Tag Archive for: dog

5 Things To Do On The Weekend in Fort Collins

/0 Comments/in , /by

5 Things to Do on the Weekend in Fort Collins Header

Fort Collins is a beautiful place to live and you might as well get out and enjoy it! After a long week of work, of course, you want to bring your dog with you if you can. So here are 5 things you can do in Fort Collins on the weekends, some with your dog and some without.

1. Hiking or Trail Walks

We have an extensive system of trails as well as amazing hiking spaces surrounding Fort Collins, many of which are dog-friendly. Or if you are going without a dog for the day, you can explore any of the trails the area has to offer.

What Are the Best Fort Collins Dog Trails?

2. Visit a Brewery

Fort Collins is well known for its breweries so you have a wide selection to chose from. Most have outdoor patios and welcome well-behaved dogs.

If you want to be extra prepared, check out the Drink with Your Dog program organized by our local dog trainer, Summit Dog Training.

3. Visit the Fort Collins Museum of Discovery

Our local museum is a beautiful blend of art and history. While not open to dogs, it is a wonderful place to enjoy the day, bring the kids, and perhaps see a Dome show.

Fort Collins Museum of Discovery

4. Go out to eat

Fort Collins is well known for its large selection of eateries, from the newer locations on Harmony to the classics (and new finds) in Old Town. Many even have patios where you can bring your pup, but be sure to check in advance.

Top 5 Pet Friendly Restaurants in Fort Collins

5. Check out a show

Fort Collins is well known for its music and art shows, as well as our festivals. On any given weekend you can look for a special event and stumble upon a multitude of choices. If you are looking for a good selection check out:

Fort Collins Events

Downtown Fort Collins Events

The New Scene

You are bound to find something that interests you!

 

Fort Collins is a beautiful place to live and everyone should get out on the weekends to enjoy the many things to do!

Best Vets in Greeley, Colorado

/in /by

Best Vets in Greeley, Colorado Header

 

Are you looking for a vet in Greeley, Colorado? You’re in luck! Folks in Greeley love their pets and the quality of veterinary care reflects that. There are some wonderful vets to chose from! Choosing the right vet for you is more about their location, expertise, and their style of caring for your pets. I personally prefer a small clinic and am willing to drive across town, but you may prefer a large clinic with longer hours or a clinic that is close.

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

Here is a list of veterinarians that 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!

Alpine Veterinary Hospital

  • (970) 352-8835
  • 131 North 35th Ave, Greeley, CO 80634
  • Alpine Veterinary Hospital is a smaller clinic with a single veterinarian.

Edwards Veterinary Care

  • (970) 515-6405
  • 5240 W 9th Street Dr, Suite 400, Greeley, CO 80634
  • Edwards Veterinary Clinic is a small clinic with personalized care.

Highland Hills Pet Hospital

  • (970) 330-3332
  • 5592 West 19th St, Greeley, CO 80634
  • Highland Hills Pet Hospital is a single vet clinic that offers personalized care.

Sheep Draw Veterinary Hospital

  • (970) 351-0936
  • 6297 W 10th St, Greeley, CO 80634
  • Sheep Draw Veterinary Hospital is a larger clinic providing services to a wide variety of pets.

St Michaels Companion Animal Hospital

  • (970) 330-9400
  • 2914 67th Ave Suite 102, Greeley, CO 80634
  • St Michaels Companion Animal Hospital is a larger clinic that offers a wide variety of services
  • Sees exotic pets.

West Ridge Animal Hospital

  • (970) 330-7283
  • 8235 20th St, Greeley, CO 80634
  • West Ridge Animal Hospital is a larger clinic offering a variety of services.
  • Also offers boarding care.

 

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

5 Dog Treat Recipes That Your Dog Will Love

/0 Comments/in /by

5 Dog Treat Recipes That Your Dog Will Love Header

5 Dog Treat Recipes That Your Dog Will Love

Looking to make a dog treat recipes that your dog will love? We have five for you! Including grain-free options.

Remember: As will all peanut butter dog treats, make sure you’re using xylitol-free peanut butter.

1. 4 Ingredient Carob Dog Treats

Ingredients:

Directions:

  1. Microwave coconut oil for 15-20 seconds or until melted.
  2. Whisk together carob powder, vanilla extract, and coconut oil.
  3. Fold in the frozen blueberries (make sure they’re still frozen!)
  4. Pour the mixture into a mold of your choice.
  5. Place the mold in the freezer for about 30 minutes.
  6. Let set for 5 minutes at room temperature before serving.

4 Ingredient Carob Dog Treats Recipe Card

2. Grain-Free Pumpkin Coconut Dog Treats

Ingredients:

  • 15oz Pumpkin Puree
  • ½c Peanut Butter
  • ½c Melted Coconut Oil
  • 1c Applesauce
  • 1⅔c Coconut Flour
  • 1tsp Turmeric (optional)
  • 1tsp Cinnamon (optional)

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin, peanut butter, coconut oil, and applesauce until smooth.
  3. Add in the turmeric, cinnamon, and coconut flour.
  4. Let ingredients rest for 10-15minutes. If your dough is too moist, let it sit for a bit longer.
  5. Layout a piece of parchment paper and place the dough on top. Then place another piece of parchment on top of that dough. Roll the dough between the parchment paper sandwich until the dough is about 1/4” thick.
  6. Place dough onto a cookie sheet and let chill for 20-30 minutes.
  7. Remove the top layer of parchment paper, and then cut using cooking cutters. You can also use something like a spice container lid for smaller, circular treats.
  8. Bake in preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the cookies are dry and hard. Check on treats at around 20 minutes as these can be finicky. Let cool completely.

Grain-Free Pumpkin Coconut Dog Treats Recipe Card

3. Grain-Free Veggie Packed Dog Treats

Ingredients:

  • ⅔c Pumpkin Puree
  • ¼c Peanut Butter
  • ½c Applesauce
  • 3c Almond Flour
  • 1c Carrots, peeled and shredded
  • 1c Baby Spinach, chopped

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. In a large bowl, beat together the pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and applesauce until well combined.
  3. Add in the almond flour, ½c at a time.
  4. Add spinach and carrots. Mix until incorporated.
  5. Roll the dough into small balls OR use cookie cutters to make fun shapes. If using cookie cutters, allow dough to chill for at least one hour before cutting.
  6. Place treats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25 minutes or until treats turn golden brown on the edges.

Grain-Free Veggie Packed Dog Treats Recipe Card

4. Tuna Yum Yums

Designed with cats in mind, Tuna Yum Yums are great for smaller dogs too.

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup of flour
  • 1/4 cup of water
  • 1/2 cup of non-fat milk
  • 1/2 can of tuna
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil or fish oil
  • 1 beaten egg
  • Optional: a teaspoon of catnip, mint, or parsley

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and place parchment paper on a cookie sheet
  2. Mash or cut the tuna into small pieces, mix in the flour and milk
  3. Pour in water and vegetable oil, then mix well
  4. In a separate dish, beat the egg
  5. Mix the beaten egg into the tuna mix
  6. Mix well, until the mix becomes dough-like
  7. Shape the dough into small balls, about the size of blueberries, and place on the baking sheet
  8. Cook the dough for 12 minutes or until golden brown. Stick a toothpick in to check that the treat is fully cooked
  9. Cool for an hour before feeding to your kitty and make sure not to overindulge them.

https://wetnosespetsitting.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/298925_TunaYumYums_Facebook_100518.png

5. Bacon-Carob Popcorn

Ingredients:

  • 4c Unsalted Popcorn
  • 10oz Carob Chips
  • 1c Crumbled Bacon
  • 1c Xylitol-Free Peanut Butter

Directions:

  1. In a small bowl, melt carob chips and peanut butter together. You can do this in the microwave in bursts of 30 seconds. Stir in between each burst until melted.
  2. In a large bowl, mix popcorn, bacon, and the carob-peanut butter mixture.
  3. Stir slowly until the popcorn is evenly coated.
  4. Refrigerate for 30-60 minutes or until firm.

Dog Friendly Bacon Peanut Butter Popcorn Recipe Card

Do you want even more treats? Check out these other great recipes:

Did you make any of our dog treat recipes? Tag us @WetNosesPetSitting or #WetNosesPetSitting.

Best Vets in Windsor, Colorado

/0 Comments/in /by

Best Vets in Windsor, Colorado Header

 

Are you looking for a vet in Windsor, Colorado? You’re in luck! Windsor is a quickly growing area and has a wonderful selection of veterinarians for your dogs and cats. 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 with a single veterinarian and others prefer a larger clinic with more staff.

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

Here is a list of veterinarians that 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!

The Vets Animal Hospital

  • (970) 686-5198
  • 1295 Main St, Suite 7, Windsor, CO 80550
  • The Vets Animal Hospital is a smaller clinic with a single veterinarian and wonderful support staff.

Windsor Veterinary Clinic

  • (970) 686-9664
  • 415 Main St, Windsor, CO 80550
  • Windsor Veterinary Clinic is a smaller clinic.
  • Fear Free Certified

Garden Valley Veterinary Hospital

  • (970) 674-5105
  • 32450 State Highway 257 #A, Windsor, CO 80550
  • Garden Valley Veterinary Hospital is a larger clinic that also offers boarding and grooming.

The Meadows Veterinary Center

  • (970) 223-9800
  • 8030 S County Rd 5, Windsor, CO 80528
  • The Meadows Veterinary Center is a medium-sized clinic that also offers laser services and acupuncture.

Mountainwood Pet Hospital

  • (970) 686-5725
  • 1200 West Ash Street, Windsor, CO 80550
  • Moutainwood Pet Hospital is a medium-sized clinic that also offers emergency care 24 hours a day for clients.

 

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

Tips To Take Better Pictures Of Your Pets

/0 Comments/in /by

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

/0 Comments/in , , /by

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

/0 Comments/in , , /by

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

/0 Comments/in , /by

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

/in /by

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!

Foods that are Toxic to Pets Header

Foods That Are Toxic to Pets

/0 Comments/in , , /by

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.