Tag Archive for: health

Reasons to Walk Your Dog Today!

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Getting outside everyday to walk your dog provides them with mental and physical stimulation, socialization and training opportunities, and positive attention.  Putting your dog outside in your fenced-in yard will not force your dog to exercise and more often we see dogs will resort to boredom barking, trying to escape the yard, or becoming your best (or worst) landscaper.  Simply having a large back yard is not going to satisfy your dog’s need for exercise or mental stimulation.  According to the Clinician’s Brief, “Generally, people walk their dog for 4 reasons: elimination, mental stimulation, exercise, and training. Dogs like to go for walks to get outdoors, sniff and engage with their environment, exercise, and perhaps socialize with people and dogs outside the home. There is no reason that a walk cannot encompass and meet all the needs of both humans and dogs.”  And, we at Wet Noses Pet Sitting completely agree, it’s time to get outside and walk your dog!

3 types of walks

There are three kinds of walks that we suggest as a varied routine.

  1. Exploratory walks allow your pet to sniff, smell, and generally meander through its surroundings.
  2. Purposeful walks are to relieve herself or retrieve an item.
  3. Long walks to tire your pup out give her an outlet for all that pent up energy.

Varied mental and physical stimulation will allow your dog to be at her most trainable and calm.

Socialization – a bonus!

During a walk is a good chance to work on leash manners and while you’re out walking, your pooch is most likely going to meet other dogs. This helps your dog learn normal behaviors and etiquette by taking social cues from other canines.  It also helps your dog build confidence so that when she meets new friends she isn’t afraid.  Giving your dog lots of opportunities to work on socialization and training will help your companion be on her best behavior in a variety of situations without anxiety or fear.

Tired dog = a good dog

Getting out regularly to walk your dog gives them a sense of well-being.  They love the positive attention and quality time. Plus, dogs who are taken for daily walks, are less likely to be destructive, obsessive, have separation anxiety and/or dominance issues, among many other behavior problems.  A tired dog is a happy dog.  And a happy dog makes for a happy owner.

Remember, your dog depends on you for her quality of life. By taking advantage of different types of walks to stimulate her mentally and physically, providing opportunities for socialization and training, and spending quality time with your canine companion, you will help your furry friend be balanced, healthy and happy for a lifetime. If you have questions about dog walks or need help waking your dog regularly contact us at Wet Noses Pet Sitting!

5 Tips to Prevent Antifreeze Poisoning in Dogs and Cats

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Did you that the Humane Society of the U.S. estimates that over 10,000 pets die each year from antifreeze poisoning? All of us here at Wet Noses Pet Sitting in Fort Collins want to warn you about this deadly household danger. As responsible pet owners you should know what antifreeze poisoning is, as well as what the symptoms of poisoning are. Keep reading to learn more about how to prevent antifreeze poisoning in dogs and cats.

Why is antifreeze so dangerous?

The deadly ingredient in antifreeze is ethylene glycol.  Antifreeze has a sweet taste and smell that animals like to eat. If you see your pet ingest antifreeze, seek immediate medical attention.  This dangerous chemical is metabolized in the liver. It then travels in the bloodstream to your pet’s kidneys. Permanent kidney damage can result which may lead to renal failure.  If your pet is caught in the act of ingestion, he has the best chance at being treated in a timely manner, increasing his chance of surviving ethylene glycol poisoning.

What are the symptoms of antifreeze poisoning?

If you don’t catch him in the act, you can still look for symptoms.  The first signs of ethylene glycol poisoning are: depression, lethargy, and grogginess.  Your pet may also seem disoriented or may seem to have trouble with his coordination.  These first symptoms may be noticeable from 30 minutes to one hour after your pet comes in contact with ethylene glycol. This first stage of symptoms can last for several hours.  In the second, more serious stage, your pet may experience vomiting, ulcers, renal failure and coma.  If your pet is not treated promptly, death may result.

Prevention!
The best prevention is education, so you’re on the right track.  You might be wondering be wondering how you can prevent ethylene glycol poison.  Here are five tips to keep your pets safe:

  1. Don’t let your dog or cat out unattended, especially in areas like garages, roads or driveways.
  2. Always monitor your pet for behavioral changes.
  3. Keep your antifreeze in a sealed container and well out of the way of your pets (and children).
  4. If a spill happens, keep your pet away from the area and clean it up immediately.
  5. Consider purchasing a brand of antifreeze that contains propylene glycol as its active ingredient. This is a less toxic chemical and has a bitter taste to it so your pet won’t be as tempted to ingest it.

Antifreeze poisoning is a serious and deadly chemical. Keep your pet safeguarded by following the tips above to prevent antifreeze poisoning. All chemicals are dangerous to your pet so keep them in an area that is out of your pets reach.  Remember; always consult your vet at the first sign of antifreeze poisoning. Your prompt action may mean the difference between life death. If you have any questions on how you can further protect your pet, please contact us at Wet Noses Pet Sitting in Fort Collins or your local pet sitter.