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How To Keep Your House Smelling Fresh When You Have Pets

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How To Keep Your House Smelling Fresh When You Have Pets

If you have pets, you probably have pet odor. But fear not! Keeping your house smelling fresh when you have pets is easier than you think. Following these handy tips will help banish pet odor for good.

Absorb the smell, don’t cover it up

Most of us just cover up pet odor with a quick spray of Febreze but this can actually make a pet odor problem worse. Covering up odors doesn’t solve the underlying issue. You need to absorb the odors to eliminate them, not just cover them up.

Use an air purifier or pet odor candle

Air purifier’s are a great way to keep the air in your home smelling fresh. You’ll have to remember to change the filter regularly but these can be a quick way to help manage pet odor. Not a fan of an air purifier? One Fur All makes a pet odor eliminator candle to help freshen the air in your home.

Embrace baking soda to absorb smell

Baking soda has been used for years to help absorb fridge odors but it can also be used to help absorb pet odors.

Maintain the litter box

The one thing all cat owners hate, besides being woken up at 2AM to the sound of barfing, is scooping the litter box. But it’s an important task that should be done daily. Not only will the litter box be more hygienic, it’ll help reduce the amount of pet odor in your home. Some people rave about the Litter Genie, instead of using a plastic bag from the store you simply dispose of the litter into the litter genie and only take it out when it’s full.

Check out our list of products every cat needs in their life for more recommendations to make litter scooping easier.

Vacuum at least once a week

Even if you don’t have carpets, vacuuming is important to help keep the “tumbleweeds” of hair at bay. If you do have carpet, vacuuming at least once a week will help remove pet odor that comes from fur, dandruff, and whatever may have been on their paws.

Open the windows

Fresh air is good for you and your pets! Opening the windows can help reduce odor by bringing in fresh, not stale, air. This is the easiest way to keep your house smelling fresh with pets.

Change those furnace filters

It’s something you might not think about but the more pets and the more humans you have in your home, the more often you need to change those furnace filters. We change ours about once a month to help keep dust down and other pet odors.

Wash pet bedding

Bedding is great at absorbing odors. You should aim to wash your pets bedding at least once a week depending on how soiled it gets. If your pet sleeps with you, you should also wash your bedding to help reduce odor further.

Groom your pet regularly

Dandruff, dead skin cells, and extra fur can all contribute to pet odor. They also contribute to the dust in your home and clog up furnace filters. Grooming your pet regularly will help to reduce the amount of dandruff, dead skin cells, and extra fur in your home.

Invest in an enzyme cleaner

Enzymatic cleaners are a life saver. They do more than help clean up a mess. They actually break down the biological elements of pet accidents to help reduce the smell. Nomos is a personal favorite, but it’s hard to find. Nature’s Miracle is another good option that may be easier to find.

Did you also know you can use some plants to purify the air in your home? That’s right! But make sure they aren’t on our list of toxic plants to cats first. Let us know in the comments if you found any of these tips helpful.

Cat Travel Safety Tips

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Cat Travel Safety Tips

We know our canine companions often love to go for car rides, but what our our feline friends? Yes! Cats can enjoy car rides too. When traveling with a cat there are a few things you need to keep in mind that are different than traveling with a dog. Here are 7 cat travel safety tips you need to know.

1. Do not let cats wander in the car.

A kitty on the dashboard, your lap, or loose in the car is a safety hazard to you and your pet. Your cat should be contained at all times in the vehicle. You can contain your cat in a hard carrier to help keep them as safe as possible.

2. Do not strap a hard carrier in with a seat belt.

During an impact the seat belt may cause the carrier to open which can result in your cat being ejected from the carrier. Do not strap a hard carrier in with a seat belt unless it is designed to be.

3. There is no safe way to seat belt a cat carrier in if it is not designed that way.

There are cat carriers on the market that are designed to be used with a seat belt. Do not not use a seat belt with the carrier if it is not designed to be used with one.

4. Place kitty behind the passenger seat on the floor.

Placing the carrier on the floor behind the passenger seat is a safer option instead of in the passenger seat or on the backseat.

5. Check if your cat carrier is crash test rated.

There are cat carriers on the market that have been crash tested and rated. A majority of crash tested carriers are designed to be used with seat belts. These seat belt approved carriers are the only ones you should be securing with a seat belt.

6. Do not use broken carriers.

Cat carriers can last many years if taken proper care of. If you notice your carrier is starting to crack, missing screws, or the lid doesn’t seem to fit quite right anymore you should purchase a new carrier as the structural integrity of the carrier has decreased.

7. Manage stress and distractions.

A vocal kitty can be a distraction and we want you to travel with your cat as safely as possible. If you know your cat gets anxious and vocal in the car, consider talking with your vet about a light sedative to help keep them calm to and from your destination.

Cat Travel Safety Tips

Have you gone on a road trip with kitty? Let us know your travel experience in the comments or @WetNosesPetSitting

Is a Guinea Pig Right for You?

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Is a Guinea Pig Right for You?

Guinea pigs can make great companions! But is a guinea pig right for you? Here’s some things you need to consider before adopting a guinea pig. If you don’t think a guinea pig is the right fit for you check out our which pet to adopt post.

How much time do you have?

Guinea pigs require time out of their cage every day to stretch their legs, cuddle in your lap, or explore new environments. Daily interaction and attention are a must for a guinea pig’s well-being.
Guinea pigs need regular grooming, at least once a week for shorthaired breeds and daily for longhaired breeds.
Cages need thoroughly cleaned on a weekly basis with spot-cleanings every few days.

Do you have young children?

Young children may unintentionally drop a guinea pig, squeeze them, or frighten them into biting. Guinea pigs require a gentle touch and can easily be startled by sudden movements and loud noises.

What’s your budget?

Over their lifetime, guinea pigs cost significantly less than a dog or a cat but you will still need to spent a few hundred dollars a year (excluding veterinary costs) on supplies. There’s also the initial cost of equipment if this is your first guinea pig. Make sure you have a veterinarian that takes care of guinea pigs as well.

Are you considering adding another guinea pig?

If you already determined that a guinea pig is right for you, maybe you’re considering getting a second guinea pig. Guinea pigs are social creatures and to help prevent a solitary pig from becoming lonely you may need to adopt a second guinea pig.

Who will watch your guinea pig when you’re on vacation?

Guinea pigs need fresh water and food daily. When you’re on vacation you can rest assured a Wet Noses pet sitter will take excellent care of your pig.

So, is a guinea pig the right pet for you?

Think a guinea pig is right for you? See guinea pigs for adoption in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Guinea Pig Infographic

Does somebody you know have a guinea pig? Or maybe you have a fun guinea pig story. Let us know in the comments!

The Health Benefits Of Daily Dog Walks

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The Health Benefits Of Daily Dog Walks

Everybody knows fresh air are exercise are good for you but are these extra benefits of bringing your canine companion with you? Here’s 5 health benefits of walking your dog.

  1. Better overall health: Walking your dog can help both of you improve cardiovascular fitness, lower blood pressure, have stronger muscles and bones, and decrease stress.
  2. Weight loss: Both of you can achieve your weight loss goals with regular walks.
  3. Mood boost: Going outside is proven to boost your mood plus dogs love to be outside. With all the smells and sights your dog is sure to have a good time.
  4. Happiness boost: Walks make your dog happy! Dogs that don’t receive sufficient exercise and enrichment can become destructive when bored.
  5. You two get to bond: Especially with a new puppy, going on walks is a perfect bonding opportunity between you and your dog.

We love to walk dogs but we also understand it’s an important bonding experience for you and your dog. Consider getting a sturdy dog harness if you don’t already own one. Julius-K9 makes durable harnesses that have handles! RUFFWEAR is also another durable brand. With numerous styles you’ll be sure to find one that fits.

Dog Walking BenefitsDon’t have time in your schedule? Check out our dog walking services!

What To Do If You Think Your Pet Has Been Poisoned

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What To Do If You Think Your Pet Has Been Poisoned

It’s every pet parents worst nightmare. Your pet got into something they shouldn’t have. Sometimes, this is fine. But what if they got into the medicine cabinet or under the sink? What about one of your plants? Here are steps to take if you think your pet has been poisoned.

  • Make a note of the toxin’s name and strength;
  • Make a note of the amount of toxin your pet has consumed or been exposed to;
  • Get your pet to fresh air if the poisoning is primarily from fumes or gas;
  • Remove topical substances with gloves if the poisoning is primarily from contact;
  • Use paper towels or old rags to clean up liquids;
  • Do not attempt to remove the poison with water, solvents, or anything else unless instructed to by your vet;
  • Never induce vomiting unless instructed to by your vet

Pet Poison Steps

If you suspect your pet has been poisoned contact the Pet Poison Helpline 1-800-213-6680 and seek veterinary help immediately.

Contact Pet Poison Helpline | Pet Poison Helpline

If your pet needs veterinary treatment and you don’t have pet insurance, consider getting pet insurance. Pet insurance can lower the cost of unexpected veterinary expenses if you pet gets into anything again.

Did you know some plants that are poisonous to cats aren’t poisonous to dogs? Also check out our What Mushrooms are Toxic to Pets blog.

Why ID Tags Are So Important For Your Pets

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Why ID Tags are so Important for your Pets Header

Why ID Tags Are So Important For Your Pets

Does you pet wear a collar? Are they microchipped? What about tattooed? All three are ways to help ID your pet in case they get lost. Did you know that one in three pets will get lost during their lifetime? And that only 22% of animals that enter animal shelters are reunited with their families? Let’s help increase that number! If you’ve moved, here’s your reminder to make sure your pets ID information is up-to-date.

 

Should My Pet Wear ID? Infographic

Did you know Fourth of July is when most pets are lost? Learn how to keep you and your pet safe this Fourth of July on our blog.

What type of ID does your pet have? Do they have multiple kinds? Let us know in the comments or @WetNosesPetSitting.

Pet Fire Safety Tips

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Pet Fire Safety Tips

Experiencing a house fire can be devastating. While we can’t prevent every fire from happening there are ways we can pet-proof our home and steps we can take to ensure our pets safety. Here’s 10 pet fire safety tips:

  1. Don’t leave an open flame unattended.
  2. Avoid candles or invest in flameless candles.
  3. Secure your fireplace and electrical cords.
  4. Remove stove knobs or secure them to keep pets from turning them on.
  5. Make note of where your pet likes to hide or nap.
  6. Keep leashes and collars near the door.
  7. Pet-proof rooms for younger pets.
  8. Have a fire evacuation plan in place. If you’re not sure how to make one see this resource from the National Fire Protection Association.
  9. Consider installing monitored smoke detectors.
  10. Use fire alert window decals.

Pet Fire Safety Tips

There’s plenty of other dangers out there, including plants and ice melt. Make sure you know how to keep you and your pet safe!

Did we miss any pet fire safety tips? Let us know in the comments or @WetNosesPetSitting or #WetNosesPetSitting. We’d love to add it!

Reasons To Microchip Your Pets

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Reasons To Microchip Your Pets

If you’ve adopted your pet in the past few years, your pet may already have been microchipped. If you’ve moved, this is your reminder to make to update your pets microchip information. But what if your pet isn’t microchipped? Is it really worth it? Here’s 5 reasons to get your pet microchipped.

  1. Improved chances of being reunited: If your dog is microchipped you have a chance of over 52% of being reunited. For cats, that number is 38%.
  2. It’s quick: Microchipping takes less than a minute. This video is a little under 4 minutes by Dr. Mohlman does a great job explaining the procedure. It took less than 30 seconds to inset the microchip.
  3. It’s inexpensive: Many people think microchipping is expensive but the average cost is around $45. Some areas will have local, free microchipping events as well so keep an eye out for those.
  4. Provides proof of ownership if your pet is stolen: Sadly, this is an issue some pet parents will have to face. Having up-to-date information on your pets microchip can ensure that you get your pet back if somebody else has stolen your pet and attempts to claim him or her as theirs.
  5. Peace of mind: If your pet gets lose and looses their collar, they still have a form of identification on them.

5 Reasons to Microchip Your Pet

Did you get your pet microchipped? Let us know in the comments about your experience.

The Pros & Cons Of A Raw Food Diet For Your Dog

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The Pros & Cons Of A Raw Food Diet For Your Dog

You might have heard your friends talking about feeding a raw diet, but what exactly is a raw diet? Is it giving your dog a raw steak from the local butcher? Not quite! Raw food for pets is still relatively new on store shelves but this raw food isn’t the same as ours. Raw food for pets is made to be a complete meal that provides everything your pet needs to live a happy, healthy life. But what are the pros and cons of feeding a raw diet?

Pros:

  1. Increased excitement for meal time: Some pet parents think their pets are picky eaters but in reality they’re just bored of what they’ve been getting. A raw diet can increase meal time excitement.
  2. Maintain weight or lose weight: Raw diets are deal for maintaining or loosing weight as they mimic what they would eat in the wild.
  3. Improved health: Raw diets can provide many health benefits such as: improved digestion, better skin and coat health, and increased energy.
  4. Less poop or less frequent: On an all raw diet ideally feces will turn grey and flake away after a few days. That means less pooper scooping. Some owners report their dog is still wanting going out as much but often times bowel movements are smaller.
  5. Better odor and breath: Raw diets can help with pet odor including eliminating that corn chip smell some dogs paws have from a diet too high in carbohydrates. It can also help make breath fresher as raw diets can naturally clean teeth.

Cons:

  1. Cost: Raw diets can be more expensive than kibble (dry food) depending on the size of your dog and what you currently are feeding.
  2. Bacteria in raw meat: While raw diets are tested to be safe, you are handling raw meat which means if handled improperly could lead to pathogens such as salmonella and E. coli infecting humans.
  3. Unbalanced diet: It’s important to do research before feeding your dog an all raw diet to ensure they are getting all the proper nutrients they need. Many owners are tempted to give their dogs only raw meat. This not only could lead to pathogens but it could also lead to a sick pet.
  4. Time consuming: For those owners preparing their dogs food, time can be a huge factor. Is your pet food frozen? You will still have to remember to let the food thaw in the fridge before serving (unless your pet likes it frozen solid).
  5. Less convenient: Raw diets do not travel well. Many hotels do not have a freezer large enough to accommodate the amount of raw you may need to bring. Certain brands of raw may not be available to purchase at your destination either.

Raw diets aren’t for everybody and that’s ok. Some pet parents feed all raw, others only do a meal or two each week, and some don’t do any raw. Perhaps you can make it one of your New Years resolutions to incorporate more raw into your pets diet. If you’re thinking about raw there are many different brands on the market to suit every need. Here are a few of the top raw commercial dog food brands on the market:

Benefits of Raw Feeding InfographicWhat do you feed your pet? Let us know in the comments or @WetNosesPetSitting. Curious about cats? This information applies to cats too.

What To Include In A Pet First Aid Kit

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You never want to have to use a first aid kit but it’s important to keep one on hand. Not just for your human children but for your pets as well. You can purchase first aid kits for pets you might already have some of the items on hand or want to add to yours. Here’s what we recommend having in your first aid kit.

What to include in your pets aid kit?

Basics:

  • Gauze Pads
  • Adhesive Tape
  • Cotton Balls or Swabs
  • Disposable Gloves
  • Ice Pack
  • Alcohol Wipes
  • Styptic Powder
  • Saline Eye Solution
  • Antibiotic Ointment
  • Tweezers or tick key
  • Scissors with rounded tip
  • Oral syringe or turkey baster

Additional Pet First Aid Kit Equipment:

  • Towels or blankets
  • Vaseline
  • Leash

Always include contact details of your veterinarian and a list of medications & dosages taken by your pets.

Pet First Aid Checklist

Did we miss something? Let us know in the comments what you have in your pets kit.