Skip to main content

Tag: cat

Moving + Pets – Stress, The Pet Nanny Guide For Your Move!

How to Move House With Pets Without the Stress

In 2016, 11.2 percent of the American population moved to a new home. Many of these households have at least one pet. Data gathered by the American Veterinary Medical Foundation in 2012 shows that over 80 million Americans have pets. With an approximate of 40 million households moving to a new home each year against the total US population of over 323 million, it is safe to say that many households moving house have at least one dog, cat, bird, or horse. This is why professional pet sitters are called pre-move and during the move itself.

The Moving Process

A good number of homeowners also seek to move house while re-mortgaging their old property. Buy to let mortgages to family members, such as siblings and parents is increasingly becoming popular in the US. This can be due to a son or daughter still working or going to school in the area or other family members wanting to stay in the old home for other reasons.

If you are leaving your old home for a new one, and looking into buy to let mortgages, one thing is for sure – you and your pets will be very stressed out by the move. Whatever the circumstances, moving house with your pets will prove to be challenging.

Stress on Your Dogs or Cats

Moving to a new home is one of life’s most stressful events and this is true even if you are moving from an old house to a palace or when you are moving to a new state or just down the street. There will be so many things on your plate and your pets will know something’s up. After all, they’d keep seeing strangers visiting your house.

By the time that you are already inundated with things that need to get done, your pets’ meal times will vary and they won’t get the attention that you usually give them. Apart from too many strangers visiting your home, a disruption in their schedule will contribute to the stress that they are experiencing..

How to Keep Your Pets at Ease Pre-Move

There are ways for you to reduce your pets’ stress pre-move.One of the most helpful is to stick to their feeding schedule.

For dog owners, it is imperative that you make time for play time because nothing stresses your furry friends more than suddenly being neglected or ignored. You can also take them out of the house whenever you can so that you and your dogs can get away from all that stress even for a bit.

How to Reduce Your Pets’ Stress Levels During the Move

Put their IDs on them and keep their favorite toys and other possessions such as their beds with them. Make sure that you call a pet nanny beforehand so that a professional can take care of your pets while you are busy. This is ideal because the nanny will get them away from the craziness when the movers start getting all of your household items out of the house.

When you are finally in your new home, make sure that you take care of your pets’ needs. Go right back to their routine and play with them even if you have lots of boxes to unpack. Their beds, toys, and other items must be taken out of the box so that they can be reunited with familiar items. It is also advisable to give your pets time to get comfortable in their new home before inviting people over.

Photo by Krista Mangulsone on Unsplash

Dog Flu Season- What You Need To Know!

When we hear the flu season is upon us we stock up on hand sanitizer and vitamin C. Did you know that there is an equally dangerous strain of the flu that effects dogs and cats? Would you know how to detect it? Let us help you out with a little dog flu 101 to get you through the rest of this trying season!

Dog Flu 101

  • Get the shot – Even if you aren’t big on getting the flu shot for yourself, ask your vet about getting a flu shot for your pet!
  • Know the symptoms – Think your pet’s having an off day? Notice lethargy and sneezing? Check your pet’s temperature. If it’s high and pointing toward a fever call to discuss options with your vet.
  • Limit their exposure – Pet Nanny’s sure can come in handy during the dog flu season. We save you from having to board your pet and can help supplement dog park time with extra walks. Try to keep your pet around animals you know.
  • Quarantine – If you have multiple pets (this includes cats too!) and one starts to exhibit symptoms, try to keep them away from your other critters to keep it from spreading and increasing that vet bill!

Most importantly, don’t stress too much. Most likely your pet will be fine, and dog flu is not communicable to humans (and vice versa) so feel free to give them some extra love and make sure they get rest and you keep their temperature down. Once you know the steps for prevention, how to spot it, and what to do then you’ve already conquered most of the danger! Spring will be here before you know it!

photo credit: Anne Davis 773 via photopin (license)

Heroic Cats – Small in Stature, Big in Deed

Dogs are well known for their heroic behavior. Their valor is sung by everyday pet owners all the way to those on the battlefield! Cats on the other hand have an established reputation for being self-consumed and having little genuine interest in anything beyond getting fed and petted. It turns out though that while cats may not have the strength to drag someone to safety, they do some pretty heroic things too! Cats are very attune to medical emergencies and on multiple occasions have alerted their owners to internal threats that they themselves didn’t know where occurring! Take a look at our list of five kitties due some recognition!

Heroic Cats to the Rescue!

  • Schnautize and the Gas Leak – A Montana couple fast asleep, were awakened by Schnautzie’s persistent paw tapping on their sleeping faces. Once awake they became aware of the sound of gas hissing! Upon evacuating the home and calling the fire department they were told their basement had been filling with gas from a leak while they slept! One spark from their furnace igniting would have sent the house to pieces!
  • Pudding and the Diabetic – Pudding was a shelter kitty who hadn’t even been in her new home for 24 hours when the woman who adopted her began to fall into a diabetic coma while asleep. Pudding, sensing something was wrong, tried to keep her new owner awake. When that failed she ran to the woman’s son’s room, waking and alerting him to action.
  • Leo and the Burglar – A robber breaking into a home one night encountered a cat named Leo. Leo was so upset by the burglars presence he began yowling and making such a racket that the surprised crook abandoned his pursuit.
  • Baby and the Fire – A grey tabby named Baby sprung into action when a fire broke out in his owners apartment and their fire alarm failed to notify them. Baby awoke the couple in time to get to safety, saving the couple and their unborn baby!
  • Masha and the Baby in the Box – An infant who had been left on a street in a box in Russia owes his life to a passing cat named Masha. Masha hopped in the box with the baby and laid on top of him to keep him from freezing. Not only did she keep him warm, she yowled at passerby’s to attract attention until the baby was discovered and taken into care.

Cats might be small in stature but their gestures and efforts are certainly heroic. Do you have a story about you cat alerting you to danger? Share it with us!

Mental Health & Wellbeing of Pet Ownership!

The Benefits of Pets for Mental Health and Wellbeing

Our pets are often some of our best friends and very much a part of our families – in fact, 90% of owners think of their pets as family members! They offer us love and affection when we need it the most, so it’s perhaps no surprise that spending time with them can really benefit your mental health. With 1 in 4 people now experiencing mental health problems like anxiety and depression each and every year, pets can be a brilliant source of comfort and emotional support.

There are plenty of reasons why this is the case:

  • Pet owners, especially those with dogs, get on average far more exercise than those without pets. Going outside and getting exercise has been proven to elevate mental health!
  • Pets help you be more social! Whether it’s at training classes, during a trip to the vet’s or even just when walking your dog, pet-owners find they meet lots of people they already have something in common with.
  • Perhaps most importantly, pets are amazing companions and are always there when we need them. There’s nothing better than a much needed cuddle when you’re down!

If you’d like to learn more about the ways that pets can improve your mental health, take a look at this infographic created by the Animal Health Company

 

About the author Sasha Quinn is a content writer for Animal Health Company, a supplier of canine and equine health, hygiene and grooming products.

Christmas Safety Tips For You & Your Pet!

Christmas Safety Comes First During Holidays!

Holidays are a time meant for family vacations and friends getting together. Many also plan a vacation away from home. As a pet owner, there is an extra responsibility of putting your pets in safe hands before going on a family vacation. There are several pet care services that work during these holidays so that the pet owners can enjoy a nice vacation. However, it is a busy season for them and some are booked months before the holidays begin.
Before you plan to leave for a vacation, it is recommended that you take care of a few things at your home for maximum Christmas safety. You don’t want to put your pet and Pet Nanny in trouble. It is always better to have pet-friendly decorations at home, objects that are not sharp or breakable. It is better not to encourage your pets to play with decorations. Tether the tree to a strong object to avoid a fall. Check your furnace, house pipes, doors, and windows for any leaks. Do not keep any candies or chocolates that your dog can access as it can be very harmful to your pets. These tips to keep your pet safe during Christmas will hopefully help you have a safe Christmas and a wonderful vacation from Pet Nanny &  Top Dog Tips.

 

 

 

Cuddling Your Pet – The Pros & The Cons

Is Cuddling Your Pet Good For You?

There’s nothing like an affectionate cuddle with your pet when you’re reunited after a long time apart. Your pet will be thrilled to have your attention. That warm, velvety soft fur is simply irresistible. But how safe is it to get close to your pet in this way? What are the risks of disease? Are some people more vulnerable than others? From planting a sloppy kiss on your pet’s head to inviting him to cozy-up at night on your bed, we investigate what’s safe and what to avoid in the pet cuddling department.

Hooray for cuddles!

Generally, cuddling your pet is indeed safe. Many believe that the mental health benefits of cuddles far outweigh the risks of getting sick. A good cuddle with your pet creates feelings of security and well-being. It has also been proven to reduce stress levels by lowering blood pressure together with harmful anxiety-related hormones like cortisol. It also raises happiness-inducing hormones like oxytocin! The effects are comparable to eating chocolate. But this is nothing new; therapy dogs have been used to visit nursing homes, help ease the pain of hospital patients and calm autistic children since the 1970s. Their healing power is very much palpable.

Down with kisses?

The jury seems to be out when it comes to kisses. Some believe that letting your pet lick your face or kissing them on the snout is pretty harmless. The bacteria and viruses in a dog’s or cat’s mouth are similar to those in a person’s mouth. However, other pet owners reel at the prospect of slobbery kisses. Just think where your pet’s little nose has been! It’s likely that, through scratching and licking, germs will end up all over a pet’s coat. In fact, a report by the CDC highlights the risk of transmission of zoonotic agents by close contact between pets and their owners which has lead to cases of MRSA, chagas, roundworm, rabies and even the bubonic plague transferred from pets to humans. This is one of a number of issues for owners who bedshare with pets.  Those that practice good pet hygiene are at a greatly reduced risk. Other things to consider if you bedshare include sleep disturbance and aggravation of allergies.

It’s good to be cautious

There are instances when you need to be cautious of getting close to your pet. If you are pregnant and own a cat, you need to be aware of the risks of toxoplasmosis. This is an infection caused by a parasite in cat feces which can be picked up by clearing cat litter or touching garden dirt where your cat has been. Cuddles with your cat are safe as long as your cat is clean. Others who should practice caution when cuddling animals include children. Many young children find it difficult to interpret the body language of a pet. Cuddles should be supervised and guided by an adult at all times to guard against any dangers presented by a child who may be overly keen to show their affection.

Share the love

There’s no doubt about it, there are huge benefits to cuddling your cutie pie pet. The small risks to health shouldn’t prevent you from enjoying those soothing snuggles. As long as you are sensible and practice good pet hygiene, you can rest assured that your pet is the perfect snuggle bunny.

Photo by Andrew Spencer on Unsplash

Pet-Friendly Apartment – Find One Now!

Having a pet can be a great joy and blessing! …but it can also be a bit of a headache when it comes to your housing options. Finding a pet-friendly apartment can be a chore. While your pet may be a blessing to you, landlords see them as liabilities.

Padmapper.com has a great breakdown of tips for helping your get your dream apartment with your pet right alongside. For example, offer to pay renters insurance for pets. Knowing their property is protected can be a game changer with landlords. Good first impressions are also so important. Don’t show up covered in pet hair! If they want to meet your pet, ensure they are properly groomed and look well cared for (which they should be!).

Don’t underestimate the importance of finding the right pet-friendly apartment. Moving is rough on you and your pet(s). Take your time and research your options. Get to know your landlord a little too if you can. Do they seem like they might be uncomfortable with your pet? Don’t push the issue. All you’ve done is create a headache for you, your pet, and landlord if you have to move again in a few months!

Find A Pet-Friendly Apartment in Philadelphia Now!

Check out Pad Mapper and find you and your pet the apartment of your dreams!

How To Keep Clean In A Pet-Friendly Home

Ahh, a change in the weather equals a change in clothes, sports, activities, décor—and pet messes, too. Whether the weather is moving from winter to spring or fall to winter—or any time in between—you’re likely seeing an uptick in moisture, dirt, and debris as your pets, particularly your dogs, go in and out and back again. And while it’s fun to enjoy the weather with your favorite four-legged family members, it’s no fun to try to clean up after them—again and again and again. Keeping a clean pet-friendly home is a chore! Instead of doing that, though, be strategic about your home and your pets with a few simple tips and tricks.

For example, it’s time to take a hard look at your entryway: How is it set up, and how can you make it a better dirt-keeper as your pet goes in and out? Having wipes handy to take care of muddy paws is one strategy. What else works? This graphic can help.

How to keep a clean pet-friendly home!

Moving With Pets And Kids – A Step-By-Step Guide

A Step-By-Step Guide To Moving With Pets And Kids

Moving into a new home can be one of the most taxing circumstances of your life. You’re not just transferring all your belongings, you’re changing your life around. It’s no surprise that some people believe moving into a new home is more stressful than getting a divorce. As taxing as it can be, preparing pets and/or kids could make it even more taxing — as the emotional weight they carry throughout the process can be even greater.

For pets and young children, habits are very important. Children experience constant changes as they develop and grow, so the security of familiarity — such as bedrooms or backyards — provides some much-needed stability in their lives. For pets, any changes to their schedules and surroundings can be displeasing. In both cases, moving to a new house can throw their lives into upheaval. Unless you pay special attention to their needs before, during and after the move, children and pets could become withdrawn, scared or depressed.

Luckily, there are some steps you can take to make the process potentially less taxing for your pets and children. For example, you can help kids adjust to the idea of moving by letting them choose the color of their new bedrooms. With pets, you can help them adjust by taking them for long car rides (if you’re traveling a long-distance). Packing your children’s favorite toys in the same box can help them feel more comfortable by being aware of where they are, not to mention easily handy after move. Leaving pets with a sitter could help to keep them occupied. Once you arrive at the new house, you can help kids and pets settle in by arranging their belongings as similar as possible to the layout in the old house. You can also help your pets by ensuring they don’t get neglected during all the unpacking. Consider a dog walker to get them some exercise!

These and other tips for all stages of the relocation process can be found in the guide created by University Moving and Storage below.

Pet Names – Top Picks for 2017 Announced!

Picking a pet names is almost as hard and exciting as picking baby names! Just like baby names, each year there seem to be some that everyone is simply in love with. Months ago we released a list of what we anticipated to be the top pet names of 2017. Eager to see how our predictions stacked up we were all ears when we heard that My Dog’s Name had just announced the top picked names for the year. The list is clearly influenced by what’s raging in popular culture, with shout-outs to Star Wars having bumped a few names up in the rankings! It sure can be hard to knock some of the classic names out of the running though! So, without further adieu:

Our Predictions…

  • Boy names – Thor, Loki, Asgard, Bruno, Bowie, Prince, Lou, Drake, Lebron, Peyton, Beast, Ezra, Kylo, Rex, Luke, Max, Rex, Duke, and Pluto.

 

  • Girl Names – Freya, Belle, Nala, Leia, Zelda, Ruby, Molly, Ali, Hilde, Astrid, Lucy and Scully.

Actual Top Pet Names of 2017

  • Boy names – Milo, Bear, Buddy, Tiger, Archie, Charlie, Teddy, Duke, Jasper, Max make up the top ten most popular pet names. Other runner-ups included: Azel, Koda, Bruno, Jax, Atlas, Arlo, Banjo, Pluto, Chewie, Ripley, Finn, Diesel, Jinx, Archer, Pluto, Blue, and so many more.

 

  • Girl Names – Bella, Abbey, Daisy, Luna, Bailey, Hazel, Roxy, Lola, Piper, and Willow are the top ten for the year. Runner-ups include: Ava, Harper, Sadie, Zoey, Pepper, Bambi, Ali, Dottie, Winnie, Belle, Princess, Buffy

Hey, we managed to get a few right, even if we didn’t nail the top ten!  In a few weeks we’ll release our top predictions for 2018. Leave a comment for us with your predictions for the most popular up-and-coming pet names! and be sure to let us know what your biggest influence was when naming your pet or pets!

photo credit: Welsh photographs Chip via photopin (license)