Tag Archive for: dog walker

Keeping Your Dog Fit

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Even more so than human beings, dogs require regular exercise to remain healthy, happy and out of mischief. Not only does a playful romp tire him out – making him less inclined to destructive behavior – but it also increases his serotonin production, a neurotransmitter that helps prevent depression and anxiety, as well as control appetite. When beginning a new exercise routine with your pooch, take it slow and take frequent breaks to allow him to drink fresh water (it’s a good idea to encourage him to drink water prior to an activity to maintain hydration).

How how can you make sure your are keeping your dog fit? Here are some tips from your Fort Collins pet sitter:

Go for walks 

Begin with short walks, then increase the duration as your dog seems more comfortable

Take your dog on a hike 

Most trails in Larimer county allow dogs on the trails ( a few don’t so be sure to look up the trail you are headed to), take your dog with you. Start with a short flat hike, then you can increase length and incline as your dog gets more in shape.

Play fetch

This one seems pretty intuitive but all that toy chasing burns a lot of calories. Try a few different toys to see which one your dog likes to fetch best, then get out and play. Start with a ten minute session then increase the time by five minutes each time you play or until your pup gets too tired. And don’t worry if your dog does not bring the toy back as long as he chases it, he is burning calories.

Almost every activity that gets your dog up and moving is good exercise for him. Be sure to try a few different activities and find one that both you and your dog enjoy.

 

Colorado Heartworm Cases on the Rise

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Local veterinarians in Colorado have begun routinely testing their pet patients for heartworms, due to an increase of the parasites found in our beloved pets.

Although still relatively uncommon in our state, over 75 percent of vets in Colorado have seen cases of heartworm disease in the pets they treat. The escalation has been linked to adopted “imports” of dogs and cats originating from the Caribbean and U.S. states with a high mosquito population.  For example, in the Bahamas, nearly 90 percent of the street dogs are infected.  When an infected animal is rescued and relocated, the disease can be introduced to the local mosquito population, boosting the odds of then-infected mosquitos biting a local animal and injecting the infected blood. From there, heartworms – which can reach up to one foot in length – can develop and, left untreated, will continue to grow within the animal’s heart and lungs, resulting in a fatal infestation.

A simple test can detect the presence of heartworms, which can be treated with a series of injections that kill the worms in dogs; unfortunately, there is no treatment for infected cats. However, since cats aren’t typical hosts for the parasites, most of the worms in a cat won’t survive to adulthood. Be that as it may, the key for keeping your pets healthy is prevention.

Have your pet tested annually, ideally during the spring season, and speak with your vet about which heartworm preventative is best for your cuddly companion.  The preventatives also combat roundworms and hookworms.

The Dangers of Xylitol in Peanut Butter

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The Dangers of Xylitol in Peanut Butter Header

The Dangers of Xylitol in Peanut Butter

Recently, there has been a post going around Facebook telling dog parents not to give their dogs peanut butter. If you look further into why peanut butter can be deadly to your pup, you will find xylitol to blame.

So what the heck is it? Xylitol is a food additive that is used to replace sugar in many foods. It is found in hundreds of food and health products, such as gum, human toothpaste, vitamins, and now peanut butter. While xylitol is perfectly safe for humans it is extremely toxic to dogs. Potentially more toxic than chocolate.

When minimal amounts of xylitol is used are used  (like doggie mouth wash) it is perfectly safe for your dog. However, the concentrations of the sweetener in most human food is very dangerous to your dog and can cause poisoning.

Dog being fed peanut butter

What are the symptoms of xylitol poisoning in dogs?

  • Vomiting
  • Weakness
  • Incoordination or difficulty walking or standing (walking like drunk)
  • Depression or lethargy
  • Tremors
  • Seizures
  • Coma

Left untreated poisoning can lead to liver damage. These symptoms typically show up 10-60 minutes after eating it.

What should you do?

1. Always read the labels of any product you giver your pooch and look for potentially poisonous things. Only some brands of peanut butter have this type of deadly sweetener in them.
2. Do not leave gum or toothpaste where your dog can get to them.
3. If your dog does eat xylitol, call your vet right away.

With veterinary care arriving quickly, your dog will hopefully be able to have a full recovery.

What peanut butter is safe?

Many brands don’t contain xylitol but if you want to be extra cautious you should purchase a dog-safe peanut butter. Here are a few brands on the market that all fit different pet owners needs.

Pawnut Butter

Green Coast Pet Pawnut Butter @ $9.99

Super Snouts Nutty Dog CBD Spread @ $29.99

Natural Peanut Butter For Dogs | Woof Butter – woofbutter.com

woof butter Natural Peanut Butter @ £3.99

What about birch sugar?

Did you know another name for xylitol in peanut butter is birch sugar? With more companies being aware of consumers hesitancy towards purchasing products containing xylitol they have come up with other ways to label xylitol-containing products.

Birch Sugar is another name for Xylitol

Once you’ve checked your peanut butter labels, why not try our Peanut Butter Molasses Dog Treats. Did we miss something? Let us know in the comments or @WetNosesPetSitting.

The Dangers of a Hot Car

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

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

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

1. Take your dog into stores with you.

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

2. Eat outside

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

Learn about dog friendly restaurants in Fort Collins.

3. Hire a dog walker!

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

 

Learn About Dog Walks

Choosing a Path for your Dog Walk

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Guest writer Alexis, a Wet Noses Pet Sitting Dog Walker

As a dog walker I always wonder what path should I take on a walk. There are essentially two type of paths to walk on, hard surfaces like roads and sidewalks, then there are nature paths that may be made of grass and dirt. Each of these types of paths have their own positives and negatives. For both paths it is extremely important to have the correct harness and leash for your dog walk. Below are some tips I found helpful while taking dogs out for walks on both types of surfaces.

Notes for Walking on a Street

Try to avoid walking your dog at night, but if you must wear reflectors on both you and your dog.

  • Convenience – Many people like the convenience of walking their dog out the front door and on to the street. It takes less time then driving to a dog walking trail.
  • Nail file – Some of you might not know this, but walking your dog on a hard surfaces works as a natural nail file. As they walk their nails scrap against the ground slowly filing them down.
  • Cars – You must always be mindful of your surroundings and most importantly cars on the road. It can be dangerous walking in the street while cars are zipping by. So and avoid listening to music or talking on your phone.
  • Heat – When summer rolls around hard surfaces can become extremely hot and hazardous for your dogs paws. I suggest walking your dog earlier in the morning when it is the coolest. Test the surface by placing the back of your hand on the ground and holding it for 11 seconds. If its too hot for you then it is probably to hot for your dog.

Notes for Taking Nature Trail Path

Always be sure to take a marked trail that allows dogs, which you can check very easily online.

  • Shade – While not all trails are the same, most of them have more shade then walking on the street. This can help during those hot Summer months.
  • Paws – Walking on grass or dirt is softer compared to walking on the roads or sidewalks. This can give relief to a dogs paws and make your walk much better. Still be aware of twigs and debris along the way.
  • Wildlife – When walking your dog on a trail, be aware that wildlife can jump out at any time and frighten or excite your dog. It is important to always keep a tight grip on the leash when walking on a trail.
  • Bugs – Trail are nice because they involve nature, but that also means dealing with bugs. If your dog yelps on a walk then investigate the area they immediately look to afterwards. If bitten be sure to clean the wound and   watch it for any rash or swelling. If necessary you should take them to the vet, for safe measure.

No matter where you go for your dog walk, there is no doubt they will appreciate the time our of the house in the fresh air!

Need Help Walking Your Dog?

If you do not have enough time to walk your dog, or are wondering if your dog needs more walks, take a look at our 8 Times When You Need a Dog Walker. Our dog walkers are experts at picking the path your dog will love! Contact Us if you would like to get your dog out more more walks right away!

I Love Walking Dogs for Wet Noses Pet Sitting

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Ok, maybe it seems a little obvious because I own a dog walking company, but the fact is that I do love walking dogs. Even in the rain and the snow, in the heat, at dawn and at dusk. My favorite time to walk a dog is during the summer after the sun has gone down when the weather is warm, but not as hot and there are fewer bugs. But really, it is not about me, is it? It is about the dog!

Some people do not enjoy going for a dog walk, (which is part of why we have a job) so our Wet Noses Pet Sitting get many chances to walk a variety of dogs around Fort Collins and Loveland. Some dogs are small, some are large. Some dogs walk nicely by our side and some dash from one end of the leash to another. Some dogs watch everything that goes by with their heads held high and some have their noses glued to the ground, sniffing each scent we come across. No matter which dog we walk they all have one thing in common: they all are thrilled to be out with us on a wonderful walk that day! Dogs are not prone to hide their feelings and they are pleased to show us how much they enjoy going on a walk. Whether they prance or plod along we know as the dog walker that we are in the company of a dog that is thrilled to be with us, and we are thrilled to be with them! There are few things better than knowing that when you go to work that day you are going to be spending it with animals whose days are made better by your appearance. I would not want to do anything else!