Tag Archive for: dog

Top 3 Halloween Costume Safety Tips For Your Pets Header

Top 3 Halloween Costume Safety Tips For Your Pets

/0 Comments/in , /by

Top 3 Halloween Costume Safety Tips For Your Pets Header

 

Halloween is fast approaching and we’re all busy planning. There is no doubt costumes are on our minds; whether it’s for yourself, your kids or your fur-babies. And it’s a whole lot of fun dressing up for Halloween. However, there are some Halloween costume safety tips for pets you need to know about.

1. Comfort is key

A lot of times Halloween can be chilly. Use an old jacket or sweater for a pet costume to keep them warm and festive. Something along the lines of a superhero, or firefighter would be good; simple and sweet, but most importantly comfortable for your pet. It needs to be loose fitting, but snug enough

Dog in Pumpkin Halloween Costume

istolethetv from Hong Kong, China, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

that they don’t trip on it.

2. Watch out for choking hazards

Tying on hats or scarves can be super cute too, but make sure you watch them to avoid getting stuck or having the tie wrap around their neck too tightly. Also, avoid costumes where there can chew off small pieces which could cause them to choke or have gestational issues.

3. Keep an eye on them at all times

This is the biggest Halloween costume safety tip for pets. Make sure to watch your pet carefully for signs of discomfort. You know how miserable it is to be stuck in an uncomfortable outfit. If your dog seems to be suffering for the sake of fashion, maybe it’s time to snap a quick pic for the memory book. Then let sleeping dogs lie for the rest of the night.

When you research pet costumes online, you will undoubtedly run into people say that dressing up your pet for Halloween is cruel. They say your pets don’t understand why or what is going on.  Other people love it because it can be in good fun and it’s a great time to make wonderful memories with the family.

Overall, it’s best to use your judgement and make sure to keep an eye on how they react to the costume.  If your pet is accustomed to clothing, then dressing up in a costume could be a breeze for them.  But, if the costume seems to cause them stress or is a bother to them, then maybe it’s best to leave the costume at home.

There are some great ideas for extremely easy and stress-free costumes for your pets, so make sure to check back and see what other ideas we’ve put together for you this Halloween! If you’re still not sure what your pet should dress up as, check out stores like PetSmart for their costume selections.

Fun with Your Dog in Fort Collins this Labor Day Weekend

/in /by

 

Looking for some Fort Collins fun with your dog this Labor Day Weekend? After all, it is the perfect time to spend an extra day off with our loved ones, furry friends included! Here are some of the great events we’ve found in and around Fort Collins you should check out this Labor Day Weekend.

 

Spring Canyon Community Park

labor day weekend

Your entire family, dog included, can enjoy a fun filled day at the Spring Canyon Park in Fort Collins.  They have a playground, tennis courts, trails and one of the biggest and best dog parks around. Plus, if your dog loves to swim there is a pond inside the dog park for them to enjoy.

Take a Hike

labor day weekend

Hit the trails and get some fresh air with your dog in one of Fort Collins’ many awesome trails. It’s never a bad idea to unplug and connect with nature. Check out the Wet Noses Pet Sitting Top Trails to find one perfect for you and your dog. And don’t forget to read up on these Important Item to Bring Hiking as well.

Grab a Bite to Eat

labor day weekend

Go out for lunch, but pick a place where your dog can tag along. Fort Collins has a ton of pet-friendly patios where your dog is welcome. Don’t forget to check out our Top 5 Pet-Friendly Restaurants for some ideas. Just make sure to call ahead and see if the patio is open for dogs that day. If they are then usually they will bring your dog a water and sometimes even have treats on the menu for them.

 

Do you have Labor Day plans with your dog? Let us know what your plans are and don’t forget to book services in case you’re out of town!

The History of Cartoon Dogs

/0 Comments/in /by

 

America loves dogs in films and on television. We also seem to love dogs in the pages of the Sunday funnies and in animation. We can’t list all of the cartoon dogs that have made some kind of impact on American pop culture. Because that could fill an entire book. Here, however, is a small who’s who list of cartoon dogs that have been popular in cartoons over the years.

36216541924 – Sandy

Fans of Harold Gray’s comic strip Little Orphan Annie fondly remember Annie’s dog Sandy. Although Sandy never had much to say except the occasional panel-ending “ARF!” she was loved nonetheless. And often she was able to help Annie out of tough scrapes when fighting Nazis or investigating haunted houses.

1207701950 – Snoopy

Easily the most recognizable cartoon dog in American history is Snoopy. The real star of Charles Schultz’s Peanuts is an American icon.  Snoopy stole the show in every Peanuts strip he appeared in.  He fought the Red Baron from the top of his dog house. And he was the proud owner of original paintings by both Vincent Van Gogh and an Andrew Wyeth (the Van Gogh was sadly destroyed by fire), never quite finished his novel but typed the opening line “it was a dark and stormy night” countless times, and had a twin brother named Spike who lived in the desert outside Needles, California. Not bad for a Beagle.

8630261980’s – Odie

It is nearly impossible not to love Odie, the relatively stupid, completely mute (he doesn’t even think in words), and incessantly slobbering canine companion of Garfield the cat in the Jim Davis strip Garfield. Odie was there simply to be abused by Garfield, no doubt about it, but there are plenty of times in the history of the comic that we get to see just how important the little dog is to the titular chubby cat.

54260601990 – Santa’s Little Helper

What better pet for the misfit Simpson family than Santa’s Little Helper, a weary greyhound that couldn’t win a race if his life depended on it? From the Christmas themed pilot episode of The Simpsons to the episodes airing today (as of this writing the show is in its 16th season), SLH has been a fixture in the constantly expanding Simpsons universe. Who can forget SLH destroying Homer’s prized giant cookie, learning to talk in an effort to distract the family’s attention away from their “new” dog Laddie, and being trained as an attack hound by Mr. Burns and the not quite in the closet Waylon Smithers? Santa’s Little Helper is everything the Simpson family dog should be and more. Watch for his Snoopy imitation at the end of one of the series’ famous Treehouse of Horror Halloween episodes.

Travel Safely With Your Pet

/in , /by

 

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

Get them ready for the trip

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

Keep them safe in the car

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

Pack a travel kit

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

Update ID’s and/or microchips

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

Never leave them alone in a car

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

 

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

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

How Late Can I Cancel a Dog Walk?

/in , , /by

 

 

When can I cancel a dog walk?

If you are a client of Wet Noses Pet Sitting then you will want to know how to cancel a dog walking appointment. Everyone has to do it at some point, due to weather, illness, or just a change of plans.

  • To get credit for the walk, or not be charged – cancel by 7 am the day of the dog walk.
  • After 7 am, you will be charged for the dog walking appointment. At that point, the sitter has set aside the time for your visit and we are not able to fill the spot.
  • You are never charged if you cancel a dog walk due to an “Act of God” such as extreme weather or a government shutdown.

How do I cancel a dog walk?

  • If you are cancelling more than 48 hours in advance, you can cancel a scheduled dog walking appointment by logging into your account and just cancelling the appointment.
  • If you are cancelling within 48 hours, contact us directly to cancel a dog walk. That way we can notify the sitter directly of the change.

Wet Noses Pet Sitting strives on making our clients happy, but our schedules can be tight. That’s why we ask that you use consideration and cancel an appointment for a walk as soon as possible. This allows us to fill the spot for your sitter and adjust schedules as needed. Although we understand that unexpected situations arise that change plans!

Important Items to Bring When Hiking with Your Dog

/0 Comments/in , , /by

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

 

Doggy Backpack

Image result for dog backpack

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

Collapsible Food and Water Bowls

Image from Amazon

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

Paw Protecting Dog Booties

Image from Amazon

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

 

Heavy Duty Waste Bags

Image from Amazon

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

 

Me & My Dog Medical Kit

Image from Amazon

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

 

Other things to consider

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

 

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

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

 

Will You Watch My Dog if She is in Heat?

/in , , /by

 

We often have clients ask, will we watch your dog when she is in heat? Well, the short answer is yes. The long answer is that there are a lot of stipulations we require in order to make this safe. We will try to cover all of the details here and definitely feel free to contact us if you have further questions.

Our primary concerns with dogs in heat are safety and time.

At Wet Noses Pet Sitting we want to be overly safe. We make sure we do not run into any problems, so we have put together these rules:
  1. Dogs that are in heat will only be exercised under supervision within their own yard.  This means that they will not be taken on walks.  If there is not a fence, we will walk your dog in the immediate vicinity around your home.
  2. When the fence is not found to be sufficient (too short, dog is able to climb it, holes, etc) the dog will be kept on leash even when in your own yard.
  3. If there are intact males in the house then there must be a foolproof way to keep them separate.  Solid walls, preferable two, will need to separate them at all times!
  4. We will change diapers as long as the female is agreeable, which must be determined by our sitter before the trip.
  5. Any messes must be contained to hard floors, we will not clean up blood messes on carpet or in crates. We will change out blankets when needed.
  6. Appropriate time must be scheduled taking all of the concerns in consideration. We do require 30 minutes for dogs, but if your dogs cannot be together then we might require a 45 minute or hour long visit in order to make sure they all get enough attention and activity. We also need to factor in any cleaning time that might be needed.

I myself have had intact dogs so I understand the concerns that go into their care. At Wet Noses Pet Sitting we want to be sure that your dogs receive the best possible care is the safest fashion whether you dog is in heat, or not. Feel free to contact us with any questions!

What Do Different Colored Collars and Leashes Mean?_Header

What Do Different Colored Collars and Leashes Mean?

/in , , /by

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

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

What do the colors mean?

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

Red: (Red) Approach dogs with caution.

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

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

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

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

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

Different Colored Collars and Leashes

Photo from Pinterest

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

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

Are there any other types of colored collars and leashes?

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

Conclusion

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

4 Tips to Get Your Dog to Stop Digging

/in /by

 

Have you been working hard on your garden and lawn? Then end up to find with it full of craters like the moon? It’s no secret that dogs love to dig holes, so if this is you, you’re definitely not the only one. We often wonder exactly why dogs love to do this, and more importantly, how we get them to stop digging?  Well, we have some answers for you that will hopefully save your soil and your sanity.Stop Digging

 

Hunting prey

More often than we know, there are burrowing animals and insects in our yards. Your dog is often just trying to root them out. If this is the case, you see holes in one single area, around the roots of plants and trees or in a path. Try to use safe methods to fence and force them out. Never use toxins that can end up hurting your pet too.

Entertainment

A lot of times your dog is simply digging to entertain themselves. When they dig at roots and soil they think it “plays back” when it sinks back down into the ground. These holes are often scattered around and happen when the dog is somewhat isolated from playmates and family. Active dogs and certain breeds are more prone to this behavior. So if this is your case, make sure to walk or have them walked twice a day to tire them out. And make sure to play with them using balls, disks and other active toys. It helps to stimulate them in other ways to prevent them from digging.

Attention

Sometimes there is nothing a dog won’t do for attention. And digging holes is one of those things. This would especially be your case if your dog digs in front of you or do it to interfere with whatever is grabbing your attention (like that shrub over there). All you have to do is make sure to spend time with them outside of the yard activities and ignore their attention-seeking behavior. Then make sure to praise their “good dog” behavior as much as you can.

Create a digging zone:

Some dogs just love to dig. They can’t get enough of it no matter what you do. That’s why it can be a great idea to give your dog his own little digging area. Not unlike a sand pit or play ground for a child. And it’s not too hard to create either!  We found these awesome instructions from The Humane Society on how to build your own Doggy Digging Zone:

 

  • Cover the digging zone with loose soil or sand. Or use a child-size sandbox.
  • Make the digging zone attractive by burying safe items (such as toys) for them to discover.
  • When they dig in the digging zone, reward them with praise.
  • If you catch your dog digging in an unacceptable area, interrupt the behavior with a loud noise and firmly say, “No dig.” Then immediately take them to the digging zone.
  • Make the unacceptable digging spots unattractive (at least temporarily) by placing rocks or chicken wire over them.

 

Does your dog dig? We’d love to hear some of your funny stories and ways you saved your yard from the paws of fury! Let’s us know your tale in the comments below or on our Facebook page. And of course, if you need help getting some of your dog’s energy out during the day don’t hesitate to call us! Our sitters would love to come walk and play with them.

 

Set up Dog Walks
How Does Overnight Pet Sitting Work? Header

How Does Overnight Pet Sitting Work?

/in , /by

How Does Overnight Pet Sitting Work? Header

For people who have never used a pet sitter, the idea of having overnight pet sitting can be a little daunting! Here we try to explain everything you need to know so you can decide if overnight pet sitting is right for you and your fur kids.

How Long are Overnight Stays?

At Wet Noses Pet Sitting, we offer two different overnights:

  • Standard Overnight which is 9-10 hours long
  • Extended Overnight which is 12 hours long, usually 7pm-7am

In most cases, unless you have a dog door or only have cats, we also require a visit during the day. We can help you choose visits that are best for you.

What Animals Need Overnight Stays?

We most commonly see overnight stays being used for dogs, but that is not to say that some cats do not appreciate them! If you have pets that are used to, and enjoy, company in the evenings, then overnights would be a good fit. You also may have pets that need to monitored more closely due to heath problems, or are young and exuberant and need more exercise! I have an older cat that likes to sleep on the bed next to a person, so even when we take the dog with us, we still get an overnight sitter.

What Happens During an Overnight Stay?

Depending on whether you chose a Standard or Extended Overnight, the sitter will have varying amounts of time.

  • During a Standard Overnight, the sitter will have enough time for feeding, medications and a quick walk. The same basic activities that happen during a pet sitting visit.
  • During an Extended Overnight, the sitters usually arrive between 7-8pm. This allows them time for playtime, a longer walk, plant watering and extra cuddling! During these longer overnights the sitter will generally spend the extra time hanging out with your pets and keeping them company. For households with a lot of pets, this extra time also allows the sitter to perform any additional tasks that are hard to complete during the day visits.

Where Does the Sitter Sleep?

The sitter can sleep wherever you are comfortable, but we often recommend that the sitter sleep in the room your animals are most accustomed to. The sitter can sleep in your bed, in a guest room or on a comfortable couch. Some animals do not mind where your sitter sleeps, but if you have a dog or a cat that has a specific routine, you should consider sticking with the normal bedroom.

Some clients will wash the sheets before leaving, especially for longer trips. Then the sitter will wash the sheets before you return. Some sitters prefer to bring their own bedding. These are details you can work out with your sitter during the introductory meeting. If you want to learn more about this specific topic, see our post here.

Still Having Trouble Deciding?

We have written up suggested schedules depending on what pets you have. Shy cats have very different needs than active dogs. Or Call Us to discuss schedules based on the specific needs of your pets!

Dog Daycare vs Dog Walker