Tag Archive for: puppy

Learning How to Handle Pet Emergencies

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Learning How to Handle Pet Emergencies

April is National Pet First Aid Awareness month, as such all pet owners are encouraged to learn how to handle emergencies. Like accidents and other medical situations with their pets. This blog can equip you with information and links so that you can confidently care for your fur babies!

The Basics

If you are close to home, stabilizing and transporting your injured pet to your veterinarian is the optimal way to address your emergencies. However, when you are traveling, camping or hiking, knowing the basics of emergency care is essential to the health and well-being of your pet. Let’s begin with some basics you should always have.

Medical Records

Your pets medical records of vaccinations, documentation of health issues like allergies etc., and medications, along with the vets phone number as well as local vets in the area you will be in. Bring your pet insurance policy documents with you as well.

Pet First Aid Kit

Have a pet specific first aid kit you can make or you can purchase a pet first aid kit that is already put together.

Leash & Harness

Have your dog’s leash, harness, current tags, and tracker either under the skin or attached to their collar. All their food, treats, bowls, bedding etc. Pretty much anything that will make the trip more comfortable for your pet. While most of this won’t be used in an emergency, keeping your pet comfortable on a trip is important.

Whenever you are traveling by car, this one is important to invest in. Invest in a great travel harness system. These are basically a seat belt for your dog. Additionally, it is safest to keep your dog with you in your vehicle, not in a trailer or in the bed of a pickup.

Remember: an 80 pound dog can become a 2,400 pound projectile at just 50 miles per hour!

 

Now, let’s have a look at some of the more common emergencies that you may encounter and you can learn how to handle them.

Common Pet Emergencies

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is a milder form heat stroke, your pet can walk, and is actively looking for water and is panting more. You will need to move them to a shaded area and offer your dog cool water. Observation at this stage is key so that you can determine if it is moving toward the more dangerous one of heat stroke.

Have your pet rectal thermometer and check your dog by referring to the information below as to what is low, normal and high for dogs. Any vomiting, diarrhea especially with blood should be seen immediately.

Otherwise, with heat exhaustion you can observe your pet for the next 24 hours. If they are not back to eating, drinking and moving about normally within 48 hours, take them to their veterinarian for a follow up.

Heat Stroke

Heat Stroke is when the dog’s temperature is over 104 degrees, the signs for this are excessive panting with no breaks in between, bright red gums, collapse, non-responsive to your prompts and eyes that stare or have a “glazed” over look. Know these three ranges of a dog’s temperature.

  • Normal – 100.5°F to 102.5°F (38°C – 39.1°C);
  • Hypothermic (Low) – Below 100°F (37.7°C);
  • Hyperthermic (High) Above 103°F (39.4°C)

Treatment for anything 103.5°F and higher needs to happen immediately. Place your pet in a shaded area or move them into an air-conditioned place. Only offer small amounts of water, do not force them to drink. Keep track of the time you began the cooling process, this will be important information for your veterinarian later.

Administering cool not cold water on the pet, behind the ears, over the paws, back, and abdomen work well. If running water is not available, place a wet cool towel on your pet, but only for a moment or two changing them out often, as these will pull the heat from your dog and if left too long can reheat them.

If a fan is available, blow it over the pet to cause an evaporation effect, someone should have contacted the nearby veterinarian and be ready to transport. Important: Take the temperature of your pet every 30-60 seconds, once the temperature has lowered to

103.5°F stop all cooling measures, further cooling could lower your pet’s temperature too low. Also, note the time when you stop these measures. Place your dog in a pre-cooled vehicle and get them to the clinic as soon as possible.

Not Breathing

First check to see if there is an obstruction in the airway that is preventing your dog’s breathing. Carefully pull back the lips and open the upper and lower jaw, sweep the mouth area looking for a stick, rock, or small bone stuck anywhere even the roof of the mouth using a flashlight. Look all the way to the back of the mouth by gently pulling the tongue out and searching for any foreign object if any are found carefully remove it. (see note on the Heimlich maneuver below)

Once you have made sure that the airway is clear and the dog is still not breathing and is unresponsive then check for a pulse by touching the femoral artery on the inside of the rear leg high up almost where it connects to the body, there is a slight dip, press your fingers lightly against this area. If you feel one that means that their heart is pumping and you can move onto artificial respiration.

Close your dog’s muzzle and hold it while you cover his nostrils with your mouth. Gently blow one breath watching to see if their chest rises. Remove your mouth and watch to see if they begin breathing. If not, repeat again, making sure to check to see if there is still a pulse.

If there is no pulse or it has stopped then CPR is necessary. This link below will show you step by step how to execute CPR for your dog.

 

– CPR for Dogs One person can do this but It is best to have two people, one to apply rescue breaths and the other for chest compressions. Please watch the above noted video to familiarize yourself with this technique.

– The heimlich maneuver can be used for choking in dogs as well and this link shows how to do it along with dog CPR.

 

Having a video tutorial along with step by step instructions in my opinion is one of the more effective ways to teach these techniques. It is my hope that you will take the time to educate yourself so that you can provide your pet with the best emergency care and give yourself peace of mind.

Limping

Maybe your dog is limping and you’re not sure what is causing it. The first thing you want to do is to check your dog’s pads for any abrasions or bruising. Also, check for stickers or stones caught between the toes or stuck into the pad themselves.

If there is a wound, you can flush it with clear water and then apply a clean dry bandage using a gauze pad and a vet tape wrap. You may want to look into providing your dog with dog hiking booties to avoid these types of injuries in the future.

Sprains

A sprain of the foot, ankle, or leg can be noted if you see your dog limping, or barely touching the leg on the ground, or maybe not at all. By ensuring that your veterinarian has provided ahead of time, a non-steroidal-anti-inflammatory-drug or NSAID that you can administer by mouth while on the trail, you can provide relief from this type of discomfort. Luckily dogs have three other legs so getting off the trail and back home for rest shouldn’t be all that difficult. Most heal just fine with restricted exercise until back to normal.

Snake Bites

In Colorado, snake bites do happen. Even if your grass is cut and your property is free of places where snakes like to hide. If your pet is bitter, it can be helpful if you can safely snap a picture of the critter that bit your dog. This can help your dog’s doctor to know which treatment will be the most beneficial.

The most common area bitten is the dog’s muzzle with the leg/foot area coming in second. You will notice that there is pain at the site, you may see a small amount of blood. Two small puncture wounds and swelling could be seen as well. Your dog could drool excessively, have tremors or even vomit. Watch for changes in their breathing too.

You can begin treatment for snake bites in the same way you do with insect stings, by administering Benadryl (diphenhydramine) at 1mg per pound of body weight (this is where that small syringe in your first aid kit becomes valuable). Also, you can give them the NSAID your veterinarian provided. If you can, contact the closest veterinarian immediately and follow their procedures when possible.

DO NOT mess with the bite area or tourniquet it! Comfort and quiet your dog and if you are able to, carry your pet to your vehicle. Transport them immediately to your veterinarian! Pets who are bitten by snakes have a 90% survival rate if you can get them to a veterinarian in the first few hours.

Tip: If you are traveling to or moving to an area that is known for rattlesnakes, there is a vaccine you can give them before they’re exposed. If you’re not in an area that has rattlesnakes currently, your vet may have to order this vaccine beforehand.

This next subject is becoming more common since more states are allowing recreational amounts of marijuana, and I believe it is one of the more important ones we need to cover. While many owners use CBD products on their pets and those that are derived from hemp are safe and effective; every pet owner should be aware of the deadly toxicity of marijuana.

Marijuana

More and more people are carrying edibles, in some form, with them when they camp in areas where this is legal. However, the high levels of THC found in marijuana through these gummies or cookies is very toxic to dogs!

The following are some of the symptoms of THC toxicity:

  • wobbly uncoordinated walking;
  • hyperactive and vocal;
  • stumbling, vomiting;
  • eyes are dilated;
  • excessive drooling, and collapse

If you observe any of these signs your dog has probably ingested this toxic substance, and getting your pet to a veterinarian quickly is imperative.

Okay, a little sidebar here, this may be gross to some but, this really did happen to a dog out camping with his people. The doctor discovered the toxic THC was introduced to the dog because he ate some of his human’s waste! So always make sure to observe the correct protocols for leaving “no trace” left behind while enjoying the outdoors. Wildlife as well as domestic animals are adversely affected by marijuana.

Conclusion

I hope you have gleaned some very important information that will benefit you and your dog, should you have a pet emergency while away from home or while out hiking or camping. Worrying about everything and being prepared are totally different. As an excellent pet parent, you are now equipped to take on the open spaces confidently!

Summer is almost here and we want everyone to enjoy being outdoors with their pets and staying safe!

Checklist Before Bringing a New Puppy Home

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Checklist Before Bringing a New Puppy Home

Since March 23rd is National Puppy Day,  here is a simple checklist to help you navigate bringing your puppy home!

1. Commitment

You are making a major commitment when getting a puppy. Puppies grow up, and most live 10-15 years. It’s important to consider the financial, emotional and physical responsibilities involved with bringing this new family member home.

2. Accidents

Puppies piddle . . . A LOT so be sure to invest in quality puppy pads to cover the area where you will be keeping your little furry friend. Don’t forget to get a quality scooper for the backyard as well. If you’re not prepared for a puppy to have an accident on your new carpet or nice hardwood then a puppy may not be right at this time.

3. Licenses

You’ll need to license your puppy within your town or county, just know that most wait until the puppy has received their rabies vaccination. The price varies if the dog is neutered/spayed or not. Most municipalities require a yearly fee after that.

Pet licenses are required in all areas of Larimer County. Yearly renewal may be needed depending on the type of animal and where you live. You can find more information specific to Larmier County and the areas Wet Noses Pet Sitting services (Berthoud & Windosr) on the Larimer Humane Society website.

4. Collars & Harness

Collars are another expense you’ll have, several in fact. You will need to fit new collars correctly until your puppy is fully grown. Now is also the time to decide on a harness and/or a gentle leader head halter remembering to size them as they grow.  Complete everything with a sturdy leash.

We do not recommend using retractable leashes. These types of leashes are often thinner, which means they can snap. It also does not help reinforce how far your dog is allowed to stray from you when walking as the distance changes.

Recommended harnesses:

– Ruffwear

– Julius K9

Make sure to also get tags made for your puppy! We recommend including your pets name, your name, and a contact number. Most people will not bring your dog to you. Plus if your dog is large, people will know that your large dog is not at home. While rare, this can pose a safety risk.

5. Crate Training

Crates are an excellent way to help your puppy feel safe when you are out of the home.

Fitting your puppy with the correct size crate is paramount. Your new puppy will need room to stand and be able to turn around and lie down comfortably. Also consider the adult size your puppy will be growing into when purchasing your crate. If you’re worried about the crate being too big, most crates come with dividers to make it smaller.

I personally have an extra-large Midwest Pet Product crate for my cat when he was recovering from surgery. It might seem quite silly to get such a large crate for such a small puppy (or cat!) but once you add in bedding, toys, and any other comfort items – plus a growing puppy, that extra-large crate will start to seem smaller than it used to be.

6. Puppy Gate

You’ll want to invest in a sturdy puppy gate to contain your puppy in a particular room or area until all their training is done. Limiting the puppies roaming area will aid in their training. Be sure to find an area that you can dedicate to your puppy throughout the next few months/years.

7. Water & Food Bowls

Water and food bowls should be heavy enough that a puppy cannot tip them over. Sturdy ceramic or solid stainless steel are ideal as they non-porous and less susceptible to bacteria growth compared to plastic.

Be sure to have another water bowl out in the yard for easy access. Make sure to change this bowl daily, or multiple times per day. Standing water is ideal for mosquitos to breed in. Water bowls outside also become dirtier quicker than bowls inside.

8. Toys, Toys, and More Toys

Puppy toys are a great way to use up all that energy, but be sure that they are appropriate for the age of your puppy. Puppies, like toddlers, put everything in their mouth! Make sure that the toys are safe and are made specifically for puppies. Nina Ottosson has some puppy-friendly puzzle toys we recommend. These toys can be purchased at many retailers.

9. Bedding

Providing a soft bed in your puppies crate/kennel is important to support growing bones and ligaments.  Also having another bed in a safe, quiet place in your living room is a great idea when you have them out with you on their supervised visits.

10. Veterinary Care

Finding a veterinarian that you feel comfortable with and trust is vitally important. This relationship will continue throughout the puppies life through yearly exams and vaccinations. If you do not adopt your puppy from a shelter, you will need a veterinarian to microchip your pet. Microchips might seem excessive if your pet already has an ID tag but collars can fall off and tags can get worn away.

11. Dog Training

Consider a dog trainer. Most dogs are surrendered between the ages of 5 months and 3 years. Investing in a qualified trainer who has the knowledge to teach you and your puppy how what is expected of him, can set you both up for success.

12. Pet Sitter

Finally, think about how much time your puppy will be home alone. Puppies need a lot of socialization as well as extra feeding and potty time. Finding a bonded qualified pet sitter is an optimal solution to this issue. Wet Noses Pet Sitting have trained and bonded pet sitters certified in pet CPR ready to help you with your new puppy!

 

Thinking through this checklist is a great start to providing your puppy with everything they need. Supplying well timed visits and walks with a pet sitter will ensure that he or she is mentally and physically fulfilled.  The end result is a happier, more well adjusted puppy that will bring you and your family endless joy and happiness for many years to come!

St. Patrick’s Day Dog-Friendly Smoothie

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St. Patrick’s Day Dog-Friendly Smoothie

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with this green, dog-friendly smoothie. You can even try some!

Are carrots good for dogs?

Yes! Carrots are a safe and healthy treat for puppies, but they should only be eaten in small pieces to avoid becoming sick. Carrots are a great treat, raw or cooked for your dog. And like any food, moderation is key.

Carrots are a great way to promote eye health in both humans and dogs. They’re also crunchy, which is perfect for satisfying a dog’s instinctual need to chew. In addition, carrots offer your pet many benefits including vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients.”

  • Vitamin A is important for healthy eyes and skin.
  • Vitamin K is important for healthy blood clotting.
  • Potassium is a mineral that is essential for the body’s functioning.
  • B6 is a vitamin that’s important for the body’s normal functioning.
  • Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A and can be found in many foods.
  • Calcium is an important mineral that helps to form bones and teeth.
  • Iron helps promote healthy blood.
  • High in fiber, this cereal is perfect for people who want to stay full throughout the day.

Are cucumbers safe for dogs to eat?

Cucumbers are a excellent source of water, with a 96% water content. They’re also low in calories and sugar, providing the nutritious minerals your dog won’t receive as well from eating small slices of cucumber: vitamins A and C as well as potassium.

Rephrase

  • Vitamin B is essential for healthy bones and muscles.
  • Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin that helps the body absorb other nutrients and supports cell growth.
  • Vitamin K is essential for keeping the blood clean and healthy.
  • Potassium is an important mineral that helps to regulate the body’s fluid balance.
  • Magnesium is an important mineral that is essential for healthy bones and muscles.

Can dogs eat spinach?

Spinach is a healthy vegetable that can be fed to dogs in small portions. However, because it’s a “superfood,” this means that spinach contains numerous vitamins, minerals, and other health benefits. Among these are:

  • Vitamins are essential for the health of both humans and animals.
  • Iron.
  • Antioxidants play an important role in protecting cells from damage and helping to keep the body healthy.
  • Beta-carotene is a nutrient that helps to protect the body from damaging free radicals.
  • Roughage, which is composed of various types of plants and vegetables, helps to stimulate the digestive system.

You should avoid giving your dog canned spinach as canned spinach contains a high level of salt.

St. Patrick’s Day Dog-Friendly Smoothie

Ingredients:

  • 2–3 cups spinach
  • 1 carrot
  • 1 cucumber
  • 1/2–3/4 tsp fresh ginger
  • 1 cup unsweetened coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley
  • 1 Tbsp flaxseeds

Directions:

  1. Chop carrot, cucumber, and ginger.
  2. Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
  3. Pour into your pup’s bowl, and garnish with a little parsley and flax seed.

Try the recipe? Let us know your dogs thoughts in the comments below!

Wellington Colorado Pet Sitters

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Wellington Colorado Pet Sitters

Are you looking for a pet sitter in Wellington? With the tremendous growth that Wellington, Colorado has seen these past few years, the need for qualified and trained pet sitters in this northern Colorado town has grown tremendously.

Owning a pet is a great responsibility and part of that responsibility is choosing the right person to look after your pet when you’re away. In fact, the right pet sitter can make all the difference – not only to the happiness of your animal, but also in terms of their health and well-being. That’s why Wet Noses Pet Sitting has brought their expert pet sitting services to the Wellington Area!  Now you northern Colorado pet parents can confidently hire experienced, trained, and CPR certified pet sitters!  All of our Wet Noses pet sitters are bonded, insured and trained to provide you with outstanding and compassionate care for all of your pets.

Pet Sitters in Wellington

Wet Noses Pet Sitting – (970) 980-1325

  • Cats, Dogs, Birds (including Chickens), Pocket Pets (Hamsters, Rabbits, Guinea Pigs, etc.), and some Livestock
  • Bonded & Insured
  • CPR Certified Pet Sitters
  • (In Progress) Certified Fear Free Training

For certain times of the year, such as Christmas and Thanksgiving, Wet Noses Pet Sitting’s schedule fills up fast. We never want your pet to go without care while you’re away. That’s why if we are unavailable we want you to be aware of other pet sitters in Wellington such as Hustin’ Hounds and Paws At Home.

Why should I hire a professional pet sitter?

There are many reasons to consider hiring a professional pet sitter instead of having a friend or family member take care of your pets while you’re away. Here are a few:

  • You can be confident that your pet will be safe and in good care.
  • You can be sure that your pet will be getting the best possible care.
  • You can get advice on pet care from a professional.
  • If something unexpected comes up, the company has a backup plan in place.

Hiring a professional pet sitter can give you peace of mind when you’re away from home. You can be sure that your pet is being cared for by a qualified professional, and you won’t have to worry about any surprise accidents or emergencies. Plus, a professional pet sitter will come to your home every day, no matter the weather conditions. This will ensure that your pet receives the same level of care every time.

Fun Facts About Wellington, Colorado

Here is a fun fact about this growing area.  A few years ago, while constructing a housing development at the north end of town, a woolly mammoth skeleton was uncovered!  Even though the tusks of the mammoth did not survive the move the skull did and it is now housed at Colorado State University in Fort Collins.

The development was completed, and the developer named one of the streets Mammoth Circle to commemorate the discovery!

Wellington is a terrific small town with a wonderful, paved trail system that connects the town and the different neighborhoods on either side of it.  You can even take a tunnel under I-25 to the east side where you’ll find two small ponds to relax by.  Along these smooth paths are wide lush grassy places, providing miles of fun for you and your dog.

There is also a pond, that is a fenced leash free area connected to Wellington Park on the north side of town, and it provides a fun way for dogs to cool off after their walk.

Conclusion

Take a few moments to look around the Wet Noses website and discover the endless opportunities to enrich your pets lives through visits, walks and play time with an experienced caring individual. Then go ahead and schedule your next vacation knowing that your furry family members will be cared for in your home and having the time of their lives while you enjoy yours!

Wet Noses Pet Sitting is thrilled to be available in your area and look forward to enhancing your pets’ lives!

5 Holi Safety Tips for Pets

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5 Holi Safety Tips for Pets

Holi is a Hindu festival that is also known as the Festival of Color. One of the traditional activities of Holi is throwing colored powder. Unfortunately, not all of this powder is pet safe. While it is best to leave your pet at home if you plan on going out to celebrate Holi sometimes the festivities come to us. Here are a 5 Holi safety tips for pets from the pet experts at Wet Noses Pet Sitting.

Loud noises can be overwhelming.


Loud noises and so many people outside can get very overwhelming for pets. Pets should have at least one person they are familiar with keep them company.

 

 

 

Keep pets away from color .


Keep your pet away from the colors and chemicals used in coloring products. If you want your pet to be colorful for Holi, use pet safe dyes. If you want to take them for a walk during this festival then do it early in the morning before many people are out celebrating.

 

 

 

 

Skincare for pets .


If your pet does get non-pet safe color on them, make sure to wash it off immediately using a pet safe shampoo. If your pet gets any in their eyes, use water to wash their eyes out.

 

 

 

 

Do not feed pets sweet or fried treats .


Sugar, spices, oils, and other ingredients are not safe for pets to consume. If you want your pet to participate in the celebrations, make or buy Holi treats that are safe for pets.

 

 

 

 

Watch your pets .


Keep an eye on your pet for any unusual behaviors that could be an indication of anxiety. Have a safe space for your pets to retreat to with company over and from all of the commotion outside.

 

 

 

 

We hope you and your pets have fun celebrating Holi!

6 Easter Safety Tips for Pets

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6 Easter Safety Tips for Pets

Easter is a fun time for humans of all ages and for pets! Keep these 6 Easter safety tips for pets in mind to make sure your pets are safe this Easter.

Keep lilies plants away from pets.


Lilies are known to be toxic to pets, especially cats. Even getting a little pollen on their fur required immediate medical attention. It’s best to not bring lilies into your home to avoid any accidental contact.

 

 

 

No chocolate for pets.


Chocolate is a tasty treat for humans but it is not good for pets. Keep all chocolate out of your pets reach and do not let them out in the yard until you have picked up any leftover eggs.

 

 

 

 

Pick up any leftover eggs from an egg hunt.


Small plastic eggs can be a choking hazard as well as their contents. Before you let your pet outside do a double check of your yard to make sure there were no missed eggs.

 

 

 

 

Keep trash cans secure.


Pets can be mischievous. Make sure your trash cans are secure so they don’t get into something they shouldn’t. Broken plastic eggs, basket filler, and discarded candy can all be dangerous for your pets to ingest.

 

 

 

 

Keep pets in a separate room.


Sometimes the best thing to do is keep your pets locked in their own room, away from the noise and tempting treats. Cats especially may prefer a quiet space to hide.

 

 

 

 

Dressing up your pets? Read their body language.


Some pets like being dressed up while others don’t. Watch your pets body language when attempting to put a festive costume on them. If you are dying your pets fur make sure to use a pet safe dye. Contact your local groomer for recommendations.

We hope you have a safe and fun Easter with your pets! Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments below.

St. Patrick’s Day Costumes for Pets 2023

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St. Patrick’s Day Costumes for Pets 2023

If you’re looking for an excuse to dress up your pet St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner. From guinea pigs to great danes we’ve compiled some of our favorite St. Patrick’s Day costumes for pets.

Cats & Dogs

Wagatude Green Bearded Glitter Belt Dog Hat

Wagatude Green Bearded Glitter Belt Dog Hat, Medium/Large slide 1 of 1

Frisco Let’s Get Shamrocked Dog & Cat T-Shirt

Frisco Let's Get Shamrocked Dog & Cat T-Shirt, Small slide 1 of 6

Frisco Kiss Me I’m Lucky Dog & Cat T-Shirt

Frisco Kiss Me I'm Lucky Dog & Cat T-Shirt, Green, X-Small slide 1 of 6

St. Patrick’s Day Riding Leprechaun

JOTFA St. Patrick’s Day Dog Bandanas

Guinea Pigs

Frisco Guinea Pig St. Patrick’s Day Costume, Green

Frisco Guinea Pig St. Patrick's Day Costume, Green slide 1 of 5

4 Pack St. Patricks Day Small Animal Hats

 

Bearded Dragons

Vehomy 4Pcs Saint Patrick’s Day Bearded Dragon Hats & Lizard Bandanas

Rabbits

Vehomy Small Pet St Patrick’s Day Outfit

CooShou Small Animal Patrick’s Day Hats and Bandanas 4 Pcs

Pet Safe Dyes

Warren London Critter Color Central Park Green Temporary Fur Coloring for Dogs

Critter Color - Temporary Pet Fur Coloring/Dog Dye Spa Product Warren London Alexa's Pink Kiss

OPAWZ – Pet Hair Dye

Semi-Permanent Dye - Kelly Green (SM03)

6 St. Patrick’s Day Safety Tips for Pets

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6 St. Patrick’s Day Safety Tips for Pets

St. Patrick’s Day is a day filled with celebrating, alcohol, and delicious treats for humans. But as with all holidays, there are things to keep in mind to keep your pets safe during the festivities. If you’re looking for safe ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Keep your pet safe by following our tips!

Keep shamrock plants away from pets.


Shamrocks can cause stomach upset, drooling, and head shaking if small amounts of ingested. Large amounts can cause kidney damage and a decrease in the blood calcium level.

 

 

 

No alcoholic beverages for pets.


Alcohol can cause difficulty walking and upset stomach. Keep alcoholic drinks out of reach and if any spills clean it up right away.

 

 

 

 

Remove the raisins in Irish soda bread.


Irish soda bread is a popular St. Patrick’s Day treat but it contains raisins. Raisins are known to cause kidney failure. If you really want to serve Irish soda bread, make it yourself without the raisins.

 

 

 

 

Keep trash cans secure.


Pets can be mischievous. Make sure your trash cans are secure so they don’t get into something they shouldn’t. Glass bottles and sharp bottle caps in the trash can cause cuts.

 

 

 

 

Keep pets in a separate room.


Sometimes the best thing to do is keep your pets locked in their own room, away from the noise and tempting treats. Cats especially may prefer a quiet space to hide.

 

 

 

 

Dressing up your pets? Read their body language.


Some pets like being dressed up while others don’t. Watch your pets body language when attempting to put a festive costume on them. If you are dying your pets fur make sure to use a pet safe dye. Contact your local groomer for recommendations.

We hope you and your pets have a fun and safe St. Patrick’s Day!

How to Choose a Dog That’s Right for You

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How to Choose a Dog That’s Right for You

Welcoming a new animal into your home is a big step. So how do you make sure that the dog you’re adopting is the right one for you? We’ve put together some of the most common factors in choosing a dog that’s right for you.

Size


How big or small is your space? Do you have room for a large dog? Are you able to comfortably handle a dog that weighs 100lbs or 10lbs?

 

 

 

 

Activity Level


Are you a person who is always on the go and wants a walking companion? Or are you more sedentary and like to stay at home?

 

 

 

 

Physical Maintenance


Some dog breeds require more grooming than others – especially long hair dogs! Are you able to keep up with a regular grooming schedule?

 

 

 

 

Age


Puppies require the most training and attention and can be a wild-card for personality. While an adult dog will give you a better idea of their energy level, attitude, and temperament. How about letting a senior pup spend their golden years with you?

 

 

 

 

Breed


Do you want a purebred dog? What about a mutt? If you’re looking for a specific breed check with local rescues in your area that specialize in that breed or research reputable dog breeders.

 

 

 

Congratulations on your new friend! We hope you two have many happy years together. Finding yourself needing help getting all of those daily walks in? Wet Noses Pet Sitting can help! We can custom tailor a dog walking schedule to your new dogs needs. We also offer puppy visits!

If there’s any other important tips for choosing a dog that’s right for you that we missed, let us know in the comments.

Easy 6 Ingredient Dog Biscuit Recipe

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Easy 6 Ingredient Dog Biscuit Recipe

Today is National Dog Biscuit Day! Which means if you’re not making dog biscuits today you should be! We wanted to find a simple dog biscuit recipe that didn’t take a lot of extra ingredients and we think this one works great. You might already have everything to make these six ingredient dog biscuits in your pantry. Keep reading below for the full recipe.

Is flaxseed good for dogs?

Flaxseeds, which come from the flax plant, are small and nutty flavored seeds. They offer a lot of health benefits for dogs because they contain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Omega-3’s help reduce inflammation in the body while omega-6’s boost overall skin health. Additionally, ground and pressed flaxseed oil provides similar health properties to that of flaxseed itself. It is rich in both essential fats.

Flaxseeds are loaded with fiber and protein, both of which are beneficial to a dog’s digestive health. In addition, flaxseed contains valuable antioxidants that support the immune system.

Flaxseeds are a significant source of both fiber and nutrients, including lignans. These compounds can have positive effects on cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation, bringing down blood pressure levels, aiding in the functions of the kidneys, and improving skin quality in pets. In addition to these benefits, flaxseed also has anti-inflammatory properties which could help alleviate symptoms related to arthritis.

Can dogs eat peanut butter?

If the peanut butter does not contain xylitol or birch sugar then yes, peanut butter is a safe treat for dogs to have in moderation. To be extra safe, you can purchase peanut butter that is meant for dogs. This includes brand such as Green Coast Pet and Nature’s Logic.

Easy 6 Ingredient Dog Biscuit Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup plain flour
  • 1 cup wholemeal flour
  • 1 large free-range egg
  • 2/3 cup chicken stock
  • 6 tbsp peanut butter
  • 2 tbsp flaxseed

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F
  2. Place the flour in a large bowl and mix well. Add in remaining wet ingredients and seeds and mix until you have a rough dough.
  3. Roll out to approx 2cm/3/4″ in thickness and using a bone or dog shaped cutter, cut out biscuit shapes. Depending on the size of your cutter, you should get 15-20 biscuits.
  4. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and cook for 25 mins or until golden brown.
  5. Cool the biscuits on a wire rack before transferring to an airtight container where the will last up to three weeks.

Did you try out this recipe? Drop a message in the comments. We’d love to hear how they turned out for you!