Protecting your dogs paws on winter walks is important to keep your pet healthy and safe this winter season. But how do you protect their paws? Here are a few tips to protect those paws.
1. Paw Wax
There are many different types of paw wax out there but one I enjoy is Musher’s Secret. It’s also great to use on dry elbows!
Musher’s Secret is a paw wax made from natural food-grade waxes and oils designed to condition and protect your pet’s paws. Yes! This also works on cats. It’s fast=drying, non-allergenic, and non-staining which are huge pluses. You can also use it during the summer to add another layer of protection to your pets paws when out for walks in case you have to cross any hot pavement.
Dog boots take some time getting used to but can protect your dogs paws from more than paw wax can. There are numerous types of dog boots out there so make sure to do research before purchasing to determine if they’re a suitable fit for you and your dog.
When you dog comes in from a walk, make sure to wipe their paws off to get rid of any ice melt and other debris that may have gotten in between their toes. You can use a wet paper towel or any dog grooming wipe.
4. Or Try a Portable Paw Washer
You should still wipe your dogs paws when they come inside but if you know you’ll be out for awhile, consider a portable paw washer. Ideal for mud this will also work on some winter debris. This one comes in three sizes. Just make sure to bring a towel with you.
Besides waxes and boots you should be vigilant when walking your dog. This will help you avoid encountering potential hazards. Some things to note are:
Don’t walk in front of stores: Most stores don’t use pet-safe ice melt. Non pet-safe ice melt is toxic to pets.
Stick to a known path: This can help you avoid any holes/gaps that may be hidden by snow.
Avoid ice: Ice is slippery for both you and your canine. Walking around ice patches you see can prevent a fall.
Were any of these tips helpful? Let us know if we missed anything and how you protect your dogs paws on winter walks in the comments below.
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Pets love to be warm in the winter. Here are some ways to help keep them warm.
1. Heated Bed/Blanket/Pad
I have a heated bed and let me tell you, it’s wonderful in the winter. I can climb into a warm bed and when I wake up I’m nice and toasty. Honestly makes it hard to get out of bed. I also know that my pets love it as well. So much so that I have three heated blankets, two heated pads, and a heated cat bed for them to use year-round if they so desire. They understand that if they lay on any of them when I notice I’ll turn it on for them.
There are lots of different brands to choose from but most of the ones I own are from K&H. You can find their dog products here.
2. Keep that heated bed off the floor and away from drafts
The floor is cold, especially if it isn’t carpeted and drafts are no fun either. Even if your pet bed isn’t heated, make sure it stays off the floor and away from
3. Or add another blanket
Not only does adding another blanket provide additional comfort it provides warmth. Any blanket will do, it doesn’t have to be pet specific. If you do want a pet specific blanket, Tall Tails makes super soft ones.
4. Sweaters
Not all pets like sweaters but if yours does, great! Sweaters are a cute way to add an extra layer of warmth to your pet especially when they’re outside. They make sweaters for all sizes of dogs so you’re sure to find one on the market that fits. Go check out the ones on Amazon, Canada Pooch, or Chilly Dog Sweaters.
5. Don’t shave down to the skin
Cats and dogs are built to withstand some cold temperatures. Some breeds were even designed for it like Huskies. Don’t shave your pet down to their skin during winter as this will remove the warm, protective layer fur provides against the cold.
6. Wipe off paws when your pets come back inside
You know what it’s like to have the snow get into your boot and soak your sock. Imagine if you weren’t able to take off your boots and socks? Whenever your pet comes in from the snow, make sure to wipe their paws off to remove and ice and snow. If you’ve just come in from a walk, this is always a great idea in case they have gotten any ice melt on their paws.
7. If it’s too cold for you it’s probably too cold for your pets
Even if your dog enjoys being out in the snow or is stubborn to come in, if temperatures drop too low your pet can freeze. Make sure you keep track of how long your dog has been outside and keep an eye on them to notice if they start becoming disoriented. Always let them back inside when they want to be let back inside. If you know your dog doesn’t like snow, keep trips outside to a minimum.
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Foods To Keep Your Pets Away From This Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time of abundance but should your pet get a plate as well? We’ve put together a list of foods to keep your pets away from this Thanksgiving to save you a Thanksgiving trip to the emergency vet.
Stuffing
Stuffing often contains onions and garlic which are toxic to pets. If your pet gets into a teeny, tiny amount of stuffing that’s okay but you shouldn’t be giving them a plateful.
Ham & Pork Products
These products tend to be very fatty which is hard on their digestive tracks.
Poultry & Bones
You want to keep any cooked bones away from pets, especially chicken bones. Chicken bones can splinter and are harder to digest which can lead to tearing of the esophagus, intestine, or stomach as well as blockages that require veterinary care.
Mashed Potatoes
Potatoes by themselves aren’t bad, it’s the things we add to mashed potatoes that make them unhealthy. Butter, dairy products, green onions, pepper, can give your pet quite a stomach ache. If you’re looking for a great made-for-humans mashed potato recipe, this is one of my favorites from Taste of Lizzy T.
Grapes & Raisins
While less common at Thanksgiving tables, grapes and raisins may be found in things – like stuffing. Or they may be served in a bowl of nuts as a snack. Grapes and raisins are extremely toxic to cats and dogs and can cause kidney failure.
Nuts
On of the foods to keep your pets away from this Thanksgiving is nuts. Most nuts are extremely high in fat which can cause digestive issues.
Chocolate
Chocolate is one of the most common things pet parents are aware their their furbabies shouldn’t have. But remember, the darker the chocolate the more toxic it is due to the higher cocoa content.
Bread Dough & Yeast
Bread dough and yeast should be avoided due to the alcohol content produced by the yeast, especially in uncooked dough. Uncooked dough is also not safe due to the yeast being active and continuing to rise. Dough can expand well over three times the size it starts out at if conditions are right. It would be like you swallowing a loaf of bread whole!
Gravy
Gravy has a lot of toxic ingredients (garlic and onions) in addition to the high fat content. This makes it harder for your pet to digest and gives them tummy troubles.
Want to make your pet a Thanksgiving plate still?
Including your pet in the festivities can be fun but we want to make sure our pets are safe. Here is a list of traditional Thanksgiving foods (with some tweaks) so your pet can get their own plate.
Canned, plain pumpkin – not pumpkin pie filling;
Sweet potato dog chews – you can either make these yourself or purchase them from your local pet store;
Turkey or Pork wet pet food – wet food comes in a variety of flavors. Consider picking up one that is turkey or pork;
Carob treats – carob is the pet-safe version of chocolate. You can find a variety of carob treats at your local pet store
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Iron is important for the function of both cats and dogs but when they are exposed to too much iron it can be fatal. The most common source of iron poisoning (iron toxicosis) is ingesting iron oxygen absorbers but iron poisoning can come from a variety of sources:
Fertilizer
Multivitamins
Dietary Mineral Supplements
Hand Warmers
Heating Pads
Iron Oxygen Absorbers
Iron poisoning occurs when your pet has ingested too much iron that has not been oxygenated. Unless you know the exact amount that has been consumed you should seek veterinary care to determine how much elemental iron versus the total iron was ingested.
Iron poisoning can be fatal.
With any poison, it’s important to seek veterinary care as soon as you become aware that accidental ingestion has occurred even if you’re unsure if the amount was enough to be toxic. When you pet has iron toxicosis they will go through four stages. The sooner you get them in the better your pets chance of survival.
Stage 1 occurs usually within the first 6 hours. This includes vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues.
Stage 2 occurs between 6 – 24 hours post exposure. This is where your pet may appear fine and you may no longer feel the need to take them to the vet. After all, we all gets diarrhea every now and then. You still should take your pet to the vet at this stage if you know they have ingested iron or a substance containing large amounts of iron.
Stage 3 occurs between 12 – 96 hours. This is where your pet may begin to experience tremors, bloody diarrhea, and elevated heart rate. They may begin to have seizures, experience organ damage, shock, and possibly death. The longer you wait the more likely your pet is to die.
Stage 4 occurs up to 6 weeks later following treatment. Gastrointestinal issues, such as intestinal strictures and blockages can occur. These issues can appear even when your pet is treated in stage 1.
Symptoms of Iron Poisoning
Lethargy
Abdominal Pain
Shock
Elevated Heart Rate
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Bloody Diarrhea
Tremors
Panting
What to do if you suspect your pet has iron poisoning.
Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if you suspect your pet has iron poisoning or if you have seen them getting into something that contains iron. Most pets can be successfully treated for iron poisoning if treated before your pet shows symptoms. If your pet is showing symptoms, it is within the first 12 hours and you seek treatment, your pet still had a good chance to recover.
Prevention is crucial.
Elevate multivitamins and dietary supplements out of reach of pets;
Keep products that contain iron oxygen absorbers out of reach of pets (most commonly in dried, freeze-dried, or jerky foods/treats);
Fertilizer should be kept in the garage or shed where you pet cannot get to them;
When you are done with a hand warmer it should be disposed of properly. If your pet gets into the trash place it in the bin outside or in a locked bin that is harder for your pet to open
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If you’re a new cat owner you may not be aware of the dangers of lilies to cats. Many lilies are extremely poisonous to cats and can cause death in less than 24 hours. All parts of the lily are toxic to cats including the water in the vase. Lily ingestion can result in severe kidney failure and lead to death if left untreated.
Light arum lilies flower plant indoor by Scopio from NounProject.com
Common sources of poisoning.
Easter lilies are the most common. Tiger, Day, Asiatic, and other Lilium and Hemerocallis (Daylilies) species are all extremely poisonous to cats. Anything that is in the family of lilies should be avoided even if they are not as deadly. If you’re not sure if your lily is safe it’s better to remove it than keep it.
Cats do not have to eat the plant for it to be fatal.
Cats do not have to ingest petals or leaves for the lily to be fatal. Rubbing up against the plant can get pollen on their fur, ears, eyes, nose, or paws. As cats clean themselves frequently, lily poisoning is more often caused by ingestion of pollen rather than the petal or leaves itself. Even the water lilies sit in can be fatal to cats if they drink it.
Why is the lily so toxic to cats?
We don’t actually know what makes lilies so toxic to cats. [1] This means there is no blood test to confirm if your cat has ingested the lily toxin before starting dialysis.
Symptoms of lily poisoning.
It does not take much for a cat to ingest a lethal amount of the toxin. A single lick of any of these plants can be fatal. Symptoms appear within 6-12 hours of exposure and include: lethargy, vomiting, loss of appetite, dehydration, tremors, or seizures.
What to do if you suspect your cat has come in contact with a lily.
If you suspect your can has come in contact with a lily seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Do not wait to get an appointment with your normal vet. After 18 hours post-exposure your cats chances of survival decrease drastically. Inform them that you suspect your cat to have ingested lily so they can prepare while you’re on your way. Do not delay in seeking treatment. Pet poison hotlines will tell you to seek veterinary care.
Jim Evans, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Prevention in key.
Keep lilies away from your home.
Do not plant lilies outside – stray and feral cats are just as susceptible to lily poisoning as indoor cats and are unlikely to get treatment in time.
Do not touch lilies when you are out as you may carry trace particles of pollen back into your home.
Remove any lilies currently in your home and dispose of them properly.
You can rehome lilies but make sure the person you’re rehoming them to does not have any cats and does not come in contact with cats. Make sure to ask before giving away your plant.
Inform friends and family about lily poisoning and to not send any flower bouquets that contain lilies.
Not sure if your plant is actually a lily?
That’s ok! You can use a plant identification app to ID your plant. If your app is confused or you get multiple results, it’s best to get rid of the plant to be safe.
Did you learn something new about lilies and cats? Let us know in the comments your thoughts.
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Parasites. No pet owner ever wants to have to deal with them. But did you know nearly a third of all household pets currently have some form of parasite? Yikes! I found this out because I saw one of my cats eating a cricket he had caught and it made me wonder: Do crickets carry parasites that can infect cats? The answer to that question is yes. But is it just crickets that can give my cat a parasite? Sadly, no. Today we’re going to look into the types of parasites your pet can get.
Now, this list isn’t all inclusive. There are many parasites out there but these are some of the more common ones you’ll find in the United States.
Roundworm
Roundworms are by far the most common type of parasitic worm you’ll find in your pets. Nearly all dogs will have roundworm at some point in their lives, usually as puppies.
Hookworms
Hookworms are very similar to roundworms in that they are also an intestinal parasitic worm. These parasites are dangerous because they can cause fatal blood loss.
Tapeworms
You’ve heard of this one! Tapeworms are long, flat worms that live in the intestines. There are a variety of species of tapeworm that can infect your dog:
Dipylidium caninum
Taenia
Echinococcus (uncommon in the United States)
Tapeworms usually don’t make your dog sick and do not cause weight loss but it can happen. If you suspect your dog has tapeworm make sure to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.
Heartworms
Heartworms are nasty things. Primarily in dogs, heartworm is transmitted via infected mosquitoes. These worms don’t only live in the heart but also the large blood vessels in the lungs. Thankfully monthly preventative chews and other preventative options exist. You can read more about heartworm on our post dedicated to heartworm.
Stomach Worms
Also called Physaloptera worms, these can infect your pet when they ingest an infected cricket or cockroach. Your pet can also become infected by eating another animal, such as a mouse, that has eaten the infected insect.
Some other types of parasites are:
Cheyletiellosis (Walking Dandruff – Cats only)
Coccidia
Ear Mites
Fleas
Giardia
Mange
Scabies (Dogs only)
Ticks
Tocoplasmosis (Cats only)
Whipworms
Prevention
Prevention is key. Even indoor animals should be dewormed once a season (every 3 months) unless otherwise instructed by a veterinarian. For some worms, like heartworm, a monthly preventative is recommended for most animals. If you bring a new animal home that has not been dewormed you should schedule a vet appointment ASAP and keep the pet separate from others until they are cleared as some parasites can be transmitted.
Are parasites fatal?
Parasites can be fatal if left untreated. Parasites like fleas can cause severe anemia due to blood loss. You should reach out to your veterinarian if you suspect your pet has a parasite, especially an internal parasite. If you find a stray dog or cat that has a severe case of fleas or mange you should seek veterinary care as soon as possible to minimize blood loss and scarring.
Did you learn something new about parasites and pets? Let us know in the comments.
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If you’re a cat owner you have noticed that your cat grooms themselves, a lot. While excessive grooming can be a sign of other health issues, the average cat grooms themselves five hours a day. But have you ever wondered if they groom themselves in a specific pattern or why they groom themselves? I had those exact question and decided to look into it further. The answer to the first is
Yes!
Cats groom themselves in a specific pattern. While the pattern isn’t universal amongst all cats if you sit and watch your cat do a full groom session you’ll notice they start in the same spot and go in the same order. Just how humans usually start with washing hair, then face, arms, torso, legs, and finally feet. My one cat starts with his back left side and tail, then his face, chest, and ends with his right side and tail.
But wait, you mentioned a full groom? Is there another type?
Also yes! If you’ve ever gotten really sweaty and just needs a quick rinse then you know how cats feel when they do a quick wash. Quick washes are usually focused on one spot and reserved for when an unfamiliar scent is on them or if their fur gets messed up. An example of a quick groom would be my cat cleaning his tail after he decided to place it on top of my pizza last week. Not only did he enjoy the taste of the pizza of what I couldn’t get out with a paper towel but it helped him to keep his tail nice and clean.
Which leads into…
Why do cats groom themselves?
Cats groom themselves for a variety of reasons but largely it’s to help spread sebum, the natural oils produced, around as well as to keep debris and tangles out of their fur. This doesn’t mean you don’t have to give them a helping hand. Even the most diligent cat can still get tangles that need cut or brushed out. This is especially true in long haired cats. They also may get feces or other hard to get out debris around their sanitary area which may require human intervention.
If you notice your cat excessively grooming – technically called psychogenic alopecia, that could be the sign of a few things:
You should consult a veterinarian if you notice your cat excessively grooming to rule out any potential health problems. If all health problems are ruled out you can try maintaining a routine to reduce stress, provide more mental and physical stimulation, and try calming medication (with a prescription) or over-the-counter calming products like pheromones.
Next time you’re bored, go watch your cat groom themselves! Let us know your cats specific grooming pattern @WetNosesPetSitting. It’s fascinating to see all the variations our cats have created.
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Lyme Disease In Dogs: The Facts & What To Do About
Lyme disease is something you may have heard about before but what exactly is it? Today we explore what Lyme disease is, what animals can get Lyme disease, how it’s transmitted, and more.
First up,
What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease is a bacterial spread by ticks that involves a skin rash and joint pain. Specifically it is the “bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and rarely, Borrelia mayonii” [Source].
Can only dogs get Lyme disease?
No. Cats, horses, deer, mice, chipmunks, opossums, squirrels, and raccoons can also get Lyme disease.
You should apply a vet-approved flea and tick prevention method to help prevent Lyme disease and discuss vaccination against Lyme disease with your veterinarian.
How are animals infected?
The bacteria is passed through the bite of an infected tick. In most cases, the tick needs to be attached for 24-48 hours before the bacteria can infect the animal. This means, whenever you come back from a walk you should make sure you and your pet do not have any ticks attached to yourselves. You can learn how to remove a tick on the CDC website. There also are tools designed to remove ticks from dogs and cats.
How does Lyme disease affect my dog?
Lameness, fever, or possible bacterial infection in the kidneys or heart can take as long as 5 months to appear. Issues tend to be focused around the elbows and joints. Lyme disease cannot be transferred from dog to dog or dog to human.
What do I do if I suspect my dog is infected?
Some of the common symptoms you need to look out for are:
Fever;
Generalized stiffness, discomfort, or pain;
Lameness (can be shifting, intermittent, and recurring);
Loss of appetite;
Reduced energy;
Swelling of joints
If you have been in tall, grassy areas that may not be treated for ticks and notice these symptoms seek veterinary care.
Can humans contract Lyme disease?
Yes, humans can become infected with Lyme disease. Lyme disease cannot be contracted from your dog or cat that is infected. You can however be infected by a carrier tick that was attached to your pet. If you believe you have Lyme disease call your physician. Lyme disease is diagnosed based on a variety of factors – one of which can be laboratory testing.
Lyme disease isn’t the only disease or illness our pets can get. Make sure you’re aware of how to prevent rabies and heartworm.
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What to Consider When Scheduling a Pet Sitter for Diabetic Pets?
When you have a cat or dog with diabetes it can be a tough decision when deciding to go out of town because there are a lot of factors to consider such as finding pet sitting for a diabetic pet. We want to walk you through these points of concern and discuss when you should make the choice to stay in town and skip that vacation instead. If you decide it is okay to leave, we have a list of suggestions for pet sitting schedules that we have found work out well for diabetic pets. All pets need amazing care, but without an educated and precise pet sitter, it can be easy for a diabetic pet to become ill.
Want to skip the article? Check out our video below that covers the same information.
Should You Travel?
We are always happy to help out, but there are some factors that need to be considered with diabetic pets before you make the decision to go on a vacation.
How long since your pet was diagnosed with diabetes? In the early days after diagnosis, you are trying to get your pet’s glucose levels stable. You are often speaking to your vet regularly and adjusting medication levels. This can be hard for a pet sitter to take on.
Is your pet stable? Meaning are you still needing to adjust medication often and watch your pet’s behavior for concerns?
How is your pet accepting the insulin injections and glucose testing? If it is hard for you, it will be harder for a sitter.
How is your pet about being handled by strangers? If your pet does not love being handled (especially cats) then it is going to be tough for a sitter to medicate your pet and do glucose testing.
Does your pet have any problems eating when you are gone? Pets need to eat before receiving their insulin. If your pet typically does not eat when you are gone then it is going to be hard for a sitter to manage the food and insulin levels consistently.
Are you going to be reachable on your trip? Whenever there is a problem with a pet, especially a pet with medical problems, we will reach out to you for suggestions and ideas. If you are not able to be reached it will be hard for a sitter to determine the next course of action.
If you are seeing multiple points of concern, then you should consider waiting to travel until your pet is more stable. We are concerned for both your pet, who is not feeling well already, and the safety of the sitter who will be handling your pet in close quarters. If you think this is a good time to travel then we have multiple steps to make sure it goes smoothly!
Pet Diabetes: Should You Travel Infographic – Click to enlarge 🔍
How do You Prepare to Leave Your Diabetic Pet?
You have decided you are going to travel and want to make sure it goes as well as possible. So do we! Here is what a sitter will need so you can have the best trip:
All the data from your veterinarian. All of it. This can include normal and abnormal glucose levels, amount of insulin to be given, length of time after eating to give insulin, size of a normal meal, what to do if your pet does not eat, any abnormal behaviors to watch out for, etc. The more information you give your sitter, the more educated decisions she can make.
Feeding instructions with contingencies. It is not unusual for animals to not eat if they are stressed or not feeling well. If your dog does not eat or your cat hides during a visit, think about what your sitter should do. Do you want the sitter to stay longer (and you pay for the extra time)? Should the sitter leave and come back? Can the sitter mix in some canned food or feed a different food altogether to get your pet to eat? We have been known to sit on the floor and hand-feed pets if that is helpful, we just need to know what you think is best.
Normal animal behaviors. When your pet is not feeling well, what does she do? The better the list you make, the more we can look for.
How to reach you. We try to solve problems ourselves, but we never want to mess with the health of a pet. When pet sitting diabetic pets, we like to be able to reach you if we have concerns. This is especially true if you are a new client or your pet has recently been diagnosed with diabetes.
How to reach your vet, and permission for us to speak to them. You need to let know veterinarian know you will be out of town and who will be caring for your pets. If we cannot reach you, or the situation is urgent, we need to be able to reach a veterinarian quickly and not have to worry about any privacy issues.
We’ve put together a checklist to help you keep all of this information organized and to make sure you have all the information at the ready to provide your pet sitter.
Checklist – Click to enlarge 🔍
But what if I’m not sure how my pet will do with a sitter?
If you are unsure of how your pet will do with a sitter – we offer trial visits. At Wet Noses Pet Sitting, we require a trial visit for any cat receiving medication. We recommend trial visits for dogs, but only require it if the dog seems nervous during the meet and greet. During a trial visit, you will leave and your sitter will come just like you are on vacation. This will allow us all to observe how your animal reacts to a new person handling them and allow us to flush out any questions your sitter may have.
If you know your pet will have a hard time – schedule multiple trial visits! We are happy to come to work with you for as long as it takes to get your dog or cat comfortable with us. We want everyone to be relaxed and have peace of mind when you do leave.
Petting sitting diabetic pets is something we love and if you can prepare all of this, then you can travel comfortably knowing that your diabetic pet will be well cared for. Now you just need to decide on a schedule! Unlike other pets, diabetic pets need medication every 12 hours. Below are our suggested schedules that are built with that in mind.
Fluffy ginger cat looking up from cardboard box by Konstantin Aksenov from NounProject.com
Diabetic Pet Option #1
This is an ideal schedule for diabetic pets who need eyes on them regularly.
30 Minute Mid-Day Visit
Your sitter will use this visit for a walk and/or playtime. It is a good time during the day just to check on your pet and make sure they are feeling okay. If you have a dog, this visit should be set at a time when your dog would normally need to go outside, so it is in line with their normal routine. A visit during the middle of the day like this means that your dog will only be alone for 6-7 hours, depending on the time of the visit.
12 Hour Extended Overnight Stay
A 12-hour overnight means your sitter will feed your pet and give insulin at the beginning and end of the stay. Your sitter will arrive in the early evening (around 7 pm) and take your dog for a walk or playtime (if you have one), whichever is normal for them. Then comes feeding and some time for relaxation. Right before bed, your dog goes out for the last outing, usually a potty break. Your sitter sends you a picture with an update so you can rest easy knowing your pup has company. In the morning there is time for another walk or playtime and feeding, as well as other pet chores. The Extended Overnight Stay is especially good for dogs and cats who are accustomed to having company and companionship during the evenings or if you have a large number of pets needing care.
Two cavalier spaniels lying next to each other on bed by Anna Fotyma from NounProject.com
Diabetic Pet Option #2
This is a good schedule for diabetic pets who are used to being home alone in the evening but like having company overnight.
30-Minute Dinner Visit
Your sitter arrives ready for a walk (if you have a dog) and dinner time! Your pets will be happy to see them after a day apart, so there is usually some happy greeting time followed by a trip outside to go potty for dogs. This visit will be scheduled during the time that your pet needs their evening insulin. After dogs get their evening walk, or cats have playtime, it is time for dinner and medication. Your sitter sends you a picture with an update so you can rest easy knowing your pet has company. Before leaving, your sitter turns on some lights so your pets are not alone in the dark, and to make your home appear lived in.
9-10 Hour Regular Overnight Stay
Your sitter will arrive in the evening (around 10 p.m.) and let your dog out for a potty break. Your sitter then settles your pup in for their normal bedtime routine. Maybe your dog sleeps in the bed with your sitter, or on a dog bed in the bedroom. If your dog needs a tuck in with a blanket or a late-night treat, that will happen. In the morning there is time for a let out or a quick walk and feeding. Before leaving, your sitter will set your pup up for the day with her normal routine, including breakfast and medication. The overnight stay is especially good for dogs who are accustomed to having company and companionship overnight and provides a level of consistency that dogs appreciate. It also allows your sitter to keep an eye on your pet’s behavior for any changes that indicate she is not feeling well.
Pet cat laying down on cat perch by Noun Project from NounProject.com
Diabetic Pet Option #3
This is a good schedule for pet sitting diabetic pets who are fine with being home alone overnight.
30-Minute Breakfast Visit
Your sitter will arrive in the morning (between 7-8:30 am) and take your dog for a walk or playtime, whichever is normal for her. It is an exciting time to get up and stretch our legs first thing in the morning! Cats gets some cuddles and playtime, whatever they like. Then comes feeding, medication, and other normal chores. Before leaving your sitter will set your pup up for the day with her normal routine, whether it be a stuffed KONG or leaving a radio on.
30 Minute Late Afternoon Visit
Your sitter arrives ready for a walk and playtime! Your pup will be happy to see her after a day apart, so there is usually some happy greeting time followed by a trip outside to go potty. Then they are off for their walk or playtime outside, depending on what your dog prefers. Your sitter sends you a picture with an update so you can rest easy knowing your pup has company. Before leaving, your sitter turns on some lights so your dog in not alone in the dark, and to make your home appear lived in.
15-30 Minute Night Visit
This visit should be timed to be 12 hours apart from your breakfast visit. The sitter will take dogs out for a last-minute potty break and then feeding and medication. It allows your pup to close out the day comfortably and securely. Your sitter will let your pup out and settle her in for the night with her normal routine. At the end it is lights out and time for sleep!
Cavalier spaniel sitting under under purple blanket by Anna Fotyma from NounProject.com
Our Considerations for all Pets
When it comes to pet sitting diabetic pets, there are a few factors we like to consider when setting a schedule:
All diabetic pets need visits spaced 12 hours apart for insulin, so we stick to that when scheduling.
How long is your dog used to being home during the day? Do you work a full dog or do you work from home?
How often does your dog go outside during a normal day? It is easy to underestimate so try counting for a few days to be sure.
Does your dog need a lot of exercise? If so, consider schedules for active dogs.
Where do your pets sleep at night? If your dog waits for you to go to bed and then joins you, you need overnight stays. If your dog wanders off at 9 p.m. and you don’t see her again until 7 a.m., you can probably get away with just visits, if you want.
For you – are you more comfortable having someone active around the house? If so, then you want an Extended Overnight.
Time to Customize!
We want to work with you to set up the best possible schedule for your dog, so you are all happy during your trip. We also know that each home is different, and a lot of people have more than just one dog!
After you have a basic idea of your schedule we sit down to figure out the nitty-gritty:
Are there any other pets in the home that need feeding, medication, etc.? We make sure your visit has enough time to get everything done.
We like to allow enough time for feeding, changing water, walks, and some cuddles (if your pet is so inclined).
There needs to be enough time to clean out food and water bowls and clean up any messes, toys, etc.
Many people who love animals, also love plants! Normal visits have time for a small bit of plant watering. If you have beautiful summer gardens, then we need to see how long they take to the water and add that on to your normal visits.
On your normal schedule, we can complete household tasks like bringing in the newspaper, collecting the mail, turning lights off and on, and taking out the trash.
Do you want updates every visit? Many clients do, just keep in mind that your sitter will take 5+ minutes to send an update and that is time during your visit not focused on your pets.
It will take a sitter a bit longer to get the work done than it takes you, especially if you have extensive routines for your pets and home. You have had years to perfect your system! We always try to make sure your pet sitter will have enough time for everything so she will not feel stressed and your pets will receive the focus they deserve.
Work With Us to Keep Your Pets Healthy While You are Gone!
https://wetnosespetsitting.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/07_081021-copy-2.png900600Liana Waddyhttps://wetnosespetsitting.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/wet-noses-logo-420x120.pngLiana Waddy2021-09-03 13:00:342023-08-11 10:38:56What to Consider When Scheduling a Pet Sitter for Diabetic Pets
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:
Never leave your pet unsupervised outside on hot days.
Access to fresh water, shade, and shelter away from direct sunlight.
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.
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.
https://wetnosespetsitting.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/1139742_Pinterest-Blog-Images-August-2021-Part-1_05_080621.png900600Liana Waddyhttps://wetnosespetsitting.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/wet-noses-logo-420x120.pngLiana Waddy2021-08-18 20:06:342021-08-17 20:09:42Preventing Heatstroke In Your Dog This Summer: 3 Things You Can Do Today
Dangers of Lilies to Cats
