Tag Archive for: dog

Halloween Pet Safety in Colorado

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Halloween Pet Safety in Colorado

Halloween is a time of costumes, candy, and celebrations. But while we humans might revel in the spooky festivities, it can sometimes be a frightful time for our furry, feathered, or scaled companions. Wet Noses Pet Sitting, Northern Colorado’s trusted partner in pet care, is here with essential tips to ensure your pets stay safe, calm, and comfortable during this festive season.

1. Costumes: To Wear or Not to Wear?

Before dressing up Mittens as a witch or Fido as a pumpkin, consider their comfort. Ensure any costume doesn’t restrict their movement, vision, or ability to breathe. If they seem distressed or show any resistance, it might be best to skip the outfits. After all, their natural coats are already pretty fabulous!

2. Keep the Treats Out of Reach

While chocolates and candies are a delight for us, they can be toxic to pets, especially dogs. Always keep Halloween treats safely tucked away, and ensure your pet has its own safe treats to enjoy.

3. Provide a Safe Space

The constant ringing of the doorbell or children shouting “Trick or Treat!” can be stressful for pets. Consider setting up a quiet, safe space for them to retreat. This is particularly important for exotic animals or those who might not be accustomed to noise, like certain breeds of dogs or rabbits.

4. Decorations & Pets: Caution Ahead!

Keep decorations out of paw’s reach. Candles, jack-o-lanterns, and even artificial cobwebs can pose risks. Ensure that wires and batteries are safely hidden away to prevent curious bites.

5. Keep Pets Indoors

Halloween night sees a lot of foot traffic, unusual costumes, and increased vehicular movement. To keep pets safe, especially cats, keep them indoors. It’s also a good idea to update their ID tags and microchip details, just in case.

6. Chicken Care During Halloween

For our feathered friends in the coop, ensure their housing is secure from any pranksters or predators that might be out on Halloween night. Wet Noses Pet Sitting has expertise in chicken care and can offer personalized suggestions.

7. Trust Wet Noses for Halloween Pet Care

If you’re out celebrating or just want to ensure your pet has the best care during the festivities, Wet Noses Pet Sitting is here for you. From dog walking to cat sitting, overnight stays, chicken care, and more, our bonded, insured, and thoroughly background-checked employees are trained to offer the best care. Plus, our team of managers is always on standby to assist during emergencies or answer any questions.

Conclusion

Halloween is a time of fun and frolic, but let’s make sure our pets feel safe and loved during the celebrations. A little precaution goes a long way in ensuring they too have a happy Halloween. And remember, whether it’s a witching hour walk for your dog or tending to your aquarium while you’re out trick-or-treating, Wet Noses Pet Sitting is always here to help!

How to Introduce a New Cat or Dog to Your Home

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How to Introduce a New Cat or Dog to Your Home

The exhilaration of bringing a new pet home is a feeling like no other. Those bright eyes, that wagging tail or that soft purr can instantly melt hearts and mark the beginning of a lifelong bond. But as thrilling as this transition can be, it also comes with its own set of challenges. Introducing a new cat or dog to your home isn’t just about cuddles and playtimes; it’s about creating a seamless transition for your new fur baby and ensuring that every corner of your house echoes with comfort and safety. Whether you’re a first-time pet parent or adding to your furry family, this guide will offer invaluable insights into making those initial days of introduction smooth and stress-free for everyone involved. Let’s embark on this heartwarming journey together with these tried and true tips and tricks for introducing the new pet that can help ease any conflict they may encounter.

Bringing a New Cat Home

You have decided to bring a new cat into your home, how you make introductions to the other furry family members can make the difference in success or failure for all your animals and your household.

Consider your other cats and their personalities carefully. Cats by their very nature are territorial. We will look at some of the do’s and don’ts according to Jackson Galaxy, who is considered by many to be an expert in cat behavior and psychology.

If you free feed your existing cats you’ll want to change them over to scheduled feeding times. It is believed that feeding all your cats routinely together will create a shared experience that helps the new cat feel included. After your cat is used to this new feeding ritual you can move on to your next steps.

Your new cat is going to need his or her own space that belongs just to them. A spare bedroom, office, or bathroom will work. Just make sure that it has been used by you or other family members so that the human scent is strong. This will help the new kitty get familiar with your smell and with the newness of their environment.

When preparing this room for your new family member, place scratching posts, soft pillows, and blankets that will soak up the scents effectively. The new cat will feel cozy and safe when they can smell their scent all over the things in the room. Leave your new roommate to themselves for a bit, and resist the urge to bring one of your other cats by for a quick introduction. This will pay off later.

After this short period of familiarizing themselves with their private space. Let them come out to explore the other cat’s territory without them being in there. By letting the cat associate the new scents of the other cats’ litter boxes, scratching posts, toys, and blankets, it will create a better first impression and ultimately a better bonding experience for everyone.

Tips for doing this are:

  • Place the new cat into the bathroom, closing the door.
  • Allow your resident cat the freedom to explore the new cat’s space, then shut that door.
  • Let the newcomer out to explore the resident cat area as well as the rest of the home at their leisure.
  • Repeat this several times, this can take hours or up to several days. Patience is the key!

Now comes the real foundation for integrating your new cat into the family. Place each of their feeding bowls on opposite sides of a closed door. Starting a few inches to a foot away from the door will give each cat time to smell each other but still keep their wariness low as they smell and hear each other eating at the same time. Move the bowls closer at each feeding until they are up against the door on either side.

You are now ready to begin the first “visual” introduction. You have essentially provided them with a handshake, ‘kitty style,’ by letting them get familiar with each other’s scent, inch the door open so that they can see each other, and place the food bowls far apart in each cat’s respective area. By giving them plenty of space for any perceived challenge line, you can observe how they interact with each other as they eat. Utilize the same technique of moving the bowls slowly closer together at each feeding so that they become comfortable with the other’s presence.

You may be thinking, “Great, exactly how do you let them see each other but not have an open space between them?” Ideally, a screen door is your best option. It creates the best barrier for safety while they adjust to seeing the other cat. A pet gate can be used as well, just be sure to use the ones that have a greater height and have a door that you can easily go through.

After you have an adequate door try this technique. Drape a blanket over the pet gate or pin it from the top in front of the screen door. You can then raise this temporary barrier a few inches at a time letting the cats feel comfortable with their new friend in their sight line, because they have this added layer of safety it helps them acclimate to the other’s presence.

Eat, Play, and Love (EPL) is when you bring one cat into a room where the other cat is enjoying a vigorous playtime. It’s best to have help from someone else, so while you are engaging the one cat your helper can bring the other cat into this area. Keep this cat engaged in play by using a favorite toy or treat.

You keep your attention and play with your kitty and the other person will keep their attention on the other one. Maintaining a fun, consistent tone of play and interaction will help both cats feel comfortable. Do this until the cats want to stop or you feel it has been a productive amount of time. Be aware of the body language of both cats so that it is a positive learning experience for both of them.

You will know you have achieved success when both cats end the play time and either calmly leave the area or lie down in the same room. When you have happy cats existing in the same space you can break down the door barrier and begin feeding them together in their shared space.

Having things go smoothly is what the goal is here but it is good to have a few backup plans in case they struggle during this time of introductions.

  • Cats will chase during a disagreement, it can end in a closet, under a bed, or a piece of furniture. Blocking these escape and avoidance routes is best accomplished before you start the room-sharing time.
  • A sight blocker that is of a sturdy enough material and high enough to move the cats apart so they do not physically harm one another is another option.
  • If the cats are frozen and will not budge, gently throw a blanket over each one and then remove them safely to their areas.

Take your time and be patient, cats move in their own time and space, and by giving them this option to move at their pace not yours, you can ensure a harmonious and happy relationship between everyone!

Bringing a New Dog Home

Now let us see what it will take to successfully bring a new puppy or dog into your home with other dogs and cats. Understanding your new pet’s background can be very helpful in the ways you might introduce them to your existing furry family.

Many shelters and rescues will have done a preliminary evaluation of your pet to see how they respond to new situations, with other pets or people, and cats. Some dogs may need a longer introduction period than others when dealing with smaller dogs or cats in general.

For space here, we will be focusing on the dogs who are eager to meet new people, and may not have a preference one way or the other with cats. For a dog with a strong prey drive please reconsider if this type of dog is the best fit for your family. There is always the option of enlisting the help of a qualified dog trainer or behaviorist.

Discussing these concerns with the shelter staff before adoption will help you in making the best decision for you and for the dog you are looking to adopt.

Dog-to-dog introductions are best done on neutral ground. Begin by taking the new dog for a walk and employing the sit, stay, heel, and look commands. Always use calm positive reinforcement and be sure to reward them with a great treat every time that they do what you have asked of them.

As you are walking, ask another family member to bring one of your existing dogs alongside you and your new pet. Keep moving forward calmly and confidently. Each person should have control of the dog they are walking. Use verbal commands such as ‘good’ and offer the dogs a treat to reinforce their ability to walk comfortably together.

It is always best to introduce each dog separately in the beginning. Just keep adding to the pack you are walking and keep them moving forward during this bonding shared experience.

Watch all of the dog’s body language, and when warranted allow them to sniff each other as they become comfortable. Be aware of any subtle changes in your dog’s body language and gently correct any aggressive behavior. Once they have accomplished what you commanded, be sure to follow up with lots of praise and food rewards! Watch your energy and keep yourself in a relaxed, calm, and happy mood.

Markers of stressful body language are a tense mouth or teeth baring. Growling or prolonged staring. Also stiff movements with the tail stiff instead of loose and relaxed. On the other hand, the positive observations are relaxed open mouths, playful bowing or other play postures, and a loose and relaxed overall body condition.

When bringing your dogs into your home, set your boundaries immediately by making them sit just outside the closed door. While they all remain seated, open your door and walk calmly inside, then and only when they remain quietly sitting should you invite them to enter the home. Ask them to sit quietly while the leashes are removed.

Keep all feeding areas separate and have several watering stations to avoid conflict. It is also helpful to keep each dog in their area or kennel until you are sure that they have accepted and respected one another. Remove any items that your resident dog may be possessive over and introduce new neutral toys, bones, and chews to reduce the likelihood of any conflict between them.

Supervising the backyard playtime when you have multiple dogs is recommended as some dogs are just naturally rougher or more apt to seek domination over other dogs. Be sure that each dog gets enough one time with you and avoid showing any favoritism or preference.

If your home has a cat it is wise to erect gates or barriers that the dog cannot get through or over, but that leave plenty of room for the cat to escape. Let your cat determine the when and how of meeting the new dog. Be prepared by keeping the new dog on a leash in your home so that you can quickly correct him if he should lunge or attempt to chase the cat. Remember patience and simple communication with positive rewards will help your new dog and cat develop a close trusting relationship.

Puppies are exuberant and annoying to many adult dogs so be sure to supervise the pup and encourage your older dog through praise and rewards to accept this newcomer! A short low growl from the adult dog will teach the puppy how far they can push things. However, it is up to you as the leader to establish boundaries for the puppy as they adjust to your family schedule. Never leave a puppy alone without human supervision around the adult dogs. And be sure to have a safe area to put the new puppy in so that the other family members can get a break from their sharp teeth and unending energy!

Pet Sitters and a New Cat or Dog

If you have a regular Wet Noses pet sitter, let us know as soon as possible that you have added a new addition to your family. Some considerations to take into account when you bring home a new cat or dog when you have a regular pet sitter include:

  • Needing to add extra time to visits – especially for puppies
  • Scheduling an additional walk – if you now have three dogs instead of two, our sitters may need to do two walks to ensure everybody is walked safely
  • Letting your pet get used to us – cats like to hide and may take time before they feel comfortable around your sitter. If you’re not getting pictures of your new baby it could be because they’re hiding!

Conclusion

In the realm of life’s treasured moments, welcoming a new feline or canine companion into your home holds a special place. I have brought many animals into my existing furry family over the years and these techniques have proven to be valuable. While the journey of introduction may come with its hurdles, the rewards of patience, understanding, and preparation are boundless. Remember, it’s the little steps, the shared experiences, and your willingness to work consistently and positively to create a harmony of living with different animal species that is imperative to succeeding when bringing the new dog or cat into your home. Here’s to new beginnings, heartwarming memories, and the unparalleled joy of sharing your home with a four-legged friend!

 

Wellington Dog Parks

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Dog parks can be a wonderful outing if your dog likes to play with other dogs and socialize with people. Good dog parks are hard to find but they allow dogs to get out their zoomies and enjoy the nice weather!

Wellington Community Park

8760 Buffalo Creek Parkway, Wellington, CO 80549

The Wellington Community Park has a variety of fun activities for adults, kids, and dogs! It is a 30-acre park located at Washington Avenue and Buffalo Creek Parkway.

Visit their website for more information

 

 

If you know of any other dog parks in Wellington, let us know!

Cozy Indoor Fall Activities to Celebrate the Season with Your Dog

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As the crisp autumn breeze sweeps through Northern Colorado, the changing season presents the perfect opportunity to indulge in some cozy indoor activities with your furry companion. At Wet Noses Pet Sitting, we not only provide impeccable care for your beloved pets through our diverse services including dog walking, pet sitting, cat visits, and overnight stays, but we also believe in fostering a wholesome bond between you and your loyal canine.

Based in the heart of Fort Collins and extending our warmth and expertise to Loveland, Longmont, Boulder, and Wellington, we are here to share some fun and engaging indoor activities that will surely make this fall memorable for you and your four-legged friend.

  1. Indoor Treasure Hunt: Stimulate your dog’s keen sense of smell and love for exploration with an indoor treasure hunt. Hide their favorite toys or treats around the house and watch as they excitedly scamper around in search. This activity is perfect to keep them physically active and mentally stimulated on chilly days.
  2. DIY Agility Course: Create a mini agility course using furniture and household items. This not only serves as a good exercise but also instills obedience and discipline. It’s a fun way to teach your dog new tricks, and maybe prepare them for the real agility courses come spring.
  3. Puzzle Games: Engage your dog’s mind with puzzle toys. They are a fantastic way to keep them entertained and also provide mental stimulation. There are numerous puzzle toys available that can be filled with treats to keep your pup’s interest piqued.
  4. Tug-of-War: A classic game that never loses its charm. It’s an excellent way for both of you to burn off some energy and build a stronger bond. Just make sure to play in a spacious area to avoid any accidents.
  5. Obedience Training: Utilize this indoor time to reinforce or teach obedience commands. Training sessions can be a fun and rewarding experience for you and your dog, making your bond stronger while also instilling good manners.
  6. Relaxation Time: After a day filled with indoor adventures, curl up with your furry companion, a hot cup of cocoa, and enjoy a movie or read a book. The relaxation and closeness can be the perfect ending to a joyful day.
  7. Schedule a Pet Sitting or Dog Walking Service: If you find yourself busy during this fall season, worry not! Wet Noses Pet Sitting is here to offer love and care for your dog. Whether you have a hectic schedule or you are traveling, our professional pet sitters are here to ensure your pet remains active, loved, and well taken care of.

Remember, fall is a fleeting season, so make the most of it with your furry friend. Wet Noses Pet Sitting is always here to help make your life and your pet’s life joyful and comfortable, regardless of the season.

For more information on our services and how we can assist you, feel free to reach out to us. Let’s make this fall season a cherished memory filled with wagging tails and warm hearts.

Why Regular Grooming is Essential to Your Dog or Cat’s Health

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Why Regular Grooming is Essential to Your Dog or Cat’s Health

Keeping your dog and cat’s coat and skin clean and free of dirt and allergens is a simple way to be aware of their overall body and coat condition. Grooming them on a regular basis keeps them and their environment free of parasites and pore clogging debris. 

Hair that is dirty can get matted. Those mats can grow, pulling on the tender skin of your pet and causing discomfort and many times hot spots and other skin irritations. By daily brushing of your pet you spread their own natural oils throughout the coat making it healthier and more shiny. 

If you have a puppy or kitten this is the best time to introduce the comb and brush. Start slowly by letting them sniff the different tools you will be using. Leave them lying around in areas where they rest or play. This way they become familiar with them and won’t be afraid when they are groomed by you. Be sure to watch them closely so they don’t chew on them or ingest any brush bristles. Always offer positive reinforcement with yummy treats to cement this new experience. 

When they are tired or less energetic is the opportune time to begin the grooming procedure. Be sure you start out slowly and watch your pet for any discomfort or desire to flee. Use treats to reinforce the behavior you want as you softly brush them. In the beginning you’ll want to break up your grooming routine into short time spans so as not to stress them or create an aversion to this activity. 

When you routinely groom your dog or cat you have the opportunity to check their overall health. Eyes, ears, skin, toes and nails and the “under” tail areas are all important to understanding your pet’s general body condition. 

Brushing stimulates blood flow and your touch through gentle massage is a benefit to them as well. This can be a great bonding time for you and your dog or cat. Different dog breeds may require more bathing than others. However, too much bathing and you will wash away the important oils necessary for keeping your pets coat and skin healthy. Most veterinarians agree no more than once a week baths with every two weeks even better. 

You can choose to groom your pet yourself or take them to a professional pet groomer. For longer coated animals the standard is every 4-6 weeks. For the shorter coated breeds every 8-12 weeks is fine. 

When you groom your pet you’ll want to check the teeth and gums, looking for excessive tartar, receding gum line and growths or tumors. Be sure to look under the tongue and at the roof of their mouth as well. 

Nails are a tender subject for many dogs. Unfortunately for these dogs they have not been properly introduced to grooming especially in the area of nail care. Dogs’ nails need trimming on a monthly basis and too many owners neglect to make this an enjoyable experience for their pets. 

Many pet owners force their pet by holding them or controlling them roughly. This creates an all too often aggressive response from dogs when they attempt to touch their dogs paws.

The better approach is to patiently work with your dog using positive reinforcement to encourage them to allow their paws and nails to be handled. For dogs with an acute aversion to nail trims you will need to take the time to show them it can be a pleasant experience instead of a fearful or stressful one. 

There are some excellent ways to distract your dog once you have gotten them to accept their paws being touched. You can spread a thick sticky treat on a pad stuck to the wall or floor to distract them while you trim the nails. These are called lick mats and are very effective in keeping your pet distracted thus allowing you to safely and effectively handle not only the nails but other sensitive areas of your pet. 

With regular grooming you can identify eye/ear infections, joint pain, spine abnormalities or skin issues so that you and your dog or cat’s veterinarian can agree on the best course of treatment to alleviate pain, swelling or general discomfort. 

Both dogs and cats go through regular or seasonal coat shedding. It is during this time that grooming is vital. The amount of hair accumulated can be overwhelming for the long haired cat and you might see more hairballs or matting as they attempt their normal grooming patterns. By being able to comb them daily through this heavy shed you will cut down on the amount of hair on clothing and furniture as well as help them maintain their coat quality. 

Dogs that don’t shed very much like poodles, will benefit greatly from daily grooming and will make the monthly grooming routine much more pleasant for them. Keeping their fur well maintained in between grooming sessions will help them from becoming overly sensitive to the comb or brush, because there will be less pulling of the skin due to mats.

Cats and dogs both self groom. One reason cats do this is to help them maintain a healthy body temperature as the saliva provides a kind of evaporative effect, thereby cooling the body in hot summer weather. Dogs will use cool dirt or wet shady spots to accomplish the same thing. 

In closing the benefits of regular grooming are detection and prevention. Bathing and trimming the coat and nails maintains the pets overall coat and skin health. Brushing distributes the natural oils throughout the coat. When all of this is done in a positive, relaxing way it is soothing to your dog or cat. The added benefit is the bonding through this mutually enjoyable experience between you and your pet! 

Why Does My Dog Stare at Me?

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Why Does My Dog Stare at Me?

Most dogs stare at you because they really love you! There are other interesting reasons why our pets stare at us, but affection for us is why our dogs seem to do it.

Staring is just one way that our dog will attempt to communicate with us. Our dogs are very in tune with us humans. They also sense our moods and can follow pointing gestures so that they can figure out what will happen next, just by reading our facial expressions!

Why? You might ask. Because we impact their environment and they are very interested in what, why and how we are going to do something. Our pet have also determined the best way to manipulate us. Most pet owners will agree that their pets learn our habits. By watching us they gather important information such as, is it mealtime, or a car ride? When you pick up a leash, this tells them it is time for a walk.

I believe it is beneficial to a mutually harmonious relationship, that your pet can pick up these cues. This is why the process that teaches them basic commands, like sit, stay or come is so effective. Keying in on their keen ability to read us, is a benefit to us as we develop the higher command actions that we train dogs for.

Some examples of more intricate commands may be having them stay off leash and wait for your “come” command. Others are trained to open doors, turn off lights and bring items to their owners. Seeing eye dogs and aid dogs that help those with differing limitations learn to read their owners’ facial expressions and eye responses.

A dog may hold your gaze to let you know they need to go outside to relieve themselves. The big stare is the “puppy dog” eyes our canines use on us when they want food! Any food is fair game for this particular gift our dogs possess. They will also use this to get a favorite toy or have you throw a ball or frisbee.

Intense eye contact can be positive or negative, as it is a way of the dog to express an emotion they are feeling. According to those who study wolves the “stare” is considered rude or inconsiderate to the entire pack. A hard-staring dog who doesn’t blink and presents a rigid body posture should not be engaged.

When confronted with a dog who does this, avoid making direct eye contact with them and angle your body away from them while keeping them in your field of vision. There are also some dogs who guard a resource such as a toy, door, or fence. When coupled with aggressive behavior this is serious and you should seek a trainer or behaviorist to learn the most positive way to redirect your dog.

Staring between a person and dog is shown to release the love hormone known as “oxytocin”, which boosts the feelings of love, trust, and bonding. By encouraging this eye-to-eye contact with your pooch, you will increase the likelihood of success in their training and your overall relationship!

Just like dogs, our cats have learned to look us in the eye to show us love. When a cat is relaxed and wants to connect with you they will stare and follow that immediately up with a slow blink. You can also put your kitty at ease by reversing this and blinking slowly as you stare at them to let them know you are not a threat and desire a mutually friendly encounter!

If a cat is staring at you with wide eyes, a twitching tail and a stiff body appearance, then you can be sure that they are not feeling up to any kind of up-and-close affection at that moment!

Cats will stare at us to get us to do something, empty the litter box, give them a treat or refill the food bowl. Cats are just as intelligent as dogs and can be trained using treats and clickers. Many cat parents enjoy developing the interest their cat displays in wanting to learn new things, this is just one great way to bond with your cat!

Cows are known to stare. I grew up around cattle in our fields, and from my experience, they can stare a really long time! Cows are social creatures and are very curious about us. They get their food, water, and other care from us, so many times they are watching to see if you have a tasty morsel for them! Cows also remember people’s faces and information about their immediate environment. There are many videos that show just how sweet and kind a cow is to the people who rescue and care for them.

Rabbits, birds, and small animals all have developed the stare to engage with the humans in their lives. Many people with aquariums report that their fish come to the surface and look at them and actually seem to enjoy being touched or petted!

Wrapping this up, it seems that our pets want to connect with us. And by staring into our eyes seems to be the best way of doing it. By making eye contact with us we can each read the different cues the other one is putting out there. Communication is complex and involves each other’s body language, sound or vocalization, and eye contact.

Take the time to understand how each animal in your life “speaks” to you, that way you can develop a deeper understanding of each other’s needs and wants. Be aware of the energy you are portraying and with patient observation, you can understand what your pet is saying to you!

8 Fall Activities To Do With Your Dog

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Are you ready to watch the leaves turn gold, feel the crisp breeze against your cheeks, and immerse yourself in the magical season of fall? Well, guess what? Your furry companion is just as eager to indulge in the wonders of autumn as you are! In this blog, we’re going to uncover 10 fall activities that will make your bond with your dog even stronger.

Imagine strolling through a pumpkin patch, as your pup’s tail wags with excitement. Or picture embarking on an adventurous hike, with the colorful foliage as your backdrop. These are just snippets of the incredible experiences we will delve into.

But here’s the thing: We understand the challenges of finding dog-friendly activities during this season. That’s why we’ve crafted this guide to help you overcome that obstacle. From canine-friendly pumpkin patches to scavenger hunts, we’ve got you covered.

So, slip on your coziest sweater, grab your pup’s leash, and prepare to create autumn memories that will warm your heart for years to come.

Visit a pumpkin patch

Something from the Farm offers a dog-friendly farm for your pup to experience all the joys a pumpkin patch has to offer. Dogs must be on a leash & you must bring your own poop bags. If you’re up for a bit of a drive, Happy Apple Farm in Penrose will also be open!

Go to a park

Fort Collins is no stranger to dog-friendly parks and hiking trails. Remember to follow all leash laws as required by the park you are in.

Go apple picking

We promise it’ll be worth the day trip! Happy Apple Farm in Penrose and Big B’s Delicious Orchards in Paonia are both great places to check out. Unfortunately, Happy Apple Farm lost their 2023 apple crop due to the freeze and hailstorm earlier in 2023, but their pumpkin patch will still be open.

Get ready for Halloween

Have your dog help you make decorations. thatonedogmom has created an adorable guide on how to have your furbaby help create decorations in a canine-friendly way.

Free A Black Dog Wearing Halloween Costume Stock Photo

Prepare a scavenger hunt

Before you rake up all of those leaves, why not do a scavenger hunt with your dog? Hide some of their favorite toys and/or treats under piles of leaves and let them explore.

Attend the Tour de Corgi

Have a corgi? Live in or near Fort Collins, Colorado? Then you’re in luck! The Tour de Corgi is a corgi meet-up and carnival parade of corgis through Old Town Fort Collins. Even if you’re too late to register, you can still have fun by going to Old Town and watching the parade of bread loaves!

Free Brown and White Corgi Puppy Lying on Brown Textile Stock Photo

Have a drink

Fort Collins is home to multiple breweries that are dog-friendly. So bring your dog and have a drink of a pumpkin spice lager to get into the autumn spirit. If alcohol isn’t your thing, then head on over to your local coffee shop with a drive-thu to enjoy their fall drinks.

Take a hike

Northern Colorado is no stranger to dog-friendly hiking trails. Pick you favorite one and experience the colorful joys fall has to offer.

Other activities

Not all of these activities are dog-friendly but they can still be fun even without your pet. Check individual websites or call before bringing your dog along.

What’s your favorite activity to do with your dog during the fall? Let us know in the comments!

Fun Water Activities for Dogs: Making a Splash with your Canine Companion 

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Summer is here! There isn’t a better time to enjoy the water than when you include your dogs. Read along as we take a look at some of the fun activities that you can do with your dog in the pool, lake, or ocean! 

Dogs enjoy getting out on the water in a variety of ways. Boating is one of them. Feeling the air rushing by them, they view this shared time with you with all the enthusiasm expected in man’s best friend! They also love surfing and boogie boards. Just be sure to have your dog fitted with the proper floatation vest to keep them safe. 

Towing is another fun way to expend the energy of your pup. Teach your dog to grab the rope on a flotation device that you are laying on and encourage them to pull you around on it. Just be aware of your dog’s physical ability and endurance and watch them closely for fatigue. 

Canoeing and paddle boarding are great pastimes to enjoy this summer with your dog. Place the canoe on dry ground and encourage your dog to investigate the canoe jumping in and out of it until they are comfortable. Once you are able to control them by voice command to be able to sit quietly, you can then push into the calm waters and paddle away! The same method can be used with the paddle board. As with many of these water sports, outfitting your dog with the correct size water vest will ensure their protection should he/she go into the water. 

Enjoy a freestyle swim with your pup. Let them splash and swim around like the child they are at heart! Retrieving is pretty straightforward, throw a stick, ball or disc and watch them plow into the surf to bring it back for another round of fun. 

Dog diving is for those breeds who LOVE to retrieve and don’t mind swimming under the water to get it! Whatever the ‘it’ is they are game, just keep a close eye on their hydration and fatigue levels and handle them appropriately. Be aware of eye irritants and look into providing your pup with goggles to protect them from sun, surf and debris. 

Dock jumping is a major sport for dogs and their owners. You don’t have to be a pro at this though. All you need is an eager dog and the help of someone to hold them until you toss the object you want them to jump for high and far away from whatever you want them to launch off of. Make sure that the entire area surrounding the jumping platform as well as the water 20 feet out or so is free from limbs, rocks or other things that could cause injury to your canine. Also make sure that the water is deep enough for them to dive into safely. 

Check your local area out for water parks and pools that allow your dogs to join you. Many municipalities have an end-of-summer fun day at the pool event that your social and happy dog just might enjoy. 

You don’t have to go anywhere to have summer water fun with your dog. Setting up a dog-friendly “water park” in your yard is an excellent option. You can purchase water pads and sprinklers that are made just for your dog to interact with. 

Using some pvc and ingenuity you can make your own hoops they can jump through, place flexible tunnels for them to slide through and be sure to have on hand plenty of ball launchers for fetch or retrieve games. 

Freezing fruits and vegetables that are dog safe in ice trays, bowls and buckets and then placing them throughout your yard is a great way to help your dog maintain his hydration and energy levels. 

If you have a digger, place a kiddie/doggie pool on a large tarp and fill it with sand. Hide exciting toys or treats and let them have fun finding them. Cleaning up will be simpler with the tarp there to catch the flying sand! 

Never underestimate the fun quotient of BUBBLES!  Dogs love jumping for them and you can purchase premade and flavored ones or make your own at home. Use your imagination here. 

A day of fun and sun isn’t complete without enticing water toys and a shade station for your pup to relax in out of the sun. Check out these recommendations of water toys your dog might enjoy. Be sure to provide your dog with plenty of cool water and a shady place to relax and recharge. 

Throughout your day of fun in the water with your pup, frequently check them for cuts on paw pads or scrapes on their body. Look at their eyes and ears and make sure to dry their ears well after being in the water. Check exposed skin for sunburn paying particular attention to the nose area and tips of their ears. 

Playing with your dog in the water this summer will be fun and safe if you follow some of the basics. Watch for fatigue in your dog, always remain near them in case they fatigue quickly. Have a dog emergency kit for minor issues. Keep emergency clinics and veterinary hospital numbers close by in a waterproof packet. Bring plenty of towels, fresh water, bowls and food/snacks. 

With a bit of preplanning, whether you are going out to enjoy the water or staying home in your backyard, you are going to have a terrific day around the water with your dog! 

By trying some of these tips I am confident that you and your dog will be worn out and ready to sleep at the end of your day! 

 

Beach Day Essentials for Dogs: Packing for a Pawsome Day at the Shore 

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Beach Day Essentials for Dogs: Packing for a Pawsome Day at the Shore 

You and your dog are heading for sand, fun and sun! Before you go you’ll need to plan for a few things and pack the essentials that will make your day at the beach fantastic for you and your canine! 

Some real quick reminders, first check the area you’ll be taking your dog to and verify that it is a “dog friendly” beach. You’ll also want to limit the amount of time your dog spends in the sun throughout the day. They can easily overheat especially if they have a thicker coat. Sunburn can happen on the nose and ears as well as other exposed skin. So, if you’re using a dog approved sunscreen make sure to apply it at least thirty minutes before going out. Please read and follow all manufacturer instructions. 

Taking into consideration your dog’s overall physical abilities and body condition will determine just how active you can be with them. If they are overweight or older, take it easy with exercise on the sand. However, being in the water creates less drag so getting them in the water is a great alternative. Using a quality dog float vest will help them to not tire too easily and provide an easy way to quickly grab them should the need arise. 

To help your dog stay cool all day long check out these terrific cooling vests and bandanas. By wetting these down and placing them on your pet the evaporative effect helps to maintain a proper body temperature while out in the sun. Just remember that your eyes should be on your dog at all times in and around the water. 

Having a variety of fun beach toys that will entertain your dog and allow the two of you to have a great time playing together will guarantee a fun day! Check in with the lifeguard on duty for any reports of jellyfish, undertow or any other concerns with the surf before you let your dog go into the water. 

Bring a few leashes, a harness or collar, a water bowl and fresh water along with snacks and their regular food. You can offer them watermelon slices, apples (without the seeds), blueberries, and cantaloupe to aid in their hydration needs. Have their current tags or a GPS tracker on their collar. If they have a microchip be sure that you check or update your “current” contact information. Keep the phone numbers and addresses of veterinarians for the local area in a water-tight bag for emergencies. 

Bringing a well-supplied first aid kit that is human and dog-friendly is always a good idea. You can make your own or purchase one online. Don’t forget any medications your pet may require while you are gone all day. Be sure to have plenty of poop bags to pick up after your pooch as well as a sturdy bag to place it in until you can get to a trash receptacle that takes dog waste. 

Lay an old sheet over the back seat or cargo area to soak up moisture and provide a barrier to sand and debris. You can bring towels from home or get towels designed to wick up the water after swimming, or after giving them a quick rinse off at a cleaning station. Baby oil will safely remove tar from their pads and a small bottle of shampoo can loosen sand and debris from the skin and coat. Doggie wet wipes could be substituted for the shampoo as well. Don’t forget to check and dry his or her ears! 

Providing shade for your dog is easily just as important as the sunscreen, fresh water and all of the other amenities you’ll be bringing for your dog. Having an easy-to-set-up shade so your pup can relax and recharge before going back into the water is essential. 

Don’t forget to pack the dog paw wax  that will coat your pup’s tender feet, and help to prevent burns from hot concrete and abrasive sand on the tender pads. 

There is no limit to the ways you can have fun at the beach. Obviously swimming with your dog is one of the best ways to have a great time while at the shore. Walking or jogging is another option. Throwing a toy, ball or frisbee will keep the fun going. Be aware of what could be in the sand, things like broken bottles or sharp shells can cause abrasions and cuts to their paws. Offer your dog plenty of fresh cool water in order to lessen their need to lap up salty sea water. Too much of the “sea” can cause intestinal upset. In bodies of fresh water, you’ll want to do the same as parasites can be ingested when they drink the pond or lake water. 

Remember to maintain excellent beach etiquette so that everyone can enjoy their day at the beach with their own dogs and other family members. Watch for other dogs and how your dog reacts to them and be ready to call them back to you if needed. With a little pre-planning, you can have a “pawsitively” perfect day at the beach with your best friend! 

How Does Wet Noses Keep Your Pets Safe

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How Does Wet Noses Keep Your Pets Safe

It is estimated that 70% of American families live with a pet. Those pets can range from the faithful dog, irresistible cat, the delightful guinea pig, snakes, lizards and birds of all sizes and shapes, chickens included and even pigs!

Caring for our pets is an 80 billion dollar a year industry. Yes, that’s a whole lot of dollars and cents. Pet parents don’t side step the needs of their pets. They provide the best in veterinary, nutrition, life enrichment and all around care.

About Wet Noses Pet Sitting

The owner of Wet Noses started Wet Noses Pet Sitting in 2001 after many years of doing this for family and friends, and working in other related animal fields. She is a graduate of CSU and has degrees in both biology and zoology.

Wet Noses has a rigorous vetting process when hiring the very best pet sitters. All of them are insured and bonded. Every pet sitter with Wet Noses is an employee and is hired after an extensive background and reference check and interviewed on their individual animal experience.

Everyone of Wet Noses pet sitters is CPR certified within two months of joining their team. They undergo continued training in animal care, training, understanding body language, positive reinforcement training, and numerous other certifications.

Why you should hire a professional pet sitter

As a devoted pet owner, you want the best care and attention for your furry friend, even when you can’t be there. While enlisting the help of a neighbor or a friend may seem convenient, opting for a professional pet sitter offers a wide range of advantages that can ensure your pet’s well-being and happiness. Let’s look at a few of the reasons you should hire a Wet Noses pet sitter to keep your pets safe.

Bonded & Insured

One of the most important reasons for hiring Wet Nose as your pet sitter is that they are insured and bonded, so that you can have peace of mind leaving your pets and home in experienced and trained hands.

Regular Schedule

The safety of your dog, cat or other precious pet is paramount. Leaving your pet for long hours alone can create stress for you and especially for your pet. Knowing that Wet Noses has a schedule that will fit your budget and needs will give you the security of knowing that your fur family is well cared for and ready to greet you when you come home.

Additional Pets

Additional pets are a very small charge, and Wet Noses handles large and small farm animals, exotics and birds. There are two options for overnight care, should you want someone in your home with your pets. Taking your trash to the curb on trash day, or bringing in the mail and/or packages are all included with your fee.

Know who exactly is taking care of your pet

It is ideal when you can see exactly who you are getting for a pet sitter. Wet Noses has a short bio and video of the pet sitter you are paired with so that you can see them in their home with some of their own pets!

Convenient online platform

The online forms are simple and quick to use. The Wet Noses office staff are available by phone, email, text or online. Once you have set your schedule for your pet visits, the pet sitter assigned to you will contact you for an initial appointment to go over instructions, receive keys, and above all meet your pets!

Wet Noses uses an easy mobile or desktop application called Time to Pet that keeps you updated by photos and text on how each visit goes. Additionally, your pet sitter can text your phone directly with a message and photos after each visit.

House will look active to any potential intruders

Houses that look empty/no occupied have become prime targets for not only intruders but squatters as well. Having someone show up at regular intervals while you are away and leaving lights on, blinds up or down and making sure your home is secure is an added benefit of the daily visits or overnight stays of the Wet Noses pet sitter.

Keep your pet at home

Keeping your pets in their home environment is the best way to keep them happy, healthy and safe. They can play in their backyard, go for walks that you have scheduled and have a fun one on one playtime with your pet sitter!

Experienced team members

Wet Noses Pet sitting has an experienced team of loving, capable animal advocates who while working mostly alone in their pet sitting duties, are nevertheless always ready to step in as a team for any unforeseen emergency to ensure that your pet has the best care at all times.

Wet Noses takes the safety of their pet sitters seriously by ongoing training as well as a tracking application that lets the office know when and where they are on their scheduled visits for a particular day. You as the pet owner can sign up in this app and see what time your pet visit started and the journey (if any) while on the walk.

Over 100+ 5-Star Google reviews speak for themselves

Take a look at the reviews of current and past clients and see for yourself that Wet Noses pet sitting is the very best for you and your furry and non-furry family members. Contact us as soon as you book that much deserved vacation and we will take care of your pets and home so that you can relax and enjoy your time away.

Ready to book a Wet Noses pet sitter?

Got a new puppy, kitten or other special needs or post surgical pet? Wet Noses pet sitting has a number of experienced pet sitters to accommodate your needs.

Planning an end of week dinner, play or concert? Long hours at work? Wet Noses has the perfect solution for your needs and is ready to fill in to care for your pet until you return home later.

Today’s pet parent is well informed about the options available to them and Wet Noses pet sitting is honored to be chosen as your pet’s caregiver and we value your trust in us!