Tag Archive for: pet safety

How to Keep Your Pet Safe in the Heat

 

August can be the hottest month of the year. To avoid heat stroke follow these tips and keep your pet safe during the dog days of summer.

Leave your dog at home if you’re running errands

Grabbing your keys can be an instant sign to your dog that it’s time for trip. It’s hard to say no to those pleading eyes, but for safety’s sake, leave them at home. Just a quick trip to the store can turn deadly for a dog left in the car.

As you can see, it does not take much for a car too hot. Even on cool days, it can quickly become dangerous. A simple delay in the store could be all it takes.

Limit exercise and outings on extremely hot days

You don’t have to be a hermit in the AC during the summer months, but it’s good to limit your dogs time outside. Some dogs can’t help but run and jump. When the temperature is rising, this could spell trouble and cause them to overheat. Taking care to limit the time they have in the sun will help stop overheating before it starts.

Avoid parks with a lot of asphalt

Enjoying a sunny day is great. When you take your dog out, avoid parks with tracks or lots of asphalt. Choose shady parks with dirt paths. The asphalt is hot and can easily burn their pads. You can also get some Dog Booties to protect their feet from hot roads and sand.

When you do go out bring plenty of water

Take a travel water bowl for your dog and plenty of water. To keep water cool on a hot day, fill up the bottle half way. Put the bottle on its side in the freezer. This will freeze the water on one side of the bottle, basically making a giant ice cube. Fill up the other side with water and you’ll have ice cold water for hours.

We are always here to help you if you need a pet sitter or dog walker during the day. Make sure to contact us! Your pets safety is our priority.

 

 

5 Ways to Decrease the Chances of Your Dog Being Hit by a Car

 

It can be the worst thing imaginable, but your dog getting hit by a car is a real possibility. This is especially true in the summer when activities are at their peak. So, what can you do to decrease the chances of your dog being hit by a car?

1. Get your dog spayed or neutered

Not only is spaying and neutering important for population control, it also helps keep your dog close to home. Once a dog reaches sexual maturity the likelihood of them trying to escape to seek out mates is greater. Studies have shown that sexual roaming can decrease almost 90% after your dog has been fixed.

2. Make sure you have your dog on the proper leash and collar during walks

If you have the wrong size collar or leash, it is possible that your dog could slip out or yank free from your grasp. It’s important you choose the right collar for your dog to make sure they stay safe.

3. Check fences for holes or weak spots

Summertime is notorious for storms and falling tree limbs can damage fences. Check your fence after storms for any damage that could allow your dog to escape. You never know when your dog may get spooked by a storm or fireworks and try to hightail it out of the yard.

4. Teach your dog safety commands

Teaching your dog commands like “come” or “stay” are the most important commands they need.  This can help avoid them running out of the door or across the street to catch a squirrel or rabbit.

5. Go over dog safety techniques with the whole family

Summer can be a busy time for your front door. With cookouts and the kid’s being out of school, it is likely that your home sees more guests than ever during the summer months. Make sure everyone in the home knows some basic safety tips, like “The Doggy Doorknob Rule.” That’s when all members of the family and guests make sure to check for the dog before turning the doorknob. This will help avoid them escaping when people are coming in and out.

 

Keeping our pets safe is a main priority and anything you can do to decrease the chances of your dog being hit by a car is key. Don’t forget to read our blog on How to Teach Your Dog to Cross the Street for even more safety tips to keep your dog safe while enjoy the sunny days of summer! 

 

How to Teach Your Dog to Cross the Street

 

It’s summer time and most of us are out and about, enjoying the nice weather. Even if you’re not big on the outdoors, it’s easy to still find yourself walking your dog through the neighborhood more now than ever. But making sure your dog is safe while walking around busy streets is imperative. So, just how do you ensure your dog’s safety and enjoy a nice sunny day where you have to cross the street a time or two?

  • The best method is to teach them to sit before crossing a road

The most effective way is to start training before they are 16 weeks of age. Although, you can train them at any time, but earlier is always better. Take them for walks and cross the street while implementing sit commands and giving treats. This will give them positive reinforcement for stopping and sitting before they cross the road.

  • The next best is to teach them to go “down” when you command if you see a car coming

If the sit command isn’t going so well, you can try and teach them to stop and lay down whenever you see a car coming. Telling them to go down will help avoid them running out into traffic after a squirrel or whatever it is that has his attention.

With both of these techniques it’s good to practice at home and out on the road when it is safe. Using treats and praise will go along way in likelihood of them following the commands when needed most.

 

Also, make sure to check out this video from eHow.com on how to cross the street safely.

As pet parents we all want to protect our dogs as much as possible and when you have a spirited pup on your hands, that can be kind of difficult. However, you can teach them a few commands that can help keep them safe when you have to cross the street.

All of our dog walkers are trained in how to safely cross the street with pets, so if you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact us and we would be happy to help show you a few tips.

How Do I Know if My Dog’s Paws Are Frozen?

 

Winter is in full swing and the temperatures are dipping lower and lower.  As the snow falls we all want to go out and play for a bit, coming in for a warm cup of hot cocoa, then playing some more.  Snowball fights are the best, especially with your dog there to run around chasing them.  But, we have snow boots and galoshes, and even though you pup may have a fur coat, they still have exposed paws that are sensitive to the cold.  That’s when us pet parents ask the question, “How do I know if my dog’s paws are frozen?”  Luckily there are a few ways to tell and also a few ways to prevent it.

What to Look For:  The first thing you need to check is for ice build up in between their pads.  If you find snow, ice, or mud use a warm wet washcloth to remove it.  If they are shivering, that is another indication of hypothermia which means their paws could be frozen. If you’re concerned that they have frostbite, check the tissues too see if they are bright red followed by pale color (vasoconstriction) or black in color.  This could mean the tissue is damaged or dying.

 

What to Do:  First off you want to warm your pet, start by using a hair  dryer on medium warm is a quick start to warm up your pet while someone else is preparing blankets and water bottles. Then, use blankets and put warm water in plastic bottles, then wrap them towels to prevent burns. You can also use plastic zip lock bags filled with uncooked rice that you warm in the microwave for 1-2 minutes then wrap in a towel. If you’re using a heating pad, make sure to put towels between them and the pad, they can get really hot and a weak animal will not be able to move and could get burnt.  Once they are getting warm, check their temperature (should be above 37.5°) rectally and call the vet.

How to Prevent:  The best way to prevent frozen paws is to put booties on your dog’s feet.  Also, limit their time outside and don’t leave them out for too long unsupervised in the yard.  You can also shovel out a little patch of grass for them to play and potty in, that way they’re not as exposed to the snow when outside.

 

Playing in the snow is great, but it’s also important to know how to make sure everyone stays safe.  Frostbite and hypothermia are real dangers, but it’s easy to prevent.  However, if it does happen, it’s good to know what to do that way you can enjoy the winter without worry!

 

How to Protect Your Pets from Wild Animals

 

This summer, a Fort Collins man was arrested by police after killing a bear that had wandered into his back yard. The bear was threatening the life of the man’s beloved dog, so he took matters into his own hands, shooting the bear once with a rifle. Under Colorado law, residents are protected if they shoot and kill a bear to protect themselves, their home, car or livestock; but not if a bear is attacking a dog. Charges were recently dropped against the man, but the incident opened the question: what can you do to protect your pet from wild animals? With winter right around the corner, encounters with wild animals will become more common, so what should you do if you and your pet are on the receiving line of a threat?

Whether it be a bear, coyote, snake, skunk or another critter, it’s not uncommon for wild animals to sting, bite, poke and spray anyone or anything that they encounter. According to Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), the most common wild animals to attack pets are – in order most common to least common – snake, coyote, raccoon, squirrel, scorpion, javelina (a medium-sized hoofed mammal that somewhat resembles a pig), porcupine, ground hog, skunk and rat. No matter the animal, here are a few things you can do as a protective pet parent to help prevent an attack, and be prepared in the event one does occur:

 

  • Call your County’s Cooperative Extension Service Agent or Colorado Parks and Wildlife for information about potential wildlife hazards for your area. Knowing areas that are frequented by wild animals and where frequent encounters occur, makes it much easier to avoid those areas.

 

  • Speak with your veterinarian about any additional vaccinations your pet should have in addition to Rabies and other species-specific vaccinations, based on where you live and your lifestyle. For example, it may be suggested your dog be vaccinated for Leptospirosis, a bacteria spread through water, soil and the urine of infected animals.

 

  • Of the 25 species of snakes in Colorado, only the Western or prairie rattlesnake and the Desert Massasauga are venomous species. If either of these species pose a problem in your immediate area, speak with your vet about emergency protocol – is there an antivenin available? Does your vet recommend a rattlesnake vaccine or some type of avoidance training? What should you and your pet do if one of these venomous snakes crosses your path?

 

  • Always keep your pet on a leash when exploring new areas. If you pet is growling, seems cautious or if you notice the hairs over his shoulder blades standing at attention, take heed. Your pet can sense other animals much sooner than you can. An attack only takes seconds, and if you are far away from veterinary services, every second counts.

 

  • Always keep a well-stocked pet first aid kit readily available. You can purchase a pre-stocked kit, or confer with your vet as to what items he recommends so you can create your own. Instructions on how to use each item in the kit in the event of an emergency is just as important as a well stocked kit.

 

  • Be sure to keep your pet’s ID tag and/or microchip information current, as a scare from a wild animal may cause him to high tail it out of there, and you want to ensure a happy reunion.

 

  • One of the safest things for your dog at home is a secure, fenced-in yard. Check the perimeter often for signs of an animal trying to dig its way in, and fill any holes immediately. Many animals can simply scale the fence to find their way into your yard, so keep food items and treats indoors, as they will attract potential unwanted visitors. If you do find an unwelcome animal in your yard, keep your pets inside and call Animal Control immediately.

 

As with most things in life, preparation is key when protecting your pet. Know what threats are lurking outdoors, work with your veterinarian to have a plan in place in the event of an attack, and do your best to avoid a potentially dangerous encounter with a wild animal.

Does My Dog Lick Excessively?

 

Do you ever catch your pooch in the act of licking his feet, forearms, or other extremity so ferociously you think to yourself, “wow, that must really feel good”? While his licking may seem a non-issue, and one that provides him joy, that doesn’t mean it might not be his response to an underlying issue if they lick excessively.

Canine acral lick dermatitis (ALD) – also known as lick granulomas – is a lesion to the skin caused by chronic licking, resulting in skin inflammation. Over time, the skin thickens and the area can’t heal because they lick excessively. The licking and the inflammation cause itching, which causes your dog to lick even more, creating a vicious cycle of itching, licking, inflammation, and the inability to heal.

ALD can also result in secondary issues including bacterial infection, ruptured hair follicles and ruptured sweat glands. These issues just add fuel to the cycle, making the itching even worse which increases your dog’s need to lick.

The most common location for ALD is on the front side of a front leg between the elbow joint and paw, though they are often found on the ankle and between the toes. The condition is most often seen in middle-aged, large-breed dogs. Many veterinarians believe itchy skin triggers the excessive licking, although it is thought it can also be set off by a painful condition, such as trauma to the leg, a fracture, post-surgical discomfort, arthritis, or nerve damage. A fungal or bacterial infection, as well as skin mites, can also trigger itching in your pooch.

Not only is ALD rooted in health conditions, incessant licking is also a common obsessive-compulsive disorder in dogs – yes, dogs can have OCD, too! Rover’s licking may trigger the release of endorphins (a chemical in the brain that leads to feelings of happiness) and once he learns licking brings about a pleasant feeling, he’ll likely continue to do it. As well, psychological factors such as boredom, stress and separation anxiety can result in excessive licking. To best determine how to treat the issue, it is important to determine the cause.

If you suspect your pooch has an ALD lesion, there will typically be a raised area of ulceration, hair loss, and thickened skin around the lesion. Your veterinarian should first rule out any potential allergies first, as a dog with recurrent skin or ear infections, hot spots, or itching in other areas may have an allergic condition that needs treatment. Several tests are needed to diagnose ALD, including skin scrapings and fungal cultures, and to look for infection.

If it is determined that your pooch is indeed suffering from ALD, once treated effectively, you’ll likely need to address any psychological or emotional factors that may have contributed to your pet’s obsessive licking. Try to refocus his energy with frequent walks, playtime, and other methods of physical activity. Make sure you and everyone in your family pays extra attention to Rover, stimulating his brain and keeping him happy and secure.

The best way to prevent ALD is to talk to your vet as soon as you notice you dog start to lick excessively. Make a habit of running your hands over Rover regularly to check for damp fur or sensitivity. If you notice him licking a particular spot but there’s no injury to the skin, wrap the area with an Ace bandage to discourage further licking. Anything you can do to prevent Rover from self-injury will be extremely beneficial.

While we associate licking with a dog’s natural instinct, sometimes it can serve as a sign of an underlying issue and, when done excessively, should never be ignored.

Tips to Break Up a Dog Fight

 

Recently, one of the scariest things that can happen to a dog owner happened to me: my dog got into a fight. This fight was quickly broken up, but I realized that few people know the safe way to break up a dog fight.

 

So what do you do to safely break up a fight between dogs?

Well first take a deep breath. Your nervousness will be sensed by the dogs and may rile them up more.

Also, do not try and grab your dog by the collar, he may turn around and bite you. Even the sweetest dog will bite their owner if they are in the middle of a fight.

There are a few methods you can use to break up a fight between dogs quickly and with the minimal amount of risk for yourself.

 

Distract the dogs from each other 

This method relies on distracting your dog from the fight so that you can safely separate the dogs. You can do this with a loud noise, water, or something physical.

1. Noise

You can clap your hands or bang pots to startle the dogs, they usually will look up and freeze. Take this time separate the dogs. If you are concerned about fights happening while out on walks, carry a whistle.

2.Water

Most of use do not keep filled up water guns around, however wetting your dog is a great option to distract him from a fight. If you are seriously concerned about your dogs fighting in the house, keep a water gun around in case a dog fight breaks out. You can also use a hose or glass of water, if you have that available.

3. Physical 

While the dogs are fighting do not try and grab or touch them with your hands, this really increases your risk of being bitten or hurt.  The physical distraction method typically involves covering the dog’s head. The goal of this is that the dog becomes disoriented and stops fighting. This can really be anything, a blanket, shirt or other fabric, but most people use a towel. Just be sure to move quickly before the dogs can reorient themselves.

 

What to do after the fight has stopped 

If the fight happens in your home

-Separate the dogs as much as possible and give them time to cool down.

-Check the dogs for wounds or injuries, and perform first aid or call the vet as needed.

-Think about why the fight began,was it over food, a toy or something else. Take steps to prevent the dogs from fighting over this in the future.

-After a fight between two dogs who live together, supervise interactions between the dogs until you can learn how to prevent them from fighting in the future.

The majority of fights between dogs who live with each other tend to be related to resource (food,toys or other things) guarding. An experienced dog trainer will be able to help you and your dogs with this issue and prevent future fights.

 

If the fight happens on a walk or in a park 

-Put as much distance between your dog and the other dog as possible.

-Check the dogs for wounds or injuries, and perform first aid or call the vet as needed.

-Get contact information from the other dog’s owner and check that the other dog is current on shots.

 

Breaking up a dog fight can be very scary as a dog owner, however if done safely and quickly both you and your dog will remain safe.

 

The Dangers of Xylitol in Peanut Butter

The Dangers of Xylitol in Peanut Butter Header

The Dangers of Xylitol in Peanut Butter

Recently, there has been a post going around Facebook telling dog parents not to give their dogs peanut butter. If you look further into why peanut butter can be deadly to your pup, you will find xylitol to blame.

So what the heck is it? Xylitol is a food additive that is used to replace sugar in many foods. It is found in hundreds of food and health products, such as gum, human toothpaste, vitamins, and now peanut butter. While xylitol is perfectly safe for humans it is extremely toxic to dogs. Potentially more toxic than chocolate.

When minimal amounts of xylitol is used are used  (like doggie mouth wash) it is perfectly safe for your dog. However, the concentrations of the sweetener in most human food is very dangerous to your dog and can cause poisoning.

Dog being fed peanut butter

What are the symptoms of xylitol poisoning in dogs?

  • Vomiting
  • Weakness
  • Incoordination or difficulty walking or standing (walking like drunk)
  • Depression or lethargy
  • Tremors
  • Seizures
  • Coma

Left untreated poisoning can lead to liver damage. These symptoms typically show up 10-60 minutes after eating it.

What should you do?

1. Always read the labels of any product you giver your pooch and look for potentially poisonous things. Only some brands of peanut butter have this type of deadly sweetener in them.
2. Do not leave gum or toothpaste where your dog can get to them.
3. If your dog does eat xylitol, call your vet right away.

With veterinary care arriving quickly, your dog will hopefully be able to have a full recovery.

What peanut butter is safe?

Many brands don’t contain xylitol but if you want to be extra cautious you should purchase a dog-safe peanut butter. Here are a few brands on the market that all fit different pet owners needs.

Pawnut Butter

Green Coast Pet Pawnut Butter @ $9.99

Super Snouts Nutty Dog CBD Spread @ $29.99

Natural Peanut Butter For Dogs | Woof Butter – woofbutter.com

woof butter Natural Peanut Butter @ £3.99

What about birch sugar?

Did you know another name for xylitol in peanut butter is birch sugar? With more companies being aware of consumers hesitancy towards purchasing products containing xylitol they have come up with other ways to label xylitol-containing products.

Birch Sugar is another name for Xylitol

Once you’ve checked your peanut butter labels, why not try our Peanut Butter Molasses Dog Treats. Did we miss something? Let us know in the comments or @WetNosesPetSitting.

The Danger of Tobacco Smoke

 

We all know secondhand smoke is a health threat to humans, but did you know it can affect your pet as well? Studies have concluded that exposure to tobacco smoke can cause lung and nasal cancer, as well as allergies, in dogs; oral cancer and malignant lymphoma in cats; lung cancer, eye and skin diseases in birds; and respiratory issues for all.

 

Are you familiar with the newly termed “third hand” smoke? It is the residue that remains on skin, fur, furniture, clothing and other objects, even after the smoke has cleared the air. This can be just as dangerous to both you and your four-legged friend, especially your furry feline. Cats are known to groom themselves regularly. As they lick their fur, they ingest the toxins tobacco smoke leaves behind, which can damage the tissues within the mouth and lead to oral cancer.

Research shows dogs living with pet parents who smoke are more likely to suffer from respiratory diseases and lung cancer than dogs who live in a smoke-free home. The risk of nasal passage cancer increases 250% in long-nosed dog breeds with exposure to high levels of tobacco smoke, as the numerous poisons within the smoke build up in the nasal passages. However, the poisons are more likely to make their way to the lungs of short-nosed breeds.

 

Symptoms of cancer in animals include weight loss, difficulty eating and/or breathing, drooling, vomiting, nasal discharge, coughing, bleeding and sneezing. If your pet displays any of these symptoms, please seek advice from your vet.

 

Many smokers, upon realizing the negative affects their habit can have on their beloved pet, become more motivated to quit smoking. Others make a concerted effort to smoke away from their pet, usually outdoors. In a study published by Tobacco Control, researchers found 28.4% of smokers said learning the impact of second and third hand smoke on their pets motivated them to drop the habit.

 

It is no secret that smoking cigarettes is dangerous to a person’s health. Now we know it can also be detrimental to our beloved pets.

5 Tips to Prevent Antifreeze Poisoning in Dogs and Cats

 

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.