Tag Archive for: pet safety

Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe This St Patrick’s Day

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The winter cold is slowly turning warm and blooms are starting to appear. That means spring is near. But first we must celebrate the great Irish holiday, St. Patrick’s Day. A fun filled day full of drinking green beer and eating traditional foods like corned beef, cabbage and sauerkraut. However, for our pets it may not be such a jovial occasion. Between intoxicated adults, loud atmospheres and tons of food, there are a lot of things that could spell trouble for your pets.

Safety Tips You Need to Know 

  • No matter what you do, DO NOT give your pet an alcoholic beverage. Green beer could peak their interest even more, so make sure to keep it far from their reach. 
  • Keep holiday foods away from your pets. Our foods, laden with butter and salt can end up in disastrous digestive issues for your pet. This is true for corned beef as well. The excess sodium in the meat is not good for them.
  • It’s often best to leave your pet at home if you’re heading to a crowded bar or a parade. They may get anxious or spooked by all the commotion.
  • If children will be attending make sure your pet is respected and put them in a safe quiet room as needed.
  • Having a party at home?  Make sure you dog is safe from escaping when friends come in and out of the house. Have ID tags updated in case they do get out.
  • Dress up with caution. Never leave them unattended in a costume, especially one with a chin strap or necklace. And never dye their hair, they can lick it off which could be toxic for them.

St. Patrick’s Day Treats Your Pet Can Eat

Cabbage: It is a nutritious treat for your pup and provides them with vitamins and minerals. Just make sure to give it to them before you add tons of sodium (broth, salt, bacon) and bacon. Boiled cabbage is the best since it’s cooked with less butter.

Shamrock Treats: These delicious little shamrock shaped treats are even better because they aren’t colored with dye. They use green peas on top to add a pop of color. Get the recipe here!

Doggy Fro-Yo: Made with all natural Greek yogurt, this treat is not only delicious, it’s great for your dog too! Get the recipe here!

Traditional Pot Roast: This one pot meal is perfect for you and your dog. This special stew is tailored especially for your dog to enjoy with you. If you desire more spices, just add them in to your own bowl. Get the recipe here!

 

There is plenty of fun you can have with your pet on St. Patrick’s Day as long as you take care of some safety first. Do you have any great memories or treats you give your pet on this green holiday? If so let us know on social media or in the comments below!

And don’t forget to hire a pet sitter if you’re going to be away from home this St. Patrick’s day!

Holiday Pet Dangers

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The holidays are a crazy time for us and an even crazier time for our pets!  At Wet Noses Pet Sitting we love your pets like our own. We want to be sure they are as safe as possible this holiday season.  Read up on our list of holiday pet dangers, be safe and enjoy your holiday season without any pet emergencies!pet dangers

 

Family and friends coming in the house

The holidays are a wonderful time to visits with our friends and family but this can cause stress for some pets.  If your pet does not do well with large groups of strangers, let your pets have a nice break in a quiet place with a healthy treat.  Even pets that love company can take advantage of the situation by running out an open door or stealing non-pet friendly foods from guests.  Make sure your guests know what is ok for Fido and let Fido take a nap when needed.

 

Tinsel and ornaments

As cute as it is to watch your kitten climb the Christmas tree, keep an eye out for ornaments that can be eaten or easily broken.  If you have a curious cat, forgo the tinsel for the year.  Cats love to chew on string-like items and due to the barbs on their tongues they cannot always spit them out, forcing them to swallow that shiny piece of trouble.  If you have a dog that likes to play with ornaments, put them a little higher on the tree.

 

Food items

We humans love our holiday treats and we want our pets to enjoy the holiday cheer as much as we do.  Be sure to give treats in moderation and avoid these dangerous yummy items:

  • Chocolate – Chocolate, especially baking chocolate is trouble for all pets.  Something to keep in mind is that all animals handle chocolate differently so if your pet gets some call your emergency clinic for advice.
  • Fat and bones – What dog does not dream about stealing the turkey off the counter?  Cooked bones are huge problems for pets as the bones can splinter and the fragments can puncture your pet’s insides.  Fat and grease can cause terrible digestion problems and in large quantities can require hospitalization.  If you would not eat it, neither should your pet.
  • Bread dough – Baking is wonderful but bread dough contains yeast with can expand in a pup’s stomach, causing all sorts of trouble.
  • Grapes and raisins – Raisins are often included in holiday baking and many pet owners do not know that grapes and raisins are just as toxic as chocolate.  Even though they seem healthy, get a good dog bone instead.

 

Holiday plants

We do love our beautiful holiday plants but be wary of leaving accessible to your pets.  Holly, mistletoe and poinsettias are particularly dangerous and tend to be front and center in our holiday decorations.  Even my cat, who never eats my plants (and we have many, many plants in our house) took a second look at the poinsettia I brought in.  Sometimes moving a plant or bringing in a new one can peak the interest of the most disinterested plant. So, when bringing home these favorites keep an eye on your pets and move the plants out of reach. Read about more plans that are poisonous to pets.

 

Garbage

What more do I need to say?  All sorts of bad things go in the trash and your dog is just waiting for you to get distracted and set down the trash bag.  Party time!  Make sure all trash is secured and make sure it makes it outside to the bin! Any cooked bones should be put right outside to eliminate any risk.

Candles

My cat is notorious for melting her whiskers on candles as soon as my back is turned.  Now that she is older, candles are only burned in locations where she cannot reach when we are in the room.  Keep in mind candles often smell like candy and cookies and can entice your pet to take a quick peek at the flame. This can easily turn into melted whiskers, a flame burn or even worse, a wax burn.

 

Wrapping paper and ribbons

Ribbons are favorites toys for cats as long as they do not swallow them.  If you are unsure if your dog will behave, keep the presents tucked away when unsupervised.  Make sure your kitty will not chew the ribbons off the packages!

Keep these holiday pet dangers in mind and enjoy your holiday season.  No one wants to take a trip the emergency clinic over the holiday season. If you have concerns about something your pet has gotten into, do not hesitate to call them or take a trip into the vet if needed.

 

We love the clinics listed below for 24/7 emergencies and we know you will too.

Fort Collins Veterinary Emergency Clinic – 816 South Lemay Avenue, near Lemay and Riverside in Fort Collins – (970) 484-8080
Four Seasons Veterinary Specialists – 4120 Clydesdale Pkwy, just south of Centerra – (970) 800-1106

 

Happy Holidays!

Top 3 Halloween Costume Safety Tips For Your Pets Header

Top 3 Halloween Costume Safety Tips For Your Pets

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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.

Important Items to Bring When Hiking with Your Dog

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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!

 

How to Prevent Hairballs in Cats

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If you’ve owned a cat for any amount of time then you’ve probably had the awful experience of hairballs. There is no denying that they are pretty gross, a little troubling and also, totally natural for cats.

What causes them?

hairballsCats have tongues that are full of tiny hook-like growths, that’s why they feel rough when they like you. This tiny hooks are not much unlike soft fingernails because they are both made of keratin. When grooming, these hooks catch loose and dead fur which is then swallowed. Most of it passes through the digestive system without a problem.

However, some of the hair will build up in their stomachs. When too much fur has accumulated, your cat will often start to wretch and gag, eventually vomiting up the hairball. Since it has to pass through the esophagus, it usually doesn’t actually look like a “ball.”

They may also act lethargic, have a decreased appetite as well as constipation or diarrhea. Usually, once they pass the hairball they are fine. But if you feel that something is wrong, do not hesitate to contact your vet.

Five ways you can help your cat at home:

  1. Grooming is a key to eliminating the dead hair that builds up in their coats. When you remove it, they can’t swallow it. If they seem to have a lot of hairballs, try adding a dab of Alberto VO5 Conditioning Hairdressing to you the brush to help the coat.
  2. Adding oily fish to their diet also helps. A can of sardines or a tuna canned in oil about once a month can aid in lubricating their digestive system.
  3. Mix in a tablespoon or two of canned pumpkin to their food every day. Just make sure to get pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling.
  4. Another add-in on their food is oil. Mix in a tablespoon about once a week of olive oil or corn oil to keep the hairballs moving through.
  5. Get hairball formulated cat food. This brand of food can help fight against shedding and aid digestion. This type of food is oil-based and is high in fiber, helping hairballs not form in the first place.

Depending on your cat’s coat and age, you may see more or less frequent hairballs. But if you ever think that they are having too many or strange-looking hairballs, make sure to contact your vet about your concerns.

Tips on Choosing a Vet

Fleas, Ticks, and Mosquitoes – How to Protect Your Pet

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Spring is in full swing and the gorgeous weather has us loving the great outdoors. But that also means that fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes are out and about too. If you haven’t gotten your pet’s prevention medicine on them yet this year, then the time to do it is now.

  • Why is it so important?

Mosquitoes, ticks and fleas are pests. There’s no doubt about that. But even more than being a nuisance of itchy red bites, they carry real health risks.

Mosquitoes are the carriers of heartworms. It only takes one infected mosquito to give your dog or cat heartworm disease. While most pets show no symptoms in the early stages, if left untreated, heartworm disease causes heart failure in dogs and lung damage in cats.

Fleas & Ticks are also transmitters of a host of deadly diseases. Fleas transmit very scary illnesses such as the plague, typhus, and parasitic worms, just to name a few. Ticks can cause Lyme Disease, anemia, and paralysis. All of these are very serious.

  • Methods of prevention:

It is far easier to prevent these conditions than to treat them. That is, if you can treat them. There are heartworm treatments for dogs, but is expensive and can have serious side effects. There is no treatment available for feline heartworm disease, so prevention for both species is key. Most commonly you will find oral and topical medications.

Flea, Tick and Heartworm Preventatives  (Source) 
Product Chemical(s) Administration Fleas Ticks Heartworm
Capstar Nitenpyram Oral as needed Yes No No
Advantage Imidacloprid Topical monthly Yes No No
K9 Advantix Imidacloprid/Permethrin Topical monthly Yes Yes No
Frontline Plus Fipronil/Methoprene Topical monthly Yes Yes No
Revolution Selamectin Topical monthly Yes Yes Yes
Sentinel Lufenuron/Melbemycin/Oxime Oral Monthly Yes No Yes

Bathing and grooming also play an important part of keeping heartworms, fleas and ticks at bay. Also, frequently vacuuming your pet’s beds as well as areas they play and lounge in helps to prevent these pests.        

As always, talk to your vet for advice regarding heartworm and flea prevention. All of our pets have different needs and daily lives. Depending on their age, activity level and environment, your vet will help you determine which type of prevention is best for you.

What type of prevention do you use on your pets? Let us know in the comments!

5 Questions to Ask Your Vet at Your Next Visit

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When you’re getting ready for your yearly physical, you probably have a few questions prepared for your doctor. And it’s smart to have them prepared ahead of time. Because if you’re like me, by time you’re in the back room, chances are you’ll forget to ask at least one thing you were concerned about.

The same should go for your pet at their regular wellness checks as well. There are just as many, if not more distractions at the vet. Sometimes that leaves you floundering for words and just hoping to get out unscathed.

Having a few good questions jotted down for easy reference will go a long way in making you get the most out of your pet’s vet visit.

1. Is my pet overweight?

Being on top of your pet’s weight is important. According to the Association for Pet Obesity and Prevention, more than half of the dogs and cats are overweight in the U.S. Even though we are almost conditioned to think “a fat pet is a happy pet,” that’s not true. Obesity sets them up for a whole slew of complications such as, diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and more.

2. What is the best food for my pet?

This question almost goes hand in hand with the weight question, but it is still beneficial for average weight pets as well. Not all pet food is created equal and some foods have fatty fillers and sub-par ingredients. Tell your vet what food you regularly feed your pet. Also, as they age dietary needs can change. Ask them what they feel is an appropriate diet for them considering their age and weight.

3. Do you have any recommendations for flea/tick meds?

Flea and ticks are not just a problem for the spring and summer. They can actually be a threat all year round. More than just a nuisance, they can transmit deadly diseases too. Depending on the time of year and your pet’s health in general, your vet may have a better way of protecting your pet.

4.Does my pet need a dental cleaning?

Often forgotten, but still very important is dental health. Recent surveys state that an estimated 80% of adult dogs and 70% of adult cats suffer from a least some degree of periodontal disease. If dental hygiene is ignored too long, it can result serious health issues with the liver, kidney, heart. Your vet should have some easy and painless ways to help.

5. Is this normal?

This is the general behavior or health question to ask your vet. It’s whatever may concern you about your pet. Like do they have a quirky behavior, a weird eating/sleeping habit? Or you may be worried about lumps or bumps on their skin. Reserve this question to fit what concerns you about your pet specifically.

A little bit of planning goes a long way in making sure you get all the answers you need. Doctors and vet visits are stressful enough as it is, no need to add stress to it by being unprepared.

Do you have any additional questions you like to ask your vet? Let us know in the comments!

What to Do if You Suspect Animal Cruelty

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It’s a sad thought, but some precious pets are faced with animal cruelty and abuse everyday. And it can happen in the most unlikely places. The movie A Dog’s Purpose was recently thrust into controversy. A video was released that showed the producers allegedly abusing the animals on set. Animal lovers around the country were appalled.

And multiple businesses in the pet industry had even rallied around the movie as a chance to raise money for animals in need. Then sadly, we were faced with the fact that animals during filming were forced to do terrifying stunts. Something no true pet lover would ever do, especially for the sake of entertainment.

Animal cruelty usually hides in the shadows. And that is why this is a perfect opportunity to shed light on this terrible subject. Because this movie proves that abuse can show up any where. So what should you do if you suspect animal cruelty?

Here are a few things that you should know.

  • Find out the agency in your area that is responsible for enforcing and investigating animal cruelty and abuse.

Depending on where you live this could be the SPCA, a local humane society. Residents of smaller jurisdictions can call your local police or sheriff’s department. See below for a list of helpful links to help you narrow down your search.

  • Safely Gather Evidence. 

Okay, so this is not a call to become Nancy Drew or the Hardy boys. But if you can, try to safely take pictures or film with corresponding date.  Also, when you observe suspicious behavior, take down short, but factual notes. It will help law enforcement determine the proper course of action.

  •  Officials should next check out the animal(s), their home and interview you and/or neighbors.

According to Peta.org this is what usually happens next: “Law-enforcement officials should inspect the animal visually, and if possible, conduct a hands-on field exam (referred to as “palpating” the animal) in order to find injuries or an otherwise unhealthy physical condition that may be obscured by the victim’s fur. Officials will often be fooled by a dog who “acts happy,” but manic or social behavior does not mean that the animal is safe; he or she may just be anxious to please or desperate for attention. A more thorough examination is necessary, and an injured or clearly endangered animal must not be left behind. The crime scene should also be thoroughly inspected for any indication that abuse has occurred. Suspects and neighbors (potential witnesses) should be interviewed. If the investigator agrees that your complaint has merit, a warning may be issued, charges filed, a warrant served, and/or the animal(s) removed.”

  • Persistence can save lives. 

Once reported, warnings are issued and charges could be filed. But this doesn’t guarantee that the pets are safe. Go to supervisors and government officials if necessary. Call your local media, news coverage can do wonders to stop abuse. If you feel in your heart that animals are still in danger, do not stop.

 

HELPFUL LINKS:

ASPCA

PETA – Report Animal Cruelty

National Link Coalition

PAWS

 

 

Getting Familiar with Kong Toys

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Chances are you have heard of the famous dog toy, the Kong. Kongs are a great tool in the repertoire of any dog owner. They are great because they can be customized to fit you and your dog’s needs.

Some tips before getting started:

  • Buy the correct size (sized by weight of dog).
  • Buy one large enough for the largest dog in your house.
  • Supervise your dog while using the Kong to make sure they do not chew pieces off and eat them.
  • Wash the Kong after each use. They can be washed by hand or in the dishwasher.

Loading the Kong:

1. Start with a hard food such as treats or your dog’s kibble in the bottom third of the Kong.

2. The second layer is the flavors add on. This is something your dog likes to eat like fish oil, or coconut oil.

3. The next layer, that fills the last 2/3 of the Kong , is the soft layer. This can be any type of soft food. I like to use canned, wet food, cream cheese, peanut butter or dog safe baby food.

4. Top the Kong by sticking something in the soft layer, like a carrot or dental chew. In order to make the Kong last longer, you can stick it in the freezer.

5. To make a simple Kongscicle fill the Kong with chicken or beef broth and freeze it.
6. You can also buy Kong brand filler. It comes in a few flavors. This is good in a pinch but is not very healthy for your dog.

 

This toy is perfect for when you have to be gone for most of the day. Or even just rainy days that you want your pup entertained. It’s challenging, fun, and also rewarding.  Want to learn more about incorporating the Kong into training your dog? Check out these Training Videos for even more tips!

What are your experiences with this toy? Does your dog love it, did they shun it, or even destroy it? Let us know your stories in the comment section!

 

Best Collar and Leash to Use for Walking

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The long sunny and warm days of summer are always inviting. You may find yourself walking your dog more frequently and longer while the sunlight lingers long into the evening hours. Taking your dog for walks is not only healthy, it is a fun way to bond with your pup pal. However, the bonding and fun could be cut short if you’re busy fussing over the wrong sized leash and collar.

At the pet store, the huge aisle of leashes and collars can be pretty confusing. That’s why we have a great list for you to deter the best collar and least to use while walking your dog.

  • Collars & Harnesses:

 

Standard Flat Collar

A standard collar that works for most dogs. It’s important to continue to check the size of the collar as your dog grows or gains/loses weight. You should be able to slip two fingers under the collar comfortably. This is not the best choice for dogs with long or large necks like Greyhounds or Whippets.

Martingale

The Martingale collar adjusts itself when the dog pulls on the leash. It works great for dogs that tend to pull during walks. It tightens just enough that the dog won’t slip out, but doesn’t choke or harm their neck. These are perfect for dogs who tend to get excited by every sight (SQUIRREL!) and sound.

Harness

The harness is perfect for breeds that have pushed in faces Ppugs), trachea issues (Pomeranian), or long slender necks (Italian Greyhounds).  It avoids putting pressure on their necks allowing them to walk more freely. The main draw back is that harnesses can promote pulling in some dogs.

AVOID:

Choke collars and prong/prick collars

  • Leashes:

 

Standard Leash

What is great about the standard leash is that it is also a versatile leash. You can opt for nylon, leather, or chain and they all work about the same. The best thing to remember about this type of leash is to get the right size. If you have a small dog, then a smaller lighter leash will work better than a heavy one. For a dog that chews, try the chain leash. If you walk a lot around dusk or at night, get a nylon leash with a reflection element.

Retractable

Some walkers swear by the retractable leash because it allows the dog to roam freely. However, there are some draw backs. It offers little control, meaning your dog can dart off without much warning, ripping the handle right out of your hand. Even worse, they could get into trouble while on the leash. If there is a dangerous animal, like a snake, in a shrub you won’t be able to pull them back as effectively with a retractable leash.

Slip Lead

 

 

 

 

This is like the Martingale collar, but with a leash attached. It is great for training dogs to stand by your side while you’re walking. The slip allows for safe corrections while still enjoying your walk.

 

 

There are a lot of choices out there when deciding on the best collar and leash you need for your dog. We are always here to help sort out the details. Give us a call if you want to know the type of collar and leash we would recommend for your dog.

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