Tag Archive for: dog

5 Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe on the 4th of July

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4th of July is such a fun holiday with grilling, revelry, and, of course, the fireworks, but for your pets, fireworks and crowds can be terrifying.  Sometimes they get so scared by the strange noises they start running, July 5th is the busiest day for animal shelters trying to home lost pets. Taking steps to keep your pets safe on this holiday is very important.

Here is what you can do to have the best holiday possible for you and your companions.

1.  Do not buy any fireworks.  There are plenty of ways to have fun with your friends and family that don’t include explosives.  Not only could you injure you or your furry friend but they are illegal to possess or light in Fort Collins. If you are using small fireworks like sparklers, just lock up your pets in a safe place before using them.

2.  Do not feed your pets any food from the BBQ, especially, ribs on the bone, chicken wings, hot dogs, or chips and guacamole.  All of these foods can cause serious gastrointestinal problems. Make sure your pets don’t get too close to that HOT grill and burn their piggies on a loose piece of charcoal or ash.

3. Give your pets a break. If you are having a party and they seem anxious with so many people on their turf, put them in a room with their toys and bed and check on them periodically.  This way they have a safe place to retreat.

4.  If your pet is microchipped, be sure it is current.  Also make sure your pet is wearing their collar, city license, and rabies tags.  This way if your pet gets lost, for any reason, the Larimer County Humane Society can contact you when they are found.

5.  Leave your pet at home. If you are going to City Park (or anywhere else) to watch the fireworks be a good judge of whether your pet can handle this much interaction with other pets, people, and strange noises.  If you think this might distress your pet at all we suggest leaving them inside with the blinds drawn, drapes closed to muffle noise, and maybe the radio, TV, or A/C for extra white noise to keep them distracted and calm. Making sure to keep your pets safe will ensure that you have a safe and fun 4th of July as well!

Feeding Schedules and Pet Diets

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Trying to establish feeding schedules for your pet shouldn’t be stressful for either you or your pet. There is really no hard and fast rule for pet diets. There are arguments on both sides of the fence. To Free Feed or to Schedule feed…what is the answer? Pet diets really depends on the individual pets themselves. I know of pets who can graze all day and ones who would eat until they bust. Once you have determined which kind, free feed or schedule, you have to start there. Does your dog eat a few kibbles every hour? Then by all means free feed them. If your pet needs a schedule then set them up on one. Morning, and early evening are common routines. Just put together the best routine for you and your pet. There is really no one size fits all.

Your pet is expected to reach 90% of their adult weight by nine to twelve months. Once they hit that weight then they are considered adults and should begin to be fed an adult maintenance diet.

Read the labels on your pet’s food and ensure that is what they are being fed. Another debate that continues is that it is the type of diet that rules supreme. Again, not a one size fits all
category. Largely, it depends on your purse strings, your dog’s preference and if it meets all of your pups nutritional needs. Kibble tends to have a better shelf life and is easier on the pocketbook. Wet food needs to be stored with a bit more care and can be more expensive. Raw pet diets or homemade pet diets can work well however, they can be more expensive and most importantly it is very hard to ensure you cover all the nutritional bases. Vitamins, proteins, minerals and fatty acids all need to be prepared in your pet’s food for proper nutritional guidelines. If you want to go that route, please work with a certified nutritionist or under the advice of your veterinarian.  Most importantly, educate yourself on exactly what it is that you are putting in your pet’s tummy!

If you have questions or are not sure what would work best for your pet, visit with your vet and discuss your pet’s individual needs. You may have to adjust and readjust schedules and diets until you find the best fit for your pet and your lifestyle.

4 Reasons to Become a Pet Foster Parent

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One of the greatest things that can be done for animals in need, is to open up your home and your heart to becoming a pet foster parent. Many rescues, adoption groups, and even some humane societies and pounds work with foster homes to help the animals adjust to home life. Here are just four of the many advantages to becoming a pet foster parent:

  1. Giving love to animals without the commitment of adopting. Many times these animals have long needed a gentle hand and a warm heart. Spending time giving love to a cat or dog without the commitment of fostering can be healthy for both you and the animal, and is very good for elevating mood.
  2. Helping to provide room for more animals to be rescued. Every animal that is fostered makes room for another in a shelter. The more people that foster, the more popular fostering will become!
  3. Helping to place each animal into its forever home by learning its likes, dislikes, and any quirks. These facts help to place the animal with a family that has a similar personality. This gives a much higher chance of the adoption working out.
  4. “Test driving” different breeds or personalities before adopting. If you are looking to adopt an animal yourself, fostering is a good way to wet your feet while helping animals. This is a great way to see if you are prepared for pet ownership. It’s a great way for you to pinpoint the perfect pet!

Hopefully this has given you some great reasons to consider becoming a pet foster parent. It’s never too early to start helping animals!

 

Father’s Day Presents From the Fur Kids!

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Father’s Day has quickly come upon us and we know there are lots of pet parents out there who can celebrate! Your pets love you. You feed them, play with them, and give them those all-important snuggles that mean so much. So this Father’s Day, they want to give you a gift to show you how much they love you. Here are some ideas for Father’s Day presents from your furry friends:

  • A wonderful animal-related book or movie can remind Dad how special his furry friends really are! (Sometimes a nice dog training book could be a lifesaver.)
  • Custom made mugs, t-shirts, enlarged pictures, and photo books are a great option and show Dad that you love him!
  • Get matching dog tags made for your Dad (as a keychain) and your dog (as a dog tag). Then they always have a way to feel connected!
  • Another gift idea is a paw print in clay or a beautiful frame picture of your kid’s paw and a picture. Or go all out and get a custom portrait or painting of your pet done in any style you prefer!
  • Get your Dad a fun toy to play with the dog or cat and ensure they both have a great time! My husband loves nothing more than to play frisbee with Podrick, so I am sure to keep us well-stocked.
  • If your pet was adopted or a purebred, making a donation in their name to the shelter, adoption group or rescue that they came from would be a great way to celebrate.
  • Finally, giving a pet and his/her parent a weekend away would be a wonderful gift. Whether this means a camping trip in the mountains or a trip to a pet-friendly hotel, this is sure to be a great bonding experience.

So, what are your plans for Father’s Day? I hope you have lots of fun with your pets this weekend!

The Lowdown on Parvovirus in Dogs

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What is the Parvovirus?
Parvovirus is a deadly, contagious disease that attacks rapidly reproducing cells. The lining of the gastrointestinal tract is a common culprit. It also can attack the heart muscle of puppies that were infected in the mother’s uterus. This is a less common form. The parvovirus in dogs has been around since the 1970’s, and spread worldwide in less than two years.
How is the Parvovirus transmitted?
This extremely contagious disease can be passed along via any animal, object or human that comes in contact with infected feces. Parvo can live for months and many people don’t realize that it can survive on objects like shoes, clothes, carpets, and floors – even your dog’s leash. This dangerous disease is highly contagious and resistant.

Signs and symptoms of the Parvovirus:

  • Lethargy
  • Vomiting
  • Bloody Diarrhea
  • Dehydration
  • Loss of appetite

Diagnosis of the parvovirus in dogs is made via clinical signs and laboratory tests. The Enzyme Linked ImmunoSorbant Assay (ELISA) test is a commonly used test. The test takes about 15 minutes to obtain results. Your vet may request blood work and additional testing for a clear diagnosis.

Preventing the Parvovirus:

  • Keep your dog up to date on his vaccinations.
  • If your dog is infected or an infected dog has been in your home or yard, disinfect all toys and bowls using a solution of bleach and water 1:32. Disinfect for ten minutes as parvo is very resistant. If you have items that can’t be clean, throw them out as the parvovirus is deadly!
  • Take care when allowing your dog to socialize with other dogs especially if your dog is not
  • vaccinated. If you are going away on vacation, an in-home pet sitter is the best option as your dog is susceptible to diseases in a kennel environment.

Treatment:
If your dog is infected with the parvovirus, you can expect a lengthy and costly hospital stay. Infected dogs will receive antibiotics, drugs to control vomiting as well as IV fluids. Care is geared towards building the dog’s immune system so it may battle the disease. There are no drugs currently on the market that can eradicate the parvovirus.

If your dog exhibits any of the above mentioned symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Your dog’s life could be in danger. Prompt treatment could be the difference between life and death of your beloved canine companion.

5 Reasons to Adopt a Greyhound

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April is Adopt a Greyhound Month, so we thought it was fitting to let you know a little bit about these wonderful hounds. Known mostly for their speed, many greyhound come off the track and into retirement daily. Though they are fast, greyhounds make wonderful pets. Here are a five reasons why we think you should adopt a Greyhound:

1.  Greyhounds can reach 45 mph in 3 steps, but in a home, most of their time is spent lounging in comfy beds or on your couches if you let them. Since they love lounging so much, they make great apartment dogs! In order to stay healthy, they only need two or three 20 minute walks per day.

2.  Greyhounds are gentle and quiet. They are sweet, loving dogs that love to make you happy. The muzzles that they wear during their races are only to protect the greyhounds from injury and to determine the winners of close races. Greyhounds love to be with other dogs, especially other greyhounds, and many can live with cats or other small animals safely.

3.  Greyhounds are healthy. They do not have breed related illnesses and genetic problems that other breeds have. Plus, they have a longer life expectancy than other large breeds – 12 years or more.

4.  Greyhounds have soft, short hair that sheds less than other breeds. This makes grooming a breeze!

5.  Greyhounds are fun! They attract a lot of attention and love to spend time with their owners. They want to do whatever you want to do, including walking, jogging, hiking, and more. Adopting a greyhound is like joining a club. There are always activities to do with greyhound adoption groups and meeting other greyhound owners is inevitable.

We hope this gives you some insight into a breed you may not have considered before. Please contact your local greyhound adoption group or us at Wet Noses Pet Sitting for more information about adopting a retired racing greyhound!

Treating Dog Asthma

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Did you know that dogs can get asthma?  Yes, it is true. Just like humans, dogs can get asthma.  Asthma is a serious and potentially fatal disease.  If you know what to look for, you can help your dog treat and manage asthma.  Educating yourself could save your fur baby’s life. Our team of pet sitters here in Fort Collins, Colorado did some research to help educate our clients. Read on to learn about asthma in dogs including symptoms, diagnosis and treating dog asthma.

Symptoms
Some symptoms of asthma are: shortness of breath, wheezing, rapid and/or shallow breathing, chronic coughing, and loss of appetite, lethargy, blue-ish gums, open mouth breathing and exercise intolerance.  If you notice your dog having any combination of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian and schedule an appointment for a complete physical exam.

Diagnosis
There are many factors involved in the diagnosis of asthma.  Your vet will want to assess your dog’s symptoms as well as discuss complete medical history.  The pooch will undergo a complete medical examination which will include a chest x-ray, and blood work.  This thorough examination will also help rule out other ailments such as cardiac disease, respiratory infections and heart worm. Some diseases mirror the same symptoms so it’s important to leave no stone unturned.  If the veterinarians’ exam comes up inconclusive, he or she may want you to keep a journal so you can log when your dog has these symptoms, the severity of the symptoms and under what conditions they are present.

Treatment
Upon diagnosis, your vet will work closely with you to implement a proper treatment plan. It will be important to first determine the cause of your dog’s asthma before a plan is set into place.  Many causes of asthma are identical to the triggers experienced by humans.  Some or all of the following may cause your dog’s breathing passageways to spasm: smoke, exercise, dry air, allergens, and dust. When this occurs an attack is set into place. The passageways fill up with mucus due to narrowing and difficulty in breathing occurs.

Treating dog asthma may vary due to the causes, severity and symptoms of the attacks. Some treatment plans include the use of antihistamines, oxygen therapy, steroids, and bronchodilators. It may take some trial and error to find the most beneficial plan for your dog but once you have found a plan that works, future management of the disease is quite simple.

Call Wet Noses Pet Sitting if you have any comments or concerns or if would to discuss the benefits of our services. We are your neighborhood pet sitters!

overnight stays

The Cone of Shame

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Guest writer Sidehill Sitter Becky
For the past two weeks, my husband has been sleeping on the couch. No, he’s not in the doghouse…on the contrary, the dog is sleeping next to me in bed with her head on his pillows with her leash attached to my wrist so I can monitor her as she recovers from her spay surgery.Everything has gone ok so far, but as it turns out, Kea has trouble following instructions from the vet. Don’t run or jump? Yeah, that went out the window on day 3 when, despite our best efforts, she hopped up onto the couch. She has those sad puppy dog eyes and she sure knows how to work it.

Don’t lick the incision? Sure, no problem. She’s actually been really good about leaving the incision alone. So good, in fact, that last week I decided to leave her alone for a few hours and see how it went. I came home to find that she had licked two large hot spots on either side of her belly, near the border of the shaved area. She left the incision alone, and the look on her face said it all…the vet didn’t say anything about licking the rest of the belly!

Unfortunately for Kea, there were a few things coming up over the next few weeks that would force me to leave her alone. Here’s what I had in my bag of tricks to keep her from further irritating the hot spots and to help them heal.

1. Time for some tough love.

            Alpha: Now, you must wear the cone of shame.
            Dug: [hangs head] I do not like the cone of shame.
~Disney’s Up

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Because I love my baby to pieces and couldn’t bear the thoughts of using the old school lampshade cone, we looked into a few newer alternatives. First was the blow-up doughnut-shaped cone. Josh picked one up at PetSmart according to the size of her neck, but when he got it home, it was actually too small. So he went back out and picked up a larger size. The benefits to this cone are that it isn’t as obstructive and Kea doesn’t seem to mind wearing it. Well…at least not too much.

It’s also got a removable cover that can be washed. However, she was still able to reach the hot spots and laying down in the doughnut looked uncomfortable for her fuzzy neck.

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2. When I mentioned the issues I was having with the doughnut cone to one of my clients, she recommended a different style of soft cone. I call this one the lizard cone because it reminds me of one of those lizards with the neck thing…

I digress. Kea was not a fan of this cone. But it does the trick of keeping her from reaching the hot spots. She doesn’t like to go down the stairs when she’s wearing it, but she moves around on the first floor ok. She can also wear it at night, which is good news for Josh because it means he gets to sleep in his bed again. The downside is that it makes Kea hot. She is ok wearing it for a few hours, then she’s panting like crazy to cool down. I have left her home alone in it, and she doesn’t try to remove it. Good girl.

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“Seriously? Seriously.”

Now that I’ve successfully prevented Kea from licking the hot spots, I need to get them to heal and dry up. Here’s what worked for us (disclaimer: if home-treatment doesn’t seem to be working after a day or two, it’s time to head to the vet. I’m not a vet…so if in doubt, call your vet!)

1.  Gold Bond. The original kind in the yellow container. It helps with the itching and it helps to promote drying of the hot spot. It’s really important to keep the dog from licking after you apply the gold bond or else it will turn into a gooey paste. Yes, I learned that the hard way.

2.  Benadryl. The dose is 1 mg per pound. I gave Kea 50 mg when I first came home and noticed the hot spots and 25 mg the next morning and evening. It helped with the itching, but it also made her veeeeerrrrrryyyyy sleepy. Sleepy dogs don’t lick hot spots J

3.  Emu oil. This stuff is incredible. It heals all sorts of ills. I used it on the hot spots after the scabs had fallen off to promote healing of the new skin.

4.  Raw bones. Kea is a raw-fed dog, so if you aren’t down with feeding raw bones, a kong stuffed with moistened, frozen kibble or peanut butter or something would also do the trick. The idea was to keep her occupied. There was one night we left her alone for a few hours wearing the doughnut cone in her crate with a raw bone to keep her busy. It worked like a charm! I wouldn’t recommend raw bones with the lizard cone because it would be messy and the cover doesn’t come off as easily for cleaning.

Now, Kea is on the road to recovery. I am lucky my schedule is flexible enough for me to be home with her most of the time. Anyone have any good post-op experiences to share? What were your strategies to help your pet heal quickly and avoid being his or her own worst enemy?

What Does Your Pet Sitter Do If Your Pet Gets Sick?

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A couple weeks ago we had an unfortunate, but inevitable situation arise – a dog we are watching became very ill.  At Wet Noses Pet Sitting we have very clear policies in place for when your pet gets sick, in the case of any problem the sitter is to contact the manager on call or myself (the owner) and await directions.

As pet sitters we have 3 situations that can arise:

1) The illness or injury is minor. We can either take care of it ourselves or the problem will resolve on its own.
2) The problem is more considerable but does not yet warrant medical care. In this case we keep a close on the pet and make a decision on care as the situation develops.
3) The animal requires immediate medical care.

So how does our process work?

If it is clear to the sitter that the animal needs medical care they contact us while loading up the pet.  The dog or cat is taken to either their regular vet or the emergency vet while a manager goes to meet the sitter and contacts the human family.  Our sitters often have other pets to care for, so a manager will take over at the veterinarian to make sure the pet is well cared for and the owner is kept informed.

What if the sitter is not sure if veterinary care is needed?

Occasionally the situation is a little less clear and a second opinion is needed.  The sitter will consult with a manager and often the manager goes out to see the pet and make a final decision.  In the case of a recent emergency, I went out to see the dog and brought my husband with me just in case. The dog in question weighed in at 160 pounds and we knew would require a few people to lift him.  It was good we had extra people as upon our arrival the dog was barely able to walk and had to be assisted into the car.  If the sitter ever has a concern about the health of an animal, a second person is called for help.

What about a minor scratch?

For something small we often take care of the problem ourselves.  All of our sitters have wonderful animal experience and if they need help another sitter or manager comes in to assist.  Some situations depend upon the pet, such as a case a few years ago.  We had a client who was a regular dog walk rip his toe nail off while out on a walk one day.  The sitter was actually a vet tech and I was in the area, so with both of us being more than capable of handling the problem, we tried to do so.  The dog was having none of it.  We made the decision to bring him to a vet since we were not able to get a hold of his owner.  When we did reach her we found out that he has to be sedated for any medical work to be done on him so we were glad we were already at the vet!  This was an unusual situation and in most cases we are able to handle small concerns ourselves.

Do you charge for this extra care?

Handling emergency situations is part of our job.  We do not charge extra if a manager goes out to help a sitter or if your pet gets sick and needs to be taken to the vet.  If the future services for the rest of the trip need to be changed in order to accommodate additional medical needs, then we will charge more for that time, but there is nothing extra for the initial time while we handle the emergency.

While our clients entrust their pets to us we take their care and health very seriously.  We want to know that we did all we could to provide the best care for your fur friends and our clients appreciate the peace of mind that we offer!