Tag Archive for: puppies

Halloween Candy Safety For Pets Header

Halloween Candy Safety For Pets

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Halloween Candy Safety For Pets Header

 

What’s one of the first things to come to mind when you think of Halloween? Chances are, you’re thinking “CANDY!!!”.  Sugary treats are a definite favorite during this spook-tacular season. But there are some Halloween dangers that can also play not-so-sweet tricks on your pet’s health. Be sure to keep Fido and Fluffy away from the following items in your kid’s candy bag:

Bite-sized Hard Candy

Pile of chocolate

Pile of chocolate by Daniela Simona Temneanu from NounProject.com

These sweet treats can pose a major choking hazard for your precious pet. Hard candy becomes slick when mixed with saliva, making it easy to be inhaled into the windpipe. Keep these tempting treats away from Fido and Fluffy!

Candy with Wrappers

When pets get their paws on Halloween candy, they gobble them down, wrapper and all. Plastic and foil wrappers, when ingested, can cause an obstruction in the intestines and irritate the lining of the GI tract. Sometimes they can be passed without any issue, but it’s best to keep all wrapped treats away from your candy craving cat or canine.

Chocolate Covered Raisins

These tasty treats may be a favorite amongst pet parents and their kids, but they combine two potentially deadly ingredients for dogs. When ingested, chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea and seizures, while raisins can trigger kidney failure. If your dog gets his paws on this delicious yet dangerous treat, take him to your veterinarian immediately!

Candy Corn and Other High Sugar Candies

Sugar may have you and your kids climbing the walls, but it will only bring your pet down, causing painful and severe gas. What’s worse is that the sugar provides an excellent source of food for bad gut bacteria to dine on. This can pull water into the colon, causing an extra-messy case of diarrhea for Fluffy or Fido.

Sugar-free Candy and Gum

Most sugar-free Halloween candy these days contain a sugar-substitute called Xylitol, also may be labeled as Birch Sugar. While safe for people, Xylitol can be deadly if ingested by your canine companion. It causes a severe drop in blood sugar within minutes after ingestion, making dogs lethargic, unable to walk, and may cause seizure activity. If your dog survives the initial symptoms, often the dog will be left with severe liver damage and potentially fatal liver failure, making this the most dangerous type of Halloween “treat” for dogs.

Pet Poison Helpline - 855-764-7661

Pet Poison Helpline Number: (855) 764-7661 *$65 incident fee applies

Calls to the veterinarians at the Pet Poison Helpline increase by 12 percent during the week of Halloween, making it the call center’s busiest time of year. If you suspect your pet has ingested something poisonous, call your veterinarian or the Helpline (1-(855)-764-7661) sooner rather than later. It is easier, less expensive, and safer for your pet to be treated earlier. When he’s showing severe symptoms of distress or poisoning from Halloween candy treatment can be costly and more risky.

 

Halloween Candy Safety

Top 3 Halloween Costume Safety Tips For Your Pets Header

Top 3 Halloween Costume Safety Tips For Your Pets

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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.

What Do Different Colored Collars and Leashes Mean?_Header

What Do Different Colored Collars and Leashes Mean?

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What Do Different Colored Collars and Leashes Mean?_Pet Sitting Header

Do you ever wish that people came with warning labels? Like, “Hasn’t Had Their Coffee,” “Doesn’t Play Well with Others,” “Generally a Nice Person” and so on? That way you know who to chat with at the store or know who to avoid because confrontation is inevitable.
 
Well, people don’t have those labels yet. But there is a way to tell a dogs personality by their different colored collars and leashes.
 
There are now different colored collars and leashes for our dogs. These help us know which dogs welcome affection and attention, have special needs, or are anxious about strangers or children.
 
While as dog owners it is still our responsibility to make sure we help others know how to interact with our dogs. A simple way is by picking the right color collar or leash. This is still growing in popularity. A dog may have a green collar or leash. That does not mean it’s friendly.
 
Always ask before interacting with a dog.
 
Want to learn more about this topic in video format? Check out the video below!

What do the colors mean?

Different colored collars and leashes mean different things. Below are some of the most common colors and their meanings.

Red: (Red) Approach dogs with caution.

Orange: (Orange) Dogs are friendly toward adults and children, but they are not good with other dogs.

Green: (Green) Dogs are friendly toward people and other dogs.

Yellow: (Yellow) Nervous or anxious. If stated on the collar it can also mean up for adoptions.

Blue: (Blue) Dog in training or is a working dog.

White: (White) This dog has hearing or sight problems or may be completely deaf or blind.

Different Colored Collars and Leashes

Photo from Pinterest

What I love about these codes is that you never know what dog is friendly or not. People tend to think larger athletic dogs are not always friendly. Especially those dogs under “bully breeds.”

To name a few: Pit bulls, Staffordshire Terriers, Doberman Pinschers, and Rottweilers. These are often considered to be dogs you would want to stay away from but this is not always the case. From my personal experience, some of these dogs were the sweetest I’ve ever met, while other smaller dogs were more aggressive. You can never tell a dog’s disposition from the breed alone.

Are there any other types of colored collars and leashes?

Absolutely! Color coding is growing in popularity but so are collars and leashes that say “Adopt Me” or “In Training”. These may be different colors than what you’re used to. Whenever you see a working dog you should either not engage with the dog or ask the owner if you may pet them. Because a dog doesn’t look like it’s working doesn’t mean it isn’t.
Working dogs can help with a variety of tasks. Dogs are not limited to only being guide dogs. They can also detect seizures, low blood sugar, and can help stabilize those who are unsteady on their feet.

Conclusion

So next time you see a dog with a different colored collars and leashes, remember it may be a message. Or if you have a dog that is out and about often, you may want to invest in one of these collars. It can only help you and your dog better relate with the people you encounter.

How Does Overnight Pet Sitting Work? Header

How Does Overnight Pet Sitting Work?

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How Does Overnight Pet Sitting Work? Header

For people who have never used a pet sitter, the idea of having overnight pet sitting can be a little daunting! Here we try to explain everything you need to know so you can decide if overnight pet sitting is right for you and your fur kids.

How Long are Overnight Stays?

At Wet Noses Pet Sitting, we offer two different overnights:

  • Standard Overnight which is 9-10 hours long
  • Extended Overnight which is 12 hours long, usually 7pm-7am

In most cases, unless you have a dog door or only have cats, we also require a visit during the day. We can help you choose visits that are best for you.

What Animals Need Overnight Stays?

We most commonly see overnight stays being used for dogs, but that is not to say that some cats do not appreciate them! If you have pets that are used to, and enjoy, company in the evenings, then overnights would be a good fit. You also may have pets that need to monitored more closely due to heath problems, or are young and exuberant and need more exercise! I have an older cat that likes to sleep on the bed next to a person, so even when we take the dog with us, we still get an overnight sitter.

What Happens During an Overnight Stay?

Depending on whether you chose a Standard or Extended Overnight, the sitter will have varying amounts of time.

  • During a Standard Overnight, the sitter will have enough time for feeding, medications and a quick walk. The same basic activities that happen during a pet sitting visit.
  • During an Extended Overnight, the sitters usually arrive between 7-8pm. This allows them time for playtime, a longer walk, plant watering and extra cuddling! During these longer overnights the sitter will generally spend the extra time hanging out with your pets and keeping them company. For households with a lot of pets, this extra time also allows the sitter to perform any additional tasks that are hard to complete during the day visits.

Where Does the Sitter Sleep?

The sitter can sleep wherever you are comfortable, but we often recommend that the sitter sleep in the room your animals are most accustomed to. The sitter can sleep in your bed, in a guest room or on a comfortable couch. Some animals do not mind where your sitter sleeps, but if you have a dog or a cat that has a specific routine, you should consider sticking with the normal bedroom.

Some clients will wash the sheets before leaving, especially for longer trips. Then the sitter will wash the sheets before you return. Some sitters prefer to bring their own bedding. These are details you can work out with your sitter during the introductory meeting. If you want to learn more about this specific topic, see our post here.

Still Having Trouble Deciding?

We have written up suggested schedules depending on what pets you have. Shy cats have very different needs than active dogs. Or Call Us to discuss schedules based on the specific needs of your pets!

Dog Daycare vs Dog Walker

Do You Charge Extra for Holidays?

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Q: Do you charge extra for holidays?

A: This question is easy! We do not charge extra for holidays. That is our gift to you!

Many companies charge extra for holidays. Some charge more just for the day while others charge more for the entire week. Truth be told, we used to charge extra. We found that it made us feel crummy so we did away with it. We know that the holidays can be a costly time, with buying presents and travel expenses. We do not want to make it worse by charging you extra for holidays.

What about your pet sitter?

Since we do not charge extra for the holidays, your sitter does not make more than they would on a normal day. Our wonderful sitters give up their time with family and friends to make sure your pets are getting the best care possible while you are gone. Should you be feeling generous, feel free to tip your sitters extra for working during the holidays!

As always, thank you for supporting your local small business during the holiday season!

Holiday Pet Dangers

Planning on traveling for the holidays? Learn how to travel safely with cats on our blog.

Father’s Day Activities to do with Your Dog

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More than gifts, Father’s Day is about having fun with dear old dad. After all, he works hard, day in and day out for the family. Taking time to play around with his favorite four-legged pal is sure to bring a smile to his face.

Help dad relax this Father’s Day with these fun activities he can do with Fido. Father's Day

Play in the park – Grab a Frisbee and hit the park for some fun in the sun.

Take them out to brunch – Check out one of these dog-friendly restaurants in Fort Collins and take Dad out to lunch with his best bud.

Go for a hike – Pack up a picnic lunch, hit the trails, and spend a little quality time in nature. Fort Collins and Loveland have some great dog trails.

Teach your dog new games – Too hot or rainy? Check out these 7 games Dad can teach Fido to keep them both entertained.

Cook them both a delicious dinner – Fix up the best bud meal of meatloaf for them to enjoy together. Make Dad’s regular favorite recipe and a marvelous Mutt Loaf for your dog!

Give Dad a new DIY doggy bed project – Some dads love to have a project to keep them busy. Pick up the supplies and let dad spend the day working on his newest undertaking.

Take a road trip – Road trips are a great way of spending a sunny Sunday. Check out one of these 22-day trips from Fort Collins and hit the road!

 

You don’t have to spend a ton on Dad to make him feel special. Sometimes it’s best to just spend some quality time together!

 

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Keep Your Dog and Cat Safe from Rabies

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At Wet Noses Pet Sitting we are loving the beautiful weather we are seeing in Colorado. With this nice weather we are also aware of the increased chances of encountering a wild animal when out with our dogs and cats. Here we discuss everything you need to know about rabies and how to keep your furry friends safe this spring and summer!

What is Rabies?

Over the recent years rabies has making a much larger appearance in our area. Normally rabies is found more commonly in warmer states. Cold weather does not get the chance to kill as many diseased animals. Our warm winters has allowed the disease to travel more easily from animal to animal without breaking the chain.

Basically it’s a disease the attacks the central nervous system. Because of this affect on the central nervous system animals affected with rabies can often act tame or angry. It is transmitted through saliva a few days before the animal dies when the virus is being “shed”. Saliva is the only means of transmission, not blood, feces or urine, so outside of being bit by an affected animal it is unlikely your animal will be infected. Rabies also dies quickly when exposed to the air, so as saliva dries up the disease will die with it. The disease also can only travel through wounds or broken skin, not just from surface contact.

What Wild Animal Carry Rabies?

Rabies in dogs and cats comes from an encounter with a wild animal that is already infected. Species that can carry rabies:

  • Bats
  • Coyotes
  • Foxes
  • Raccoons
  • Skunks

There are a few others, but these are the species that are most often seen. In Colorado the largest concerns lie with bats and skunks. Opossums can become infected with rabies but it is extremely rare due to their low body temperature making it difficult for the virus to survive in the opossums body.

How to Keep Your Dog and Cat Safe

  • Vaccinate on Schedule – Follow the recommended schedule for rabies vaccinations from your veterinarian. I am not a huge fan of over vaccinating, but this is both required by law and recommended for safety, especially as rabies outbreaks are becoming more common in recent years. Most often a puppy or kitten is vaccinated around 4 months old and then a year later. Rabies vaccines come in two durations – one year and three years. Talk with your vet about which one fits your lifestyle the best. For cats, some veterinary clinics carry the adjuvanted and non adjuvanted rabies vaccine.
  • Treat Any Bites Immediately – Even if your dog or cat is current on their rabies vaccine, still seek treatment from a veterinarian if your pet has contact with a wild animal. Bites can be hard to find in thick hair, especially small bites like from a bat. Get a veterinarian involved just to be safe.
  • Keep Your Pet Away From Wild Animals – Most of the animals that can carry rabies are nocturnal or diurnal but rabies will make them act abnormally. If you notice a racoon, typically a nocturnal animal, out during the day it may be rabid. Avoid hiking with your dog off-leash at dusk and check your yard at night before letting your pets outside. Keep your cat indoors (good in general) unless on leash.
  • Keep Wild Animals Out of Your Yard – When possible, secure fencing and make sure you are not inviting wild animals into your yard. This mean securing food so animals are not encouraged to come to eat. If you are feeding stray cats, great! Just put the food somewhere that will not encourage wild animals to come into the same area frequented by your dog or cat.

Prevention is Key!

Take these steps to keep your dog and cat safe from encountering animals with rabies. Always better safe than sorry, so if you ever have a possible run-in with a wild animal take the time to get your pet checked by a veterinarian to get any possible treatment. Keep those fur kids safe!

Rabies Infographic

Here at Wet Noses we’re all about your pets safety. Here are our Cold Weather Precautions for Pets Tips and our Cat Travel Safety Tips.

Tips To Get Your Dog To Go Outside in the Cold_Header

Tips to Get Your Dog to Go Outside in the Cold

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Tips To Get Your Dog To Go Outside in the Cold_Header

 

 
We all know it’s not very pleasant to use a cold bathroom in the middle of winter.  So, it’s no surprise to know that our dogs feel the same discomfort when it’s cold outside.  Often dogs refuse to go potty outside in the cold or rain. This causes them to hold it all day and have accidents in the house.  This is harmful to your pet and not to mention bad for your rugs, that’s why we have a few tricks to get you through!
 
Want to watch this blog instead of read? Check out our video below.

Top 3 Tips to Get Your Dog to Go Outside in the Cold

Shovel a Spot

Uncover a small grassy area for them to use, it should be big enough for them to turn around a few times and sniff the area.  It’s best to do this in an area that they have used before. They will get the “green light” to go if they can pick up the scent of past potties. Also, make sure to bundle them up in jackets and sweaters that fit snug to avoid accidents.  You may want to invest in little booties for them as well for days where the ground is frozen.

Is your dog already a pro at going outside in the cold? Need an extra hand during those mid-day potty breaks? We have recommended schedules for dogs.

 

Give Out Treats

You can help train your dog to go on command by using cue words such as “Go Potty or Time to Go”. Cue words help them know when it’s time to potty.  In my house, we say, “Let’s go do a good boy” to let our dog Rigsby know when it’s time head out for a bathroom break.   Once you use the verbal cues, make sure to dole out treats. It may be cold for you outside as well but stand right next to them to hand them out as soon as they go.  Don’t until they return to the doorway. They may think they treat is because they are coming to you and not because of the potty break.  

brown and black long coated small dog

c: tamasp

Make an Indoor Potty Place

What if the weather is terrible outside for weeks and your dog refuses to use potty outside? You can make an indoor bathroom for your dog. Be aware that if you do this, it can be very hard for them to be house trained to use the bathroom outside again.
 
It does, make sense for some families to set up an exercise pen or baby gate in the garage/laundry room. This makes a special area for them use. Put real grass bathroom patches or a pee pad in the area. Your dog will know that they have a safe space to use in the home and leave your carpets safe from accidents.
 
It can be hard on pets and pet parents in the winter months. Following these tips will help you get through until spring. Don’t forget to let us know any tips that work for you in the comments!
How Do I know If It Is Too Cold to Walk My Dog?_Header

How Do I know If It Is Too Cold to Walk My Dog?

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How Do I know If It Is Too Cold to Walk My Dog?_Header

Winter does not have to put a damper on you and your dog’s activities, but how do you know when it is too cold outside? Dog walks provide health benefits when done in the proper conditions. There are a variety of factors that influence when it is too cold to walk your dogs. Here are some general guidelines.

 

Want to learn more in video format? Check out the video below.

Factors

There are a few factors to account for when determining if it’s too cold to walk your dog. They are fur length, size and body condition, and health conditions. As with all of these, make sure you are following general winter weather precautions.

Fur Length

What type and length of fur your dog has can impact how tolerant to cold he is. Short haired or shaved dogs have less fur to protect them from the cold and wind. Which means, they do not tolerate winter walks as well. For shorter haired dogs, do not walk them outside when the temperature is below freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit) without a coat or sweater. Long and thick haired dogs are more tolerant to the cold. These dogs can handle walks outside in the cold, but these walks should be short.

Size and Body Condition

Small dogs tend to have a harder time adjusting to the cold. This is because they are closer to the ground and generally have short hair. These dogs should not walk outside in temperatures below 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Even with a sweater or coat.

Larger dogs are higher off the ground and tend to have more healthy body fat compared to smaller dogs. This helps larger dogs be more tolerant to the cold.

Body condition is also an important factor in determining how cold is too cold. Fat helps insulate the body and keep your dog warm. Many dogs, particularly hunting dogs, have fat under their skin. This is why labs can jump into freezing lakes. For this reason, dogs who are underweight should not be outside for extended periods of time in the cold.

brown short coated dog wearing red and white polka dot shirt sitting on snow covered ground

Health Conditions

Many health conditions impact how your dog will react to the cold. When the temperature is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, dogs with arthritis or dogs with hip dysplasia should only be walked for short periods of time. The cold tends to exacerbate these conditions and will make your dog extra sore and grumpy. Other health conditions, like thyroid issues, affect your dog’s ability to regulate his body temperature. Dogs with these conditions should not be walked for long periods of time in the cold. Talk to your vet to see if any health conditions your dog has can be affected by the cold.

Ways to Make the Cold Better

You should never send your dog outside if it’s too cold but what if you have to. If you must go outside with your dog make sure you are in and out as quick as possible. You should supervise your dog the entire time. Also consider getting some of the following items to make the bitter cold less bitter.

Conclusion

There are a variety of factors to consider when deciding how cold is too cold to walk your dog. In general, use caution when the temperature is below freezing. Keep walks short and brisk to help prevent your dog from getting too cold. Always be aware of other winter weather dangers, such as ice and sidewalk salt.

5 Tips to Picking a Veterinarian You Love!

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Adding a new pet to your family is very exciting. It’s important to find a good vet and start their care as soon as possible. But it is likely that you feel a little overwhelmed when you see the long list of vets in the directory. It’s not too hard to narrow down the search if you know what to consider when choosing a vet.

1. What kind of accreditation do they have?

The best veterinary hospitals are accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). They regularly evaluate the practices on about 900 different standards of excellence, which means the level of care is the best in the industry. Visit their website to find an AAHA accredited vet near you.

Many clinics are also starting to offer a Fear Free certification. This is a course that teaches veterinarians to work with animals in such a way as to minimize the fear and stress involve in a vet visit. Find a Fear Free certified veterinarian near you.

2. How convenient are their hours and location?

There’s no doubt that we are busy people. That is why it is important to have a veterinarian office that is located near your home or on your daily commute. Moreover, make sure that they have the hours that fit your daily schedule. If you work long days, find a location with evening or weekend hours.

3. What type of emergency care do they offer?

Accidents and sickness happens. We can’t plan for them and unfortunately they also can happen at all hours of the night. Make sure to have a plan in place for emergency care. If the vet you choose has AAHA accreditation, there is a good chance they have 24 hour emergency services.

4. Do they have in house medical equipment and lab testing?

The best offices have in house testing and equipment. If your pet needs lab work or x-rays, the results will be faster; meaning you will know what is wrong and how to treat it as soon as possible.

5. Are there good online reviews and testimonials?

Nothing beats a face to face encounter to tell how much (or how little) you are going to like any particular office. However, in the great day and age of the internet, we have sites like Yelp.com that help shine the light behind the doors. Read reviews on community sites as well as testimonials on their website as well. This will help you get an idea if the practice is a good fit for you family.

 

After you’ve picked a vet, go for a regular check to assess the level of care. If they are a perfect, then great! If not, try again until you find the one that is just right for you.

Do you have any recommendations for veterinarian offices in the Fort Collins or Loveland area? Sound off in the comments below and let us know!

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