Is Easter Egg Dye Bad For My Dog?

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Easter will be here in just a few short weeks. The stores are full of pastel candy, bunnies and Easter eggs. And if you’re dyeing eggs this year, you may be wondering if the dye is bad for your dog.  The simple answer is no, common Easter Egg dye is not bad for your dog. In fact, most dyes used for Easter eggs are non toxic.

That means, if your dog gets a hold of a rogue Easter egg one day, he should be just fine, as long as it has been cooked.  Raw eggs may contain salmonella and even though there aren’t many documented health scares connected to raw eggs, it’s always a good idea to play it safe.

 

Safe Dyes To Look For:

Dyeing kits such as PAAS are commonly found at the store and are non toxic.  However, if you are still feeling uneasy about using a store bought kit, you can use regular food coloring instead. It is safe to ingest and will color the eggs. However, some feel that food coloring or all-natural dyes don’t have the same “pop” of color that the traditional kits have. But pastels are in for Easter, so if you’re not comfortable with the kit, definitely go for the food coloring. 

 

Easter Egg Dye Watch Out For:

Ukrainian Egg Dyes or Pysanky Kits are for elaborately decorated and non-edible eggs.  These eggs are dyed raw and painted with wax and powdered dyes. So, if you do decide to decorate your eggs in this style, make sure to keep them away from your pets.

 

 

Easter is a time to celebrate with the family. It’s not a time to worry if your dog gets into the Easter egg basket  (as long as there’s no chocolate in there).  Eating an egg with dye on it should be no problem. As long as there are no special dietary factors that come into play that is. Now, it may change the color of their poop or even give them some gas.  But overall they will be just fine.

Learn to Use Kongs for Dog Fun!
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Easter Treats – Recipes For Your Pets

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Easter is almost here and soon we will be pawing through Easter baskets and sitting down to a nice meal with our loved ones. Don’t forget to include our four-legged family members in the festivities! Bake them some of their very own Easter Treats for them to enjoy.

Carrot Cake for Dogs

Photo: Tastemade

We found this recipe on Tastemade and it looks like a slice of doggy heaven.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup grated carrots (approx. 1 large carrot)

  • 1 large egg

  • ½ cup canned sardines, drained and shredded

  • ¼ cup sunflower seed oil

  • ¼ cup water

  • 1 cup whole wheat flour

  • cooking spray

  • 1 ½ cups cream cheese, room temperature

  • sliced carrot

Directions:

  1. Combine the grated carrot and egg in a bowl and beat until well combined. Add the sardines, sunflower seed oil and water and mix until combined. Add the flour and mix well.

  2. Spray two 4-inch round cake pans with cooking spray and divide the batter between them, smoothing the surface. Place on a baking sheet and bake at 350F for 35 minutes, until golden brown on top. Cool completely in the pans.

  3. Beat the cream cheese with an electric mixer until pale and fluffy.

  4. Slice each cake in half to create a total of 4 layers. Place one layer on a serving tray of your choice and spread 2 tbsp of cream cheese over the surface. Repeat with the remaining layers. Cover the entire surface sparingly with cream cheese – they shouldn’t eat too much cream cheese, so just use enough to give the cake a white appearance. Place the remaining cream cheese in a piping bag fitted with a small star-shaped piping tip and pipe dollops of cream cheese onto the top of the cake.

  5. Place a heart-shaped carrot onto each dollop and serve!

 

 

Dog Bone Treats

Photo: All Recipes

This recipe came from Allrecipes and is great for all occasions. Use bone shaped, egg or bunny shaped, even heart-shaped cookie cutters to make this scrumptious treat for your dog! 

Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets. Stir together the flour and baking powder; set aside.
  2. In a medium bowl, mix together the peanut butter and milk. Stir in the flour mixture until well blended. Turn out dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth. Roll out to 1/4 inch thickness and cut into shapes using cookie cutters. Place 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets.
  3. Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven, or until lightly brown. Remove from cookie sheets to cool on wire racks.

 

Kitty Delights

Image: Serendipity & Spice

We can’t forget our to mak feline friends Easter treats on this holiday, so we picked up this easy cat-friendly recipe from Serendipity & Spice.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup white cornmeal
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 5oz can of tuna
  • 1/2 cup water

Directions:

  1. Mix all ingredients together until it forms a ball.
  2. Break off tiny pieces and roll into a small bite size ball and place on baking sheet.
  3. Flatten ball with a finger– just like you’re making thumbprint cookies.
  4. Bake at 350 degrees for 5 minutes.
  5. Flip and bake an additional 5 minutes.
  6. Let cool and have your kitties enjoy!

What are some of your favorite Easter Treats to make for your pets? We’d love to hear your recipes too! Let us know on Facebook or the comments below!

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How to Catch a Loose Dog

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It is every dog owners worse fear: your best friend has gotten loose and is running away from you at breakneck speed. You see him rounding the corner and no matter how much you yell he is not coming back or even slowing down. So what do you do to catch a loose dog?

A note: I write this article as if it were your dog that is loose. Truth is, this applies to any dog you come across in your travels. It seems to be the more you like dogs the more likely you are to come across a stray dog!

Know the Motivation

First off you need to understand what is motivating your dog. There are two main possibilities:

  1. Your dog is frightened out of his mind
  2. Your dog is having a grand time being free
  3. A combination of the two

Be familiar with dog body language so you can judge which is the case. It will make a huge difference when deciding which approach to use.

The Don’ts

  • Whether your dog is fearful or having fun, do not yell at your dog in a stern voice. If you are going to call your dog, use the happiest, highest pitch voice you can muster.
  • Do not chase the dog.  Running towards a dog is a threatening move and will startle any animal. If you are moving towards a dog, do so in a casual manner and turn your body slightly sideways so you do not face the dog head on.

The Fearful Dog

Something has frightened your dog and his brain is no longer working like normal. Everything seems threatening and he is looking for a place to be safe. Safety here is key! When deciding how to approach your dog consider how he is going to perceive it and take the least threatening action.

  • If possible, I repeat, do not chase your dog. You want to get just close enough for him to recognize you but not close enough to drive him away. Fearful dogs are very attuned to anything moving towards them and will be more inclined to run away as soon as he sees you. When you approach twist your body to the side or even walk backwards. Consider kneeling but be careful not to lean forward if possible as that is a threatening movement.
  • When possible try to guide your dog to a contained area like a fenced yard or an alleyway. A contained dog is much easier to catch but you want to be careful that the dog is not panicked enough to bite. use caution and get help when possible.
  • If you get close enough to your dog for him to recognize you, lay down on the ground and call his name in a happy tone. The shorter you are the less threatening you seem and a person laying on the ground piques the curiosity of most dogs. You have to do this quickly before your dog turns to run away.
  • “Wanna go for a car ride?” This phrase inspires most of the canine community to race headlong for the nearest vehicle. I have caught more stray dogs this way than any other! The key is to get the car close enough and to get out of the way. Open a door and move to the other side of the car while calling out phrases like “Car ride? Let’s go!” Sometimes it even helps to open both of the back doors so the dog does not feel as trapped. Then close them both quickly if the dog gets inside. I have even had luck driving up next to a dog and opening the driver’s side door to have the dog jump into my lap.

The I-Am-Having-a-Great-Time Dog

  • You definitely do not want to chase this dog as that just makes running more fun. “Look, Mom, we are both running! Let’s keep going all afternoon!” The key here is to be much more fun that whatever your dog is exploring. Get close enough to your dog to get his attention then call his name in a super excited voice. Next, run the opposite direction. Yes, the opposite direction. Dogs love nothing more than to chase things, especially their best friend. Run away from your dog while calling their name and often they will chase right after you and be so happy that you came out to play with them.
  • If the chase game does not immediately work then try out the car trick. What is more fun than a car ride?
  • If you are following the dog on foot try getting another dog to join you for a fun time. Or if your dog stops to say hi to another dog on a walk ask the person to grab your dog for you. A dog having fun will often visit with other people and dogs, even though he will not come to you.

If These Do Not Work

  • If all of these options fail you can also try using treats to bribe a dog closer or rent a trap from your local humane society. Both of these options take much longer and tend to be best used if your dog is loose in a quiet area.
  • Try calling other people to help corral your dog, even if that means following along behind for awhile to keep track of him.
  • Do not give up hope! Eventually, something will go your way.

Once You Catch Your Dog

  • Above all else, once you catch your dog you want to praise him and tell him what a great dog he is. If he gets away again you do not want him to avoid you because you yelled at him.
  • Use this as a reminder to work on your recall command!
  • Be happy that you were around when your dog got loose so that you were able to track him down.

 

How to Train Your Cat to Walk on a Leash

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January is National Walk to Your Pet Month. Usually, that brings to mind images of walking your dog on a sunny day. But, what if you were walking with your cat instead? You may baulk at the suggestion, but it’s true! Cats can be trained to walk on a leash and they can also end up loving it.

First off, you’ll want to break them into the idea of a leash and harness easily. Cats are very independent by nature, so it’s best not to force them into too much too quickly. And always make sure to give them lots of praise and pets during all interactions while training. After all, we know how much cats love being praised!

leash

Equipment needed

 

  • Harness and Leash

Make sure you’re using a harness and not just a collar. If they try to run up the collar could choke them or break off. The harness will protect their neck and give you more control for their safety.

  • Treats

Get a few healthy treats (a great time for a dental chew treat) to reward them in training. After a while start to eliminate the treats as a reward, but it is a great starting incentive.

Easy Steps To Train Your Cat to Walk on Leash:

 

Step 1: Introduction

Introduce your cat to the harness and leash. Show it to them and let them sniff it. Then leave it laying around their space before you try it on them. This will help them get familiar with it before they have to put it on. Once you’re ready to try it out, put it on them while giving them praises. If they’re okay with it from the start then let them wear it around for a while. If they are not having any of it then take it off and try again tomorrow. Don’t push them. After a successful wear, give them a little treat.

Step 2: Indoor Practice

After they are used to the harness, it’s time to try the leash. Put it on and gently lead them around the house. You will know when they are fed up when they refuse to stand or move or when their tail switches or they flatten their ears. Put down treats in a line (think Hansel & Gretel) to get them to move forward. Walk around to their favorite spots for a little while so they can get acclimated to being tethered.

Step 3: Outside Adventure

Once they are used to the leash and harness indoors it is time to venture outside a little bit. Start in the quietest part of the yard and slowly let them explore the area around the door. Each time try to get them into going a little farther on each walk. Hopefully, within a few days or weeks, they’ll be loving their leash and the great outdoors.

 

Tips to Keep in Mind

 

  • Always consider your cat’s temperament. Some cats may take to walking much faster than others. Some can be comfortable within a week or two, some can take close to a month.
  • Expect a few setbacks. It’s possible that your cat will love a walk one day and the next something is different or scares them and they may freak out.
  • Never leave them alone or tethered on the leash.
  • Don’t let them climb trees while walking.

 

It may seem like an impossible task, but it isn’t! Your cat gets all the same benefits of walking as do dogs and ourselves. It’s a great way for them to be stimulated, get exercise and enjoy the sunshine.

Do you ever walk with your cat? Let us know on our Facebook page or in the comments below!

 

Why Does My Dog Not Like New Year’s Eve?

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If you are asking yourself this question, then you’ve probably had a traumatizing experience with Fido while watching the Times Square ball drop at midnight. If you’re like most people, New Year’s Eve is a night filled with lots of family, friends, fun, and noise. LOTS of noise. Though the noise may not bother you, your dog’s hearing is four times better than yours. Their natural instinct is to RUN.

One minute you’re cuddling with Fido and the next he is nowhere to be found. He most likely ran outside or hid under the bed, searching for a secure place to hide. While you’re frantically running around looking for your precious pooch, you get a knock on the door from your neighbor saying they found him wandering in their front yard. You think to yourself, “I’m so lucky I found you”.

If you can relate to this scenario, your dog most likely does not like New Year’s Eve.

A few reasons your dog doesn’t like New Year’s Eve

  • Decorations

See those streamers, balloons, and party hats? They may be fun for you, but for Fido? Not so much. He may be scared and not recognize you. This may lead to a change in behavior and his reactivity to you. If he shows signs of fear, take the hat off and reassure your pup that everything will be okay.

  • Loud Noises

Noisemakers, cheering and laughter are all part of the New Year’s Eve festivities. These are all scary noises for Fido. You may find him trembling and whining in fear. Ask your guests to bring the noise down a notch, and put your dog in a separate room with the TV or radio on.

  • Crowds

Is it your turn to host the annual New Year’s Eve party? Whether you are hosting a huge party, or it’s a group of your closest friends, these people are getting in your dog’s personal space. Large crowds are scary and Fido may react adversely. If your dog is not a social creature, spare him the anxiety and put him in a separate room.

  • Fireworks

Are your neighbors the type to set off fireworks in the middle of the street and make a huge commotion? If you answered yes, this may be why Fido is shaking uncontrollably while you “ooh” and “ah” at the light show. Fireworks are some of the scariest, loudest noises for dogs. Turn up the TV and keep your furry friend in a secure kennel or bedroom. If you have the opportunity to, try to stroke his back while you reassuringly hold him.

The reasons mentioned above may just be the tip of the iceberg as to why your dog does not like New Year’s Eve. Just remember, while you’re excited and ready to ring in the New Year, keep your furry friend in mind!

 

 

Holiday Pet Dangers

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The holidays are a crazy time for us and an even crazier time for our pets!  At Wet Noses Pet Sitting we love your pets like our own. We want to be sure they are as safe as possible this holiday season.  Read up on our list of holiday pet dangers, be safe and enjoy your holiday season without any pet emergencies!pet dangers

 

Family and friends coming in the house

The holidays are a wonderful time to visits with our friends and family but this can cause stress for some pets.  If your pet does not do well with large groups of strangers, let your pets have a nice break in a quiet place with a healthy treat.  Even pets that love company can take advantage of the situation by running out an open door or stealing non-pet friendly foods from guests.  Make sure your guests know what is ok for Fido and let Fido take a nap when needed.

 

Tinsel and ornaments

As cute as it is to watch your kitten climb the Christmas tree, keep an eye out for ornaments that can be eaten or easily broken.  If you have a curious cat, forgo the tinsel for the year.  Cats love to chew on string-like items and due to the barbs on their tongues they cannot always spit them out, forcing them to swallow that shiny piece of trouble.  If you have a dog that likes to play with ornaments, put them a little higher on the tree.

 

Food items

We humans love our holiday treats and we want our pets to enjoy the holiday cheer as much as we do.  Be sure to give treats in moderation and avoid these dangerous yummy items:

  • Chocolate – Chocolate, especially baking chocolate is trouble for all pets.  Something to keep in mind is that all animals handle chocolate differently so if your pet gets some call your emergency clinic for advice.
  • Fat and bones – What dog does not dream about stealing the turkey off the counter?  Cooked bones are huge problems for pets as the bones can splinter and the fragments can puncture your pet’s insides.  Fat and grease can cause terrible digestion problems and in large quantities can require hospitalization.  If you would not eat it, neither should your pet.
  • Bread dough – Baking is wonderful but bread dough contains yeast with can expand in a pup’s stomach, causing all sorts of trouble.
  • Grapes and raisins – Raisins are often included in holiday baking and many pet owners do not know that grapes and raisins are just as toxic as chocolate.  Even though they seem healthy, get a good dog bone instead.

 

Holiday plants

We do love our beautiful holiday plants but be wary of leaving accessible to your pets.  Holly, mistletoe and poinsettias are particularly dangerous and tend to be front and center in our holiday decorations.  Even my cat, who never eats my plants (and we have many, many plants in our house) took a second look at the poinsettia I brought in.  Sometimes moving a plant or bringing in a new one can peak the interest of the most disinterested plant. So, when bringing home these favorites keep an eye on your pets and move the plants out of reach. Read about more plans that are poisonous to pets.

 

Garbage

What more do I need to say?  All sorts of bad things go in the trash and your dog is just waiting for you to get distracted and set down the trash bag.  Party time!  Make sure all trash is secured and make sure it makes it outside to the bin! Any cooked bones should be put right outside to eliminate any risk.

Candles

My cat is notorious for melting her whiskers on candles as soon as my back is turned.  Now that she is older, candles are only burned in locations where she cannot reach when we are in the room.  Keep in mind candles often smell like candy and cookies and can entice your pet to take a quick peek at the flame. This can easily turn into melted whiskers, a flame burn or even worse, a wax burn.

 

Wrapping paper and ribbons

Ribbons are favorites toys for cats as long as they do not swallow them.  If you are unsure if your dog will behave, keep the presents tucked away when unsupervised.  Make sure your kitty will not chew the ribbons off the packages!

Keep these holiday pet dangers in mind and enjoy your holiday season.  No one wants to take a trip the emergency clinic over the holiday season. If you have concerns about something your pet has gotten into, do not hesitate to call them or take a trip into the vet if needed.

 

We love the clinics listed below for 24/7 emergencies and we know you will too.

Fort Collins Veterinary Emergency Clinic – 816 South Lemay Avenue, near Lemay and Riverside in Fort Collins – (970) 484-8080
Four Seasons Veterinary Specialists – 4120 Clydesdale Pkwy, just south of Centerra – (970) 800-1106

 

Happy Holidays!

Halloween Safety Tips for Pets Header

Halloween Safety Tips for Pets

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Halloween Safety Tips for Pets Header

 

You can keep your pet safe this Halloween with our Halloween pet safety tips. It’s the time for ghouls, ghosts, and candy! But not everything is fun for your pets.
 

Make sure your pets have an ID tag

 
Pets can get lost during Halloween. Make sure your pets are wearing an ID tag or have a microchip in case they run off.
 

Create a clam place for your pets to relax

 
The constant ringing of the doorbell can be pretty stressful for both cats and dogs. Most of our pets are highly attuned to and affected by the sound of our doorbell ringing. They can often go bonkers at a single ring. Let alone a series of rings in a short amount of time. Set your pet up in a quiet back room with a radio or TV playing softly to drown out the noise. Noise generators like the ones found on mynoise.net can be soothing. This will help keep them safe and calm during the peak hours of trick or treating.
 
All pets should stay inside during Halloween, but Halloween can be an especially dangerous time for cats. Black cats, in particular, are targets for naughty neighborhood kids. They can be chased, shot at with BB guns, or otherwise messed with by kids looking to get into mischief. In our home, we make sure to lock our cats indoors from late afternoon until the next morning.
 

Be careful where you place lit candles

 
Lit candles add atmosphere but can turn into a hazard. A swinging tail or a startled cat can send a lit candle flying. You don’t want to be calling the fire department on Halloween.
 
Instead, consider battery operated candles. These pose less of a fire hazard and you won’t have to worry about them burning out during the party.
 

Keep chocolate and sweets out of reach

 
Most of us know that chocolate is toxic for dogs. But candy, in general, can cause a lot of gastrointestinal distress to our pets. Dogs don’t exactly seek out candy, they will pretty much eat anything that catches their noses. Cats can also get into candy but are less likely. That’s why it’s best to keep your Halloween candy stash out of your pet’s reach. Don’t forget to check out our post on Halloween Candy Safety for more details.
 
If you pet does get into large amounts of candy, seek veterinary care immediately.
 

Practice decoration and costume safety

 
Decorations can pose threats with wires, ribbons and open flames in pumpkins. Make sure to keep an eye on your pets around any tricky decorations that could harm them. Also, if you’re going to dress up your pet it’s good to be aware of costume dangers. This applies to pet costumes as well! If your pet doesn’t want to dress up, don’t dress them up.
Halloween Pet Safety Tips

Halloween is tons of fun for both children and adults, but it can be pretty confusing and a little scary for our pets. They don’t understand what it is all about. Think about what goes through the heads during Halloween. Why do their family members look so funny? What are all these crazy loud decorations that go “BOO!” and make creepy music when people walk by them? And why do all these strange people keep ringing the doorbell??? It’s no wonder that they need a little help staying safe during this spooky holiday. With these Halloween pet safety tips you and your pet will have a safe, fun time this Halloween.

Halloween Candy Safety For Pets Header

Halloween Candy Safety For Pets

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Halloween Candy Safety For Pets Header

 

What’s one of the first things to come to mind when you think of Halloween? Chances are, you’re thinking “CANDY!!!”.  Sugary treats are a definite favorite during this spook-tacular season. But there are some Halloween dangers that can also play not-so-sweet tricks on your pet’s health. Be sure to keep Fido and Fluffy away from the following items in your kid’s candy bag:

Bite-sized Hard Candy

Pile of chocolate

Pile of chocolate by Daniela Simona Temneanu from NounProject.com

These sweet treats can pose a major choking hazard for your precious pet. Hard candy becomes slick when mixed with saliva, making it easy to be inhaled into the windpipe. Keep these tempting treats away from Fido and Fluffy!

Candy with Wrappers

When pets get their paws on Halloween candy, they gobble them down, wrapper and all. Plastic and foil wrappers, when ingested, can cause an obstruction in the intestines and irritate the lining of the GI tract. Sometimes they can be passed without any issue, but it’s best to keep all wrapped treats away from your candy craving cat or canine.

Chocolate Covered Raisins

These tasty treats may be a favorite amongst pet parents and their kids, but they combine two potentially deadly ingredients for dogs. When ingested, chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea and seizures, while raisins can trigger kidney failure. If your dog gets his paws on this delicious yet dangerous treat, take him to your veterinarian immediately!

Candy Corn and Other High Sugar Candies

Sugar may have you and your kids climbing the walls, but it will only bring your pet down, causing painful and severe gas. What’s worse is that the sugar provides an excellent source of food for bad gut bacteria to dine on. This can pull water into the colon, causing an extra-messy case of diarrhea for Fluffy or Fido.

Sugar-free Candy and Gum

Most sugar-free Halloween candy these days contain a sugar-substitute called Xylitol, also may be labeled as Birch Sugar. While safe for people, Xylitol can be deadly if ingested by your canine companion. It causes a severe drop in blood sugar within minutes after ingestion, making dogs lethargic, unable to walk, and may cause seizure activity. If your dog survives the initial symptoms, often the dog will be left with severe liver damage and potentially fatal liver failure, making this the most dangerous type of Halloween “treat” for dogs.

Pet Poison Helpline - 855-764-7661

Pet Poison Helpline Number: (855) 764-7661 *$65 incident fee applies

Calls to the veterinarians at the Pet Poison Helpline increase by 12 percent during the week of Halloween, making it the call center’s busiest time of year. If you suspect your pet has ingested something poisonous, call your veterinarian or the Helpline (1-(855)-764-7661) sooner rather than later. It is easier, less expensive, and safer for your pet to be treated earlier. When he’s showing severe symptoms of distress or poisoning from Halloween candy treatment can be costly and more risky.

 

Halloween Candy Safety

Top 3 Halloween Costume Safety Tips For Your Pets Header

Top 3 Halloween Costume Safety Tips For Your Pets

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Top 3 Halloween Costume Safety Tips For Your Pets Header

 

Halloween is fast approaching and we’re all busy planning. There is no doubt costumes are on our minds; whether it’s for yourself, your kids or your fur-babies. And it’s a whole lot of fun dressing up for Halloween. However, there are some Halloween costume safety tips for pets you need to know about.

1. Comfort is key

A lot of times Halloween can be chilly. Use an old jacket or sweater for a pet costume to keep them warm and festive. Something along the lines of a superhero, or firefighter would be good; simple and sweet, but most importantly comfortable for your pet. It needs to be loose fitting, but snug enough

Dog in Pumpkin Halloween Costume

istolethetv from Hong Kong, China, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

that they don’t trip on it.

2. Watch out for choking hazards

Tying on hats or scarves can be super cute too, but make sure you watch them to avoid getting stuck or having the tie wrap around their neck too tightly. Also, avoid costumes where there can chew off small pieces which could cause them to choke or have gestational issues.

3. Keep an eye on them at all times

This is the biggest Halloween costume safety tip for pets. Make sure to watch your pet carefully for signs of discomfort. You know how miserable it is to be stuck in an uncomfortable outfit. If your dog seems to be suffering for the sake of fashion, maybe it’s time to snap a quick pic for the memory book. Then let sleeping dogs lie for the rest of the night.

When you research pet costumes online, you will undoubtedly run into people say that dressing up your pet for Halloween is cruel. They say your pets don’t understand why or what is going on.  Other people love it because it can be in good fun and it’s a great time to make wonderful memories with the family.

Overall, it’s best to use your judgement and make sure to keep an eye on how they react to the costume.  If your pet is accustomed to clothing, then dressing up in a costume could be a breeze for them.  But, if the costume seems to cause them stress or is a bother to them, then maybe it’s best to leave the costume at home.

There are some great ideas for extremely easy and stress-free costumes for your pets, so make sure to check back and see what other ideas we’ve put together for you this Halloween! If you’re still not sure what your pet should dress up as, check out stores like PetSmart for their costume selections.

Where are emergency vet clinics in the Fort Collins Area?

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Unfortunately, accidents can and do happen. And when they do, you have to act fast. That’s why it’s imperative to have a quick go to list of emergency vet clinics. If you think your pet is acting strange or is very ill, they may need immediate attention. Here are a few for seeking immediate medical attention for you pet.

  • Difficulty breathing
  • Profound weakness or collapse
  • Seizures
  • Obvious signs of trauma
  • Protracted vomiting/diarrhea (especially if bloody)
  • Signs of pain or extreme restlessness and vocalization
  • Ingestion of a known toxin
  • Hindquarter paralysis
  • Abnormal urination

Our top choices for emergency vet clinics in the Fort Collins and Loveland area.

Fort Collins Veterinarian Emergency and Rehabilitation – Our favorite for the Fort Collins area

 

Aspen Grove Veterinarian Care

 

The Pet Wellness Clinic

VCA Veterinary Specialists of Colorado 

Four Season Veterinary Specialists  – Our favorite for the Loveland area

Colorado State – Veterinary Teaching Hospital

Always be prepared for an emergency

Being prepared in an emergency can help save your pet’s life. That’s why you need to make sure to always keep them on a leash when you’re outside. If you’re outside after dark use a reflective leash and take a flashlight. Moreover, take a minute to re-evaluate how “pet-proof” is your home. Remove toxic chemicals and plants from areas pets can reach. If they can’t get to them, they can’t ingest them.

Also, never leave them unattended for extended periods of time. Even the most relaxed pet can get into mischief if they are bored. Hire a pet sitter when you’re going out of town or on an extra-long day trip. We’d love to set you up with one of our awesome Wet Noses Pet Sitters to help ensure that your pet is safe. Just give us a call any time you need it!