Travel Safely With Your Pet

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After the recent winter storm surge, you’re probably ready to get out of the house and into the sunshine. That means it’s a perfect time for a road trip. And one of the best parts of a good road trip is that the whole family can have fun, Fido included. Of course it takes a little extra planning to make sure they are safe, but it is worth it.  So, if you’re going to travel with your pet this summer take some of these safety tips along with you.

Get them ready for the trip

If your dog isn’t acclimated to car trips, it’s a good idea to slowly get them used to it. Take them out in the car either in the crate or harness.  Start with little trips at first, then gradually increase the length of the trip.  This gets them used to their carrier and the car ride as well.  

Keep them safe in the car

Make sure that they have their own proper secure spot.  There are a few options you can choose from when it comes to car seat safety.  You can put them in a well ventilated crate or carrier if they get anxious or car sick, or just like to feel safely confined.  They need to have enough room to turn around and stand up in, plus it needs to be secured with a seat belt or strap. You can also use a harness and belt them in the back seat.  We like to put our dog on little booster bed with a harness that is belted into the seat.  This way he can be part of the action, but is still safe.

Pack a travel kit

Create a kit that  includes their papers (especially if you’re going over state lines), extra food, water, a travel bowl or two, grooming supplies, medicine, and waste supplies. Pack their favorite toy and blanket as well to give them a sense of home.

Update ID’s and/or microchips

Any time your pet is going out and about. It’s also a good idea to pack a spare collar with ID’s just in case they lose it while romping around outside of the car.  Take a recent pick of them and save it on your phone just in case.

Never leave them alone in a car

No matter how long or if the windows are open, don’t leave them alone.  It only takes a few minutes for a car to reach scorching temps which could cause heat stroke. Do not let them ride with their head out of the window, it may seem fun and carefree, but it could turn deadly if they get hit from debris on that can fly up off the road.

 

There is nothing quite like a road trip with your favorite four-legged family member, keeping their safety and comfort in mind will make sure everyone has a great time while traveling.

Looking for a great road trip this summer? Check out these 10 Unforgettable Road Trips in Colorado!

Important Items to Bring When Hiking with Your Dog

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I don’t know about you, but disconnecting from the world and getting out into nature is one of my favorite things. However much fun it can be, it does have the potential to be dangerous if you’re not prepared. This is even more true if you decided to bring your canine companion with you. Luckily, with a few important items hiking with your dog can be one of the best ways to spend the day.

 

Doggy Backpack

Image result for dog backpack

Hiking with your dog does mean extra supplies, so make them carry their own backpack with an extra leash and other supplies. Make sure not to overload it, the general rule is for the pack to weigh one pound to every 20 lbs of pup.

Collapsible Food and Water Bowls

Image from Amazon

A perfect item for you dog’s backpack is a collapsible bowl set for their food and water. This way no matter where on the trail you are, both of you can take a break for hydration and trail mix.

Paw Protecting Dog Booties

Image from Amazon

If you’re navigating particularly rocky terrain or if your dog is somewhat new to being outside on rough ground you may want to pack a pair of these puppy paw protecting boots. These are also perfect for hot pavement or sand.

 

Heavy Duty Waste Bags

Image from Amazon

The rule of the trail is what you pack in, you pack out. This is the same for waste unless your on a trail that allows you to scoop and bury someone off the main path. Either way packing heavy duty scent eliminating bags is essential. You may also want to bring a compact bag dispenser for them as well.

 

Me & My Dog Medical Kit

Image from Amazon

Bring a first aid kit is a hiking must, but having one made for both you and your dog is helpful and saves space of bringing extra doggy necessities on top of your own first aid kit.

 

Other things to consider

  • Make sure your dog is trained well enough to obey commands while hiking
  • Bring bug spray and sunscreen for both of you (baby/kid friendly products work well for dogs)
  • Update ID’s and/or microchip and bring an extra set of tags if you can
  • Snap a picture of your dog before you head out
  • Make sure their shots are up to date

 

Hiking is blast. But it is more than just fun in the woods, being prepared is key to a successful trip.

What trails do you like to take with your dog? Let us know your favorite trails and hiking with your dog tips!

 

How to Prevent Hairballs in Cats

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If you’ve owned a cat for any amount of time then you’ve probably had the awful experience of hairballs. There is no denying that they are pretty gross, a little troubling and also, totally natural for cats.

What causes them?

hairballsCats have tongues that are full of tiny hook-like growths, that’s why they feel rough when they like you. This tiny hooks are not much unlike soft fingernails because they are both made of keratin. When grooming, these hooks catch loose and dead fur which is then swallowed. Most of it passes through the digestive system without a problem.

However, some of the hair will build up in their stomachs. When too much fur has accumulated, your cat will often start to wretch and gag, eventually vomiting up the hairball. Since it has to pass through the esophagus, it usually doesn’t actually look like a “ball.”

They may also act lethargic, have a decreased appetite as well as constipation or diarrhea. Usually, once they pass the hairball they are fine. But if you feel that something is wrong, do not hesitate to contact your vet.

Five ways you can help your cat at home:

  1. Grooming is a key to eliminating the dead hair that builds up in their coats. When you remove it, they can’t swallow it. If they seem to have a lot of hairballs, try adding a dab of Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing to you the brush to help the coat.
  2. Adding oily fish to their diet also helps. A can of sardines or a tuna canned in oil about once a month can aid in lubricating their digestive system.
  3. Mix in a tablespoon or two of canned pumpkin to their food every day. Just make sure to get pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling.
  4. Another add-in on their food is oil. Mix in a tablespoon about once a week of olive oil or corn oil to keep the hairballs moving through.
  5. Get hairball formulated cat food. This brand of food can help fight against shedding and aid digestion. This type of food is oil-based and is high in fiber, helping hairballs not form in the first place.

Depending on your cat’s coat and age, you may see more or less frequent hairballs. But if you ever think that they are having too many or strange-looking hairballs, make sure to contact your vet about your concerns.

Tips on Choosing a Vet
What Do Different Colored Collars and Leashes Mean?_Header

What Do Different Colored Collars and Leashes Mean?

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What Do Different Colored Collars and Leashes Mean?_Pet Sitting Header

Do you ever wish that people came with warning labels? Like, “Hasn’t Had Their Coffee,” “Doesn’t Play Well with Others,” “Generally a Nice Person” and so on? That way you know who to chat with at the store or know who to avoid because confrontation is inevitable.
 
Well, people don’t have those labels yet. But there is a way to tell a dogs personality by their different colored collars and leashes.
 
There are now different colored collars and leashes for our dogs. These help us know which dogs welcome affection and attention, have special needs, or are anxious about strangers or children.
 
While as dog owners it is still our responsibility to make sure we help others know how to interact with our dogs. A simple way is by picking the right color collar or leash. This is still growing in popularity. A dog may have a green collar or leash. That does not mean it’s friendly.
 
Always ask before interacting with a dog.
 
Want to learn more about this topic in video format? Check out the video below!

What do the colors mean?

Different colored collars and leashes mean different things. Below are some of the most common colors and their meanings.

Red: (Red) Approach dogs with caution.

Orange: (Orange) Dogs are friendly toward adults and children, but they are not good with other dogs.

Green: (Green) Dogs are friendly toward people and other dogs.

Yellow: (Yellow) Nervous or anxious. If stated on the collar it can also mean up for adoptions.

Blue: (Blue) Dog in training or is a working dog.

White: (White) This dog has hearing or sight problems or may be completely deaf or blind.

Different Colored Collars and Leashes

Photo from Pinterest

What I love about these codes is that you never know what dog is friendly or not. People tend to think larger athletic dogs are not always friendly. Especially those dogs under “bully breeds.”

To name a few: Pit bulls, Staffordshire Terriers, Doberman Pinschers, and Rottweilers. These are often considered to be dogs you would want to stay away from but this is not always the case. From my personal experience, some of these dogs were the sweetest I’ve ever met, while other smaller dogs were more aggressive. You can never tell a dog’s disposition from the breed alone.

Are there any other types of colored collars and leashes?

Absolutely! Color coding is growing in popularity but so are collars and leashes that say “Adopt Me” or “In Training”. These may be different colors than what you’re used to. Whenever you see a working dog you should either not engage with the dog or ask the owner if you may pet them. Because a dog doesn’t look like it’s working doesn’t mean it isn’t.
Working dogs can help with a variety of tasks. Dogs are not limited to only being guide dogs. They can also detect seizures, low blood sugar, and can help stabilize those who are unsteady on their feet.

Conclusion

So next time you see a dog with a different colored collars and leashes, remember it may be a message. Or if you have a dog that is out and about often, you may want to invest in one of these collars. It can only help you and your dog better relate with the people you encounter.

How Do You Handle Dog Confrontations?

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We walk a lot of dogs that are not friendly towards other dogs, you never know if the dog coming your way is going to be kind. The fact is that many dogs go to dog daycare, unless they do not get along with the other dogs there, in which case we end up walking them.

Wet Noses Pet Sitters also walk a lot of dogs that are super friendly and would love to play with every dog we encounter. We still never know how the other dog is going to react or how the two will get along. It is our primary responsibility to keep our charge safe so we have a very strict rule:

Whenever possible we do not allow our client’s dogs to associate with other dogs. Period.

So what do we do when you spot another dog coming that is off leash?

First we evaluate the situation to see how concerned we should be. Is our dog friendly with other dogs? Does the approaching dog look friendly? Is the owner of the other dog present? If the answer to any of these is no then we are starting to look at options to prevent the dogs from coming into contact.

From here we are going to assume that we feel the need to stop this encounter because we believe it will result in a dog fight. So what now?

We bring our dog in close to us and we yell at the other dog at the top of our lungs.

“No! No! Go Home! Get Away!” We make ourselves look big and threatening and really “unfun” to be around. Hopefully the dog decides to go another way.

Call for the owner of the other dog if you can spot them.

We yell “My dog hates other dogs! My dog bites!” This will encourage even the most lazy or unconcerned dog owner to try to collect their dog. It does not matter if my dog is the biggest teddy bear and would not hurt a fly.

If the dog keeps coming then the next step depends on our dog.

For little dogs, this is the time to just scoop up the dog and move away. If our dog is big and friendly then we try to shuffle away from the other dog, keeping ourselves between them. If our dog is big and not dog friendly then putting ourselves between the dogs can put us in danger.

When these two dogs are bound to meet and there is nothing we can do about it then we loosen the leash, or drop it if needed, and put on our most friendly voice.

“Hello sweet puppies, don’t you both want to be the best of friends?” A happy voice goes a long way to diffusing a situation. So why loosen the leash? Most of dog communication is done via body language and if I am tugging on the leash I am making my dog more tense and messing up their communication. No need for a dog fight because of a miscommunication. Worst case scenario there is a fight and I do not want my dog to be impeded by a leash. The truth is many dog fights end with just a scuffle and no actual damage, even if it sounds terrible.

If there is a dog fight we do our best to safely break it up.

We do not reach into a fight as that is the best way to get bit. We use items to put in between them or if the fight is one sided we distract the aggressor. Breaking up a dog fight is a blog in and of itself!

Thankfully we very rarely end up with a fight on our hands. Usually by going through the first few steps we manage to avoid any problems. If a problem does arise we are prepared and know exactly what to do!

How to Support People Who Have Guide Dogs

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We’ve all seen and maybe even wondered about guide dogs and the people that need them. As you probably already know, guide dogs are used by visually disabled persons. Whether they are fully blind or have low vision for travel safety, these dogs help them traverse throughout the day. And what they do really is very special. Aside from being a loving companion, they are truly a wonderful mobility tool.

According to Vision Aware, “The guide dog is a “mobility aid” that can enable people who are blind or have low vision to travel safely. Guide dogs can guide people around obstacles and through crowds, stop at curbs and stairs, and sometimes even be trained to find a limited number of objects that are within sight when given orders such as “Find the chair,” “Find the door,” or “Find the elevator.” The guide dog user can also train (or “pattern”) the dog to find frequently used landmarks, such as a bus stop pole or a mailbox (source).”

guide dogs

How to you can help support people with guide dogs:

It is interesting to note that there is an estimated 1.3 million people in the U.S. that are legally blind. And that each year 75,000 more people in the United States will become blind or visually impaired (source). However, there are only approximately 10,000 guide dog teams currently working in the United States. We’ve also learned another statistic that shows only about 2% of all people who are blind and visually impaired have worked with guide dogs.

The reason that percentage is so low isn’t just because people don’t feel them necessary. It is actually quite costly to match a dog. It is Guide Dogs of America‘s mission to match dogs with their perfect blind partner, which costs on average about $48,000. While that seems like a lot think of all of the costs involved. From vaccinations and spaying to training and micro chipping, not to mention boarding, feeding, grooming and the matching services themselves. It takes a lot to make it possible. That’s why donations are always appreciated. Also, learn more about donating here in Colorado with the Canine Partners of the Rockies.

Lending a hand at a local facility is also a great way to help. Centers often need clerical/office assistance, puppy sitting/playing and help with marketing events. The more hands helping, the more the available resources can be used to the fullest of their ability.

  • Be Respectful:

Aside from directly helping, you can help every day by being respectful of guide dogs when you see them. Even though the seem very approachable (and are quite adorable in their vests), they are working. So make sure not to try to give them any special attention, treats or pats on the head.

 

No small act of kindness is too little to help guide dogs and their partners navigate through life. Do you have experience with guide dogs? We’d love to hear your stories in the comments below or on our Facebook page!

 

Summer Activities with Your Dog
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Father’s Day Activities to do with Your Dog

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More than gifts, Father’s Day is about having fun with dear old dad. After all, he works hard, day in and day out for the family. Taking time to play around with his favorite four-legged pal is sure to bring a smile to his face.

Help dad relax this Father’s Day with these fun activities he can do with Fido. Father's Day

Play in the park – Grab a Frisbee and hit the park for some fun in the sun.

Take them out to brunch – Check out one of these dog-friendly restaurants in Fort Collins and take Dad out to lunch with his best bud.

Go for a hike – Pack up a picnic lunch, hit the trails, and spend a little quality time in nature. Fort Collins and Loveland have some great dog trails.

Teach your dog new games – Too hot or rainy? Check out these 7 games Dad can teach Fido to keep them both entertained.

Cook them both a delicious dinner – Fix up the best bud meal of meatloaf for them to enjoy together. Make Dad’s regular favorite recipe and a marvelous Mutt Loaf for your dog!

Give Dad a new DIY doggy bed project – Some dads love to have a project to keep them busy. Pick up the supplies and let dad spend the day working on his newest undertaking.

Take a road trip – Road trips are a great way of spending a sunny Sunday. Check out one of these 22-day trips from Fort Collins and hit the road!

 

You don’t have to spend a ton on Dad to make him feel special. Sometimes it’s best to just spend some quality time together!

 

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Fleas, Ticks, and Mosquitoes – How to Protect Your Pet

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Spring is in full swing and the gorgeous weather has us loving the great outdoors. But that also means that fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes are out and about too. If you haven’t gotten your pet’s prevention medicine on them yet this year, then the time to do it is now.

  • Why is it so important?

Mosquitoes, ticks and fleas are pests. There’s no doubt about that. But even more than being a nuisance of itchy red bites, they carry real health risks.

Mosquitoes are the carriers of heartworms. It only takes one infected mosquito to give your dog or cat heartworm disease. While most pets show no symptoms in the early stages, if left untreated, heartworm disease causes heart failure in dogs and lung damage in cats.

Fleas & Ticks are also transmitters of a host of deadly diseases. Fleas transmit very scary illnesses such as the plague, typhus, and parasitic worms, just to name a few. Ticks can cause Lyme Disease, anemia, and paralysis. All of these are very serious.

  • Methods of prevention:

It is far easier to prevent these conditions than to treat them. That is, if you can treat them. There are heartworm treatments for dogs, but is expensive and can have serious side effects. There is no treatment available for feline heartworm disease, so prevention for both species is key. Most commonly you will find oral and topical medications.

Flea, Tick and Heartworm Preventatives  (Source) 
Product Chemical(s) Administration Fleas Ticks Heartworm
Capstar Nitenpyram Oral as needed Yes No No
Advantage Imidacloprid Topical monthly Yes No No
K9 Advantix Imidacloprid/Permethrin Topical monthly Yes Yes No
Frontline Plus Fipronil/Methoprene Topical monthly Yes Yes No
Revolution Selamectin Topical monthly Yes Yes Yes
Sentinel Lufenuron/Melbemycin/Oxime Oral Monthly Yes No Yes

Bathing and grooming also play an important part of keeping heartworms, fleas and ticks at bay. Also, frequently vacuuming your pet’s beds as well as areas they play and lounge in helps to prevent these pests.        

As always, talk to your vet for advice regarding heartworm and flea prevention. All of our pets have different needs and daily lives. Depending on their age, activity level and environment, your vet will help you determine which type of prevention is best for you.

What type of prevention do you use on your pets? Let us know in the comments!

Anesthesia Free Dental Cleaning – Advice from Wet Noses Pet Sitting

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You may have heard about a new service being offered to pets- anesthesia free dental cleanings. It is being advertised as a cheaper and safer option to anesthetize cleanings offered from a veterinarian. But is it really safer and worth the money?

Traditional dental cleaning for you dog is similar to what people get done a few times per year. Teeth are scaled and polished, including under the gums, and infected or injured teeth are removed. This is done while the dog is sedated to allow for a more thorough cleaning. It is also less stress for the animal and safety for the vet. These cleanings are done under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian who knows what to do if something goes wrong.

The difference in anesthesia free dental cleaning:

Anesthesia free dental cleanings try to offer a similar service, but with key major differences.

  • Instead of the animal being sedated, the animal is simply restrained. In some cases given a light natural sedative. This is similar to taking your toddler to the dentist and holding him down so that the dentist can clean his teeth. This is really scary and stressful to your pet because they have no idea what is going on. Many pet owners choose anesthesia free dental cleaning because they feel that their animal is too sick or old to get put under, however simply restraining the pet is more stressful and potentially more harmful.
  • Another major issue is that the cleaning is not as thorough. Because the pet is awake, the cleaner cannot reach all the portions of the mouth to do a thorough exam or clean in the back of the mouth or below the gum line. These are the important parts of the teeth to clean since we as pet owners cannot brush them.
  • The third red flag is that the people who preform it are frequently not licensed veterinarians or even vet technicians. This means that if anything goes wrong medically during the procedure, the person preforming it may have no idea what to do or how to save your pet.

dental cleaning

Overall, this procedure is a step in the right direction. It’s important be more aware about pet dental health. However, I feel that the risks of the procedure and the stress it would put on my animals is too great. If you are interested in pursuing the anesthesia free dental cleaning option I encourage you to talk to your vet. Ask them about details to see if your pet is healthy enough or needs the procedure.

Top Cures for Bad Doggy Breath

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Canine bad breath is a frustrating problem for many owners. While frequent brushing and a veterinary dental cleaning may solve the problem, these are not good for your dog’s smelly breath today. Here is a list of my 3 favorite ways to quickly cure doggy bad breath.

Doggy Breath Freshening treats

Theses treats are sure to become a favorite among dogs and their owners. They are no bake, and coconut oil based. Coconut oil is a nutritious oil that is good for dogs hair, coat, nails and possibly immune system. The add ins for this treat make it even more nutritious and breath freshening.

Ingredients
  • 1 cup coconut oil
  • 2 tablespoons of diced fresh mint or parsley (or both)
  • 1 teaspoon of fish oil (Optional)
Directions

Start by melting the coconut oil in a saucepan or microwave. Once all the oil is melted, transfer it to a large bowl and add in the mint, parsley or both. Mix to evenly combine. For a flavor and health boost add a teaspoon of fish oil and mix to combine. Using a ladle, fill an ice cube tray with the coconut oil mixture. Place filled ice tray in freezer.

These treats can be fed frozen or allowed to melt a bit for a softer temperature. Feed 1 per day for small dogs and 1-2 per day for larger dogs.

 

Dental Chews

My dogs is very picky and does not find greenies treats very alluring so we found another breath freshening chew that is sure to please the most picky dogs. We love the Natural Balance brand dental chews. They come in a few flavors including sweet potato and duck, and chicken and papaya (yum) and are all natural ingredients. These chews do not last long (my dog goes through them in around 10 minutes) but there is a noticeable difference in his breath.

Raw Bones

A large portion of canine bad breath is due to plaques of bacteria on the dog’s teeth. Raw bones are a great way to clean the teeth of these plaques and therefore freshen breath. I most often feed portions of beef or bison femur or bison ribs. These very effectively clean my dog’s teeth and keep him occupied for a long time. Raw bones are available at most higher end pet stores, or at a grocery store or butcher. Be sure to pick a bone large enough that your dog cannot swallow it whole and always supervise your dog eating the bone.

While doggy bad breath can ruin doggy kisses, these are 3 ways to help improve your dog’s breath. Bad breath can be a sign of a more serious health issue, so always check with a veterinarian if your dog has recurrent bad breath.