The Danger of Tobacco Smoke

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We all know secondhand smoke is a health threat to humans, but did you know it can affect your pet as well? Studies have concluded that exposure to tobacco smoke can cause lung and nasal cancer, as well as allergies, in dogs; oral cancer and malignant lymphoma in cats; lung cancer, eye and skin diseases in birds; and respiratory issues for all.

 

Are you familiar with the newly termed “third hand” smoke? It is the residue that remains on skin, fur, furniture, clothing and other objects, even after the smoke has cleared the air. This can be just as dangerous to both you and your four-legged friend, especially your furry feline. Cats are known to groom themselves regularly. As they lick their fur, they ingest the toxins tobacco smoke leaves behind, which can damage the tissues within the mouth and lead to oral cancer.

Research shows dogs living with pet parents who smoke are more likely to suffer from respiratory diseases and lung cancer than dogs who live in a smoke-free home. The risk of nasal passage cancer increases 250% in long-nosed dog breeds with exposure to high levels of tobacco smoke, as the numerous poisons within the smoke build up in the nasal passages. However, the poisons are more likely to make their way to the lungs of short-nosed breeds.

 

Symptoms of cancer in animals include weight loss, difficulty eating and/or breathing, drooling, vomiting, nasal discharge, coughing, bleeding and sneezing. If your pet displays any of these symptoms, please seek advice from your vet.

 

Many smokers, upon realizing the negative affects their habit can have on their beloved pet, become more motivated to quit smoking. Others make a concerted effort to smoke away from their pet, usually outdoors. In a study published by Tobacco Control, researchers found 28.4% of smokers said learning the impact of second and third hand smoke on their pets motivated them to drop the habit.

 

It is no secret that smoking cigarettes is dangerous to a person’s health. Now we know it can also be detrimental to our beloved pets.

Will We Care for Your Sick Pet?

What is Tularemia?

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This has been a hot topic in northern Colorado lately, but what risk does it pose to your pet? Tularemia, also known as rabbit fever, is caused by a bacteria which can be transmitted to many animals including dogs, cats, and humans.

How is Tularemia transmitted to pets?

  • By eating an infected animal
  • Tick and deer fly bites
  • Drinking contaminated water

So what are the signs of Tularemia in dogs and cats?

  • Fever
  • Loss of appetite
  • Listlessness
  • Swelling of lymph nodes
  • Ulcers in the mouth
  • Abscesses

If your pet is acting abnormal, take him or her to the vet for further testing.

What is the risk to your pets?

Overall, the condition is fairly rare. Public health officials routinely test wildlife found dead for the disease. If you notice a large amount of dead rabbits or other animals in your area, you can contact the Larimer County Health Department at (970) 498-6775.

How can you prevent your pets from getting it?

  • Use flea and tick repellant
  • Keep pets away from dead wildlife
  • Do not let pets drink from puddles, streams and ponds

More information can be found at http://www.larimer.org/health/tularemia.asp#pets

 

The Dangers of a Hot Car

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Most pet parents know the dangers of leaving our pups in the car during a warm day, but unfortunately many don’t realize how quickly a hot car becomes lethal. We tell ourselves that it will only be five minutes, or that the window is cracked open, but this is not enough to keep your dog safe.

After just ten minutes on an 80 degree day, the car is already 99 degrees! Imagine being in a 90 degree car with a fur coat on and that’s what it is like in your hot car for your dog. Dogs can easily get heat stroke, which can result in lots of time at the vet and possibly death.

So what can you do to avoid a situation too hot to handle?

1. Take your dog into stores with you.

Many stores that do not sell food, like Home Depot and Apple, will allow leashed and well behaved dogs in the store. Make sure that your dog is on a secure leash, does not bother other people and is not a distraction.

2. Eat outside

If you are going out to eat, sit with your dog on the patio and ask to be seated in the shade.

Learn about dog friendly restaurants in Fort Collins.

3. Hire a dog walker!

Leave your dog at home and have a dog walker stop by to play with your pup! You can go on your errands without worrying about your dog, planning your stops or clocking your time. Your dog gets a dedicated friend to come by and spend time with her! Learn more about how dog walks work.

 

Learn About Dog Walks

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!

What Is The Single Best Thing I Can Do For My Cat’s Health?

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Last night my husband and I were sitting around playing with our cat Aislinn (what else would we be doing?) and started talking about her age.  Like many rescue cats, she was an adult when we got her in 2000.  A couple calculations and a little discussion later and we come to the conclusion that our lively little cat is at least 15 years old!  As good cat parents we then chatted about what we think made a difference in our cat’s health and came to a single conclusion:

Good Nutrition!

A few years back we started noticing a decline in Aislinn’s health.  Her eyes looked sunken, she appeared arthritic, her coat was not as glossy as it was previously and she generally started to look old.  She also had been previously diagnosed with borderline kidney problems, which can quickly progress and lead to death in cats if not caught early.  At the same time I was learning more about nutrition in animals and was reading up on some of the newer health studies in dogs and cats.

After much research I decided to switch her to a 100% wet food diet and have not looked back since!  As you can see from her pictures, she looks just as good now as she did 10 years ago and seems to feel the same.

As a pet sitter I have cared for countless cats over the years.  I have seen the effects of various types of food on the cats and watched improvements in homes where the kitty parents have upgraded the diet.  Here is what you feline fans need to know to make sure your cat’s health is the best:

  1. Cats do best on a completely wet food (or RAW food, but that is another blog) diet.  One concern is that dry food is supposed to help clean kitty teeth, but the benefits of wet food is much greater than the possibly teeth cleaning.
  2. Feed a high quality food.  A general rule of thumb is if you can buy the food at a grocery store then it is bad food (looking at you Friskies, Whiskas and Fancy Feast).  I guarantee the beautiful cats in the commercials are not eating that food otherwise their coats would look like garbage.  Take a look at our store list for good places to buy cat food.
  3. Feed your cat 2-3 times a day.  Wet food has fewer calories so they may feel hungry more often.  Also, since the food needs to be kept fresh your cat cannot browse all day like with dry food.
  4. Make sure your cat drinks plenty of water.  This is a bit of an off-shoot, but is part of good nutrition.  One of the best ways to prevent kidney problems is to make sure the kitty takes in enough fluids.  Wet food helps this a lot as well as readily accessible water bowls, maybe even cat fountains.

Go take a look at your kitty’s food today and see what you can do to help your cat live a longer, healthier life!

What Your Pet Sitter is Thankful For

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At Wet Noses Pet Sitting we have wonderful jobs and there is not better time to be thankful for the work we do than on Thanksgiving. Here is what I am thankful for:

  • Wonderful clients that appreciate the work we do year round.
  • Amazing animals for us to work with every day.
  • Healthy pets and a fantastic team of pet sitters that work hard to take care of their animal charges.

All of these make life happy and run smoothly, all year round. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

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!

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

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4th of July is such a fun holiday with grilling, revelry, and, of course, the fireworks, but for your pets, fireworks and crowds can be terrifying.  Sometimes they get so scared by the strange noises they start running, July 5th is the busiest day for animal shelters trying to home lost pets. Taking steps to keep your pets safe on this holiday is very important.

Here is what you can do to have the best holiday possible for you and your companions.

1.  Do not buy any fireworks.  There are plenty of ways to have fun with your friends and family that don’t include explosives.  Not only could you injure you or your furry friend but they are illegal to possess or light in Fort Collins. If you are using small fireworks like sparklers, just lock up your pets in a safe place before using them.

2.  Do not feed your pets any food from the BBQ, especially, ribs on the bone, chicken wings, hot dogs, or chips and guacamole.  All of these foods can cause serious gastrointestinal problems. Make sure your pets don’t get too close to that HOT grill and burn their piggies on a loose piece of charcoal or ash.

3. Give your pets a break. If you are having a party and they seem anxious with so many people on their turf, put them in a room with their toys and bed and check on them periodically.  This way they have a safe place to retreat.

4.  If your pet is microchipped, be sure it is current.  Also make sure your pet is wearing their collar, city license, and rabies tags.  This way if your pet gets lost, for any reason, the Larimer County Humane Society can contact you when they are found.

5.  Leave your pet at home. If you are going to City Park (or anywhere else) to watch the fireworks be a good judge of whether your pet can handle this much interaction with other pets, people, and strange noises.  If you think this might distress your pet at all we suggest leaving them inside with the blinds drawn, drapes closed to muffle noise, and maybe the radio, TV, or A/C for extra white noise to keep them distracted and calm. Making sure to keep your pets safe will ensure that you have a safe and fun 4th of July as well!

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.