Tag Archive for: cat

Tips To Take Better Pictures Of Your Pets

Tips To Take Better Pictures Of Your Pets Header

Tips To Take Better Pictures Of Your Pets

Taking better pictures of your pets is something most of us would love to do. On World Photography Day we thought we’d share some tips our sitters use when capturing that perfect pet picture. Whether it’s capturing your resident house panther (a black cat) or a speedy Italian Greyhound our sitters make sure to get your pets best side.

The best shots are taken from below or at the animal’s eye level.

There are exceptions to this but animals aren’t usually too fond of looking up. Getting down on their level or below provides the best shots.

gray tabby cat

c: Kari Shea

This lovely kitty was captured with a Canon EOS 6D.

Use the rule of thirds

The rule of thirds is a basic composition technique to elevate your photos. If your camera doesn’t have a setting, imagine breaking the image up into 9 equal sized rectangles.

File:Rule of thirds photo.jpg

John R. Daily, CC BY-SA 2.5 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5>, via Wikimedia Commons

Your subject shouldn’t be the exact center of the photo but rather off to the side a little bit. Nor should your subject fill the entire screen. Two-thirds is enough. Here’s an example captured on a Fujifilm X-Pro2 of a cat being slightly off-center but taking up two-thirds of the image.

tabby cat on ledge

c: Timothy Meinberg

Focus on the eyes (especially with cats!)

Eyes are fascinating. They can contain many different pigments and really make an image pop. Think of how the Time Magazine cover featuring Sharbat Gula uses her eyes to really bring you in. You can do the same with animal photography.

silver tabby cat eyes photo

@cedric_photography

Image was captured with a Canon EOS 77D.

Action shots are great but require a high-speed continuous shooting mode to get them in focus.

This can be jumping, leaping, running, or chasing a toy for example. If you’re not sure how to capture this without professional equipment, iOS has Burst Mode and can achieve the same thing.

running white, brown, and black dog

@madamemenge

The image above was taken on a Nikon D750.

Portrait mode is great for keeping the subject in focus and the background not in focus.

This is another basic composition technique and is easily achieved by manually adjusting the focus on your lens. For those who aren’t using an actual lens, portrait mode is great for replicating this technique.

fawn pug biting rope

@darisja

Here’s an example of a person playing with a pug that was shot using portrait mode on an iPhone.

Struggling to get a subject to look at the camera? Treats!

Some pets just need a good ole fashion bribe of treats. Or a favorite toy to squeak. You have many options when it comes to getting your photo subjects attention. Even making a sharp trill noise works!

multicolored dog bone toys

c: okeykat

Conclusion

Everybody loves to take pictures of their pets. What makes those photos even better is when the shot is amazing. Follow our tips and you’ll be taking professional level pictures in no time! If you do a lot of phone photography, I highly recommend Cadrage which simulates different focal lengths and will take the photos all at once so you can pick and choose.

Do you have any pet photography tips? Let us know in the comments and share your pet photography with us @WetNosesPetSitting or #WetNosesPetSitting. We love to see cute pet pictures!

Preventing Heatstroke In Your Dog This Summer: 3 Things You Can Do Today Header

Preventing Heatstroke In Your Dog This Summer: 3 Things You Can Do Today

Preventing Heatstroke In Your Dog This Summer: 3 Things You Can Do Today Header

Preventing Heatstroke In Your Dog This Summer: 3 Things You Can Do Today

It’s important that every pet parent know how to prevent heatstroke in your dog or cat. Even as temperatures start to cool, your it can still get too hot for your pets and cause heatstroke. But what exactly is heatstroke? “Heatstroke is a term commonly used for hyperthermia or elevated body temperature.” [Source] Heatstroke can be recognized by:

  • Elevated breathing rates;
  • Dry or sticky gums;
  • Abnormal gum color or busing in the gums;
  • Lethargic behavior or disoriented behavior;
  • Seizures

While these aren’t the only visible signs of heatstroke it’s important to be able to recognize the more common ones so you can act quickly. If you feel your pet is suffering from heatstroke, get them into a shaded or cool area and contact your vet. But we never want your pet to get to that point!

Here are 3 simple things you can do to help prevent heatstroke in your pets:

  1. Never leave your pet unsupervised outside on hot days.
  2. Access to fresh water, shade, and shelter away from direct sunlight.
  3. Never leave your pet alone in the car – even if you think it’s cool enough. Leaving a dog in a hot car without adequate ventilation is the most common cause of heatstroke.

If you know you can’t bring your pet with you inside or if you’re unsure you’ll be able to, it’s best to leave them at home. If you’re going to be gone for awhile, consider hiring a Wet Noses pet sitter to check in on your pets during the day.

 

Preventing Heatstroke In Your Dog This Summer: 3 Things You Can Do Today Infographic

By following these three simple tips you can help prevent heatstroke in your pets. Do you have any tips you think others should know? Let us know down in the comments or @WetNosesPetSitting or #WetNosesPetSitting.

How to Clean Your Pets Toys and Keep Them Looking New Header

How to Clean Your Pets Toys and Keep Them Looking New

How to Clean Your Pets Toys and Keep Them Looking New Header

How to Clean Your Pets Toys and Keep Them Looking New

Learning how to clean your pets toys is an essential skill every pet parent should have. Keeping your pets toys clean helps prevent illness in not only your pet but you as well. Who knows where that ball has been! It also can be a great way to get your pets excited about a toy again and helps to reduce wear and tear on toys.

While you’re at it, check out our blog on Interactive Puzzle Games for Cats and Dogs. Everybody knows our pets can never have too many toys.

But how do you clean your pets toys?

Use a natural sanitizing solution

The first thing you might reach for is dish detergent but wait! These types of products can leave residues that can be harmful if ingested. Using a solution of vinegar and water might not taste the best when your pet puts it in their mouth but it will be a solution that will not be harmful if any residue is ingested.

Machine-wash or hand-wash soft toys

Soft toys can become damaged if washed too roughly or even shrink if dried improperly! If your pet has a very dear soft toy this toy should be hand-washed to ensure it doesn’t shrink, seams don’t break, and stuffing doesn’t come out. Toys that your pet cares less about that are soft may be safe to machine-wash in a dedicates bag.

If you’re unsure it’s best to hand-wash. I’ve never had trouble with any of my pets larger soft toys. Smaller ones I usually hand wash as I don’t want them to end up in the “sock dimension”.

Spend more time cleaning those outdoor toys

Toys that have been outdoors have the potential to be covered in more germs that come from more sources. If your pet leaves their toys scattered in the yard, you don’t know who or what has potentially played with them overnight.

Rotate toys

Rotating toys is a great way to help keep your pets toys in better condition since they aren’t being played with every day. Rotating is also a great way to act as if the toy is new – especially toys that usually sit in the bottom of the bin.

Be excited when returning the toy

Treating an old toy like it’s a new one is a great way to encourage pets to play with their older toys. Just like with kids, they usually are much more interested in the newest toy they have been given and can use some encouragement to play with their older toys.

and finally…

Clean the toy bin

When was the last time you cleaned your pets toy bin? Not just the toys?

 

How to Clean Your Pets Toys and Keep Them Looking New Infographic

Do you have any tips we missed for cleaning your pets toys? Let us know in the comments or @WetNosesPetSitting.

Wet Noses Pet Sitting Live Q&A

Wet Noses Pet Sitting Live Q&A Header

Below is a video we filmed live in 2017 covering some of your most commonly asked questions about pet sitting and dog walking.

Transcript:

Read more

Best Vets in Loveland, Colorado

Best Vets in Loveland, Colorado Header

 

Are you looking for a vet in Loveland, Colorado? You’re in luck! Loveland has some of the best veterinary clinics and more are coming regularly, as the city grows. Choosing the right vet for you is more about their location, expertise, and their style of caring for your pets. Some people prefer a small clinic that only has a single veterinarian, while others prefer a larger clinic with more flexibility.

If you need help choosing your new veterinarian, read our article 5 Tips for Picking a Veterinarian You Love.

Here are veterinarians we have heard wonderful things about. We have included a few details but you will want to be sure to check them out and make sure they are a good match for you. There is nothing wrong with trying a few veterinarians to find the right one for you!

Blue Sky Animal Clinic

  • (970) 663-6046
  • 2713 West Eisenhower Blvd, Loveland
  • Blue Sky is a larger clinic with many veterinarians and longer hours.

Boyd Lake Veterinary Center

  • (970) 680-4550
  • 3850 E 15th St, Loveland
  • Boyd Lake also has dog daycare and boarding, if you prefer to have multiple services under one roof.

Worthington Animal Clinic

  • (970) 667-2422
  • 4212 N Garfield Ave, Loveland
  • Worthington has been a mainstay in Loveland and has expanded to have a wider staff and hours.

 

 

Now take a look at their websites and give them a call to see which veterinarian is the best match for you!

Tasty Tuna Treats Header

Tasty Tuna Cat Treats

Tasty Tuna Treats Header

Tasty Tuna Cat Treats

Your cat is sure to love these tasty tuna cat treats. With only 3 ingredients they’re a snap to put together.

Ingredients:

  • 1 Tin of Tuna in Oil
  • 1⁄4c Dry Nonfat Milk (This is instant milk/powdered milk, you could also use KMR Kitten Milk Replacer)
  • ½c Wheat Germ
  • Sprinkle of catnip (optional)

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350℉
  2. Mix tuna, milk, wheat germ, and catnip together in a bowl.
  3. Roll the mixture into ½tsp-sized balls.
  4. Place balls onto a greased baking sheet or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  5. Flatter with a fork to give them a crinkle-top look.
  6. Bake for 15 minutes and let cool.
  7. Store in an airtight container.

Tasty Tuna Treats Recipe Card

Did you try out these tasty tuna cat treats? Let us know in the comments or @WetNosesPetSitting or #WetNosesPetSitting. We’d love to see how they turned out for you!

Try out our other cat recipe Tuna Yum Yums.

5 More Cat Products Every Cat Needs In Their Life

5 More Cat Products EVery Cat Needs in Their Life Header

5 More Cat Products Every Cat Needs In Their Life

If you read our last blog you might be looking for more cat products every cat needs in their life. Thankfully, spoiling my cats is practically my other job. Here are 5 more cat products every cat needs in their life.

1. P.L.A.Y. Pet Tent

I’m a huge fan of pet tents, not just P.L.A.Y. (Little Dove makes some adorable mini tents for pets). These tents provide a safe space for your feline companion to retreat to whenever they want. Plus they are aesthetically pleasing.

Pet Teepee Classic @ $69.99

If the $70 price tag is off-putting, I also recommend the Arkmiido Tent for $37.88.

2. P.L.A.Y. Lounge Bed & Matching Throw Pillow

P.L.A.Y. pet tents are great but what if you and your cat could have matching beds? If your cat isn’t a fan of tents, P.L.A.Y. has these adorable lounge beds that you can order a matching pillow for yourself! How cute is that?

Bamboo Lounge Bed Starting @ $108.99

P.L.A.Y. Pet-Proof Pillows @ $34.90

3. from The Field Ultimate Blend Silver Vine/Catnip Mix Tub

Did you know that not all cats are effected by catnip? If your cat doesn’t usually react to catnip try silver vine. Silver vine is in the same family as catnip but cat owners have found success with silver vine when catnip didn’t work. I put my cats toys into a Ziploc bag with some of this catnip, shake it up, and that refreshes them. I also have the spray which is great for toys where the catnip doesn’t stick well.

from The Field Ultimate Blend Silver Vine/Catnip Mix Tub on Amazon @ $7.99/2oz

4. Chilly Dog BarnYarn Cat Toys

These toys are great and sometimes they feature characters! I have one that’s Chicken Little, Pink Panther, and Winne the Pooh.

BarnYarn Animals 2-Pack Cat Toy @ $6.99

And if you cat goes nuts for these (or if you have a lot of felines) they do sell them by the case!

5. Litter Genie

While not technically for your cat to play with and use on their own, this little device is sure to make the chore of litter box cleaning so much easier. Only downside is you have to buy the refills at around $10 a refill it can get pricey.

Litter Genie Plus Cat Litter Disposal System in Silver, 8&quot; L X 8&quot; W X 17&quot; H | Petco

Litter Genie (Prices Vary)
I don’t recommend buying this product off of Amazon because I’m found it either is a) Out of stock b) Way overpriced. I bought mine earlier this year for around $15. If they’re trying to sell you the unit and one refill for $70 shop elsewhere. Petco and Target also sell Litter Genies.

What products can’t your cat live without? Should we make a list of 5 more products? Let us know in the comments or @WetNosesPetSitting or #WetNosesPetsitting

Foods that are Toxic to Pets Header

Foods That Are Toxic to Pets

Foods that are Toxic to Pets HeaderFoods That Are Toxic to Pets

There are many foods our pets can eat but there also are many foods that are toxic to pets. We’ve compiled a short list of the most common toxic foods to pets that you may have in your home.

  • Alcohol
  • Apple Seeds
  • Avocado
  • Cherry Pits
  • Chives: Chives can lead to the rupturing of red blood cells which can result in anemia.
  • Chocolate: Chocolate is especially bad but you should avoid all candy. Including ones that contain xylitol.
  • Coffee: This includes the grounds, beans, and candy containing coffee.
  • Garlic
  • Grapes and Raisins: Grapes and raisins can lead to kidney failure.
  • Hops
  • Macadamia Nuts
  • Onions and Onion Powder
  • Rhubarb Leaves: Rhubarb leaves contain oxalic acid which can cause tremors, kidney failure, and comas.
  • Walnuts
  • Xylitol: A common sugar-free sweetener, often found in chewing gum, commercial baked goods, and peanut butter that can cause life-threatening liver failure.
  • Yeast Dough: Yeast will continue to expand inside your pets stomach which can cause gastrointestinal issues.

If your pet is suspected to have ingested any of these or any listed on the Humane Society’s website, call the Pet Poison Helpline and seek veterinary care immediately.

Foods that are Toxic to Pets Infographic

Just curious about what foods are toxic to pets? It’s best to be prepared. See our what to do if you think your pet has been poisoned blog for more preventative information.

How to Help Your Cat With Anxiety Header

How To Help Your Cat With Anxiety

How to Help Your Cat With Anxiety Header

How To Help Your Cat With Anxiety

How to help your cat with anxiety? It’s a question a lot of cat parents ask – myself included. If I’m gone for more than 6 days one of my cats gets a urinary blockage. Here are some ways you can help with anxious pets.

1. Distractions, distractions, distractions

When does your cat seem to be the most anxious? Is it right after you leave? Or when they wake up from a nap and nobody is there? Sometimes having a distraction is the best thing for them. We have a whole blog on interactive puzzle games. These toys can provide just enough distraction to get you out of the house or keep your cat distracted from their anxiety.

2. Add more litter boxes

They say you should have 1.5 litter boxes per cat. Since you can’t have half of a litter box you should have two if you have one cat, three if you have two cats, five if you have four cats, and so on. Count how many litter boxes you have and if you’re cleaning them often enough. Any litter box will do! Some cat owners want to have one or two really nice ones and then an extra, cheaper one. If cleaning the litter box is the issue, we have some products we recommend to help make the chore a little less worse.

3. ThunderShirt

You may have heard of ThunderShirt before. It essentially works the same way swaddling a baby calms them down. The biggest downside to ThunderShirt is it needs to be on your cat prior to the stressful situation so it won’t be as effective if their anxiety is unplanned. These work best for events like Fourth of July or New Years when you know stressors such as fireworks will be happening.

T02-HGS | T02-HGM | T02-HGL

ThunderShirt for Cats @ $39.95

4. Pheromones

Pheromones are much different from essential oils. Essential oils can actually be toxic to pets, but pheromones (produced synthetically) can help provide an anxious pet relief. Adaptil is the dog version and Feliway is the cat version. The dog version will not work for cats and vice versa.

The classic diffuser is great for open floor plans or large rooms as they cover 750sqft. If you have a large house or many closed off rooms, you may need to invest in multiple diffusers. You can learn more about the Feliway Classic Home Diffuser on their website. They also produce a collar and travel sprays for pets on the go or when a diffuser isn’t a viable option.

SENTRY PET CARE Calming Collar for Cats on Amazon @ $19.99

5. Calming Sprays

Calming sprays can also be a good option if your cat likes to hang out in one specific area. These don’t require being changed out monthly, only when they’re empty, nor putting a collar onto your pet.

 

Feliway Cat Calming Pheromone Spray @ $20.59

6. Calming Chews

Calming chews can be bought over-the-counter at most pet stores. These chews aren’t as strong as something you’d get from the vet but provide a natural way to help calm your cat. Depending on which one you choose they may be hard or soft treats. Some brands also include hemp seed oil.

https://mk0naturvetu63rlyrme.kinstacdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Quiet_Moments_Plus_Melatonin_Cat_SC_Cup_60ct_NV_REV1120.jpg

Quiet Moments® Cat Soft Chew on Amazon @ $9.99

7. CBD Oil

Cat owners have found varying success with CBD Oil helping their pet with anxiety and you may as well if you’re looking for a more holistic and natural approach to managing your pets anxiety. Before starting CBD Oil make sure to talk with your vet, especially if your pet is on any medication, to make sure it’s safe to give them. There’s lots of different brands out there and methods of delivery, you’re sure to find one that fits you and your cats needs. Some brands to start your research are:

8. Consider talking with your vet

Just like with people, some cats need anxiety medication to help manage their anxiety. Pets can’t articulate how they’re feeling but if you’ve tried all of the above ways it may be time to have a discussion with your vet. Make sure you discuss you and your pets needs. Do they need a slight sedative or something stronger? Is there a liquid option if your cat doesn’t take pills? Don’t have a regular vet? We have you covered. Here’s our 5 tips for picking a veterinarian you love.

Do you have an anxious cat? Let us know how you help control their anxiety and if there’s anything we forgot @WetNosesPetSitting or #WetNosesPetSitting

How To Deal With Anxious Pets

How To Deal With Anxious Pets Header

How To Deal With Anxious Pets

How do you deal with anxious pets? It’s a question a lot of pet parents ask – myself included. If I’m gone for more than 6 days one of my cats gets a urinary blockage. Here are some ways you can help with anxious pets.

1. Distractions, distractions, distractions

When does your pet seem to be the most anxious? Is it right after you leave? Or when they wake up from a nap and nobody is there? Sometimes having a distraction is the best thing for them. We have a whole blog on interactive puzzle games for both cats and dogs. These toys can provide just enough distraction to get you out of the house or keep your pet distracted from their anxiety.

2. ThunderShirt

You may have heard of ThunderShirt before. It essentially works the same way swaddling a baby calms them down. The biggest downside to ThunderShirt is it needs to be on your pet prior to the stressful situation so it won’t be as effective if their anxiety is unplanned. These work best for events like Fourth of July or New Years when you know stressors such as fireworks will be happening.

Anxiety Vests for Dogs | VCA Animal Hospital

ThunderShirt Classic Anxiety Vest for Dogs, Heather Grey on Chewy, Starting @ $39.95

T02-HGS | T02-HGM | T02-HGL

ThunderShirt for Cats @ $39.95

3. Pheromones

Pheromones are much different from essential oils. Essential oils can actually be toxic to pets, but pheromones (produced synthetically) can help provide an anxious pet relief. Adaptil is the dog version and Feliway is the cat version. The dog version will not work for cats and vice versa.

The classic diffuser is great for open floor plans or large rooms as they cover 750sqft. If you have a large house or many closed off rooms, you may need to invest in multiple diffusers. You can learn more about the Home Diffusers on their website.

Adaptil Calm On-The-Go Collar | For Anxious Dogs

They also produce a collar and travel sprays for pets on the go or when a diffuser isn’t a viable option.

4. Calming Sprays

Calming sprays can also be a good option if your pet likes to hang out in one specific area. These don’t require being changed out monthly, only when they’re empty, nor putting a collar onto your pet.

Amazon.com : SENTRY GOOD behavior Calming Spray for Dogs, 1 oz : SENTRY PET CARE : Pet Relaxants : Pet Supplies

SENTRY Calming Spray for Dogs, 1 oz on Amazon @ $22.95

Feliway Cat Calming Pheromone Spray @ $20.59

5. Calming Chews

Calming chews can be bought over-the-counter at most pet stores. These chews aren’t as strong as something you’d get from the vet but provide a natural way to help calm your pet. Depending on which one you choose they may be hard or soft treats. Some brands also include hemp seed oil.

https://mk0naturvetu63rlyrme.kinstacdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Quiet_Moments_Plus_Melatonin_Cat_SC_Cup_60ct_NV_REV1120.jpg

Quiet Moments® Cat Soft Chew on Amazon @ $9.99

Best CBD Oil for Pets Treatibles CBD Soft Chews Pet Treats | Your CBD Source

treatibles Chews for Dogs, varying prices

6. CBD Oil

Pet owners have found varying success with CBD Oil helping their pet with anxiety and you may as well if you’re looking for a more holistic and natural approach to managing your pets anxiety. Before starting CBD Oil make sure to talk with your vet, especially if your pet is on any medication, to make sure it’s safe to give them. There’s lots of different brands out there and methods of delivery, you’re sure to find one that fits you and your pets needs. Some brands to start your research are:

7. Consider talking with your vet

Just like with people, some pets need anxiety medication to help manage their anxiety. Pets can’t articulate how they’re feeling but if you’ve tried all of the above ways it may be time to have a discussion with your vet. Make sure you discuss you and your pets needs. Do they need a slight sedative or something stronger? Is there a liquid option if your pet doesn’t take pills? Don’t have a regular vet? We have you covered. Here’s our 5 tips for picking a veterinarian you love.

Do you have an anxious pet? Let us know how you help control their anxiety and if there’s anything we forgot @WetNosesPetSitting or #WetNosesPetSitting