Tag Archive for: sidehill sitters

How Do I Get My Dog into Shape?

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Getting into shape is a common New Year’s goal for people and their pets. With over 50% of pets overweight, getting into shape is good goal. So, what can you do to help you get your dog into shape?

 

Playing

Playing with dogs can seem like a no brainer. A great calorie burning activity is fetch. Tossing the ball around gets your dog running and engaging many muscles. For a little more oomph in your fetch game, use a ChuckIt, which launches balls much farther than a person can throw them.

 

Getting outside 

Going for walks, hikes or runs is a great way to get your pup (and yourself) active. For overweight or out of shape dogs, start slow. Start with a slow 5-10 minute walk, then increase the speed and duration of your walks over a few weeks. Always bring water for your dog and read his body language to see when he is tired. Once your dog is in shape (and possibly with vet approval) start going for runs or long hikes.

 

 

Reducing calories 

In conjunction with exercise, reducing the calories your dog eats is key to him or her losing weight. Reducing calories can mean switching to a low calorie food or simply reducing the amount of food your dog gets. Start by cutting out excess calories, like lots of wet food or treats. Try feeding your dog healthy treats like freeze dried liver (available at the pet store) or pet friendly fruits and veggies (like watermelon and carrots). As an alternative to wet food try a small amount of boiled chicken. You can also add veggies to your pet’s dry food to add some extra bulk and fiber. This can help make the transition to a lower amount of food easier. Steamed string beans and carrots are great to add to your dog’s food.

 

Every pet parent wants their dog to stay happy and healthy! Getting your pup into shape helps keep your pet healthy and might even help you get healthier too.

Is Sidewalk Salt Bad for My Dog?

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Taking your dog for a walk is great and has many health benefits for both of you. Yet, as the temperature drops and ice become more of a threat, homeowners will begin applying sidewalk salt to melt the ice. But is all sidewalk salt bad for your pets? While there are many pet-safe salt options, not all homeowners will use them. So what are the risks of sidewalk salt and how can you keep your pet safe.

Sidewalk ice salt is made of a variety of ingredients such as sodium chloride (table salt), magnesium chloride, or calcium chloride. While sodium chloride is safe for pets many of these other ingredients are not.

Possible risks of sidewalk salt

  1. Sidewalk salt is irritating to dog paws (and human skin).
  2. Sidewalk salt is poisonous when ingested and can cause kidney problems.
  3. Sidewalk salt can irritate the respiratory tract when inhaled.

What can you do to reduce the risk to your dog?

1. Try to avoid walking your dog in areas where unsafe salt may have been used.

Many public places, such as parks, don’t use pet-safe ice melt. Avoiding these areas can help reduce the risk of your pet getting non pet-safe ice melt on their paws.

2. Wipe your dog’s paws right away after each walk; this will prevent your dog from licking the salt off of his paws.

You can either use a damp cloth or a pet-safe wipe of your choice. These Earth Rated wipes also come in unscented.

 

Earth Rated Dog Wipes on Amazon @ $29.99

3. Do not allow your dog to lick water off the ground.

Ground water can contain a variety of things, not to mention remnants of ice melt which is toxic if ingested.

4. Walk your dog is winter booties.

There’s many different brands out there but if you’re looking for a sturdy pair to invest in, RUFFWEAR makes durable boots that are not only designed for the winter but also hiking and outdoors. You can find pet booties online and at most local pet retailers.


RUFFWEAR, Grip Trex Outdoor Dog Boots on Amazon @ $37.50

5. Use pet-safe ice melt.

The best thing you can do to help yourself and other pet parents is to use pet-safe ice melt. Pet-safe ice melt is commonly made out of urea. Here are two brands of pet-safe ice melt you can pick up either online or in store.

 

Safe Paw Ice Melt on Amazon @ $19.91

 

https://img.smartpak.com/images/product/highres/26205_12lbjug.jpg

Pestell Paw Thaw Pet Friendly Ice Melter, Bag, 25 lbs on PetCo @ $24.99

Dangers of Sidewalk Salt Infographic

While sidewalk salt can be a winter risk, it shouldn’t prevent you and your dog from having an awesome walk. Do you have a favorite pet-safe ice melt or other cold weather precautions we should know? Let us know in the comments or @WetNosesPetSitting

How Much Does it Cost to Use a Self-Service Dog Wash?

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Depending on where you go in Fort Collins or Loveland and what type of bath package you choose, a self-service dog wash can range in pricing. Remember, all services are on a first-come first-serve basis. Be sure to hurry in as peak times are on the weekends during the middle of the day! Here are some of the different options that self-service dog wash locations offer.

Less expensive options:

If you are looking for a basic wash without all the bells and whistles, Unleashed by Petco is the place to go. At $10 per dog, you are permitted the use of an elevated tub, towels, grooming tools, an apron, a dryer, shampoo and conditioner.

Mid-priced options

Do you want to spoil your dog, but not break the bank? Then these self-serve locations may be best suited for you and your pups. Cosmic Dog offers a fun, spa-like atmosphere with a plethora of choices for shampoo, conditioner and even a spritz, all for $14! Doggie Baths and Beyond offers 3 different packages, ranging from a basic wash at $10 to a deluxe wash at $15. Poudre Pet and Feed Supply offers a $15 wash at select locations. Camp Bow Wow offers a $15 wash for current clients only. All of these facilities provide raised tubs, easy access stairs or ramps, no slip mats, dog dryers, aprons, and brushes, as well as a variety of shampoos and conditioners.

More expensive options:

For those looking for a self-service dog wash with a more spa-like environment with a variety of add-ons, The Dog Pawlour or Doggie Dips and Chips may be the place for you. Baths here run about $16 for your first dog, and offer a small discount on your other dog’s bath if sharing the same tub. Depending on where you go, these facilities offer the basics like a tub, grooming tools, and towels, as well as a variety of scented shampoos and conditioners to choose from.

So whether your pups had some fun at the dog park rolling in the mud or just need a bath to freshen up, think about taking them to a self-serve dog wash! Just remember that in Fort Collins or Loveland, self-serve baths will range from $10 to $16. It is worth the money and will save you time from scrubbing your bathroom tub!

What Can I Do to Make My Dog More Comfortable on New Year’s Eve?

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If you’ve read our previous blog post, “Why does my dog not like New Year’s Eve?”, then odds are you’re looking for tips to make your dog more comfortable on New Year’s Eve! Here are some tips to keep in mind so you can start off the year right with a happy, healthy pooch!

Keep Pets Indoors

As tempting as it is to keep your dog outside while your party guests are over, you may want to rethink this option. Your neighbors are most likely experimenting with fireworks and firecrackers, scaring Fido into jumping the fence and running away. Keep your dog inside a secure room in the house with the windows and doors closed so he doesn’t have the opportunity to run!

Turn up the TV or radio

While you are enjoying the chatter, fireworks, and festivities among friends and family, your pup is most likely shaking in fear. To make him more comfortable, keep him secured in a safe location and turn up some familiar noises to soothe and distract him.

Give your dog a special treat

Think about giving your pup a long-lasting special treat, like a bully-stick or bone, to distract him. Chances are, it will take him more than a few minutes to consume it and will keep him satisfied for a few hours.

Rescue Remedy

If you are not familiar with this wonder product, look into buying some Rescue Remedy for your pup. It is a natural stress reliever that you can add to their food, water, or directly into their mouth. It may not be completely effective, but it is worth a shot if you know your pup is the anxious type!

Whether you are hosting a party for 20 or a party for one, remember to keep your dog as comfortable as possible this New Year’s Eve by following these tips! So tell us, what else have you tried to make your dog comfortable in these scary situations?

 

Holiday Treats For Dogs

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The holidays are a great time of year for humans and their canine companions.  Great food is a huge part of the holidays, but much of it is off limits for Fido. Here are some holiday treats for dogs for that special pup in your life!

Doggy Eggnog 

Eggnog is a wonderful holiday treat, this year share some with your dog!

Here is the recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 container of plain, greek yogurt
  • 1/2 jar of baby food (in a dog friendly flavor)
  • 1/4 cup of water or milk
  • 1 egg
  • Dog treats as toppings

Directions

  1. Place all ingredients in a blend and blend until frothy
  2. Add your toppings
  3. Give your dog a small serving

 

Mint Dog Bones

Not only are these festive treats tasty, but they will also improve your dog’s breath.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons of chopped mint leaves
  • 3/4 a cup of milk or water
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon of honey
  • 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons of wheat germ
  • 1 tablespoon of Brewer’s yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups of flour

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees and grease a baking sheet
  2. Whisk mint, milk or water, egg, honey and oil in a large bowl
  3. Mix in wheat germ and Brewer’s yeast
  4. Slowly mix in flour to form a thick dough
  5. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick
  6. Use your favorite cookie cutters to cut the cookies
  7. Place cookies on the baking sheet and bake until golden brown
  8. Let the cookies cool and feed to your dog

 

Sweet Potato Hanukkah Cookies 

Potatoes are a traditional Hanukkah food, here is a healthy way to include your dog in the tradition.

Ingredients

  • 2 medium sweet potatoes
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup of oats
  • 3 cups of flour
  • 1 tablespoon of xylitol free peanut butter

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease a baking sheet
  2. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes and place in a pot of boiling water
  3. Boil sweet potatoes until soft then puree in a blender
  4. Whisk the egg and peanut butter into the sweet potato puree
  5. In a separate bowl mix the oats and flour
  6. Add the sweet potato mixture to the flour- oat mixture
  7. Stir the mixture until combined
  8. Roll out the dough of a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick
  9.  Use cookie cutter or a glass to cut the cookies into shapes
  10. Bake the cookies until golden brown
  11. Let the cookies cool and feed them to your dog

 

Chicken Jerky

These yummy treats make special and healthy gifts for your dog.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds of skinless, boneless chicken breasts

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees
  2. Wash the chicken breasts with water and slice into 1/4 inch strips
  3. Place the chicken strips in an single, even layer on a baking sheet, leave a small amount of space between each strip
  4. Bake until the chicken strips are dehydrated, about 2 hours

Check that the strips are done by cutting one open. There should be no uncooked parts and there should not be any moisture inside. Store the jerky in sealed containers for about a week or longer in the refrigerator.

 

Gingerbread Christmas Dog Treats

Gingerbread is yummy treat for your dog this holiday season. These treats are very easy to make and fairly healthy for your dog.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups of whole wheat flour
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons of ground ginger
  • 3/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves
  • 1/2 cup of molasses
  • 1/2 cup of water
  • 1/4 cup of canola oil

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and grease a baking sheet
  2. In a small bowl mix the flour, ginger, cinnamon and cloves together
  3. In a separate bowl mix the molasses, water and oil
  4. Mix the molasses mix into the flour mix and combine until it forms a dough
  5. On a floured surface roll out the dough to a 1/4 inch thick
  6. Cut the cookies into holiday shapes and place on baking sheet
  7. Bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown
  8. Let the cookies cool and feed to your dog

 

 

These holiday treats for dogs will no doubt help make your furbaby’s holiday a little sweeter. As always feed all treats in moderation.

Did your dog enjoy your homemade dog treats? Let us know on our Facebook page!

 

 

 

 

Why I Love Being Your Sidehill Sitter

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Being a pet sitter is the best job in the world! I have worked many other jobs in the pet care industry, but working for Sidehill as a pet sitter is my favorite job I have ever had. Here are three reasons I love being your pet sitter and love being a Sidehill sitter.

1. At Sidehill we strive to give the best care to your pet. 

We know that leaving your pets at home can be scary! As a pet parent I feel the same way, but I trust Sidehill 100% to keep my animals happy and safe.I know that all of our sitters do everything we can to keep your animals content. We love to give extra belly rubs, extra play time and sometimes extra treats. Additionally, all of our sitters go thought lots of training, including pet first aid and CPR, to keep your pet safe.

2. We get to form relationships with the pets we take care of.

 Many of our clients at Sidehill book regularly, so we get to develop relationships with pets. One of my favorite experiences as a pet sitter was developing a relationship with a shy dog. I have watched this dog and his brother and sister multiple times. Each time he barked at me and did not want anything to do with me. This went on for a few visits, then slowly he started warming up to me. Finally he wanted to hang out with me, I know soon I will be able to pet him. This experience was very fulfilling and why I know forming relationships with pets is so important.

 

3. We get to make clients feel safe.

Another cool part of my job is forming relationships with my clients. Our clients are really cool people and really care about their pets. Leaving your pet in the care of a stranger is so hard. For this reason, we do client meetings. During a client meeting your sitter gets to learn about your home and pets. The other benefit to client meetings is that you get to put a face to your pet sitter. Knowing who your pet sitter is really helps make our clients feel safer about leaving their pets at home. Additionally, we always offer to text or email our clients each day. This allows the client to check up on their pet and helps them feel safer.

 

Being a pet sitter is a really amazing job. I get to work with awesome pets and learn new things every day. We love getting to work with you and your pets and can’t wait to meet you (or see your pets again)!

 

Clicker Training Tips

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There are many different positive reinforcement training methods available to both cat and dog owners. One of my favorite methods is clicker training, it is a good way to quickly train your pet with less treats than traditional training.

Clicker training is used by thousands of animal trainers to teach all types of animals. It can be used to teach dogs obedience, leash manners, agility and many other things. It can also be used to teach tricks and other positive behaviors to cats.

What is clicker training?

Clicker training is using a sound (generally a clicker) to positively reinforce your pet for a behavior he or she is doing. In clicker training, a click is used every time a good behavior happens and treats are given later (which means fewer treats).

 

Why should I clicker train my pet? 

Clicker training has a couple of cool benefits. Clicker training allows you to reward positive behavior more quickly than giving your pet a treat. Depending on your reaction time, you could be clicking 10-15 seconds after your pet does the positive behavior. Giving a treat to your pet generally takes a longer time, which may cause your pet to forget the positive behavior he or she did. This helps your pet learn what the behavior you want to see, and learn it more quickly.

Because you click for each behavior rather than give your pet a treat, you feed less treats per training session. This is really helpful if you are working with an overweight pet or do not want your pet to gain weight.

 

How do I get started clicker training? 

Clicker training is all about associating a sound with a reward, so start by picking a sound. Pick a sound that is easy to make and distinct (will not be heard outside of training). For example, it is not recommended you use a clap because your pet will hear clapping outside of the training session and may get confused. This is the reason many people use the clicker. It is a very distinct sound, and it may be quicker to make than any sound you can make on your own. Clickers are easy to find at pet stores and generally cost around $2.

 

Next get started with your first sessions of training. These sessions will be very treat heavy, so pick a treat that your dog likes. Because clicker training is all about associating a sound with a reward (like a treat) you will be clicking and giving your dog a treat per click. Start by getting your dog’s attention, and simply clicking the clicker. After each click, quickly give your dog a treat. Do this for a few 5-10 minute sessions. After a few sessions, start mixing in simple behaviors with clicking. For example, have your dog sit, then click and treat. Do this for a few sessions and slowly wean down to only treating for every 10 clicks. Be sure to give your pet some treats after each session to tell him that he did a good job.

Next move on to the first behavior you want to teach, do so slowly. Because your dog is new to training, still give treats pretty frequently during the sessions. If you are teaching a complicated behavior, like how to walk nicely on a leash, use multiple steps to teach this. For simple behaviors you can use one step. An example I am going to use is teaching a pet how to come. Have someone hold your pet at the other end of the room and use your come signal. Only when your pet comes to you, give a click and give a treat. Repeat this behavior, give a click and treat the second and third times. The next time your pet comes, give only a click. Repeat this for the remainder of your session, mixing in a few treats with clicks. At the end of the session give your pet treats to tell him he did a good job. At each training session, reduce the amount of treats given during the session to only treating at the end. Do this until your pet masters the behavior.

 

Clicker training is a great way to teach pets positive behaviors. Be sure to use treats your pet likes and keep training sessions short for success!

 

5 Tips For Dealing With Pet Messes

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All of our sitters at Wet Noses Pet Sitting have lots of experience working with animals in various settings. Over the years we have picked up some tips for a variety of pet care topics such as feeding, medicating, walking and playing. This article will focus on litter boxes, and dealing with pet messes.

Litter Boxes 

Pick a litter you and your cat like. If your cat does not like the type of litter being used, he will not use it. Try many different litters, of varying types (clumping, clay, pellets, ect.) and with different or no scents. Also use a litter you like to use. If you hate the smell of your current litter or hate lugging in a heavy jug of litter (they actually make special light weight litter), you will be not be a very happy pet owner. Choose one that you, as the owner, don’t mind dealing with.

Add more litter than you think you need. One of the things that I find most helpful as a pet sitter is when there is lots of litter in a litter box. When there is a good volume of litter in the litter box it is easier to scoop and is less likely to stick to the bottom of the litter box. This is a good tip unless you have a cat who tends to kick out his litter.

Scrub out your litter box and scooper every few months. Kitty litter boxes, like anything else, can become very dirty and allow lots of bacteria to grow. I would recommend cleaning the litter box  out any time it looks particularly gross, but at a minimum every 3 months. You can do this by emptying the box completely, wiping it out (or spraying it with a hose), then wiping it down with a 1:10 bleach solution or a specific for animals cleaner. After you clean it with cleaner, wipe it out again with a wet paper towel, then let it dry. The scoop can be wiped off with a paper towel and sprayed with bleach spray or another cleaner.

Pet Messes

Always bring extra poop bags on a walk. Without fail, the time I bring one bag on a dog walk, the dog poops twice. Always bring twice the amount of bags you think you need. Be sure to pick up all poop and dispose of it properly.

Always keep carpet cleaner on hand. Keeping carpet cleaner on hand, even when your pet does not frequently have accidents, is very helpful. Make sure to clean up any stain with a rag or paper towel before applying the cleaner. Follow all directions on the cleaner bottle. As a side note, please show your pet sitter your carpet cleaner. Pets may have accidents when you are away.

Use baking soda to reduce pet odors. Ever come home and notice that your house smells very catty (or doggy)? Sprinkle baking soda on your carpet then vacuum it up. This should reduce the smell and make your carpet even cleaner.

While owning a pet can have some dirty parts, with these tips it should become a bit more pleasant. Look out for our next articles on other pet related topics.

 

5 Tips on Feeding and Medicating Pets

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All of our sitters at Sidehill have lots of experience working with animals in various settings. Over the years we have picked up some tips for a variety of pet care topics such as feeding, medicating, walking and playing. This article will focus on feeding and medicating pets.

Feeding

Your Sidehill sitter will always follow the feeding directions you give us, but here are some tips we have picked up over the years.

Wash out food and water bowls at least once a week.

After about a week a slimly layer of germs will build up in your pets water bowl, not only is this gross but it could make your pet sick. If you feed wet food, food bowls can end up with a lot of dried food stuck in them. All this dried food gives bacteria a good place to hide. Washing out food bowls removes these bacteria.

If you feed wet food, add water.

This tip has two positives, the first in cleaning and the other in pet health care. Adding about a tablespoon of water to wet food makes it much easier to clean. The food does not dry our as much so you can simply rinse the bowl rather than having to scrub dried food off. The other positive is that it tricks your pet into drinking some extra water.

Add water to an older pet’s dry food.

Dental disease is very common in pets, particularly older pets. This can cause their teeth to be sore and make it hard to eat dry kibble. By adding about a tablespoon of water and letting it sit you will soften the food and make it easier to eat. Many people find that this makes a huge difference in that amount of dry food their dog will eat.

Medicating

Your Sidehill Sitter is a pro at medicating dogs and cats, here are some tips on how we do it.

Hide the pill.

The easiest way to medicate a dog or cat is to hide the pill. There are a million different ways to hide the pill and what you choose depends of what food your dog or cat likes to eat. Choose a food that your pet loves and will gobble up without a second thought. Many people sneak pills into their dogs food and mix it up with wet food, this works really well for dogs who love their food. What I have found to be the most effective method for dogs is hiding the pill in a teaspoon of peanut butter. Most dogs LOVE peanut butter and its sticky texture will keep the pill from falling it. Be sure the peanut butter you use is dog safe (see our article on Xylitol in a previous blog). Cats can be a littler trickier to trick into eating a pill. Many pet owners have found success using pill pockets or placing the pill in a soft treat. Another good option is mixing the pill in a tiny bit of canned tuna.

Tickle your pet.

This one sounds really odd but it is a good option for pilling dogs and cats. This method involves putting the pill in your pet’s mouth then making your pet swallow it. For dogs and cats who do not run away when you try to pill them, walk over and open your pet’s mouth. Put the pill of the as far back on your pet’s tongue as possible. Close your pet’s mouth and hold it closed. Now for the tickling part; while holding your pet’s head tilted up, stroke his or her throat with your finger. This will cause your pet to swallow, and swallow the pill. Be sure to watch your pet for a minute after to make sure he or she did swallow the pill and did not spit it out. For pets who are prone to running away as soon as they see a pill bottle do the same steps, but start by straddling your pet between your legs.

Hopefully these tips will help make pet care easier for you and leave more time for having fun with your pet. Tips on other pet care topics will be in future blogs.

Do you have any helpful advice for feeding, medicating pets or other pet care tips? Write them on our Facebook page or email them to us! We would love to hear your tips.

 

 

 

 

 

Your Cat Loves You

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Cat behavior is widely known to be quite complex and difficult to understand. One minute, your cat seems happy and content, enjoying some lap time and a nice petting, and the next minute she runs off like her tail is on fire. While many of cat behaviors may leave you scratching your head thinking, “What the heck was that all about?” There are just as many that are clear in their meaning – your cat loves you!

 

If your kitty licks you, she’s showing you her love. Mother cats groom their kittens from the moment they come into the world, so being licked was one of your kitty’s very first feelings of love and caring. Her attempts at grooming you are indeed an honor!

 

Does your kitty rub up against you or head butt you? That’s her way of saying “I love you!” Rubbing up against another creature is how cats show affection; it’s your kitty’s way of putting her scent on you and claiming you as her own. It’s important to your relationship and the bond you share with your cat to allow her to rub against you. Don’t mind the fur on your clothes -after all, no outfit is complete without a little fur!

 

Don’t be offended by your kitty’s nipping; it’s just a little love bite! Cats nip each other affectionately, and their skin is tougher than their human’s, so she doesn’t understand that her love bite isn’t always pleasant to you. If the nips are proving to be too painful for you, and your kitty’s love bite timing may be predictable, try to move your face, finger or other body part out of her way when she goes in for a bite.

 

Male marking isn’t an act of aggression or defiance. Instead, it’s your male cat’s way of claiming his territory. Since much of your kitty’s signs of love include claiming your as his own, don’t be surprised if your male backs up toward you with a quivering tail. It may seem like he’s about to mark you with his urine, but he won’t actually produce any spray. Ever have your male urinate on your bed or other commonly used furniture? Don’t get mad, this is merely another show of his love.

 

Eyes are the windows to the soul. This well-known saying holds true for cats, too. If your kitty stares at you, then blinks, then opens her eyes wide, followed by a slow second blink, this is her eye’s way of telling you she loves you and trusts you. In fact, this eye language is the equivalent of getting a kiss. Try mimicking this behavior to your cat -she’ll likely soon respond in kind!

 

Dead animals are a display of your kitty’s love. When your favorite feline drops a dead mouse, lizard or other small animal at your feet, she’s not showing off her hunting skills. This is her way of saying she feels safe and secure in her home and, yes, she loves you.
While some of the ways your cat shows her love for you may appear anything but loving, in her own way she is showing you just how much she cares. Understanding her quirky displays of affection and returning the same unconditional love is all she asks for.