Tuna Yum Yums – Homemade Cat Treat Recipe

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Cats love their treats and it is nice to give them something fresh, homemade, and healthy. These are especially good around the holidays when we are all getting yummy food and do not want to leave out our feline friends!

Tuna Yum Yums

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup of flour
  • 1/4 cup of water
  • 1/2 cup of non-fat milk
  • 1/2 can of tuna
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil or fish oil
  • 1 beaten egg
  • Optional: a teaspoon of catnip, mint, or parsley

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and place parchment paper on a cookie sheet
  2. Mash or cut the tuna into small pieces, mix in the flour and milk
  3. Pour in water and vegetable oil, then mix well
  4. In a separate dish, beat the egg
  5. Mix the beaten egg into the tuna mix
  6. Mix well, until the mix becomes dough-like
  7. Shape the dough into small balls, about the size of blueberries, and place on the baking sheet
  8. Cook the dough for 12 minutes or until golden brown. Stick a toothpick in to check that the treat is fully cooked
  9. Cool for an hour before feeding to your kitty and make sure not to overindulge them

 

What is a Trap Neuter Release (TNR) program?

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What is a Trap Neuter Release Program Header

Today is Feral Cat Day! In honor of our feral feline friends, we wanted to highlight some of our local TNR programs.

What does TNR stand for?

TNR stands for Trap-Neuter-Release or Trap-Neuter-Return.

What is a Trap Neuter Release program?

Sometimes, feral cats cannot be homed. TNR programs provide a humane and effective approach to helping to control the feral cat population. There also are Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) programs that administer rabies and FVRCP vaccines. TNR programs provide more than just a way to stabilize a cat colony. They also help take off the added stress of mating & pregnancy, improve physical health and reduce mating behaviors that humans find disruptive (yowling, spraying).

Can you visually identify cats that are part of TNR programs?

If you ever see a cat with a tipped ear they most likely have been part of a TNR program (like the one in this blogs header image).

What are some rescues in our area that are participating in TNR programs?

  1. Northern Colorado Friends of Ferals
  2. Animal Friends Alliance
  3. Duncan’s Place

For more information on TNR programs visit alleycat.org to learn how TNR programs are beneficial to a community and how TNVR programs work.

Did you learn what a trap neuter release program is? Let us know if you have a cat that’s ever been a part of one in the comments or @WetNosesPetSitting.

What To Do If Your Pet Goes Missing in Fort Collins

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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 Fort Collins, 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 Fluffy
  • Talk to the neighbors, especially anyone working outside, to see if they noticed Fluffy going by
  • If Fluffy 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 Fluffy is missing. Now it is time to reach out for help.

  • Larimer Humane Society – call to speak to animal control over the phone and give them a heads up that you just lost your pet. To submit a lost report you have to go into the shelter.
    • (970) 226-3647
    • 3501 E 71st Street, Loveland, CO 80538
  • If Fluffy 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 Fluffy.

  • 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 Fluffy, Fluffy 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 Fort Collins Craigslist in the Community -> Pets section as well as Community -> Lost+Found. There is no charge to do so.
    • PetFBI – You have to fill out their online form, which gives you a flyer you can use and their website has a ton of helpful tips. Once you fill out the form, they will post it in their Facebook group.
    • 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 as LostMyDoggie, but for 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 Fluffy. 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.

4. What is the Next Step?

If you are approaching evening, there are a few steps you can take, especially if Fluffy 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 Fluffy can come in at night if she was lost from your home.
  3. If Fluffy 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 Fluffy has not been found. Now is time to dig in and spread the word that Fluffy is missing.

  • File a lost pet report with Larimer Humane Society, if you have not already done so. Consider also reaching out to the Humane Society of Weld County, the Cheyenne Animal Shelter, the Longmont Humane Society, or the Humane Society of Boulder Valley. Animals can travel surprisingly long ways and folks sometimes pick them up and take them to their local shelter, which may not be Larimer County.
  • Post a lost pet ad in the Coloradoan and small local papers. It may seem outdated, but they are still read regularly.
  • Contact local breed rescues that relate to Fluffy. 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 Fluffy 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 Fluffy 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 Fluffy 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.

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 here, 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 Fluffy, 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!

How to Find a Missing Pet_Lamier County Infographic

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

Greeley Pet Sitters

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You are looking for a pet sitter in Greeley but Wet Noses is not a good match for you. (If you have not yet taken a look at our services, be sure to check them out!) We completely understand and want you to find a pet sitter that is the best match for your household. So we have some suggestions for pet sitters in Greeley.

When looking at these pet sitters keep in mind:

  • We have heard good things about these pet sitters but we do not know them personally, so be sure to screen them. We have resources at the bottom of the page to assist with the screening process.
  • Be sure to look for a pet sitter that is bonded and insured.
  • We never recommend using sitters on a site like Rover. If you do decide to look at them, be sure to screen the individual thoroughly.

Greeley Pet Sitters

Help to Find a Good Greeley Pet Sitter

Fireworks Pet Safety Tips Header

Fireworks Pet Safety Tips

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Fireworks Pet Safety Tips Header

Pet Fireworks Safety Tips

Holidays like the 4th of July, New Year, and others are great fun with lots of fireworks but are maybe not as fun for our pets. If you want to keep your dogs and cats happy and healthy, here are all your Fireworks Pet Safety Tips!

1. Fireworks are fun for us, but are scary for pets!

We might love the pretty lights but for many dogs and cats, fireworks can feel like the end of the world. If you keep that in mind it can make it easier to plan for your pets.

2. Make sure all tags and microchips are up-to-date.

If you have moved recently then your information might be out of date. Making sure it is all current will be a life-saver if one of your pets gets out.

3. Have a current picture of your pets, just in case.

If your pet is picked up by animal control you might need to prove ownership. Or if you need to make flyers you will need a current, clear picture ready to go.

4. Set up a safe and quiet place at home.

If your pet does get nervous with the loud noises, it helps to have a quiet area for them to rest. This is also helpful during any festivities like parties and barbecues.

5. Make sure all windows and doors are closed.

If your dog or cat were to get really nervous, jumping out an open window can look like an easy escape. Even screens might not stop a determined pet, so be safe and keep them securely latched.

6. Do not let dogs out loose in the yard.

Your dog may never have shown an interest in jumping a fence before, but scary noises can push a dog to new limits. I have even heard of dogs that jumped the fence while their person was in the yard with them, so be overly cautious.

7. Try calming items like music and ThunderShirts.

For pets that are extra nervous, you can try all sorts of calming items. Loud music that drowns out the sound of the fireworks may help and so may calming music for dogs. So can ThunderShirts, essential oils, and CBD oil (check with experts on these first as some can be toxic to pets).

Fireworks Pet Safety Tips Infographic

 

Be safe and have fun this holiday!

4th of July Ideas

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If you are looking for tips and advice on the 4th of July, we are here for you! We have a ton of resources, so we have a list of them here so you can see which ones are of the most interest to you.

5 Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe on the 4th of July

If you are looking for ways to keep your dog and cat safe on the 4th of July, then this is the blog for you! We have all the information you need to make sure it is a safe day for everyone.

How Do I Keep My Dog Safe on the 4th of July?

If you are focused on your dog, check this out! We go in detail on how to keep your dog safe and happy on the 4th.

Why Does My Dog Not Like the 4th of July?

Sometimes people are confused about why their dogs to not love the 4th of July as much as they do. So here we break it down and let you see how it can be a stressful holiday for your furry friends.

 

Be safe and have a wonderful 4th of July with your pets!

Pet Lovers Guide to Greeley

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Are you one of the many pet lovers living in Greeley? Or maybe you are thinking of getting a pet soon. Either way, eventually you will need a Pet Sitter, Dog Walker, Cat Sitter, Vet, Dog Trainer, Groomer, Rescue or Pet Shop.

But how do you find the best solution for you and your pets? We have put together a list of resources for pet lovers to make this easier for you!

 

Greeley Pet Sitter

Choosing the right pet sitter for your pet can be difficult. You want to ensure your sitter is correct for your household and your pets. Because of that, we put together an ebook A Pet Owner’s Guide to Hiring a Pet Sitter or Dog Walker to give you all of the information you need to hire a pet sitter that is a good match for you.

 

Greeley Dog Walker

Dog walkers are great for dog who have a lot of energy and people who do not have enough time. A dog walk can be nice for a day when you work late, or just cannot get away to take out your pup. To learn about how to hire a dog walker, take a look at our ebook A Pet Owner’s Guide to Hiring a Pet Sitter or Dog Walker. This can guide you through why you may need a dog walker, how they work and how you find one that is a wonderful match for your household.

If you want to learn about the Benefits of Regular Dog Walks, read our recent article. If you want to learn about our dog walking services, take a look at our services page.

 

Pet Supply Stores Around Greeley

Greeley has some wonderful places to shop for all of the supplies you need for your pets. We are a huge fan of shopping local whenever possible, and we believe locally-owned stores tend to have better-educated employees to give you advice.

We have collected a list of our favorite pet supply stores in town:

A good pet supply store should be able to offer suggestions on products based on your pet’s health needs. Ask some questions and if you do not feel comfortable then try a different store.

 

Greeley Rescues

As such an animal-friendly city, Greeley has a wide variety of rescues. It would be impossible to list them all here, but we wanted to provide you the groups that are large and most likely to be able to meet your needs. Whether you want to adopt a new pet or just have questions, these rescues are all great!

Here are the rescues most likely to be of assistance:

If one of these organizations cannot answer your questions, they will refer you to someone who can.

 

Greeley Veterinarians

With Greeley being so CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital, we are flush with amazing veterinarians. Choosing a veterinarian that is a good fit for you is an important step in your pet care.

Here is a list of veterinarians in Greeley:

Learn more about each of these clinics to see which one is a good match for you! Best Vets in Greeley, Colorado

If you need help choosing your new veterinarian, read our recent article 5 Tips to Picking a Veterinarian You Love.

 

Greeley Emergency Veterinarians

When you have a pet emergency, you want to make sure to get the best care for your animal, no matter what time of day! Emergency vet clinics are open 24/7, 365 days a year and can be a lifesaver when you need one. It is important to know where your closest clinic is so you know where to go right away.

Here are emergency veterinary clinics:

 

Greeley Dog Trainers

All dogs can use a little training, whether it be the normal sit and stay, or learning how to stop your puppy from chewing on your shoes. Plus training classes can be fun for you and your dog to have some bonding time! Dogs are smart animals and need to use their brains to keep them from getting bored.

Here are dog trainers in the Greeley area:

When choosing a dog trainer you want to pick one that works with your dog in a positive and fear-free manner.

 

Greeley Dog-Friendly Hotels

If you are coming to Greeley to visit or if you find yourself needing to stay in a hotel for a while, you want to have a hotel that is friendly for your dog.

We have made a list of hotels that are dog friendly and wonderful for you!

If you are visiting Greeley and need to leave your dog while you go out for an activity, consider having a pet sitter come to stay in your hotel. This will give your dog company and make sure she does not get in any trouble while you are gone. We provide extended stays for these types of trips which you can learn about in our services.

 

Greeley Dog Groomers

A good haircut is important to the health and happiness of your dog. Considerate groomers can make the grooming process as easy as possible.

We have collected a list of groomers in Greeley:

If you would like to get tips on how to pick the perfect groomer, read our recent article 5 Places for Dog Grooming in Fort Collins.

 

Self-Service Dog Washes in Greeley

If your dog does not need all the trimmings, it can sometimes be easier to clean them up yourself. It is wonderful to go to a self-service dog wash where you can use their space to get your pup clean without making a mess of your bathroom.

We have collected a list of self-service dog washes in Greeley:

To learn more about costs of using a self-service dog wash, read our recent article How Much Does it Cost to Use a Self Service Dog Wash?

 

Greeley Catteries

When you are traveling you can either hire a pet sitter or board your cat in a cattery. There are advantages of each, and if you decide to board your cat there are a variety of options.

We have collected a list of nearby catteries:

If you are considering hiring a pet sitter, look at advantages of cat sitting and take a look at our services.

 

Dog Boarding Kennels in Greeley

 When leaving town you can either hire a pet sitter or board your dog in a kennel.

We have collected a list of the top places to board your dog in Greeley:

If you are considering pet sitting, read our recent article Why Should I Hire a Dog Sitter, and look at our services.

 

Greeley Doggy Daycare

When your dog needs some extra exercise, you have two options:

  1. Send your dog to daycare
  2. Hire a dog walker to exercise your dog

Dog daycare can be great for well-socialized dogs who enjoy the company of other dogs. If you are unsure if daycare is a good option, read our recent article Doggy Daycare vs Dog Walker.

Here are a couple of the doggy daycares in Greeley:

If you are thinking about using a dog walker take a look at our services.

 

Greeley Poop Scooper

If you love your dog but do not love cleaning up after him then you may need a poop-scooping company!

 

Top Pet-Friendly Restaurants in Greeley

During nice weather, it can be a bonus to be able to take your dog with you when you go out to eat. In Greeley we have many, many food options to choose from, so you might as well pick one where you can bring your pup!

These are good pet-friendly restaurants in Greeley:

 

Greeley Dog Parks

In Greeley, folks love their dogs and we want them to have as much fun as possible! For well-socialized dogs, that can mean a trip to the dog park is a favorite activity.

Here in Greeley, we have a beautiful dog park:

  • Freedom Park – It has separate areas for different dogs and is beautifully built.

 

Do you have a resource you think should be added to the Pet Lovers Guide to Greeley? Let us know via our contact form so we can check it out!

How to Work from Home with Your Pets During the Coronavirus Pandemic!

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Many of us are suddenly having to work from home as schools and workplaces shut down. So here I have suggestions for you on how to keep getting work done even with the distractions of dogs and cats all over!

1. Establish your business expectations

Check with your boss and see exactly what expectations they have with you working from home. Do they want you to keep the same work hours? What if your cat decides to walk in front of the screen during a video call? What if your dog barks while you are on a call with a client? Are these acceptable interruptions? Having a clear understanding of how this change will work and how it will affect your home life is important.

2. Keep your routine the same

Humans and pets thrive on routine. Normally when you are home on evenings and weekends, you are off of work and happy to spend time with your pets. This time with you at home will be confusing for your pets so it is best to keep your routine the same. Get up at the same time, feed them, go for walks, get dressed and start working at the times you normally would.

3. Set up a special place in your home

Working in a specific area of your home that is set aside for work can help keep distractions to a minimum. Analyze the space and make it comfortable for your pets by adding beds, bowls and toys to keep your pets out of your space. If you need to lock your pets out (do not feel guilty if you do), then you will need a room with a door, not the kitchen table.

4. Use a dog walker

Even though you are working from home, still consider using a dog walker to continue your normal routine and support your local company. Even if you do not normally have a dog walker, consider reserving one to take out your dog during the day or perhaps during an important call to make sure you are not interrupted.

 

This is a stressful time but we can band together and get through this together!

Join us on Facebook daily for tips on how to get through this stressful time and even have some fun!

Why You Should Adopt 2 Kittens

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It seems like taking on one new kitten will be a big enough task, but now I am telling you to adopt two?!!! I must be crazy! But the truth is, there are a lot of advantages to adopting multiple kittens at the same time. I list the reasons here, but to watch the kittens play and get some more explanation, you really should just watch the video.

1. They are adorable! And they entertain each other.

Playing with a single kitten is a lot of fun, but watching two kittens play might be the closest thing to heaven you will experience in this world. Kittens need a ton of playtime, cuddles, and entertainment. That is wonderful when you are home from work in the evenings or weekends, but what about when you are gone all day? Or if you come home and are exhausted? A pair of kittens together can entertain each other and do not need quite as much time from you. And when they get tired they still all want to come and curl up on your lap. Awwww!

2. Kittens need to meet other animals when they are young.

Unless you arrange kitten play-dates, having multiple kittens may be your kitten’s only chance to play with other cats at a young age. Even if you ave an older cat, there is no guarantee she will want to play with this new upstart invading her space. Having multiple kittens lets them learn how to play with another cat in an appropriate way.

3. It increases the chances of a lifetime feline friend.

While there is no guarantee, adopting multiple kittens together increases the chances that they will be friends for life. Naturally, cats are territorial and really like their own space. It is easier for cats to be friends when they have been raised together in the same home.

 

If you want to see other videos of our cute kittens and learn more pet care tips, follow us on YouTube!

New Years Resolutions to Bond with Your Pet

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The New Year has arrived and if you are like most people you are setting your resolutions for the coming year. The best resolutions can improve the lives of you and your pets, and bring you closer together! Here we have 5 suggestions on how to set New Years Resolutions to improve the bond with your dog or cat!

(If you are interested in a podcast, we did an episode on this same subject!)

1. Exercise with your pets

You can take your dog or a walk or a run, go rollerblading or hiking. The options are endless! No matter your sport of choice, you can probably find a way to include your dog. cats are a little harder to convince but finding the perfect toy and play style to match your cat can be a great challenge.

Learn How to Get Your Cat to Play

2. Improve their (and your) quality of food

Good nutrition is invaluable both for you and your pets. Take some time this year to analyze your diets. Visit a local pet food supplier, do some research online and change it up! Ideally cats should eat an all wet food, high-quality diet and dogs need high quality food. You can learn a lot about dog nutrition at Dog Food Advisor, which rose to popularity when dog foods were being recalled in high numbers.

Learn about Feeding Schedules and Pet Diets

How to Choose A Healthy Dog Food

3. Take a class together

There are so many options these days for classes for pets. Look up local dog trainers to find options like obedience, agility, nosework and rally. There is something for every dog! If a traditional class does not fit into your schedule then consider an online course such as Ian Dunar’s Dog & Cat Behavior Problems class on Udemy. Being able to understand your pets better will lead to a more enjoyable life for everyone in the household!

4. Teach a new trick

Tricks are fun for your pets to learn and for us to teach! Plus who does not enjoy showing off a cool new trick to their friends? Teaching tricks can be easy once you know the steps to take for your dog or cat. The key to bonding is to do short training sessions and to keep the experience all positive and fun. You can find endless videos for teaching dog and cat tricks on YouTube, or take a specific class like Dog Training – Tricks Level 1 or It’s All Tricks!

5. Play a new game

Games are fun to play with your pets and can be adapted to the weather and your pet’s preferences. Check out our links for a ton of game ideas!

Fun Fall Games for Your Dog

Fun Things to Do with Your Dog in the Snow

7 Fun Winter Activities For Your Dog

Fun Things to Do with Your Cat on a Nice Day