Are your pet’s records organized?

February 22, 2012 By Leave a Comment

We all start out the new year getting organized-house-children-work but have you gotten your pet’s information organized? What if you had an emergency and someone had to step in to care for your pets-would they know what food and medicine to give to your pets?

Here are some tips to help you get your pet’s information organized.

1. Do you have a conveniently located file for your pets Medical Records?

2. Do you have a list of medications and what food your pet eats, including treats?

3. Has your pet had an updated annual wellness check?

4. When was the last time your pet had its teeth cleaned?

We have several  clients who keep 3 ring binders with all their furry family members information (food, toys, medicines, treats) along with pictures and medical records. They keep it updated throughout the year so all one has to do is pick up the binder and they know everything they need to know.

Establishing your pet’s file is a way to keep all their records updated so that you are able to make decisions on what is best for your pet. 

And remember in an emergency, it is important to have your pet’s records handy and current.

We want to be informed pet owners and play an active role in helping our pets be healthy and happy.

While we are on this topic, let’s talk about you. This is a great time for you to put all your medical records together! You will not be guessing or, in the event of an emergency, a family member won’t be guessing what medications you take, what medical tests or procedures you’ve had recently and your medical history. This would help your doctor in making the best decision for treatment. Remember, your family and pets depend on you staying healthy! 


 

 

 

Filed Under: Pet Care Tips Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Pet Owners’ Responsibility to Stop Overpopulation of Pets

February 6, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Puppies left at shelter 2-2012

A day doesn’t pass by that I don’t read something regarding pet over-population. We even have a day designated to spaying your pet. This year February 28, 2012 is Spay Day USA! Spay Day USA was started by the Doris Day Animal League. From my investigzation this is the 17th year for Spay Day USA and the overpopulation problem still is epidemic proportions. Over one million animals have been spayed or neutered yet that is not enough to curb the overpopulation of pets.

It is up to us as pet lovers and owners to do what is needed to stop this over-population of pets. This doesn’t mean we go after the reputable breeders who give us our purebred dogs and cats; it means we stop the over-population of pets by spaying and neutering all dogs and cats that make wonderful family pets. It means we don’t let our dog or cat have a litter of puppies or kittens just so our children can have the experience. It means we take proper care of our pets by spaying and neutering. We adopt from shelters and rescues to give homes for all the unwanted dogs and cats. You want a certain breed of dog? Every breed of dog has a rescue group-check there for your next family member. 

If we don’t stop the overpopulating of animals what is going to happen? We are going to continue to hear about the “litter of puppies dropped off at the local shelter”, or the euthanasia of another dog or cat because there is no more room to keep them. Or we are going to see dogs and cats living in cages with the overworked staff at the rescue group or shelter trying to give them attention when it is taking everything they have just to get them all fed and fresh water. We are going to continue to hear about the hoarding of animals and the horrific stories of them not getting food and laying in their own feces.

This problem is an economic issue; we don’t have enough resources to take care of all the animals as it is now.   

Spaying and neutering your pet has many benefits:

  • Spaying females can prevent uterine infections such as pyometra and mammary or uterine cancer.
  • Neutering males prevents testicular cancer and reduces the risk for perianal tumors.
  • Spaying and neutering reduces the urge to roam. When pets are roaming they are subject to getting hit by a car, or attacked by another animal. Did you know that 80% of pets hit by cars are unneutered males?
  • Pet owner saves $$ on pet care.
  • Society will not have to spend time and resources caring for animals that will never get a home. 

We the pet loving people are the ones who are responsible to stop the overpopulation. Educating your family and friends on spaying and neutering their pets is a step to the solution, adopting from rescue or shelters is another step and finally help keep the message going to spay and neuter our pets. If you can spare the $$ to pay to have a pet spayed or neutered there are numerous organizations that can use your financial support. The more animals that get “fixed” means fewer will die at the end of the needle.

 I think Donn Esmonde says it best when it comes to the solution: “It’s pet owners finding their Inner Adult, landing on Planet Responsibility and getting their animals spayed or neutered.

 

Filed Under: Pet Care Tips, Pet Sitting, Rescue Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Guidelines for Pet Ownership

January 19, 2012 By 4 Comments

Recently I was reading a blog from a veterinarian and she was addressing questions I ask myself a lot. What are people thinking when they “collect” animals but cannot afford to feed or properly take care of them? What are people thinking when they let their pets reproduce irresponsibly because they want their children to experience the dog or cat having a litter of puppies or kittens? What makes people choose a huge dog for a senior citizen and a toy dog for a child or choose a herding dog for an apartment and a yorkie for the farm? 

Owning a pet is a privilege and we are to provide for the pet or pets responsibly. Since Guardian Pet Sitters started in 1992 we have taught proper pet care and believe that is one of our responsibilities as an in-home pet and home care company.

 We want to help pet owners to choose the right pet and be responsible by providing proper pet care. People fall in love when they see the pet but then don’t know what to do. If we help the pet owner learn proper pet care we are helping the pet have a good life. There is a lot to know about pet(s) and if we can help people be great pet owners then we have done our job.

 We thought we would share with you the new guidelines for responsible pet ownership approved by The American Veterinary Medical Association’s Executive Board.

  •  Committing to the relationship for the life of the pet(s). 
  • Avoiding impulsive decisions about obtaining pet(s), and carefully selecting pet(s) suited to your home and lifestyle. 
  • Recognizing that ownership of pet(s) requires an investment of time and money.     
  • Keeping only the type and number of pets for which an appropriate and safe environment can be provided, including appropriate food, water, shelter, health care and companionship. 
  • Ensuring pets are properly identified (i.e., tags, microchips, or tattoos) and that registration information in associated databases is kept up-to-date. 
  • Adherence to local ordinances, including licensing and leash requirements. 
  • Controlling pet(s) reproduction through managed breeding, containment, or spay/neuter, thereby helping to address animal control and overpopulation problems. 
  • Establishing and maintaining a veterinarian-client-patient relationship.
  • Providing preventive (e.g., vaccinations, parasite control) and therapeutic health care for the life of pet(s) in consultation with and as recommended by its veterinarian. 
  • Socialization and appropriate training for pet(s) which facilitates their well being and the well being of other animals and people.
  • Preventing pet(s) from negatively impacting other people, animals and the environment, including proper waste disposal, noise control, and not allowing pt(s) to stray or become feral. 
  • Providing exercise and mental stimulation appropriate to the pet(s) age, breed, and health status. 
  • Advance preparation to ensure the pet(s) well-being in the case of an emergency or disaster, including assembling an evacuation kit. 
  • Making alternative arrangements if caring for the pet is no longer possible. 
  • Recognizing declines in the pet(s) quality of life and making decisions in consultation with a veterinarian regarding appropriate end-of-life care (e.g., palliative care, hospice, euthanasia. 

A lot of good points have been made in the guidelines. It addresses many of the problems we see today such as overpopulation and pet(s) out of control. Remember it is you the pet owner who is responsible for the life of the pet(s) you choose.

Filed Under: Pet Care Tips, Pet Sitting, Rescue Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Tips when getting a puppy!

June 29, 2011 By 3 Comments

You have decided it is time to add a new puppy to your family. After you have done your homework and found the perfect puppy the big day comes for you to bring home your new furry friend. Are you prepared? There is a lot to think about when you add a new puppy to the home.

General tips to be prepared for your new puppy:

♥    If buying from a breeder don’t bring home the puppy before it is 9 weeks old and preferably 12 weeks old. The longer the puppy stays with its siblings and mother the better socialized it will be. A good breeder will not let you bring home the puppy before 9 weeks. 

♥    Whether you adopt from the shelter/rescue group or buy a puppy from a breeder make an appointment with your veterinarian to have a well puppy check. This should be done within 72 hours of getting the puppy.

♥    Have a crate for your puppy as it does several things:

Keeps your puppy safe when you can not watch him

Helps with the potty training

Prevents chewing and other destructive behaviors

Gives the puppy a safe place to rest (your pup should view it as his den)

♥    When using a crate there are several things to keep in mind:

A rule of thumb when crate training is the age plus one, so a two month old puppy can stay 3 hours in the crate, three month old puppy 4 hours, four month old puppy 5 hours etc.

If you work away from home having a professional pet sitter come in mid-day to give the puppy a potty break, exercise and attention is essential.

The crate should be big enough for the pup to stand in and be able to turn around and lie down. It should not be bigger than that. You might have to buy a new crate as your puppy grows depending upon the size.

Don’t use the crate for punishment. It should be a good place, a safe place.

♥    Having a schedule for your puppy is imperative. Every time the puppy wakes up from a nap it should be taken out to potty. The puppy should be given lots of play time and attention.

♥    Puppy proof your house and yard.

♥    Diet is important for puppies. You might want to switch from what the breeder feeds but the process should be done slowly. Your puppy is already under stress being in a new home, new routine etc. and its body needs to adjust to the new food. If you are going from a kibble to raw diet you want to prepare your puppy’s digestive system for the switch.  

♥    Your new puppy needs to learn how to wear a collar and walk on a leash. Start early with the collar and introduce the leash as they get older.

♥    Plenty of toys are needed to occupy the puppy and aids in the development of your puppy. Toys should be durable and the puppy will need to have chew toys they can not destroy or eat.

♥    Remember bringing a puppy into your home requires time from you for training and socializing. Be sure your life is at the stage where you have the time to give your new addition.

♥    Don’t plan vacations until the puppy is at least 6 months old or older.

♥    Realize puppies will cost money for veterinarians, pet sitters, toys, food etc.

♥    Enjoy the puppy stage as a puppy will grow into an adult dog fast.

However, they never outgrow the need for you!

Filed Under: Pet Care Tips Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Summer Pet Care Tips

June 9, 2011 By 3 Comments

Young, old, or sick all pets are vulnerable to the heat.

It is harder for pets to get rid of body heat than it is for humans. Humans can sweat but our furry critters get rid of body heat through breathing and panting. The summer heat can cause the circulatory and respiratory systems to work harder resulting in heat stress.

A pet overheating can cause heatstroke, irreparable brain damage or even death.

Some signs of heatstroke are:

  • Pet seems listless
  • Eyes are glazy
  • Labored panting or breathing
  • Pet’s body is hot to the touch

Normal body temperature for dogs and cats is 101.5 to 102.2 Fahrenheit. A pet will become very sick if his temperature rises above 103 and death can occur at 106 and higher.

If you suspect your pet has heatstroke, make every effort to cool the pet down quickly. Immerse your pet in cold water or wrap your pet in wet cold towels. Apply ice packs to head and neck.

CONTACT YOUR VETERINARIAN IMMEDIATELY!

1. Do not leave pets in a car! Even with windows down, the temperature inside will rise to a dangerous level.

2. Outside pets should have adequate shade and water.

3. Have a child’s shallow swimming pool so your dog can cool off.

4. Keep your pet brushed. By brushing your pet, you will keep hair free from tangles and mats which will help maintain a lower body temperature.

5. Avoid hot places such as garages or other unventilated enclosures.

6. Summer coats protect from sunburn or provide insulation from the heat. Talk to your veterinarian before you clip your pet’s coat.

7. Walking or outdoor exercising your pet should be done early morning or late evening.

MOST PETS ARE MOST COMFORTABLE IN TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED HOMES

CAUTION!  At this time of year we see dogs in heat distress as their owners are jogging them or even walking the dogs in the hot part of the day and sun is out in full strength. It is harder for them to cool off, leave them home if you have to walk or jog at this time of day.

Filed Under: Pet Care Tips Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Why do cats groom themselves?

February 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Did you know that adult cats spend 30 to 50 percent of their waking hours performing some type of grooming behavior?

Grooming starts from the minute a cat is born. The mother licks the kitten to start the kitten’s respiration and to stimulate the nursing instinct. She helps direct the blind kittens toward her breasts. The mother grooms to form a bond with the kittens and to aid in the digestion and elimination process.

Grooming helps the cat maintain healthy skin, by stimulating the gland located in the skin at the base of each hair. These glands produce sebum. Sebum lubricates and waterproofs the fur. It also provides cholesterol that converts to Vitamin D and helps your cat have healthy bones and teeth. By regular grooming your cat removes loose, dead hair from its coat and reduces the chances of parasite infestation. Grooming aids in the control of body temperature. For cold weather, the cat will use its saliva to smooth the hair coat to make the fur a more efficient insulator. In warm weather, the cat can fluff the coat which allows air to pass between the hairs. Also, cats have glands on the paw pads that produce sweat when your cat is hot.  

Grooming is a form of social interaction. Cats usually groom one another’s more difficult places, such as the head and neck. These grooming sessions are a form of communication and expression of love and companionship. Your cat includes you when it licks you and accepts your petting.

Grooming meets the emotional needs of your cat. It feels good and your cat will groom to calm itself. It is also believed that fear or embarrassment causes the body temperature to rise and the cat must groom to control the change in temperature.

Cats can groom too much! If your cat grooms itself more than you think it should, you should consider that one of the primary causes of excessive grooming is stress. You will want to look at what could be causing your cat to be stressed and eliminate the cause. This may not be an easy task. A change in diet may also be needed. If your cat grooms too much it may experience problems such as hairballs or even a blocked digestive system. This can be detected by loss of appetite, straining to pass a bowel movement and depression. If your cat experiences any of these symptoms please consult your veterinarian.

        There are many benefits received from grooming your cat. It gives you the opportunity to examine your cat for lumps, parasites, skin problems and ear or eye problems. It keeps your cat’s coat in good condition and most importantly strengthens the bond between you and your cat.

To help you and your cat:

Guardian Pet Sitters now offers cat brushing and nail trims!

Filed Under: Pet Care Tips Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Holiday Tips for a Healthy and Happy Pet

December 9, 2010 By Leave a Comment

This a wonderful time of year! The holidays bring us time with family and friends, enjoying great food and exchanging gifts. It is a time of hustle and bustle, holiday programs, shopping for gifts, going to wonderful parties and the young waiting for the big day when Santa will bring them the special toy.

This is a time for us to remember the wonderful animals that share our lives and bring us joy. Pets can enjoy the holidays if we are careful and not let their curiosity or their sense of smell get them in trouble. We can show our love and thankfulness for the part they play in our lives by giving the gifts that say I care.

Some gifts can be bought, you might want to replace the worn-out and frayed collar and leash, get a new name tag, new food or water bowls and this would be a good time to throw out the old litter box and get a brand new one. What about a new orthopedic mattress bed for your older pet, or replace the bird’s rusting cage with a roomier clean one. What about a new kitty condo? We don’t want to forget new toys for them to play with that will entertain and give them exercise. 

Then there are gifts that we can not buy, scheduling time during this busy season to spend time with your animal friend, find moments in your busy schedule to take the dog for a walk or play with the cat.

During this time of year we have the responsibility of protecting them from the many hazards for pets that can be found. The holidays can be stressful for our pets with all the changes in the home and routine. Here are some steps to make sure your pet is happy and secure during this time, eliminating added stress and giving you enjoyment with your pet. 

  • Be sure there is a quiet room for the shy animals to retreat as they can get stressed with the hustle and bustle of holiday guest.
  • Before your light those candles, remember some produce fumes that can be harmful to birds, a wagging tail can easily knock over a burning candle, and a cat could jump on the table and knock over the candle.
  • The simmering pots or decorative bowls might find a curious pet checking it out and they could burn themselves or ingest the liquid.
  • Batteries (loose and in packages) should be kept away as they contain corrosives that can cause ulceration in your animal’s mouth, tongue and gastrointestinal tract if bitten or swallowed.
  • The Christmas tree is a target as the pet might want to chew on the branches (pine needles can be toxic), climb into the tree causing it to fall over or for the “live” trees drink the water that contains commercial preservatives or the water is stagnant and contain bacteria which can cause vomiting and worse.
  • Electrical cords, glass ornaments, ribbons, holly berries can have dangerous side effects if your cat or dog chews or consumes.
  • Don’t use tinsel; it can cut your pet’s intestines. Also can wad up and cause blockage requiring stomach surgery for your canine or feline.
  • Holly, Poinsettia, Chrysanthemums, Amaryllis, Periwinkle, and Mistletoe can be toxic to your pet.
  • Don’t “treat” the pet from the table – it could lead to indigestion, upset tummies, or loose bowels.
  • Alcoholic drinks can cause death, especially smaller animals
  • Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine which can cause serious problems for your pets. 
  • Bones from turkeys, chicken, pork, fish and beef ribs can puncture your pet’s throat, stomach or intestines.
  • Electrical cords, glass ornaments, ribbons, holly berries can have dangerous side effects if your cat or dog chews or consumes.

If you do suspect that your pet has gotten into a poisonous substance, call your veterinarian or the APCC’s emergency hotline 1-888-4-ANI-Help for help.

With your busy schedule you might reduce your stress by hiring a pet sitter to come in to feed, play or walk the dog, or if you have an elderly or special condition pet (diabetic) that needs medicine or insulin shots. This will reduce the stress and enable you to attend the holiday functions with “peace of mind” that your pets are being provided the care you want them to have.

Filed Under: Pet Care Tips, Pet Sitting Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Pet Care Tips for Thanksgiving!

November 10, 2010 By 1 Comment

Thanksgiving day…a time when the kitchen is full of wonderful smells as the traditional Thanksgiving meal is prepared. It is hard for us humans to stay out of the kitchen when the tempting smells of the turkey and all the trimmings reach our noses.  Have you thought what it is like for the dog or cat with their heightened sense of smell? 

As pet owners it is our role to protect our pets from harm so this Thanksgiving remember to take precautions when preparing the Thanksgiving meal. 

1.     Keep your pets out of the kitchen when you are not able to supervise them.  

2.     Make sure food is not left out on counters to cool unless someone is supervising the pets. 

3.     Cooked bones from turkeys, chicken, pork, fish and beef ribs can puncture your pet’s throat, stomach or intestines. 

4.     Remember chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine which can cause serious problems for your pets. Keep all alcohol away from your pet!   

5.     Rich fatty food can cause pancreatitis, which is very painful. This may require extensive care (hospitalization) and could cause death. 

6.     No Bread Dough! Pets that consume raw bread dough can get into a serious condition because the pet’s body heat causes the dough to rise in the stomach which, as it expands, may cause the pet to vomit and have severe abdominal pain along with bloating. This could become a life threatening emergency requiring surgery.

 7.     Many of the herbs used to make our Thanksgiving dinner tasty can cause gastrointestinal upset and affect the central nervous system if eaten in large quantities.

 8.     If your pet is not used to eating a bite from the table, Thanksgiving is not the time to start. If you treat from the table it could lead to indigestion, upset tummies and loose stools. 

9.     Take out the trash frequently. This would keep your pet(s) from being able to get bones and food that is spoiled.   

 10.    Be careful where you place burning candles as swinging tails or wayward paws can knock them over. Do not leave candles burning in one room while you are in another room. 

If you want to treat your pet for Thanksgiving buy them a favorite dog or cat treat and a new toy to keep them occupied while all the cooking and festivities are happening. They will be happy and healthy so you can enjoy the day of Thanksgiving!

Filed Under: Pet Care Tips Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,