Reasons To Microchip Your Pets

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Reasons To Microchip Your Pets

If you’ve adopted your pet in the past few years, your pet may already have been microchipped. If you’ve moved, this is your reminder to make to update your pets microchip information. But what if your pet isn’t microchipped? Is it really worth it? Here’s 5 reasons to get your pet microchipped.

  1. Improved chances of being reunited: If your dog is microchipped you have a chance of over 52% of being reunited. For cats, that number is 38%.
  2. It’s quick: Microchipping takes less than a minute. This video is a little under 4 minutes by Dr. Mohlman does a great job explaining the procedure. It took less than 30 seconds to inset the microchip.
  3. It’s inexpensive: Many people think microchipping is expensive but the average cost is around $45. Some areas will have local, free microchipping events as well so keep an eye out for those.
  4. Provides proof of ownership if your pet is stolen: Sadly, this is an issue some pet parents will have to face. Having up-to-date information on your pets microchip can ensure that you get your pet back if somebody else has stolen your pet and attempts to claim him or her as theirs.
  5. Peace of mind: If your pet gets lose and looses their collar, they still have a form of identification on them.

5 Reasons to Microchip Your Pet

Did you get your pet microchipped? Let us know in the comments about your experience.

The Pros & Cons Of A Raw Food Diet For Your Dog

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The Pros & Cons Of A Raw Food Diet For Your Dog

You might have heard your friends talking about feeding a raw diet, but what exactly is a raw diet? Is it giving your dog a raw steak from the local butcher? Not quite! Raw food for pets is still relatively new on store shelves but this raw food isn’t the same as ours. Raw food for pets is made to be a complete meal that provides everything your pet needs to live a happy, healthy life. But what are the pros and cons of feeding a raw diet?

Pros:

  1. Increased excitement for meal time: Some pet parents think their pets are picky eaters but in reality they’re just bored of what they’ve been getting. A raw diet can increase meal time excitement.
  2. Maintain weight or lose weight: Raw diets are deal for maintaining or loosing weight as they mimic what they would eat in the wild.
  3. Improved health: Raw diets can provide many health benefits such as: improved digestion, better skin and coat health, and increased energy.
  4. Less poop or less frequent: On an all raw diet ideally feces will turn grey and flake away after a few days. That means less pooper scooping. Some owners report their dog is still wanting going out as much but often times bowel movements are smaller.
  5. Better odor and breath: Raw diets can help with pet odor including eliminating that corn chip smell some dogs paws have from a diet too high in carbohydrates. It can also help make breath fresher as raw diets can naturally clean teeth.

Cons:

  1. Cost: Raw diets can be more expensive than kibble (dry food) depending on the size of your dog and what you currently are feeding.
  2. Bacteria in raw meat: While raw diets are tested to be safe, you are handling raw meat which means if handled improperly could lead to pathogens such as salmonella and E. coli infecting humans.
  3. Unbalanced diet: It’s important to do research before feeding your dog an all raw diet to ensure they are getting all the proper nutrients they need. Many owners are tempted to give their dogs only raw meat. This not only could lead to pathogens but it could also lead to a sick pet.
  4. Time consuming: For those owners preparing their dogs food, time can be a huge factor. Is your pet food frozen? You will still have to remember to let the food thaw in the fridge before serving (unless your pet likes it frozen solid).
  5. Less convenient: Raw diets do not travel well. Many hotels do not have a freezer large enough to accommodate the amount of raw you may need to bring. Certain brands of raw may not be available to purchase at your destination either.

Raw diets aren’t for everybody and that’s ok. Some pet parents feed all raw, others only do a meal or two each week, and some don’t do any raw. Perhaps you can make it one of your New Years resolutions to incorporate more raw into your pets diet. If you’re thinking about raw there are many different brands on the market to suit every need. Here are a few of the top raw commercial dog food brands on the market:

Benefits of Raw Feeding InfographicWhat do you feed your pet? Let us know in the comments or @WetNosesPetSitting. Curious about cats? This information applies to cats too.

What To Include In A Pet First Aid Kit

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You never want to have to use a first aid kit but it’s important to keep one on hand. Not just for your human children but for your pets as well. You can purchase first aid kits for pets you might already have some of the items on hand or want to add to yours. Here’s what we recommend having in your first aid kit.

What to include in your pets aid kit?

Basics:

  • Gauze Pads
  • Adhesive Tape
  • Cotton Balls or Swabs
  • Disposable Gloves
  • Ice Pack
  • Alcohol Wipes
  • Styptic Powder
  • Saline Eye Solution
  • Antibiotic Ointment
  • Tweezers or tick key
  • Scissors with rounded tip
  • Oral syringe or turkey baster

Additional Pet First Aid Kit Equipment:

  • Towels or blankets
  • Vaseline
  • Leash

Always include contact details of your veterinarian and a list of medications & dosages taken by your pets.

Pet First Aid Checklist

Did we miss something? Let us know in the comments what you have in your pets kit.

What Mushrooms are Toxic to Pets?

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What Mushrooms are Toxic to Pets?

The wet season is here which means, mushrooms! Mushrooms might be great on pizza for us, many curious pets consume mushrooms that are toxic while out on walks. It’s important to be diligent and to avoid any mushrooms you may see. This also includes inspecting your yard, especially after it has rained, for any mushrooms that may have sprouted up. We’ve compiled a list of a few of the more common mushrooms that are toxic to pets you may encounter.

1. Ivory Funnel

Ivory Funnel Mushroom
Archenzo, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

2. Fly Amanita/Fly Agaric

Fly Amanita/Fly Agaric Mushroom
Petar Milošević, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

3. Panther Cap

Panther Cap Mushroom
George Chernilevsky, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

4. Gemmed Amanita

Gemmed Amanita Mushroom
Scott Darbey from Canada, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

5. Death Cap

Death Cap Mushroom
George Chernilevsky, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

6. Gyromitra Esculenta (False Morels)

Gyromitra Esculenta (False Morels)
Jason Hollinger, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

7. Smith’s Amanita

Smith's Amanita Mushroom
Colin Smith / Fungi on Pound Common

8. Death Angel

Death Angel Mushroom
This image was created by user Ryane Snow (snowman) at Mushroom Observer, a source for mycological images.You can contact this user here, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

9. Hongo’s False Death Cap

Hongo's False Death Cap Mushroom
The High Fin Sperm Whale, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Want a handy infographic to keep on the fridge? We have one for you below!

Mushrooms Toxic to Pets Infographic

If you fear your pet has eaten a poisonous or unknown mushroom, seek veterinary help immediately. If possible, try to get a sample of the same mushroom from where they were found to help aid in identification. You can learn more about what plants are poisonous to pets on our blog as well as common household products that are toxic to pets.

Did you learn something from our list? Let us know in the comments below.

What Plants are Poisonous to Cats?

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What Plants are Poisonous to Cats?

As pet parents we know that our cats get into a lot of things including things they shouldn’t eat. But what about plants? Most of us know lilies are deadly but are there others? Here’s 12 plants you may have that are poisonous to your cat.

1. Autumn Crocus

Crocus vernus with bee
Generalrelative, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

2. Azaleas

Azalea Flower
Marianafloresocampo, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

3. Cyclamen

Cyclamen hederifolium. Locatie, Tuinreservaat Jonker vallei 03
Dominicus Johannes Bergsma, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

4. Daffodils

Daffodils, 2021-03-23, Beechview, 03
Cbaile19, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

5. Dieffenbachia

Dieffenbachia cultivar
Tomáš Kebert & umimeto.org, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

6. Hyacinth

HyacinthPink
Elf – [1], CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

7. Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe blossfeldiana Plant 09
Sabina Bajracharya, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

8. Lilies

Easter Lily.
Halder97Sudipto, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

9. Oleander

Nerium oleander pink
Challiyan at Malayalam Wikipedia, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

10. Rhododendrons

Rhododendron ponticum actm 04
Agnes Monkelbaan, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

11. Sago Palm

12. Tulips

Tulipa suaveolens floriade to Canberra
John O’Neill, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Want a handy infographic to put on the fridge? We have one for you below.

Poisonous Plants for Cats Infographic

Do you have any of these plants in your home? If so, make sure to remove them or place them into a room where your cat cannot get to them. If you believe you pet has ingested any of these plants, call the Pet Poison Helpline and seek veterinary help immediately. Want to know more? See our previous post on Houseplants That Are Toxic to Pets.

Amigo Animal Hospital - Veterinarian In Westminster, CA USA :: Pet Poison Helpline

Were any of these plants that are poisonous to cats new to you? Let us know in the comments or @WetNosesPetSitting or #WetNosesPetSitting. We’d love to hear your feedback.

Did you know mushrooms can also be toxic to cats? See our blog post here to learn more about what mushrooms are toxic to pets.

 

The Importance Of Keeping Your Pets Hydrated

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The Importance Of Keeping Your Pets Hydrated

We all know the importance of drinking water daily. But did you know it’s just as important for your pets to stay hydrated as you?

  • Water maintains healthy cell function: Just like in humans, water makes up the majority of our pets cells and is essential to keeping healthy cell function.
  • Helps aid in digestion: Water plays a function in helping your pet digest food. Not enough water means they may have digestive issues.
  • Helps aid in nutrient absorption:  Similar to digestion, water helps your pet absorb nutrients from their food.
  • Makes movement easier: Water helps to lubricate your pets joints and helps to cushion them. Without enough water your pet may have trouble moving and may be in pain.

As you can see, water provides essential functions for life. Make sure your pet is getting between .05-1 ounce of water per pound of body weight each day to help maintain healthy functions.

Here’s some of our favorite ways to help keep your pet hydrated!

  • Add more water bowls: Want to change it up? Try out a fountain with your pet or add ice discs to keep the water cool.
  • Freeze wet dog food to create a pupsicle: Stock up on wet food that comes in a pouch this season. Cut a small hole into the pouch, add a bit of water (ideal for pâté food), and insert a popsicle stick. Let freeze until solid.
  • Add water to your pets food: A simple trick to get more water into your pets diet, add a few teaspoons or tablespoons of water to their food.
  • Fresh fruit as a treat: Blueberries, apple slices, seedless watermelon, and cantaloupe are all hydrating and healthy treats for your dog.Pet Hydration Ideas Infographic

Have you tried any of these ways to keep your pet hydrated? Let us know your favorite methods in the comments!

Heartworm In Dogs: The Facts and What To Do About It

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Heartworm In Dogs: The Facts and What To Do About It

What is heartworm?

Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) is a worm that lives in the heart, lungs, and blood vessels of pets that have been infected by mosquitos. These worms get their name from where the adults live in the body: the heart, lungs, and associated blood vessels of an infected animal. Dogs are most susceptible to infection but cats and ferrets can also become infected.

Can heartworm be treated?

Yes! But treatment costs 10-15x more than preventatives and treatment can take months. It is not always 100% successful. Treatment usually involves Melarsomine dihydrochloride which is an FDA-approved drug used to kill adult heartworms in dogs. The medication is injected deep into the back muscles. This treatment is often only used for Class 1, 2, and 3 cases of heartworm. Class 4 of heartworm is risky and often fatal as the blood is being blocked by a mass of worms. Surgery is the only option for class 4 cases. There is no FDA-approved drug to treat heartworm in cats and ferrets.

Is my pet at risk?

Heartworm is found in all 50 states. Even if your pet is indoors, a stray infected mosquito that finds its way into your house can infect your pet.

Is heartworm in dogs deadly?

Potentially. Heartworm can cause: severe lung disease, heart failure, and damage of other organs especially if left untreated. There are 4 classes of heartworm with class 1, 2, and 3 being treatable with medication. Class 4 requires surgery that may not be successful.

Can I do anything to prevent heartworm in dogs?

Yes! Pets should be on year-round preventatives and get regular testing for early detection. Preventative care costs less than treatment and only takes a few minutes. If you have cats and ferrets, keep them indoors to help reduce their risk of being infected. For dogs, make sure to mosquito-proof your yard as much as possible. This includes removing any standing water, regular yard maintenance, and using fans when outside.

 

Heartworm Disease in Pets Infographic

Want to learn more about heartworm in dogs and facts? See the FDA’s page on heartworm that goes into more depth.

How Do I Figure Out Which Pet to Adopt?

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If you are looking for a new pet, figuring out the right one to adopt can be a hard choice. Here I walk you through the questions you need to consider in order to make the right decision for you!

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Getting a Pet

  • What is your lifestyle like?
  • Do you have allergies to fur/dander?
  • Do you travel often?
  • Are you looking for a low maintenance or high maintenance pet?
  • What is your personality like?
  • How small/big of a pet would you like?
  • What can you realistically afford in terms of animal care?

We discuss details on each aspect and what to consider in the video. Once you have had time to think about all of these questions you will have a much better idea of what type of pet is a good fit for your household!

 

More Ideas When Adding a New Pet

Why You Should Adopt 2 Kittens

Getting a Dog – Complete Checklist for New Dog Owners

Getting a Cat – Complete Checklist for New Cat Owners

Commonly Asked Questions About Pet Insurance

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Pet insurance can be confusing but we’re here to answer the common questions about pet insurance. Our video on pet insurance is one of our most viewed and we get a lot of questions so I felt it was worth revisiting to help you navigate the world of pet insurance. If you did not watch our first video, go watch it first.

Here are the most commonly asked questions:

Do they cover preexisting conditions?

No. If a health issue has already been diagnosed with your dog or cat, they will not cover it. Usually, after your first claim, they will request all past veterinary records and base their decision on what is covered from those records. There are some companies out there such as PetAssure, that will pay towards pre-existing conditions. For PetAssure your vet must be in network. This is not the same as insurance.

Is there a wait time?

Yes. There is a wait time before coverage starts, generally 30 days. Some companies offer gap coverage which covers any health problems that arise from the time you get your pet until your normal policy begins. If you are offered this, take it!

Which is the best company?

This is probably the most common question about pet insurance. Each company has a slightly different policy that appeals to different people. Research them to find the one that is best for you. Check with your current home, rental, auto, or other insurance company to see if they offer pet insurance as well. Companies like Progressive and State Farm have pet insurance programs that you can get a discount on if you have other services by them.

Do they cover 100% of costs?

Generally no. Most pet insurance policies cover 90% or less of the cost of your veterinary expenses. There are policies that offer less coverage for a lower cost, which is more affordable for some people.

Do they cover preventative care?

Generally no. Normal preventative care, including dental care, is not covered under most policies. Again, companies like PetAssure work for preventative care as they are not insurance and more of a discount card. Think of it how GoodRx works for humans.

Do costs increase over time?

Yes. Generally, the premium for a policy will increase each year as your pet ages.

How do the veterinary bills get paid?

Unlike human policies, veterinarians do not submit bills to insurance. You pay the veterinarian and then you submit the invoice to the insurance company for reimbursement. If you do not have the money upfront, some programs like Care Credit can help bridge the gap until you get reimbursed.

Pet Insurance Infographic

Overall I highly recommend pet insurance for any people who do not have the disposable income to be able to pay out of pocket for large veterinary expenses. It is a terrible thing to have to decide between your pet’s care and our finances. Avoid that situation if possible!

Houseplants That Are Toxic to Pets

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Houseplants That Are Toxic to Pets

Before bringing in a new plant it’s important to know which houseplants are toxic to pets. Do you have houseplants, or are thinking of adding some to your home? Then check out these tips!

Many common houseplants are toxic to pets. These include:

  • Aloe Vera
  • Caladium
  • Eucalyptus
  • Ivy Plants
  • Jade Plants
  • Lilies
  • Mistletoe
  • Poinsettia
  • Pothos

You might even have one of these and didn’t even realize it. We have them around anyway and most of the time our pets are fine with them, but there are times when we should be more concerned.

Times when you need to worry about pets and plants:

  1. When you get a new plant: New things are always exciting and worth investigating. This can lead to accidental ingestion.
  2. When you have a new pet or have a pet visiting your home: These animals aren’t used to your plants (or maybe being around plants in general) and should be observed before being left alone with them. Never leave a pet alone with a houseplant that is toxic to pets.
  3. When you move a plant around in your home: Same thing as the new plant, except your pet thinks it’s a new plant even when it isn’t.

How to keep your pets safe:

  • Know which of your plants are toxic.
  • Keep an eye on your plants for any evidence your pets are messing with them.
  • Put plants out of reach if possible – either on a high to reach shelf or in a locked room your pets can’t get into.
  • Call the pet poison helpline if your pet has eaten or chewed on one of your plants.

Houseplants that are toxic to pets Infographic

Did you know that there are some plants that are poisonous to cats but not dogs? Check out our guide for what plants are poisonous to cats.