What Should I Use to Brush My Dog or Cat?

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Welcome to Our Pet Care Tips Series!

Thanks for following our Pet Care Tips Series where each week we talk to an animal expert in our community to get you one tip that every pet lover should know.

Guest of the Week: Eika with Purrrfect Paws Cat & Dog Grooming

Eika is a Certified Master Groomer and the work she does when grooming a dog or cat is amazing. Unfortunately, she seems a lot of pets with mats and there is no reason for your dog or cat to get them (she shows us some terrible ones that you can see in the video). When you look at brushes it can be daunting to try to decide which brush perfect for your dog since there are so many different types. Here Eika walks us through the different brush types so you can help which one should be used to brush your dog or cat. She also shows us methods for brushing different dogs so you can see the easiest way to keep your dog or cat mat free!

 

Purrrfect Paws Cat & Dog Grooming

Purrrfect Paws is located in Windsor, Colorado.

Purrrfect Paws is owned and run by Eika Haas, a Certified master Groomer and Certified Veterinary Technician. This gives her a wide variety of dog and cat experience and makes her uniquely qualified to work with your pet! She is the only groomer so when you make an appointment you know who you will be working with and that your cat or dog will receive the best care!

If you want to learn more about Purrrfect Paws, visit her online and contact Eika to learn more:

 

Follow the Whole Pet Care Tips Series!

Thanks for reading this blog as part of our Pet care Tips Series! Every week we interview an animal expert in our community to ask them one question:

What is the one thing you believe all pet lovers should know?

This varies from tips about training, medical problems, general pet knowledge and more! We interviewed dog trainers, veterinarians, groomers, grief specialists and a variety of other pet experts, people you may not even know exist.

To make sure you see the whole series:

  • Subscribe to our YouTube channel for a new video each week
  • Subscribe to our Email Newsletter where each week we send out a summary with pet tips and tricks

Previous topics:

Are you a local pet expert? Contact us to become a part of the Pet Care Tips Series!

How Can I Help My Older Dog Be More Comfortable?

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Welcome to Our Pet Care Tips Series!

Thanks for following our Pet Care Tips Series where each week we talk to an animal expert in our community to get you one tip that every pet lover should know.

Guest of the Week: Dr Alisha with Tails Animal Chiropractic Care

Dr Alisha was kind enough to tell us about how chiropractic care for dogs and how it works. We discussed a variety of options for helping to manage pain for elderly dogs so they can be more comfortable. There are many options that no one even realizes exist. Watch the video for all the details!

 

Tails Animal Chiropractic Care

Tails Animal Chiropractic Care is located in Fort Collins, Colorado, but Dr Alisha travels to a few locations in Northern Colorado. Chiropractic care, as well as  lasers, acupuncture and other “alternative” therapies are becoming more common for pets. Here we mainly talk about dogs, but these treatments can be used for most household pets. If you are not in Northern Colorado then consider looking for someone local to you that provides these treatments. We no longer have to depend just upon painkillers to keep our animals comfortable as they age.

If you want to learn more about Tails Animal Chiropractic Care, visit her online and contact Dr Alisha to learn more:

 

Follow the Whole Pet Care Tips Series!

Thanks for reading this blog as part of our Pet care Tips Series! Every week we interview an animal expert in our community to ask them one question:

What is the one thing you believe all pet lovers should know?

This varies from tips about training, medical problems, general pet knowledge and more! We interviewed dog trainers, veterinarians, groomers, grief specialists and a variety of other pet experts, people you may not even know exist.

To make sure you see the whole series:

  • Subscribe to our YouTube channel for a new video each week
  • Subscribe to our Email Newsletter where each week we send out a summary with pet tips and tricks

Previous topics:

Are you a local pet expert? Contact us to become a part of the Pet Care Tips Series!

How Should I Socialize My Puppy?

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Welcome to Our Pet Care Tips Series!

Thanks for following our Pet Care Tips Series where each week we talk to an animal expert in our community to get you one tip that every pet lover should know.

Guest of the Week: Cathie Lee with K9 Wisdom

Cathie was kind enough to discuss ways to socialize your puppy.

Tip: Puppies need a lot of socialization to grow up to be well-rounded dogs.

Cathie specializes in shy dogs that have behavior problems, so she is especially concerned about puppies being socialized properly to ensure they grow up as well adjusted as possible. Cathie talks  about different situations that help to socialize puppies as well as how puppies see the world around them. Watch the video for all the details!

 

K9 Wisdom

If you want to learn more about K9 Wisdom, visit them online and contact Cathie to learn more:

 

Follow the Whole Pet Care Tips Series!

Thanks for reading this blog as part of our Pet care Tips Series! Every week we interview an animal expert in our community to ask them one question:

What is the one thing you believe all pet lovers should know?

This varies from tips about training, medical problems, general pet knowledge and more! We interviewed dog trainers, veterinarians, groomers, grief specialists and a variety of other pet experts, people you may not even know exist.

To make sure you see the whole series:

  • Subscribe to our YouTube channel for a new video each week
  • Subscribe to our Email Newsletter where each week we send out a summary with pet tips and tricks

Previous topics:

Are you a local pet expert? Contact us to become a part of the Pet Care Tips Series!

How Do I Prepare for My Pet Passing?

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Welcome to Our Pet Care Tips Series!

Thanks for following our Pet Care Tips Series where each week we talk to an animal expert in our community to get you one tip that every pet lover should know.

Guest of the Week: Claire at Pet Honor Society

Claire was kind enough to join me and discuss the many decisions to can make before your pet passes away.

Tip: Knowledge is power! Learn about the process and your options before your pet passes away.

Claire is uniquely well suited to answering questions about the process. She completed a Pet Loss & Grief Companioning Certification Course in 2017 and started Pet Honor society shortly thereafter. She encourages people to learn as much as possible about your options long before your pet passes away. It is hard to make large decisions in the face of grief, so Claire tells us about some of the choices you can make in advance, like type of cremation, urns and memorial services. She also discusses how to gauge quality of life so you know when it is time.

When you have an aging or ill pet, start preparing.

 

Pet Honor Society

If you want to learn more about Pet Honor Society, visit them online and contact Claire to learn more:

 

Follow the Whole Pet Care Tips Series!

Thanks for reading this blog as part of our Pet care Tips Series! Every week we interview an animal expert in our community to ask them one question:

What is the one thing you believe all pet lovers should know?

This varies from tips about training, medical problems, general pet knowledge and more! We interviewed dog trainers, veterinarians, groomers, grief specialists and a variety of other pet experts, people you may not even know exist.

To make sure you see the whole series:

  • Subscribe to our YouTube channel for a new video each week
  • Subscribe to our Email Newsletter where each week we send out a summary with pet tips and tricks

Previous topics:

Are you a local pet expert? Contact us to become a part of the Pet Care Tips Series!

How to Make Your Own Pill Poppers At Home!

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Pill poppers are a fantastic tool that make it much easier for you to pill your dog or cat without a huge hassle. Put the pill inside and feed it like a treat. Other foods things like cheese will fall apart in your hands, but these treats form around the pill and make it hard to separate, so your pet will not just eat around it. However, commercial pill poppers are made with tons of preservatives and only come in a couple flavors, plus they are a little costly. Instead learn how to make your own pill poppers at home!

Advantages of Making Pill Poppers

  • All healthy ingredients that you control
  • Adjust the flavor based on the preferences of your pets
  • Work around any allergies
  • Inexpensive to make a large batch
  • No preservatives

In this video Sue Carroll with Bones du Jour teaches us all how to make pill poppers and even demonstrates how easy it is!

At the end stay for a demonstration on how to make scary Halloween monster dog cookies!

 

The Host

This class was part of a Pet Talks Series of presentations hosted by Claire with Pet Honor Society. If you love this be sure to take a look at future classes being held by Claire. You can find her upcoming events on Facebook. I will also be there filming, so come down and visit with me or subscribe to our email newsletter to make sure you see future videos!

How Do I Keep My Dog’s Teeth Clean?

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Welcome to Our Pet Care Tips Series!

Thanks for following our Pet Care Tips Series where each week we talk to an animal expert in our community to get you one tip that every pet lover should know.

Guest of the Week: Dr. Robinson and Mellissa at Family and Friends Veterinary Care!

Dr. Robinson and Mellissa were kind enough to join us and show us how to brush your dog’s teeth! They also discussed the health concerns with poor dental care and extra tools to help keep her teeth clean.

Tip: Brushing your dog’s teeth can save a ton of money and keep her healthy!

Brushing your dog’s teeth can seem like a hassle, but once they get used to it, brushing can be a fast and easy process.

Tip from Liana: I keep my dog’s toothbrush in the bathroom where I can see it. When I am done brushing my teeth in the morning I brush my dog’s teeth right away, so I do not forget later. He often comes and waits for me to brush his teeth because he gets a treat afterwards! This took some time for him to get used to, but once you are in a routine it becomes much easier.

 

Family and Friends Veterinary Care

If you want to learn more about Family and Friends Veterinary Care visit them online and set up an appointment!

 

Follow the Whole Pet Care Tips Series!

Thanks for reading this blog as part of our Pet care Tips Series! Every week we interview an animal expert in our community to ask them one question:

What is the one thing you believe all pet lovers should know?

This varies from tips about training, medical problems, general pet knowledge and more! We interviewed dog trainers, veterinarians, groomers, grief specialists and a variety of other pet experts, people you may not even know exist.

To make sure you see the whole series:

  • Subscribe to our YouTube channel for a new video each week
  • Subscribe to our Email Newsletter where each week we send out a summary with pet tips and tricks

How to Find a Missing Pet in Larimer County

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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 Larimer County (Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, Wellington, Berthoud, Timnath) 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 play dates 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 – 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 subject. When you post it can be seen by those directly in your area.
    • Post on Craigslist in the Community -> Pets section as well as Community -> Lost+Found. There is no charge to do so.
    • Helping Lost Pets – 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.
    • PetKey – A smaller page, but everything 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 a 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 or Reporter Herald, or 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 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 Larimer County. 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 awhile 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!

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

Fort Collins Shelters in Need – Ways to Help Your Local Shelters

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Our local shelters do so much for our community. They take in pets without homes and help them find families to call their own. Without them, the streets would be overcrowded with strays. However, it truly is a labor of love. Often these shelters operate on a shoestring budget and rely on volunteers and donations. Thankfully, there are some things that we can do to help.

 

Ways to Help Your Local Shelters:

  • Be a Photographer

You can be a professional or amateur photographer, either way, you can be a great asset to your local shelter. Getting great photos of the animals can help immensely when trying to find them a home. You can also hold a workshop to teach shelter workers how to take the best photos so they can keep up the good work.

  • Help with Transportation

Since a lot of people “shop” shelter animals online they don’t always live close by. Sometimes a foster or adoptive home may be an hour or two away. You can volunteer to shuttle dogs to their home and get a fido fun-filled road trip at the same time. Plus, you get to be an integral part of helping them get out of the shelter and into a home.

  • Donate Items

If you’re cleaning out your closets don’t forget about your local shelter for donations. They are always in need. Even if you don’t have gently-used pet beds or leashes, you can donate towels and sheets. They are used for comfort, bedding and also privacy curtains in the shelter.

  • Share Your Computer Skills

Are you good at graphic design, writing or social media marketing? Chances are your shelter could benefit from your skills. Most shelters need these things, but they are often out on the back burner for more pressing operations.

  • Check Affiliate Sales

Some places, like Amazon Smile, allow you to donate a percentage of your purchases to the charity of your choice. Check with your local shelter and see if they have programs like this.

 

You don’t have to just write a check to help shelters in need. Consider your skills or surplus in the home and you’re sure to find some way to help out. Then contact your local shelters and see what their needs are to get started.

 

Shelters in Fort Collins are always in need:

 

2200 N Taft Hill Road Fort Collins, CO 80524
Ph: (970) 224-DOGS (3647)

2321 E. Mulberry St., Units 1 & 3 Fort Collins, CO 80524

Shelter: (970) 484-8516
Clinic: (970) 484-1861

 

 

Where is the Closest Vet Clinic? 

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Earlier this week I was out the dog park with my dog Podrick, enjoying the nice weather.  There was only one other dog at the park, a puppy that would run squealing whenever Podrick got close.  We moved to the other end of the park to give him some space and played on our own.  After a few minutes, the owner of the puppy came over to ask me a question, “Where is the closest vet clinic?”

Why is this such a terrible question?

This question indicates two things about the people:

  1. The person and the pet have never been to the vet before.Vet Clinic
  2. Something traumatic has happened recently and the animal should be getting immediate care.

After chatting for a few more minutes I discovered, to my horror, that the puppy had jumped out of his moving vehicle on the way to the park.  Normally the pup was outgoing, friendly and fearless, quite the difference from the puppy I saw before me.  I did a quick exam and encouraged the man to immediately take the pup to the emergency clinic.  Unfortunately, I had left before he made his final decision but I hope he made the right one! If you ever need a recommendation make sure to give us a call!

Getting a Cat – Complete Checklist for New Cat Owners

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Cats make wonderful companions and are great additions to any family. They are creatures of comfort, so if you’re a first-time cat owner, make sure to have all the essentials ready for them. Getting a new kitty is a big change for you and for your new friend. To help make this time easier for you, we’ve got the complete checklist of everything thing you need and need to know.

Download the Complete Preparing for a New Cat  Checklist

Important Considerations:

Lifestyle: While it’s true that cats don’t exactly need as much time as a new dog, but they still need love, attention and a stable family life. Ask yourself the following questions before jumping into adoption.

  • Do you or anyone in the house have allergies to cat hair, dander or dirt?
  • Do you have any other pets that may not take well to a new cat? If so, do you have a plan of introducing them to each other?
  • Who will be the primary caretaker?
  • Do you want a long hair or short hair breed? Long hair breeds will take more time for daily grooming and may have more hairballs.
  • Will work or social life affect your ability to properly care for them?
  • Does your residence allow pets and is your home suited for a new cat?
  • Would an older cat or younger cat better suit your lifestyle? Kittens take more time and have more energy, but older cats may need more veterinarian care.

Costs: You want to make sure that you can always care for your vet. The best way is to create a budget for a new cat before you bring them home.

  • Does your new pet need to be spayed or neutered?
  • Is there an adoption fee that needs to be paid?
  • Monthly expenses such as food, litter, pet sitting or new supplies
  • Licensing fees and rabies shots
  • Litter box and scoop
  • Routine veterinary care
  • Microchipping
  • Grooming Brush
  • Beds and toys

Shopping Checklist:

Once you’ve decided a new cat will fit well into your lifestyle and you can afford the cost of care, the next thing to do is hit the pet store to get them their supplies.

  • Age appropriate food
  • Water and food bowls
  • Collar
  • Leash
  • ID tags (make sure your phone number is on it)
  • Hard plastic cat carrier
  • Litter Box
  • Litter Scoop
  • Brush
  • Sponge and scrub brush for accidents and hairball clean up
  • Non-toxic cleaner
  • Toys (feathers on wands, catnip mouse, etc)
  • Blanket or bed
  • Cat toothbrush and toothpaste

There’s no doubt that cats add spunk and tons of joy to any home. They may seem aloof, but in reality, they are just as caring as they are smart. A peaceful home full of warmth and love is a perfect place for a new feline friend.

Download the Complete Preparing for a New Cat  Checklist