Tag Archive for: safety

How Does Wet Noses Keep Your Pets Safe

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How Does Wet Noses Keep Your Pets Safe

It is estimated that 70% of American families live with a pet. Those pets can range from the faithful dog, irresistible cat, the delightful guinea pig, snakes, lizards and birds of all sizes and shapes, chickens included and even pigs!

Caring for our pets is an 80 billion dollar a year industry. Yes, that’s a whole lot of dollars and cents. Pet parents don’t side step the needs of their pets. They provide the best in veterinary, nutrition, life enrichment and all around care.

About Wet Noses Pet Sitting

The owner of Wet Noses started Wet Noses Pet Sitting in 2001 after many years of doing this for family and friends, and working in other related animal fields. She is a graduate of CSU and has degrees in both biology and zoology.

Wet Noses has a rigorous vetting process when hiring the very best pet sitters. All of them are insured and bonded. Every pet sitter with Wet Noses is an employee and is hired after an extensive background and reference check and interviewed on their individual animal experience.

Everyone of Wet Noses pet sitters is CPR certified within two months of joining their team. They undergo continued training in animal care, training, understanding body language, positive reinforcement training, and numerous other certifications.

Why you should hire a professional pet sitter

As a devoted pet owner, you want the best care and attention for your furry friend, even when you can’t be there. While enlisting the help of a neighbor or a friend may seem convenient, opting for a professional pet sitter offers a wide range of advantages that can ensure your pet’s well-being and happiness. Let’s look at a few of the reasons you should hire a Wet Noses pet sitter to keep your pets safe.

Bonded & Insured

One of the most important reasons for hiring Wet Nose as your pet sitter is that they are insured and bonded, so that you can have peace of mind leaving your pets and home in experienced and trained hands.

Regular Schedule

The safety of your dog, cat or other precious pet is paramount. Leaving your pet for long hours alone can create stress for you and especially for your pet. Knowing that Wet Noses has a schedule that will fit your budget and needs will give you the security of knowing that your fur family is well cared for and ready to greet you when you come home.

Additional Pets

Additional pets are a very small charge, and Wet Noses handles large and small farm animals, exotics and birds. There are two options for overnight care, should you want someone in your home with your pets. Taking your trash to the curb on trash day, or bringing in the mail and/or packages are all included with your fee.

Know who exactly is taking care of your pet

It is ideal when you can see exactly who you are getting for a pet sitter. Wet Noses has a short bio and video of the pet sitter you are paired with so that you can see them in their home with some of their own pets!

Convenient online platform

The online forms are simple and quick to use. The Wet Noses office staff are available by phone, email, text or online. Once you have set your schedule for your pet visits, the pet sitter assigned to you will contact you for an initial appointment to go over instructions, receive keys, and above all meet your pets!

Wet Noses uses an easy mobile or desktop application called Time to Pet that keeps you updated by photos and text on how each visit goes. Additionally, your pet sitter can text your phone directly with a message and photos after each visit.

House will look active to any potential intruders

Houses that look empty/no occupied have become prime targets for not only intruders but squatters as well. Having someone show up at regular intervals while you are away and leaving lights on, blinds up or down and making sure your home is secure is an added benefit of the daily visits or overnight stays of the Wet Noses pet sitter.

Keep your pet at home

Keeping your pets in their home environment is the best way to keep them happy, healthy and safe. They can play in their backyard, go for walks that you have scheduled and have a fun one on one playtime with your pet sitter!

Experienced team members

Wet Noses Pet sitting has an experienced team of loving, capable animal advocates who while working mostly alone in their pet sitting duties, are nevertheless always ready to step in as a team for any unforeseen emergency to ensure that your pet has the best care at all times.

Wet Noses takes the safety of their pet sitters seriously by ongoing training as well as a tracking application that lets the office know when and where they are on their scheduled visits for a particular day. You as the pet owner can sign up in this app and see what time your pet visit started and the journey (if any) while on the walk.

Over 100+ 5-Star Google reviews speak for themselves

Take a look at the reviews of current and past clients and see for yourself that Wet Noses pet sitting is the very best for you and your furry and non-furry family members. Contact us as soon as you book that much deserved vacation and we will take care of your pets and home so that you can relax and enjoy your time away.

Ready to book a Wet Noses pet sitter?

Got a new puppy, kitten or other special needs or post surgical pet? Wet Noses pet sitting has a number of experienced pet sitters to accommodate your needs.

Planning an end of week dinner, play or concert? Long hours at work? Wet Noses has the perfect solution for your needs and is ready to fill in to care for your pet until you return home later.

Today’s pet parent is well informed about the options available to them and Wet Noses pet sitting is honored to be chosen as your pet’s caregiver and we value your trust in us!

Tips for Traveling with Your Dog or Cat

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Tips for Traveling with Your Dog or Cat

Our summer is right around the corner, and that means traveling for weekend fun or perhaps a longer camping trip. Many of us love exploring our great country from the comfort of our cars, SUVs, campers, or trucks.

Bringing our pets along on these excursions is something many people enjoy. For others, their service pets accompany them everywhere they go, and their pet’s comfort is just as important as their own.

In this article, we will explore safety issues, tips, and tricks that will help even the seasoned traveler fully enjoy their on-the-road experience with their dog or cat by their side!

Microchipping

If your pet isn’t already microchipped, getting them chipped is a crucial step in ensuring their safe return if they were to get lost. Collars and leashes can easily be lost. Having your pet microchipped is also a way to prevent somebody claiming your pet as a stray. Part of a standard veterinarian examination, especially for new pets, includes a microchip scan to make sure the information matches up with what is on file. If somebody takes your pet to the vet, they should see that this information does not match up and call you to verify. Either to confirm that ownership was transferred or that yes, you pet is indeed lost and you would like them returned to you.

Even if you pet is microchipped, many lost pets who are found are never reunited due to outdated contact information. Verify that your dog or cat has a chip, and ensure your contact information is up to date before making travel arrangements. Even better, make sure you put a backup number that is unlikely to change to a place that could reach you, such as your employer.

Vaccinations

Update your pet’s vaccinations to ensure their maximum protection and well-being while traveling. If they have lapsed check with your veterinarian and get them updated as soon as possible in order to ensure the maximum effectiveness for your pet. While you’re at the vet, it’s a great idea to talk to them about parasite prevention.

Parasite Prevention

Keep your pets updated on flea, tick, heartworm, and other parasitic medications. Consult with your veterinarian for the best approach and consider necessary blood tests before administering medications.

Plant Toxicity

There may be new flowers, bushes and plants that your cat or dog may not be familiar with, so keep a close eye on them to avoid the unpleasant effects that would result in them ingesting any one of the following. Azaleas, mushrooms, and milkweed are toxic to dogs and lilies are toxic for cats. Remember to keep any and all of your medications whether prescribed or over the counter, locked away where your pet is not able to access them.

Emergency Preparedness

Carry all your pet’s important documents, medications, and contact information for the Pet Poison Helpline, local veterinarians, and emergency hospitals in the area(s) you will be traveling to.

Familiar Food

Bring your dog or cat’s usual food to avoid digestive issues on the road and don’t forget the treats. If your pet tends to have an upset stomach on the road, like my cat, skipping meal time before hitting the road might be your best pet. You can also talk to your veterinarian about medications or supplements you can give your pet with their food to help ease any carsickness.

Resting Crate

Having a crate where your pet can rest while in motion provides safety for both of you. Your pet can relax in their bed and blankets, minimizing distractions while you drive and reducing the risk of injury in sudden stops. Help them to enjoy the road as much as you do by frequently stopping and giving them ample “sniffing” time (for dogs) to exercise their minds as well as their body. The more adventurous and inquisitive cat will enjoy these forays into the great outdoors as well; just be sure to have a secure harness and leash before letting them out.

Travel Harness & Backpacks

Consider a travel harness that connects to the child seat anchors, allowing your pet to sit or lie down comfortably outside of a crate.

Many people have pet travel backpacks that allow them to ride safely but still take in the sites.  For cats here are the 5 best travel backpacks for 2023 and don’t forget your dog backpacks; they come in varying sizes, colors, and patterns.

These above-mentioned packs for dogs or cats are really smart if you are hiking a long way from your camp, trailer or SUV. If your dog sprains his ankle, foot or leg you have a great way to get them back to camp without adding to their injury. A smart move for anyone thinking of getting out into the wide open spaces of our land.

Dog-Friendly Beaches & Hotels

Research and discover dog-friendly beaches where you can enjoy the surf with your furry friend. Engage in activities like frisbee chasing, surfing, or playing in the water for a fun-filled travel experience with your dog. While you’re researching beaches, researching pet-friendly hotels isn’t such a bad idea either. Check out this site for pet hotel friendliness!  Be sure to get your reservations plenty early enough so that you know that you and your pet will have a comfy place to bed down for the night.

Traveling with Cats

Introduce your cat to various environments and situations from a young age to help them become more comfortable with outdoor experiences. Exposing them to various environments and situations will help them to form a more well rounded opinion of the outdoors.

Another thing to remember when traveling with cats is cats sleep a lot! So entertaining them is pretty easy on the road. They are most active in the early morning and early evening hours so coordinate your travel times around then. Most travelers attest to the ease of disposable litter boxes. Traveling with pets adds to the overall “baggage” but this is a great way to cut the time and mess of the home litter box setup.

Conclusion

Remember to prioritize your pet’s health, personality, and breed when deciding to take them on vacation. If traveling isn’t suitable for your pet, leaving them at home under the care of a bonded, insured, and trained pet sitting professional, such as Wet Noses Pet Sitting, is an excellent option.

Traveling with your pet can strengthen the bond between you both. Consider their comfort and well-being in new environments and enjoy the unforgettable moments you will share together. Don’t forget to capture precious vacation photos and videos with your pet!

Now is the time to embark on a fun and sunny adventure with your furry companion. Happy travels!

Wet Noses Pet Sitting is here to cater to your pet’s needs, whether it’s a dog, cat, farm animal, exotic pet, or reptile. Our trained professionals are available to care for pets requiring medication or recovering from surgery, offering convenient day visits or overnight stays for older or anxious pets. You can feel confident leaving your pet at home in familiar surroundings with our reliable services.

How to Choose the Right Toys for Your Dog Header

How to Choose the Right Toys for Your Dog

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How to Choose the Right Toys for Your Dog Header

How to Choose the Right Toys for Your Dog

With the holidays approaching it’s important to choose the right toys for your dog when picking out presents. This information applies year-round (since do we really need a specific reason to buy our dogs toys?) but if a family member or friend buys your dog a toy it’s good to know if that toy is right for your dog or if you should keep it out of their toy bin.

Watch the video below to learn more or continue reading.

Most importantly, dog toys should be safe, fun, and durable.

Toys to Avoid

Thankfully most toys that are made for dogs don’t include these elements but some slip through the cracks.

  • Sharp
  • Pointy
  • Is a string – rubber bands, ribbons, etc.
  • Kids toys that contain small parts
  • Pantyhose
  • Anything that could be easily swallowed and digested

If you find your dog playing with any of these things, take them away immediately. If you suspect your dog has ingested the toy call your veterinarian immediately. Toys that are sharp, string and string-like, and choking hazards can all be fatal even if not apparent right away. Intestinal blockages typically require surgery and sharp objects can tear the esophagus, stomach, or digestive track.

Now, onto picking the right toy for your dog!

Size

Toys should be just big enough for your dog to carry, not small enough for them to swallow. A good rule of thumb is if it is smaller than their snout/muzzle – the protruding portion of an animal’s face, consisting of its nose, mouth, and jaw length[1] – they can potentially swallow it.

Dog in blue shirt running on sand

Dog In Blue Shirt Running On Sand by Scopio from NounProject.com

Play-style

How rough is your dog with their toys? Are they gentle and carry them around like a baby doll or do they prefer to destroy them before they even hit the ground? If your dog is more gentle you may be able to get away with giving them soft toys with squeakers such as Fluff n Tuff that aren’t marketed as extremely durable. For dogs that like to be rough, toys like KONG or Tuffy Dog Toys may be a better option as they are made for rough play. By no means are those the only dog toy brands out there. Shop around to find ones that suit your dogs play-style and preferred material/texture.

Is it edible?

This might be a weird one but we feel it’s important to touch on it. Some pet owners consider various chews to be toys. While not technically a toy if you or someone else buys your dog a chew the same rule of size and play-style apply.

If your dog is given something like a bully stick, it is important to take it away from them once it becomes the same length as their snout/muzzle or smaller. If your dog is really rough and doesn’t like to take their time on chews, it’s important to take it away from them before they finish the whole thing and get a belly ache.

With the holiday season many pet stores still promote and sell rawhide. Rawhide can be dangerous. If you dog swallows a large enough piece it can cause an obstruction which may require surgery, just as if they ate some string. Rawhide should always be given with supervision, if at all. If you are considering purchasing rawhide for a friends pet or your own, consider a safer and more easily digestible alternative such a No-Hide.

The same rules apple. Smaller than the snout/muzzle – throw it out. Monitor consumption to avoid belly aches.

Material

The material you choose will depend on your dogs play-style. You know your dog best.

For high energy dogs, toys that are made of hard rubber, KONG or RuffDawg, toys that are marketed for active/rough on toys dogs. Tug toys, such as the Super Tug are great when you are engaging in supervised play with your dog. Rope toys can easily be shredded and swallow bits of the rope, especially if left unsupervised. Finding tug toys made out of hard rubber is a bit of a challenge but there are toys out there. Tennis balls can be a great toy. If your dog likes to eat the outsides of them then this material may not be the ideal one for your dog.

For lower energy dogs, soft and plush toys may be ideal for them. There are countless brands of soft toys. Be sure to take a look at the toy aisle next time you’re at the pet store. If you are worried about stuffing there are brands out there that make stuffing free toys such as Outward Hound. Even if your dog is low energy they may still like to play with toys that are designed for high energy dogs.

Bernese dog with ring toy in mouth

Bernese Dog With Ring In Mouth by Avel Shah from NounProject.com

Mental Stimulation

For high energy dogs or dogs that may be left alone part of the day, mental stimulation may be an important factor for you. Tennis balls are fun, but they don’t provide much enrichment and stimulation. Those pet parents looking for mentally stimulating toys should check out our blog on interactive puzzle games for cats and dogs.

Rotate Dog Toys

Okay this is a bit of cheating but it works! Why bother buying more toys when you already have the right toys for your dog? If your dog is getting tired of the same toys consider swapping them out for some other ones you have. Often times, pet owners keep all of their pets toys out at once. You should only keep around 4-5 toys out at a time and rotate between sets frequently. This keeps the novelty of the toys and keeps your dog excited. An added bonus is toys won’t wear out as fast and you save money by not having to buy new toys constantly.

You picked out a toy. Now what?

Test it out! Whenever you are giving your dog a new toy make sure to supervise them. This supervision ensures you know how your dog interacts with that toy.

Congratulations!

You have successfully picked out the right toys for your dog! It’s a bit of a challenge, we know, but the reward is worth it. Nothing beats watching a happy dog play.

Let us know what your dogs favorite toy is in the comments or @WetNosesPetSitting

Cat Travel Safety Tips

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Cat Travel Safety Tips

We know our canine companions often love to go for car rides, but what our our feline friends? Yes! Cats can enjoy car rides too. When traveling with a cat there are a few things you need to keep in mind that are different than traveling with a dog. Here are 7 cat travel safety tips you need to know.

1. Do not let cats wander in the car.

A kitty on the dashboard, your lap, or loose in the car is a safety hazard to you and your pet. Your cat should be contained at all times in the vehicle. You can contain your cat in a hard carrier to help keep them as safe as possible.

2. Do not strap a hard carrier in with a seat belt.

During an impact the seat belt may cause the carrier to open which can result in your cat being ejected from the carrier. Do not strap a hard carrier in with a seat belt unless it is designed to be.

3. There is no safe way to seat belt a cat carrier in if it is not designed that way.

There are cat carriers on the market that are designed to be used with a seat belt. Do not not use a seat belt with the carrier if it is not designed to be used with one.

4. Place kitty behind the passenger seat on the floor.

Placing the carrier on the floor behind the passenger seat is a safer option instead of in the passenger seat or on the backseat.

5. Check if your cat carrier is crash test rated.

There are cat carriers on the market that have been crash tested and rated. A majority of crash tested carriers are designed to be used with seat belts. These seat belt approved carriers are the only ones you should be securing with a seat belt.

6. Do not use broken carriers.

Cat carriers can last many years if taken proper care of. If you notice your carrier is starting to crack, missing screws, or the lid doesn’t seem to fit quite right anymore you should purchase a new carrier as the structural integrity of the carrier has decreased.

7. Manage stress and distractions.

A vocal kitty can be a distraction and we want you to travel with your cat as safely as possible. If you know your cat gets anxious and vocal in the car, consider talking with your vet about a light sedative to help keep them calm to and from your destination.

Cat Travel Safety Tips

Have you gone on a road trip with kitty? Let us know your travel experience in the comments or @WetNosesPetSitting

Pet Fire Safety Tips

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Pet Fire Safety Tips

Experiencing a house fire can be devastating. While we can’t prevent every fire from happening there are ways we can pet-proof our home and steps we can take to ensure our pets safety. Here’s 10 pet fire safety tips:

  1. Don’t leave an open flame unattended.
  2. Avoid candles or invest in flameless candles.
  3. Secure your fireplace and electrical cords.
  4. Remove stove knobs or secure them to keep pets from turning them on.
  5. Make note of where your pet likes to hide or nap.
  6. Keep leashes and collars near the door.
  7. Pet-proof rooms for younger pets.
  8. Have a fire evacuation plan in place. If you’re not sure how to make one see this resource from the National Fire Protection Association.
  9. Consider installing monitored smoke detectors.
  10. Use fire alert window decals.

Pet Fire Safety Tips

There’s plenty of other dangers out there, including plants and ice melt. Make sure you know how to keep you and your pet safe!

Did we miss any pet fire safety tips? Let us know in the comments or @WetNosesPetSitting or #WetNosesPetSitting. We’d love to add it!

Reasons To Microchip Your Pets

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Reasons To Microchip Your Pets

If you’ve adopted your pet in the past few years, your pet may already have been microchipped. If you’ve moved, this is your reminder to make to update your pets microchip information. But what if your pet isn’t microchipped? Is it really worth it? Here’s 5 reasons to get your pet microchipped.

  1. Improved chances of being reunited: If your dog is microchipped you have a chance of over 52% of being reunited. For cats, that number is 38%.
  2. It’s quick: Microchipping takes less than a minute. This video is a little under 4 minutes by Dr. Mohlman does a great job explaining the procedure. It took less than 30 seconds to inset the microchip.
  3. It’s inexpensive: Many people think microchipping is expensive but the average cost is around $45. Some areas will have local, free microchipping events as well so keep an eye out for those.
  4. Provides proof of ownership if your pet is stolen: Sadly, this is an issue some pet parents will have to face. Having up-to-date information on your pets microchip can ensure that you get your pet back if somebody else has stolen your pet and attempts to claim him or her as theirs.
  5. Peace of mind: If your pet gets lose and looses their collar, they still have a form of identification on them.

5 Reasons to Microchip Your Pet

Did you get your pet microchipped? Let us know in the comments about your experience.

What Mushrooms are Toxic to Pets?

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What Mushrooms are Toxic to Pets Header

What Mushrooms are Toxic to Pets?

The wet season is here which means, mushrooms! Mushrooms might be great on pizza for us, many curious pets consume mushrooms that are toxic while out on walks. It’s important to be diligent and to avoid any mushrooms you may see. This also includes inspecting your yard, especially after it has rained, for any mushrooms that may have sprouted up. We’ve compiled a list of a few of the more common mushrooms that are toxic to pets you may encounter.

1. Ivory Funnel

Ivory Funnel Mushroom
Archenzo, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

2. Fly Amanita/Fly Agaric

Fly Amanita/Fly Agaric Mushroom
Petar Milošević, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

3. Panther Cap

Panther Cap Mushroom
George Chernilevsky, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

4. Gemmed Amanita

Gemmed Amanita Mushroom
Scott Darbey from Canada, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

5. Death Cap

Death Cap Mushroom
George Chernilevsky, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

6. Gyromitra Esculenta (False Morels)

Gyromitra Esculenta (False Morels)
Jason Hollinger, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

7. Smith’s Amanita

Smith's Amanita Mushroom
Colin Smith / Fungi on Pound Common

8. Death Angel

Death Angel Mushroom
This image was created by user Ryane Snow (snowman) at Mushroom Observer, a source for mycological images.You can contact this user here, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

9. Hongo’s False Death Cap

Hongo's False Death Cap Mushroom
The High Fin Sperm Whale, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Want a handy infographic to keep on the fridge? We have one for you below!

Mushrooms Toxic to Pets Infographic

If you fear your pet has eaten a poisonous or unknown mushroom, seek veterinary help immediately. If possible, try to get a sample of the same mushroom from where they were found to help aid in identification. You can learn more about what plants are poisonous to pets on our blog as well as common household products that are toxic to pets.

Did you learn something from our list? Let us know in the comments below.

How to Safely Give Your Dog Peanut Butter

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How to Safely Give Your Dog Peanut Butter Header

Being able to safely give your dog peanut butter might not be something you think about when you grab that jar, but did you know that some peanut butter brands contain a toxic ingredient? Xylitol or birch sugar, is a common sweetener found in many human foods but it is toxic to dogs. Here we talk about how to safely give your dog peanut butter.

 

Looking for some peanut butter that doesn’t contain xylitol? Look for brands that are made for dogs such as Green Coast Pet’s Pawnut Butter.

Fireworks Pet Safety Tips Header

Fireworks Pet Safety Tips

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Fireworks Pet Safety Tips Header

Pet Fireworks Safety Tips

Holidays like the 4th of July, New Year, and others are great fun with lots of fireworks but are maybe not as fun for our pets. If you want to keep your dogs and cats happy and healthy, here are all your Fireworks Pet Safety Tips!

1. Fireworks are fun for us, but are scary for pets!

We might love the pretty lights but for many dogs and cats, fireworks can feel like the end of the world. If you keep that in mind it can make it easier to plan for your pets.

2. Make sure all tags and microchips are up-to-date.

If you have moved recently then your information might be out of date. Making sure it is all current will be a life-saver if one of your pets gets out.

3. Have a current picture of your pets, just in case.

If your pet is picked up by animal control you might need to prove ownership. Or if you need to make flyers you will need a current, clear picture ready to go.

4. Set up a safe and quiet place at home.

If your pet does get nervous with the loud noises, it helps to have a quiet area for them to rest. This is also helpful during any festivities like parties and barbecues.

5. Make sure all windows and doors are closed.

If your dog or cat were to get really nervous, jumping out an open window can look like an easy escape. Even screens might not stop a determined pet, so be safe and keep them securely latched.

6. Do not let dogs out loose in the yard.

Your dog may never have shown an interest in jumping a fence before, but scary noises can push a dog to new limits. I have even heard of dogs that jumped the fence while their person was in the yard with them, so be overly cautious.

7. Try calming items like music and ThunderShirts.

For pets that are extra nervous, you can try all sorts of calming items. Loud music that drowns out the sound of the fireworks may help and so may calming music for dogs. So can ThunderShirts, essential oils, and CBD oil (check with experts on these first as some can be toxic to pets).

Fireworks Pet Safety Tips Infographic

 

Be safe and have fun this holiday!

How to Safely Take Your Dog to Work

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Next week is Take Your Dog to Work Week so it is time to get prepared! Taking your dog to work can be fun and extremely rewarding, but you need to prepare in advance to make sure the day goes smoothly and you are still able to get some work done. Today we discuss how to decide if it is a good idea to take your dog to work, how to prepare beforehand and what to do on the special day to make sure it goes smoothly!
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