. If you don’t have a pet specific vacuum that’s alright! Any vacuum will do, you might have to clean out the bristles more on a non-pet specific one.

Alternatively, lint rollers are a great way to quickly clean off pet hair from chairs, rugs, and more. This won’t replace regular vacuuming but in a pinch a lint roller can capture loose hair and keep it from going elsewhere. They also are good to have on hand to clean off your clothes. This is especially true when wearing black when you have a white-haired pet or visversa.

Clean pets bedding on a frequent basis.

Your pets bedding is just like yours. It traps sweat, dead skin, and hair. Each time your pet gets out of their bed a bit of that hair comes with them. By keeping their bedding clean you can reduce the hair build-up in their bed and thus reduce how much comes with them each time. This is also true for cat trees and any place your pet lays regularly that you might not consider washing.

Add a fish oil supplement to your pets diet.

What better way to keep on top of pet hair in your home than to slow it at the source? Adding fish oil to your pets diet will help them have a healthier skin and coat which means, less shedding.

There’s many different fish oil supplements on the market. Here are a few I’ve tried:

If you or your pet are allergic to fish or don’t like the taste of it, Wholistic Pet Organics makes a flaxseed oil alternative.

Brush your pet regularly and have regular grooming appointments.

Brushing your dog outside can be a fun activity for both of you! As an added bonus, your dogs fur helps our birds making nests as it provides a wonderful nesting material. Hair is also bio-degradable so you don’t have to worry about polluting the environment. Getting all of the excess hair out from your dogs top and undercoat goes a long way when helping to control pet hair. During peak shedding season, consider taking your dog to a professional groomer. Your groomer will be able to get even more hair out and can use products that will help improve your pets skin and coat health.

And a bonus…

Get a hairless pet.

If you don’t have a pet already but are concerned about the amount of pet hair – consider getting a hairless pet. Hairless pets require just as much, if not more, maintenance as pets with hair. Many hairless pets require daily lotion applied to keep their skin from becoming dry or sunburnt.

Sphynx cat sniffing a plant

Maybe the Sphynx breed of cat is perfect for you! Or perhaps a Chinese Crested or Mexican hairless. There are a large variety of hairless pets out there to choose from. If a hairless pet isn’t your thing but you’re still concerned about hair a short hair pet may be right for you. Short haired pets tend to not shed as much as long haired pets but your mileage may vary.

Do you have any tips on keeping on top of pet hair in your home? Leave us a comment or @WetNosesPetSitting

How To Keep Your Cat Out Of The Christmas Tree

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How To Keep Your Cat Out Of The Christmas Tree

Keeping your cat out of the Christmas tree can be a challenge. Firstly, why do cats enjoy Christmas trees so much? There are a few reasons.

  • Your cat has never seen a Christmas tree before and the lights, ornaments, or even the tree itself is a new curiosity.
  • It’s a different tree than the one you had previously.
  • Cat’s like to climb and hide, Christmas trees are perfect for this.

Here are a few creative ways to keep your cat out of the Christmas tree this season.

1. Pet Playpen

If you have an adult cat or a cat that can jump high this method won’t work for you. While it’s not the most aesthetically pleasing option it’s great for kittens that can’t jump that high quite yet.

Playpens come in a variety of sizes. The one pictured above is the top rated one on Amazon at the time of writing.

Pet Rex Foldable Metal Pet Exercise Playpen on Amazon @ $38.05

2. Apple Cider Vinegar Pine Cones

This is a method I’ve heard about from friends. Get some pine cones (if you have pine trees in your backyard great!) and spray them lightly with apple cider vinegar. Cats generally dislike the smell of apple cider vinegar. It’s also why they don’t tend to get into the natural gnat traps I occasionally have to put out.

3. Cat Proof the Tree Stand

No matter which tree type you go with, real or artificial, a tree skirt is a great idea to hide the stand or pot. You’ll also want to wrap the base with tin foil. You can also use sand bags or bags of cat litter to help weigh down your artificial tree base in case kitty makes a leaping jump for the tree.

4. Citrus Oil Spray

Making a spray of water and orange, lemongrass, or citronella oil has proven effective at deterring some cats. You can also sprinkle orange peels around the base of your tree just make sure to replace them every day or two so they don’t get moldy and start attracting insects.

5. Avoid Edible Ornaments

Not only are these often not meant for cats to eat they provide a tempting incentive for climbing the tree. Avoiding edible ornaments is one way to make the tree less appealing to your cat.

And some bonus tips:

  • Avoid decorating with delicate, breakable, or sentimental ornaments until you know how you cat reacts to the tree. If your cat doesn’t seem interested in climbing but only batting at lower ornaments, place these up high and out of reach.
  • Pine sap and oils can be harmful to cats. Make sure you cover the pot to avoid your cat drinking the water. You can also cover it with a piece of foil for added security.
  • Avoid tinsel. Tinsel can cause gastrointestinal issues if ingested. This is also why you should avoid toys that use the shine of tinsel to attract cats. If you cat ingests tinsel do not try to remove it yourself. Call your veterinarian and seek emergency medical help.

Let us know if these tips were helpful in keeping your cat out of the Christmas tree this year in the comments.

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Indoor Cats Versus Outdoor Cats: The Pros and Cons

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Indoor Cats Versus Outdoor Cats: The Pros and Cons

Everybody has heard of indoor cats and outdoor cats but what are the pros and cons of having indoor cats versus outdoor cats. Here in Northern Colorado, there are a lot of people who have cats that are 100% indoors, cats that are outdoors, cats that are indoor/outdoor, and cats that do a little bit of both. This weeks video series entry covers that exact topic and breaks down the differences between indoor and outdoor cats.

 

Outdoor Cats

Outdoor cats tend to have an average lifespan of two to five years which isn’t terribly long. In our area, Fort Collins, we have a lot of predators especially for those who live near the foothills. When you have a predator problem that’s something to keep in mind. Cats are great hunters and can be good at defending themselves but not when up against a coyote or other larger predatory animals.

Indoor and outdoor cats should be using a flea preventative every 30 days; be that topical or oral. This is especially important for outdoor cats who are more likely to be exposed to fleas.

Try to bring your cat indoor at night. When you have an indoor cat this isn’t a problem but for outdoor cats bringing them in at night helps keep them safe. Downside is cats like to hide and wander so it may not always be possible to bring them in at night. If that’s the case you should have an enclosure for them they can access outside to provide shelter and warmth.

If this outside time is the biggest reason why you’re considering an outdoor cat consider building or purchasing a catio (cat-patio) which is a fenced in area in your yard that your cats can be in. Your cats are technically going outside but they are still contained within a safe environment.

Outdoor cats should be spayed and neutered. We always recommend this but especially for outdoor cats. They can get pregnant at a very young age which will also contribute to the pet overpopulation.

Permanent identification is recommended for all pets but especially for pets that will be going outside a lot. Permanent identification includes things like microchips or tattoos (tattoos being done by a licensed veterinarian who is authorized to do that). A breakaway collar is also important to have but this will mean you’ll be having to replace collars a lot more frequently than with an indoor cat.

Outdoor cats tend to have more health problems than indoor cats. Common health problems in outdoor cats are heat stroke and hypothermia, especially if they get stuck in warm or cold weather. Other times, your cat might get stuck in an area such as a neighbors garage and cannot make it home in bad weather. This can lead to bacterial and various other viral infections. If you are planning on having your cat be outdoors, make sure your veterinarian knows this. They will want to recommend more vaccines than for indoor cats due to what they will be potentially exposed to.

Wounds. Cats get into fights with other cats or other animals. These wounds can develop into abscesses and require veterinary treatment. It’s always good to have a pet first-aid kit on hand but deep wounds require proper medical care and may require stitches and antibiotics.

Cats are curious creatures and may ingest toxic substances they otherwise wouldn’t be exposed to indoors such as antifreeze. Mushrooms are also another common toxic substance your cat may ingest.

Summary

  • Outdoor cats have an average lifespan of two to five years.
  • More likely to be exposed to fleas.
  • May not always be able to bring them in at night and keep them safe from predators.
  • If they are not spayed and neutered they may contribute to the pet overpopulation problem we have in the United States.
  • Replace collars and tags more often.
  • More health problems that indoor cats.
  • Outdoor cats are more susceptible to getting wounds and ingesting toxic substances.

Indoor Cats

Cat that are indoors have lifespan averages between ten to fifteen years, but they can live for even longer.

But, indoor cats tend to be more prone to obesity, diabetes, and a sedentary lifestyle because they are contained and don’t have as many natural world stimulants as outdoor cats. This can be replicated by having lots of toys, cat trees, and cat perches. You can also place a bird feeder outside a window so your cats can get that stimulation of watching and hearing birds. As mentioned earlier, catios are also a great way to get your cat outdoor time while being secure.

Less vaccinations are typically required for indoor cats. Vaccinations can get expensive and you can reduce the cost of annual vaccines by keeping your cats indoors as they don’t need as many.

If you opt not to use flea protection on your indoor cat they are less likely to get fleas unless you’re in a high flea area because they won’t be going into flea-infested areas. If you have a strictly indoor cat and cats that are going outdoors, give you indoor cat flea protection. Just in case an outdoor cat were to bring some home.

The biggest reason people have outdoor cats is so that they can get more activity and stimulation and because they feel bad about containing them indoors. This is great but you can replicate a lot of those outdoor activities inside or with a catio. Bringing outdoor activities inside or investing is a catio is a great way to keep your indoor cats active and stimulated while keeping them safe.

Catio not an option? Consider leash training your cat. This works best when your cat is younger but you can teach older cats how to walk on a leash and harness. It takes time and patience but can be done most of the time. Some cats will 100% not take to being on a leash and harnesses.

Summary

  • Indoor cats average lifespan is between ten to fifteen years.
  • Tend to be more prone to health issues. Obesity, diabetes, and a sedentary lifestyle are common. This can be counteracted with stimulation and things like a catio.
  • Less vaccinations required annually.
  • They are less likely to get fleas.
  • You can replicate most outdoor activities and stimulants on the inside.
  • Indoor cats are generally safer. They don’t have to deal with predators, wounds, fights, and illnesses due to overexposure.

Let us know your thoughts on indoor cats versus outdoor cats. Are there any pros or cons we missed? Drop your thoughts in the comments or @WetNosesPetSitting

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Should You Leave The Radio/TV On For Your Pets?

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Should You Leave The Radio/TV On For Your Pets?

When you’re leaving the house, should you leave the radio/TV on for your pets?

It’s up to you!

While the data is limited, there are studies such as the one conducted in 2002 by animal psychologist Deborah Wells from Queen’s University in Belfast, Northern Ireland 1 2 that indicate it can be beneficial to leave on the radio/TV for your pet but only if it’s playing the right kind of content – most notably classical music. But really, each animal has their own preference and it’s up to you to experiment with what works best for your pet. Some dogs liked heavy metal while others liked the sound of people talking.

What if I don’t have a Radio/TV?

With many of us moving to subscription based streaming you might find yourself without a TV or radio. There are streaming TV stations that are designed to cater to our canine and feline companions but if you have cut the cord there are numerous YouTube channels out there. Keep in mind, any media that runs advertisements can have suddenly loud and jarring sounds that can disturb your pet. One of my cats is currently recovering from a cystotomy so we’ve been enjoying the videos by Paul Dinning on YouTube. Some places like the Monterey Bay Aquarium offer livestreams of their various exhibits. These livestreams tend to have some calming background music but you can search for ones that don’t.

Do you leave the TV on for your pets? What about the radio? Let us know in the comments what your pets favorite thing to listen or watch is.