Wet Noses Pet Sitting Live Q&A
Below is a video we filmed live in 2017 covering some of your most commonly asked questions about pet sitting and dog walking.
Transcript:
Tag Archive for: puppies
Best Vets in Loveland, Colorado
Are you looking for a vet in Loveland, Colorado? You’re in luck! Loveland has some of the best veterinary clinics and more are coming regularly, as the city grows. Choosing the right vet for you is more about their location, expertise, and their style of caring for your pets. Some people prefer a small clinic that only has a single veterinarian, while others prefer a larger clinic with more flexibility.
If you need help choosing your new veterinarian, read our article 5 Tips for Picking a Veterinarian You Love.
Here are veterinarians we have heard wonderful things about. We have included a few details but you will want to be sure to check them out and make sure they are a good match for you. There is nothing wrong with trying a few veterinarians to find the right one for you!
Blue Sky Animal Clinic
- (970) 663-6046
- 2713 West Eisenhower Blvd, Loveland
- Blue Sky is a larger clinic with many veterinarians and longer hours.
Boyd Lake Veterinary Center
- (970) 680-4550
- 3850 E 15th St, Loveland
- Boyd Lake also has dog daycare and boarding, if you prefer to have multiple services under one roof.
Worthington Animal Clinic
- (970) 667-2422
- 4212 N Garfield Ave, Loveland
- Worthington has been a mainstay in Loveland and has expanded to have a wider staff and hours.
Now take a look at their websites and give them a call to see which veterinarian is the best match for you!
Foods That Are Toxic to Pets
Foods That Are Toxic to Pets
There are many foods our pets can eat but there also are many foods that are toxic to pets. We’ve compiled a short list of the most common toxic foods to pets that you may have in your home.
- Alcohol
- Apple Seeds
- Avocado
- Cherry Pits
- Chives: Chives can lead to the rupturing of red blood cells which can result in anemia.
- Chocolate: Chocolate is especially bad but you should avoid all candy. Including ones that contain xylitol.
- Coffee: This includes the grounds, beans, and candy containing coffee.
- Garlic
- Grapes and Raisins: Grapes and raisins can lead to kidney failure.
- Hops
- Macadamia Nuts
- Onions and Onion Powder
- Rhubarb Leaves: Rhubarb leaves contain oxalic acid which can cause tremors, kidney failure, and comas.
- Walnuts
- Xylitol: A common sugar-free sweetener, often found in chewing gum, commercial baked goods, and peanut butter that can cause life-threatening liver failure.
- Yeast Dough: Yeast will continue to expand inside your pets stomach which can cause gastrointestinal issues.
If your pet is suspected to have ingested any of these or any listed on the Humane Society’s website, call the Pet Poison Helpline and seek veterinary care immediately.
Just curious about what foods are toxic to pets? It’s best to be prepared. See our what to do if you think your pet has been poisoned blog for more preventative information.
How To Deal With Anxious Pets
How To Deal With Anxious Pets
How do you deal with anxious pets? It’s a question a lot of pet parents ask – myself included. If I’m gone for more than 6 days one of my cats gets a urinary blockage. Here are some ways you can help with anxious pets.
1. Distractions, distractions, distractions
When does your pet seem to be the most anxious? Is it right after you leave? Or when they wake up from a nap and nobody is there? Sometimes having a distraction is the best thing for them. We have a whole blog on interactive puzzle games for both cats and dogs. These toys can provide just enough distraction to get you out of the house or keep your pet distracted from their anxiety.
2. ThunderShirt
You may have heard of ThunderShirt before. It essentially works the same way swaddling a baby calms them down. The biggest downside to ThunderShirt is it needs to be on your pet prior to the stressful situation so it won’t be as effective if their anxiety is unplanned. These work best for events like Fourth of July or New Years when you know stressors such as fireworks will be happening.
ThunderShirt Classic Anxiety Vest for Dogs, Heather Grey on Chewy, Starting @ $39.95
ThunderShirt for Cats @ $39.95
3. Pheromones
Pheromones are much different from essential oils. Essential oils can actually be toxic to pets, but pheromones (produced synthetically) can help provide an anxious pet relief. Adaptil is the dog version and Feliway is the cat version. The dog version will not work for cats and vice versa.
The classic diffuser is great for open floor plans or large rooms as they cover 750sqft. If you have a large house or many closed off rooms, you may need to invest in multiple diffusers. You can learn more about the Home Diffusers on their website.
They also produce a collar and travel sprays for pets on the go or when a diffuser isn’t a viable option.
4. Calming Sprays
Calming sprays can also be a good option if your pet likes to hang out in one specific area. These don’t require being changed out monthly, only when they’re empty, nor putting a collar onto your pet.
SENTRY Calming Spray for Dogs, 1 oz on Amazon @ $22.95
Feliway Cat Calming Pheromone Spray @ $20.59
5. Calming Chews
Calming chews can be bought over-the-counter at most pet stores. These chews aren’t as strong as something you’d get from the vet but provide a natural way to help calm your pet. Depending on which one you choose they may be hard or soft treats. Some brands also include hemp seed oil.
Quiet Moments® Cat Soft Chew on Amazon @ $9.99
treatibles Chews for Dogs, varying prices
6. CBD Oil
Pet owners have found varying success with CBD Oil helping their pet with anxiety and you may as well if you’re looking for a more holistic and natural approach to managing your pets anxiety. Before starting CBD Oil make sure to talk with your vet, especially if your pet is on any medication, to make sure it’s safe to give them. There’s lots of different brands out there and methods of delivery, you’re sure to find one that fits you and your pets needs. Some brands to start your research are:
7. Consider talking with your vet
Just like with people, some pets need anxiety medication to help manage their anxiety. Pets can’t articulate how they’re feeling but if you’ve tried all of the above ways it may be time to have a discussion with your vet. Make sure you discuss you and your pets needs. Do they need a slight sedative or something stronger? Is there a liquid option if your pet doesn’t take pills? Don’t have a regular vet? We have you covered. Here’s our 5 tips for picking a veterinarian you love.
Do you have an anxious pet? Let us know how you help control their anxiety and if there’s anything we forgot @WetNosesPetSitting or #WetNosesPetSitting
5 Ways to Keep Your Pets Cool in Summer
5 Ways to Keep Your Pets Cool in Summer
With heatwaves sweeping the country it’s important to keep your pets cool in the summer. We have a few ideas you can try to help cool down your pets. Some of these ideas are great for indoor and outdoor use, others are more suitable for indoor or outdoor use.
1. Refill Water Dishes Daily or as Needed
Keeping your pets hydrated is one of the best ways to help keep them cool.You should be refilling water dishes at least once a day but if you notice your pets dish is getting low or empty, make sure to refill it. Dogs need between 0.5-1 ounces of water per pound of body weight per day. Cats need 3.5-4.5 ounces of water per 5 pounds of body weight per day.
If you’re looking for some more creative ways to keep your pets hydrated check out our recent post.
2. Frozen Treats
You can either purchase or make your own frozen treats to help keep your pets cool and hydrated. Here’s a recipe for our Frozen Apple Smoothie Bites. But if you’re not into making treats, companies like The Bear & The Rat make healthy frozen treats for dogs and cats.
3. Cooling Mat
Cooling mats are a nice way to help pets get that full body cool down during the hot days. These work similar to ice packs in that you chill them or fill them with cool water and they’ll stay cool for quite awhile. These a great to keep on hand even if you don’t plan on using them outside in case your AC breaks. Recently mine went out for a few days and it was sweltering in here. I laid out a few of these and everyone eventually found one to lay on.
Chillz Cooling Mat For Dogs on Amazon, Starting @ $35.97
4. Cooling Bandana/Towel
Cooling bandana’s and towels cool your pet by using evaporation. For these, you’ll dunk them in water, ring them out, and then put them on your pet – unless it instructs you otherwise. As your pet hangs out outside the water will evaporate and create a nice cooling sensation for your pet.
ALL FOR PAWS Chill Out Dog Ice Bandana on Amazon, Starting @ $15.05
5. Cooling Vest
Is a bandana or towel not enough for your pet? Try out these cooling vests! They work the same way as the bandanas and towels but provide the full body experience of the cooling mat while your pet can still be on the move.
SGODA Dog Cooling Vest Harness Cooler Jacket on Amazon, Starting @ $32.95
RUFFWEAR, Swamp Cooler Evaporative Dog Cooling Vest on Amazon @ $59.95
and a bonus….
6. Stay in the shade or AC
With record temperatures hitting the country, sometimes the best thing to do is stay indoors in the AC or near a fan. If you have to go out, try to stick to shaded areas.
Do you have any tips you’d like to share? Let us know in the comments or @WetNosesPetSitting or #WetNosesPetSitting.
How To Help Your Dog With Anxiety
How To Help Your Dog With Anxiety
Having a dog with anxiety can be frustrating. How long can you be gone for? What will be damaged when you get back? Are they doing ok? All of these thoughts are perfectly valid to have when dealing with an anxious dog. Here are a few tips to help with anxiety:
1. Distractions, distractions, distractions
When does your pet seem to be the most anxious? Is it right after you leave? Or when they wake up from a nap and nobody is there? Sometimes having a distraction is the best thing for them. We have a whole blog on interactive puzzle games. These toys can provide just enough distraction to get you out of the house or keep your dog distracted from their anxiety.
2. ThunderShirt
You may have heard of ThunderShirt before. It essentially works the same way swaddling a baby calms them down. The biggest downside to ThunderShirt is it needs to be on your dog prior to the stressful situation so it won’t be as effective if their anxiety is unplanned. These work best for events like Fourth of July or New Years when you know stressors such as fireworks will be happening.
ThunderShirt Classic Anxiety Vest for Dogs, Heather Grey on Chewy, Starting @ $39.95
3. Pheromones
Pheromones are much different from essential oils. Essential oils can actually be toxic to pets, but pheromones (produced synthetically) can help provide an anxious dog relief. These products come in a cat version as well called Feliway. The dog version will not work for cats and vice versa.
The classic diffuser is great for open floor plans or large rooms as they cover 750sqft to help your dog with anxiety. If you have a large house or many closed off rooms, you may need to invest in multiple diffusers. You can learn more about the Adaptil Calm Home Diffuser on their website.
They also produce a collar and travel sprays for pets on the go or when a diffuser isn’t a viable option.
4. Calming Sprays
Calming sprays can also be a good option if your pet likes to hang out in one specific area. These don’t require being changed out monthly, only when they’re empty, nor putting a collar onto your pet.
SENTRY Calming Spray for Dogs, 1 oz on Amazon @ $22.95
ThunderSpray Pheromone Calming Spray for Dogs, 2-oz on Chewy @ $24.99
5. Calming Chews
Calming chews can be bought over-the-counter at most pet stores. These chews aren’t as strong as something you’d get from the vet but provide a natural way to help calm your pet. Depending on which one you choose they may be hard or soft treats. Some brands also include hemp seed oil.
NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Aid Dog Supplement on Amazon @ $13.99
treatibles Chews for Dogs, varying prices
6. CBD Oil
Pet owners have found varying success with CBD Oil and you may as well if you’re looking for a more holistic and natural approach to managing your pets anxiety. Before starting CBD Oil make sure to talk with your vet, especially if your pet is on any medication, to make sure it’s safe to give them. There’s lots of different brands out there and methods of delivery, you’re sure to find one that fits you and your pets needs. Some brands to start your research are:
7. Consider talking with your vet
Just like with people, some pets need anxiety medication to help manage their anxiety. Pets can’t articulate how they’re feeling but if you’ve tried all of the above ways it may be time to have a discussion with your vet. Make sure you discuss you and your pets needs. Do they need a slight sedative or something stronger? Is there a liquid option if your dog doesn’t take pills? Don’t have a regular vet? We have you covered. Here’s our 5 tips for picking a veterinarian you love.
How do you help your dog with anxiety? Let us know how you help control their anxiety and if there’s anything we forgot @WetNosesPetSitting or #WetNosesPetSitting
Interactive Puzzle Games For Cats and Dogs
Interactive Puzzle Games For Cats and Dogs
Interactive puzzles games for cats and dogs aren’t a new concept. If you have ever been to a zoo you’ll probably wonder why the polar bears food is in a block of ice. This is called enrichment! Enrichment in the form of puzzle toys is gaining popularity among pet parents in recent years. Why? Many pets lack the same daily enrichment they would receive if they were in the wild. Puzzle games are a great way to mentally stimulate your pets. They also can help slow down fast eaters to prevent scarf and barf.
Tips for Picking a Toy
- Make sure the toy is the appropriate size: A Great Dane might not be able to figure out the puzzle, but they surely can pick it up and drop it. Effectively rendering the puzzle toy concept useless.
- Start at a lower difficulty: If your pet has done puzzle toys in the past it’s okay to start with a higher difficulty toy. If your pet is new to puzzle toys, start off with an easier toy.
- Experiment with what is in the toy: Some pets go nuts for puzzle toys when a specific treat is inside. Others may only use it if dry food is inside. Try different rewards and see which ones your pet likes the most.
- Supervise when giving a new toy: It’s important to see how your pet interacts with a toy. Supervise them to make sure they are using the toy properly and to give them a helping paw if they seem to be getting frustrated.
- Show them how to do it: Putting a puzzle toy in front of a pet may work but often times with more complicated toys, you may have to show your pet how they work.
Toys we Like
Here are 6 toys for dogs (and cats) to keep the enrichment coming.
1. Outward Hound
Outward Hound makes quality dog and cat puzzle games. Developed by Nina Ottosson these toys are designed to stimulate your pet mentally and give you a well deserved break. Outward Hound interactive puzzle games come in four different difficulties. Perfect for beginners!
Outward Hound Dog Tornado @ $24.99
2. Catit
Catit makes fun interactive puzzle games and feeders for cats. I have a few of these and have found varying success. The Senses 2.0 Digger is my cats least favorite while the Senses 2.0 Food Tree is their favorite.
Catit Play Treat Puzzle @ $21.99
Want more things your cat can’t live without? Check out our 5 products every cat needs in their life blog.
3. KONG
You’ve heard of this one! KONG toys are a simple puzzle game and a classic option for any dogs toy box. Did you know they also make KONGs for cats? KONG usually goes on sale during Black Friday. If you’re looking to pick up a bunch of these for a great deal keep an eye out.
KONG Classic on Amazon, Starting @ $7.49
4. LickiMat
While not as interactive as some of the other games, LickiMats provide stimulation for your pet and help them slow down when eating. Great for pets that do a lot of canned food since not all puzzle toys are designed for wet food.
LickiMat Slomo on Amazon @ $13.95
You can see more LickiMat’s here.
5. Snuffle Mats
What is a snuffle mat? A snuffle mat is designed to help mimic your dogs natural instinct to put their nose to the ground, sniff out food, and to dig. There’s loads of snuffle mats on the market so experiment with different ones.
I don’t recommend snuffle mats for larger dogs. They often can pick the mat up by an edge and shake out the kibble. While this still gets them working for the food (running around a room), it’s messy and defeats the purpose of the snuffle mat.
PAW5 Wooly Snuffle Mat on Amazon @ $39.50
6. Activity Mats
Similar to snuffle mats, these toys provide a variety of ways to interact with the toy. The one pictured below by Outward Hound contains a small snuffle mat, a hidden pocket, and a loop-&-lock type enclosure. The same deal applies to this as a snuffle mat, not a huge fan of these for larger dogs that can brute force everything.
Outward Hound Activity Matz Garden Puzzle Matt @ $34.99
Homemade Puzzle Toys
If you’re feeling crafty you can make some very simple puzzle toys on your own.
Looking for more? You can check our Pinterest board for more ideas. We’re constantly pinning new ones as we find them. We also include fun, DIY furniture and gifts in that board.
What’s your pets favorite puzzle toy? Let us know in the comments or @WetNosesPetSitting.
How To Keep Your House Smelling Fresh When You Have Pets
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.
Dog Friendly Ice Cream Recipes
Dog Friendly Ice Cream Recipes
When it gets hot outside we all like to cool down with a refreshing treat and dogs are no exception. Here are a few of our favorite ice cream recipes to try and home with your dog.
1.Dog Friendly Strawberry Ice Cream
A classic strawberry ice cream recipe – for dogs! If you can use local honey that’s even better.
Ingredients:
- 1c of plain Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt
- ½c of frozen strawberries
- 2tbsp honey
Directions:
- Pureé all ingredients in a blender until smooth.
- Pour mixture into a silicone mold.
- Let freeze for 2-4 hours or until solid before serving.
Did you like this recipe? See the main blog page for more strawberry inspired recipes.
2. Dog Friendly Peanut Butter “Banana” Ice Cream
I love this recipe because it really isn’t ice cream which is great if your pet is lactose intolerant. Plus it’s super versatile with what you can top it with. It’s a perfect base for a dog friendly ice cream sundae.
Ingredients:
- 2 Frozen Bananas
- 1tbsp Coconut Milk (or water or raw goat milk)
- 1tbsp Xylitol-Free Peanut Butter
Instructions:
- Thaw bananas for 10 minutes.
- Put all ingredients into a food processor, process until an ice-cream like consistency.
- Serve!
Tip: You can also add freeze-dried strawberries, shredded coconut, or blueberries as a topping.
Don’t feel like making ice cream? Why not try some of our easy Thanksgiving treats or our Homemade Peanut Butter cookies.
Did you make any of these? Let us know @WetNosesPetSitting or #WetNosesPetSitting. We’d love to see your pictures!
10 Household Items That Are Poisonous To Pets
10 Household Items That Are Poisonous To Pets
It’s one of every pet parents worst nightmares. Your pet has gotten into something they shouldn’t have and it might be poisonous. So which household items are toxic to pets? The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) maintains a comprehensive online list but here are some items you probably have around your house.
1. Medications
One of the top household items that are poisonous to pets. Make sure to keep medications in an out-of-reach place and locked up to avoid curious pets (especially cats) getting into cabinets. If you can, keep the pills in their original container with a child safety lock.
2. Cleaning Products
Most household chemical-based cleaners are poisonous if ingested but some all-natural products can be poisonous as well. Products that contain essential oils such as lavender can be toxic to our feline companions.
3. Rodenticides
This one is self-explanatory. Rodenticides are usually poison designed to kill rodents.
4. Insecticides
Additionally, this one is also self-explanatory. Insecticides are often chemical-based and can cause harm if ingested.
5. Antifreeze
Antifreeze is toxic to ALL animals. If you see any spilled antifreeze make sure to clean it up and dispose of it properly. Antifreeze should be kept in an out-of-reach place and locked up.
6. Pool and Spa Chemicals
Chemicals can be poisonous if you pet ingests them. Make sure pool and spa chemicals are kept away from anywhere you pets may get into.
7. Fertilizer
Fertilizer provides nutrients for plants, but they often contain chemicals that are harmful to pets. It’s one of the more common household items that are poisonous to pets. Fertilizer poisoning often happens because of accidental ingestion when a pet cleans themself after playing outside.
8. Lead Paint Chips
Lead is known to be toxic to humans, as well as pets. If you are doing some DIY are dealing with lead paint (we recommend hiring a professional however), make sure pets are not in the room and make sure you dispose of any lead paint chips.
9. Some Plants
There are a lot of household plants that are poisonous to pets. Here is a list of common household plants that are toxic to pets. Did you know that some mushrooms are also toxic? Keep an eye out for any of these when on walks.
10. Yeast Dough
From the AKC: “When a dog eats bread dough, the yeast in the dough continues to make the dough rise, distending his stomach and releasing toxic levels of ethanol into the dog’s bloodstream. The pressure of the rising dough can mimic and cause bloat, but the real danger is from the alcohol toxicosis.” This one is the biggest shock for me on the list as I had no idea, but it makes sense when you think about it.
If you suspect your pet has been poisoned contact the Pet Poison Helpline 1-800-213-6680 and seek veterinary help immediately.
Did any of these common household items that are poisonous to pets on this list shock you? Let us know in the comments or @WetNosesPetSitting
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