I Love Walking Dogs for Wet Noses Pet Sitting

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Ok, maybe it seems a little obvious because I own a dog walking company, but the fact is that I do love walking dogs. Even in the rain and the snow, in the heat, at dawn and at dusk. My favorite time to walk a dog is during the summer after the sun has gone down when the weather is warm, but not as hot and there are fewer bugs. But really, it is not about me, is it? It is about the dog!

Some people do not enjoy going for a dog walk, (which is part of why we have a job) so our Wet Noses Pet Sitting get many chances to walk a variety of dogs around Fort Collins and Loveland. Some dogs are small, some are large. Some dogs walk nicely by our side and some dash from one end of the leash to another. Some dogs watch everything that goes by with their heads held high and some have their noses glued to the ground, sniffing each scent we come across. No matter which dog we walk they all have one thing in common: they all are thrilled to be out with us on a wonderful walk that day! Dogs are not prone to hide their feelings and they are pleased to show us how much they enjoy going on a walk. Whether they prance or plod along we know as the dog walker that we are in the company of a dog that is thrilled to be with us, and we are thrilled to be with them! There are few things better than knowing that when you go to work that day you are going to be spending it with animals whose days are made better by your appearance. I would not want to do anything else!

7 Fun Winter Activities For Your Dog

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Winter is here! In many areas of our country this is one heck of a cold time for us. When you have a dog, what do you do? How do you keep Fido active, entertained and happy? How do you stay sane? Below are a few activities that will keep your pooch active during the winter months, both indoors as well as out!

  1. Play games with your pooch while indoors. No matter the size of your pet you can always find fun things to do. How about playing a game of hide and seek? Games stimulate your dog’s mind and keep him active! Another game your dog can play indoors is fetch! Even a short distance toss will engage your dog and tire him out. Get a small Nerf ball or tennis ball and clear some space!
  2. Take your pet to “Pet Friendly” indoor places when the weather won’t permit them heading outdoors. More and more retail establishments are welcoming our furry little friends. If you’ve been socializing your dog, he’s sure to mind his manners and enjoy a little time away from home all the while engaging his senses. Remember, taking your dog out and about builds his confidence thereby reducing anxiety producing behaviors!
  3. Enroll your dog in a class. This is a great time of year to reinforce obedience skills and consider agility training in a controlled, indoor environment.
  4. Play in the snow! Depending on your dog’s age, breed and personality, most dogs enjoy the outdoor weather. Get some fresh air and take them for a quick walk. Make snow angels. Toss snow balls! Big dogs tend to love a romp in the snow. And it really does tire them out. Don’t let them stay out there too long though. They are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia!
  5. Have a doggie play date! Invite some friends over and tell them to bring their pups. Getting the pups together with one another is a great way to exercise them mentally as well as physically! Even if they are just chasing each other from room to room, it’s exciting for them!
  6. Toys with goodies inside of them can provide hours full of fun! Kongs or treat mazes are a fantastic choice for mental stimulation.
  7. Technology is not just for us humans. There are now many apps available to encourage training and mental stimulation. If your dog is bored, there’s an app for it!

Keep these activities in mind as the days get colder and grow darker earlier. With a little creativity, you can reduce cabin fever for both you and your dog. The key is to mix things up and keep moving!

The Benefits of Regular Dog Walks for You

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Last blog we talked about the benefits of dog walks for your dog and now we want to talk about the benefits for you.  Don’t get me wrong, we would be happy to come and walk your dogs on a regular basis, and that is a wonderful idea when you are short on time or if you dog needs way more exercise than you can manage (sometimes even I feel that way), but if you have the time in your day then dog walks for you are also a great idea.

Benefits of dog walks for you:

  • Helps keep you active and in shape.
  • Walking time gives you a chance to bond with your dog.
  • Regular walks remind you if your dog need a training session, or maybe an obedience class!
  • A walk in the morning or evening is a great start or end to a long day.
  • A walk after meals is proven to help with digestion.
  • A nice walk during the middle of the day can break up a long work day and help your mind reset.
  • Really there is nothing better than spending some peaceful time with your dog.  Do you need another reason?

 

So put on your walking shoes and get out there with your dog!  If you don’t have the time you need to walk your dogs as much as they would like give us a call and a Sidehill Sitter will help you out, that is what we are here for!  Truth be told, when times are busy for me I bring in a dog walker just like you.  My dog Podrick (pictured above) has been walked by most of my Wet Noses Pet Sitting at one point and he loves showing off his neighborhood to new friends!

The Benefits of Regular Dog Walks

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As dog walkers, we at Wet Noses Pet Sitting are pretty excited about the benefits of regular dog walks, both for you and your dog.  There is nothing like a peaceful stroll down the trail or through your neighborhood to start or end the day, or even give you a break in the middle of the day.

Benefits for your dog:

  • Regular exercise keeps your dog physically healthy and in good shape.
  • Walking helps keep dogs limber and their joints functioning well.
  • When spending regular, focused time with your dog you are more likely to notice any problems that might arise.
  • Dog walks involve some level of training which is mentally tiring, plus all of the sights and smells is exhausting!
  • A tired dog is a good dog!

As dog walkers we have seen the difference when we go into a house and start walking a dog on a regular basis.  In one particular home we started walking the dogs twice a day when the client was injured.  Prior to this the dogs were just let out in the small yard on a regular basis.  Within days of us taking the dogs on regular walks their behavior improved in the house, they slept better and they seemed much happier.  Within a few weeks the dogs were much better behaved on their walks, their coats looked better and they were much more relaxed in general.  After a month the client was well enough to take care of the dogs herself but she noticed the improvements in the dogs and has continued to have our sitters walk the dogs once a day.  It has been two years since we first started working with her furry friends and we are happy to say they are in great health and are happier than they have ever been!

Get out and walk your dog today or call us and have a Wet Noses Pet Sitter walk your pup!  Remember, any walks are better than none, this is not an all or nothing activity.  If you only have the time or the resources to walk your dog a couple times a week then start there.  You might find that the benefits outweigh the cost and provide the incentive to increase the number of walks in the future.  Happy dog walking!

Learn More About Dog Walks

Cuddle Crate – Fantastic fun for you and your dog

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Wet Noses Pet Sitting is super excited to announce Cuddle Crate, our very own monthly subscription box for you and your dog. Each month we put together a box of treats, toys and dog related items and deliver it to your door, hassle free! Our first boxes were in September so now is the time to subscribe either for you or a friend. Cuddle Crates make a great gift!

But here are the really exciting parts:
– Each month we sponsor a local charity that will receive 10% of the proceeds! For the first month we are super excited to work with A Soft Place to Land in order to help them in their quest to rescue hard to place dogs.
– Each month we also will feature a local pet business that we feel is a great company to work with. For the first month we are just featuring ourselves as we get going.
– We are working to include as many locally made products as possible, from treats to bandanas.
– You can subscribe for a single box, three months or six months depending on your preference. If you want to give a subscription as a gift, especially with the holidays approaching, just list their address as the delivery address or drop us an email.

Check out the website for full details and to subscribe today!

Our September Cuddle Crate

Dental Care For Your Dog

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Many folks overlook the fact that yes, your dog has teeth and yes they need just as much care as the rest of their body! Many Vets report that upon revealing the state of their dog’s dental hygiene they are surprised by what has been going on in Fido’s mouth. But when you stop and think about it……really? Do you brush your teeth? How would you feel if you had that Petri dish living within your mouth? So, come on pet parents, let’s see how dental care for your dog can ensure your pet lives a happy, healthy and most importantly, comfortable life!

Bacteria loves warm, moist environments. So, where better to take up residence than your pets mouth? Have you felt your dog’s hot breath in the morning when they are providing that “wake up” call? Well when you pet is not receiving the proper dental care, this is exactly what happens. Plaque turns into Tartar within 48 hours. Once that Tartar takes hold, is when the bacteria move into your pet’s mouth. Bacteria then start to eat away at your pet’s teeth and gums. And the worst part, they don’t limit themselves to the mouth. They travel all over the body. Poor dental hygiene will affect various parts of the body, from the kidneys, heart, and brain. It is very important that you set up a routine to take care of your pet’s teeth and mouth!

Here’s how:

  • Brush his teeth! Set up a daily brushing routine. Use a finger brush to achieve the best results. Do NOT use human toothpaste. Your vet can recommend toothpaste that is specially formulated with your pet in mind.
  • Provide chews! This is a natural way for your pet to brush his own teeth! Basic rubber or nylon chews are great options as well as compressed rawhide. You may even consider dental chews.
  • Meat in your pet’s diet.
  • Visits to your vet. Ensure you are taking your pet to the vet every six months for a full check up. This will allow you to keep up on anything that may be happening in your pet’s mouth. Ask your vet for tips on brushing as well as how to do so for your specific pet.

All of these are a great ways to start dental care for your dog, remember a healthy pet is a happy pet!

5 Tips to Train Your New Puppy!

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He is just the cutest little ball of fur you have ever seen and it was love at first sight for the both of you! In addition to being cute and lovable, he is also a ball of energy that loves to chew, scratch, bark, pee and poop. You are the proud owner of that new pup and it’s up to you to train your new puppy to become the dog you want him to be. Positive reinforcement training is the quickest method to get rid of the undesirable behavior and instill good behavior in your new four-legged companion.

1. Set Boundaries

Decide what will be acceptable behavior and what will not be tolerated before you begin training your new pup. Changing the rules during training will set the puppy back to square one on the training scale. Decide if you want your dog on the couch, chair or bed for the next 15 years and train accordingly. Good behavior patterns are easier to establish during the puppy stage than trying to break old habits when the pup reaches adulthood.

2. Be Consistent

Give the same command for each thing you want your pup to do and be consistent with rewards and consequences. If you tell your dog to ‘sit’ sometimes, while telling him ‘down boy’ at other times, the commands will be confusing and difficult to learn. Rewards for an obeyed command should always be given immediately as part of positive training and negative consequences for a disobeyed command should be very limited. A puppy/dog will learn quicker using a positive reward system and will shy away from training sessions that may end with a scolding or time out.

3. Non-Food Treats

Most dog owners feel that by giving their puppies and dogs food treats that they are showing their beloved pet how much they love them. Too many food treats can actually harm your dog by eventually leading to health issues like diabetes, joint pain and other health problems. Give your dog positive reinforcement with non-food treats for a job well done. Dogs respond very favorably to words of praise and a brisk rub behind the ear.

4. Keep Him Busy

A busy dog is a happy dog. Start regular playtime and exercise time as soon as you bring the new puppy home. It creates a time of bonding and training, plus the positive activities will keep your puppy away from the negative activities like chewing on your favorite pair of shoes. Learn about the advantages of regular dog walks and keep an eye out for our upcoming blog on how to exercise your puppy.

5. Have Fun!

That’s why you got a puppy in the first place! Have a good time and enjoy your pup. The more you interact with your pup at a young age the better he will understand how he fits into your life. Dogs specialize at adapting to their surroundings and he wants nothing more than to be with you all the time and be your best friend so enjoy!

6. Hire a Dog Walker

A good dog walker is a wonderful part of your puppy team and can help you with socialization. Learn about Benefits of Walks for Puppies!

Feeding Schedules and Pet Diets

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Trying to establish feeding schedules for your pet shouldn’t be stressful for either you or your pet. There is really no hard and fast rule for pet diets. There are arguments on both sides of the fence. To Free Feed or to Schedule feed…what is the answer? Pet diets really depends on the individual pets themselves. I know of pets who can graze all day and ones who would eat until they bust. Once you have determined which kind, free feed or schedule, you have to start there. Does your dog eat a few kibbles every hour? Then by all means free feed them. If your pet needs a schedule then set them up on one. Morning, and early evening are common routines. Just put together the best routine for you and your pet. There is really no one size fits all.

Your pet is expected to reach 90% of their adult weight by nine to twelve months. Once they hit that weight then they are considered adults and should begin to be fed an adult maintenance diet.

Read the labels on your pet’s food and ensure that is what they are being fed. Another debate that continues is that it is the type of diet that rules supreme. Again, not a one size fits all
category. Largely, it depends on your purse strings, your dog’s preference and if it meets all of your pups nutritional needs. Kibble tends to have a better shelf life and is easier on the pocketbook. Wet food needs to be stored with a bit more care and can be more expensive. Raw pet diets or homemade pet diets can work well however, they can be more expensive and most importantly it is very hard to ensure you cover all the nutritional bases. Vitamins, proteins, minerals and fatty acids all need to be prepared in your pet’s food for proper nutritional guidelines. If you want to go that route, please work with a certified nutritionist or under the advice of your veterinarian.  Most importantly, educate yourself on exactly what it is that you are putting in your pet’s tummy!

If you have questions or are not sure what would work best for your pet, visit with your vet and discuss your pet’s individual needs. You may have to adjust and readjust schedules and diets until you find the best fit for your pet and your lifestyle.

The Lowdown on Parvovirus in Dogs

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What is the Parvovirus?
Parvovirus is a deadly, contagious disease that attacks rapidly reproducing cells. The lining of the gastrointestinal tract is a common culprit. It also can attack the heart muscle of puppies that were infected in the mother’s uterus. This is a less common form. The parvovirus in dogs has been around since the 1970’s, and spread worldwide in less than two years.
How is the Parvovirus transmitted?
This extremely contagious disease can be passed along via any animal, object or human that comes in contact with infected feces. Parvo can live for months and many people don’t realize that it can survive on objects like shoes, clothes, carpets, and floors – even your dog’s leash. This dangerous disease is highly contagious and resistant.

Signs and symptoms of the Parvovirus:

  • Lethargy
  • Vomiting
  • Bloody Diarrhea
  • Dehydration
  • Loss of appetite

Diagnosis of the parvovirus in dogs is made via clinical signs and laboratory tests. The Enzyme Linked ImmunoSorbant Assay (ELISA) test is a commonly used test. The test takes about 15 minutes to obtain results. Your vet may request blood work and additional testing for a clear diagnosis.

Preventing the Parvovirus:

  • Keep your dog up to date on his vaccinations.
  • If your dog is infected or an infected dog has been in your home or yard, disinfect all toys and bowls using a solution of bleach and water 1:32. Disinfect for ten minutes as parvo is very resistant. If you have items that can’t be clean, throw them out as the parvovirus is deadly!
  • Take care when allowing your dog to socialize with other dogs especially if your dog is not
  • vaccinated. If you are going away on vacation, an in-home pet sitter is the best option as your dog is susceptible to diseases in a kennel environment.

Treatment:
If your dog is infected with the parvovirus, you can expect a lengthy and costly hospital stay. Infected dogs will receive antibiotics, drugs to control vomiting as well as IV fluids. Care is geared towards building the dog’s immune system so it may battle the disease. There are no drugs currently on the market that can eradicate the parvovirus.

If your dog exhibits any of the above mentioned symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Your dog’s life could be in danger. Prompt treatment could be the difference between life and death of your beloved canine companion.

South Mesa Veterinary Hospital Interview with Dr. Jana Dean

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Here at Wet Noses Pet Sitting, we’re always looking for pet resources to share with the Fort Collins Community. We had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Jana Dean at South Mesa Veterinary Hospital!

Read on to learn all about South Mesa Veterinary Hospital and how they can be of service to you and your animal companions!

Location:
3801 S. Mason Street
Fort Collins, CO 80525

Phone:  (970) 226-5717
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://southmesa.com/

How long have you been in business?
South Mesa Veterinary Hospital has been in business since 1972 and in this location since 1992.

How many vets are there on staff?
We have 9 doctors on staff.

What are the hours of operation?
We are open 7:30-7:00 Mon-Thurs, and 7:30-5:30 Friday.  7:30-3:00 Saturdays.

What is the availability for last minute visits?
We always welcome work-in appointments, emergencies, same-day appointments, etc. and we set aside specific slots for these every day.

What types of animals do you treat?
We primarily treat dogs and cats, but also have two doctors who will see rabbits, ferrets, and guinea pigs.

What is the cost of an exam/check- up fee?
Our exam fees vary depending on the type of visit.  Annual Wellness visits and sick patient exams are $49, while puppy/kitten recheck exams start at $31.  Other recheck or brief exams range from $18-$35.00.

What training does the staff have?
Almost all of our staff has several years’ experience working in the veterinary field, and all of our surgery/anesthesia technicians are CVT’s (Certified Veterinary Technicians).  We also employ pre-vet and current veterinary students, and we work with the Front Range Community College Veterinary Technician program hosting interns at our hospital.  We also have a Certified Pet Dog Trainer on staff who trains all employees on Gentle Handling techniques for our patients.

What is your focus as a clinic/hospital?
Our mission is to provide the highest quality of care to our patients and to ensure that our clients receive outstanding customer service here.  Our doctors and staff are dedicated to providing the highest level of care and compassion, and we have a very loyal client following.

What makes your hospital unique?
We are unique in that we have several doctors on staff, including a Board Certified Theriogenologist and a Board Qualified Veterinary Dentist.  Our doctors each have their own niche and special interest in medicine and surgery, which allows us to practice only the highest quality of medicine here.  We also offer many ancillary services, including boarding, grooming, daycare, and training.

Do you have a favorite veterinary hospital in the Fort Collins area? Comment below and tell us what you like best about it! We’d love to hear from you!