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Helping Your Pet Cope With Thunder

Does your pet lose all dignity when thunder and lightening strike? Cowering under furniture, growling, barking, hissing and running amok? Try out these tips help keep your pet calm and your house intact!

Banish That Fear of Thunder!

  • Safe Spaces – Make it a point when you get a new pet to both define a safe space for them and condition them to normal noises. A safe space may be a crate or the laundry room where you keep their bed. Really anywhere that your pet is left alone to relax away from activity. When the thunder rolls you can confine them to a comfort zone to minimize house damage!
  • Condition them when they are young – Consider purchasing a CD of a thunderstorm and playing it on low while doing normal, happy things with your pet. Gradually increase the volume and let your pet adjust and acknowledge these noises as occasionally regular occurrences with no threat involved.
  • Compete with it – If you have a rescue pet or an older animal, try competing with the noise. Play some music, turn up the T.V., or try confining them to an inner room where the thunder is muffled.
  • It’s okay to calm them – Some people say not to baby pets when they become frightened by thunder. You can calm them without babying. Try playing their favorite game, giving them a treat, or just scratching their ears. The key is to behave completely normal like nothing is amiss. If your pet sees you behaving differently they will perceive validation for their fear.
  • Consider a “Thundershirt” – These “shirts” have an 80% success rate with calming anxious dogs. They can be used for thunder or any other situations that produce anxiety in your pet.
  • Make sure people know – If you have a pet sitter or are anticipating guests when there is a chance for thunder be sure to disclose your pet’s fear. Pet sitters will need to know how to interact with and/or help your pet.

Do you have a fail-safe trick for helping your pet with thunder? Share it with us!

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Olympics For Your Pet – Competitive Sports

The 2016 Summer Olympics held their opening ceremony last Friday. While people from all over the world gather to compete for top athlete, have you ever considered how athletic your pet is? Competitive sports aren’t limited just to the two-leggeds! Consider getting your pet (and yourself) fit while training for awesome pet Olympics!

Pet Summer Olympics

 

  • Agility Training – This is a BLAST for dogs! Agility training often consists of training your dog through obstacle courses of varying difficulty. Look around in your area to see if you can find one nearby. Jumping, tunneling, balancing are all great mental exercise too!
  • Disc Competition – Officially it’s called a “disc” – but not like the ones in the Olympics! You may know it better as a frisbee! This is a great co-op sport because it relies both on your skill and your dogs. You have to be a good thrower before you can train your dog to be a good catcher! See if there are any disc competitions in your area!
  • Tracking – Dogs are known for their noses (some breeds more so than others). Why not let your pet take full advantage of their natural gifts? Take your pet on a tracking trail! Check out this site to learn all about the benefits and events you can be a part of!
  • Dock Jumping – If you’ve ever taken your dog to the lake, you’ve probably seen this one before! The sport is exactly what it sounds like – dogs jumping off docks. With each jump the goal is to go further than the jump before. Toss toys off the dock and see how far your dog can go! A great sport for a hot day!

What about cats, you say? Take a break from the Olympics and check out The Hallmark Channels 2016 Kitten Bowl! Or this video below, showcasing some of the finest bunnies in competitive jumping!

 

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Pokemon Go With Your Dog? You Bet!

With the new Pokemon Go craze sweeping the nation, more people than ever are wandering around outdoors! That’s a good thing! An even better thing if you take the new game as an opportunity to let your pet tag along. Here are some tips to get you and your fuzzy friend started!

Tips For Hunting Pokemon with Your Dog

  • Caution! – The essence of Pokemon Go means you’re likely to have your phone in front of your face which can be hazardous walking around outside. Doubly hazardous if you have a pet in tow. It may be a fun game, but don’t let it take priority over your safety and that of your pet. What for traffic, snakes, and steps!
  • Follow Leash Laws (even if there aren’t any) – Make sure your pet is on a leash and comfortable with it. Pokemon Go has become so popular, you and your dog are likely to encounter a lot of fellow hunters – and maybe their pets too!
  • Watch the Weather – Just like a normal walk, be mindful of when you go and if there are any storms in the area. With the summer heat, grab the sunblock and aim for early morning or evening. Take water for you and your pet, and be sure to check the radar so you’re not caught in a lightening storm!
  • Mind Your Pets Stamina – Maybe you’re okay with walking a couple miles, zig-zagging around, but your dog may not be. If you’ve acclimatized them to shorter walks be sure to not over-stress them. Take frequent breaks and stay in-tune to the signals your pet’s giving you!

As a bonus, some animal shelters are asking hunters to swing by and pick up a dog to take along. This increase in volunteering helps the shelters and helps leash-trained dogs get some exercise! Ask at your local shelter if they have “Pokemon Dogs”!

Pet House Repairs – ‘Tis the Season!

Do you need to do some pet house repairs? We may be in the heat of summer but that cold weather is right around the corner! Now’s the time to assess your pets living situation (especially if it’s outdoors!) and make sure that their home is up to snuff for all the environmental challenges of the changing seasons. Here are some tips to make sure your pet is warm and cozy this coming fall!

Pet House Repairs

  • Assess the space around the pet house. Sometimes limbs may need trimming to prevent a falling hazard during ice or heavy winds. Do they have enough shade for summer or a wind break for winter?
  • Make sure the home is tight! Some pet houses will be fiberglass, some will be wood, and others plastic. Inspect the house for cracks and make sure the roof is solid with no leaks! Go a step further and make sure the pet house door isn’t facing the bitter north wind!
  • Check for hazards! If you have a heated floor for your pet, ensure that it’s in good condition with no exposed wires or dangerous wear. Also, make sure there are no jagged edges, exposed nails, or anything else that could harm your pet.
  • Make sure it’s dry. Ensure that moisture doesn’t pool under, in, or around the house. If it does, look into drainage options or relocating it all together. Furthermore, do a quick mold inspection and make sure that pet house is dry with good ventilation.
  • Replace the bedding. Make sure that your pet has fresh clean bedding regularly, especially in the winter. Hay is a great insulator, cheap, and good to stock up on!
  • Dress it up a little! Give it a new (non-toxic) paint job, plant some greenery around it (unless you’ve got a digger) and add a cute nameplate!

 

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Food Labels and Your Pet’s Needs

Food labels can be confusing – whether they’re for you or your pet! Do you know what your pet is eating?  Keep your pets fit, healthy, and trim by understanding those sometimes tricky labels!

Know Your Pet Food Labels!

  • Know the right quantity – Different pet food has different nutritional values. Talk to your vet and be sure you know what your pet needs for their breed and size, then follow the serving sizes accordingly!
  • Real vs “Flavored” – Know the difference between brands that contains real meat, vs meat flavor. Wording on the bag will let you know approximately how much meat it actually contains, thanks to AFFCO regulations. Food that contains 100% meat is easy to determine – it will say so! Wording gets a little foggier though as that percentage drops. If it drops to around 25% it will often be advertised as “Chicken Dinner” or “Beef entree”. Around 3% will be described as “contains” or “with”, and none at all will say “flavored”.
  • Know how to read the ingredients –  Lots of people don’t know that the order ingredients are listed in (this goes for people food too!) is important!  Ingredient lists are designed to start with the largest quantity, by weight, with the first item listed being the main ingredient and the last item listed being the smallest. The first three ingredients should be the top sources of protein. Most ingredients that come after “salt”, make up less than 1% of the food.
  • Dry vs Wet – Most adult pets eat a dry kibble, but you should know that there is a greater difference between dry and wet food than just the texture! This handy infographic will help you understand:

You are what you eat, and that goes for your pets too! Make smart choices and know your pets unique needs.

Summertime Quick-Reference Blog

Summertime officially kicks off on Monday, June 20th this year! Changing seasons herald in the need for unique pet care and pet dangers. Below is a quick-reference guide to some common summertime pet topics  with links to more details about each! Make this summer a paw-riffic summer!

Summertime Pet Care 101

  • Ticks, Fleas, and all the Woodland Buggers – Some pet owners let the flea and tick regimen lapse a little over the colder months. It’s important to get back on top of it as soon as possible once warm weather hits. Waiting too long puts you on the defense instead of the offense. Our former post here discusses extra steps you can take to keep the bug problem under control!
  • The Great Outdoors – Warm weather means more time outside in nature to many. Hiking, fishing, and camping are all summertime favorites. Each one can potentially put you and your pet in an environment you’re not used to. This means new threats that you need to know about! Check out our post on Wildlife Pet Threats!
  • Heat, heat, and more heat! – Yup, that means summer! Imagine you had to wear a fur coat all summer though?! That’s your pets reality! Find out about shaving them, tips for helping them beat the heat, and products that can help you out!
  • The car – I really hope we don’t have to go over the importance of NOT leaving your pet in the car during summer (or even some warm spring & fall) days. These tips will help you keep your pet safe while travelling!
  • Sun exposure, fireworks, water dangers and more – All these pose a  seasonal threat to your pet. Make summertime the greatest time ever by remembering and being attentive to your pets special needs!
  • Heat stroke – know the signs and know what to do!

Adopt A Cat Month Is Here!

Adopt A Cat Checklist!

June is national Adopt-A-Cat-Month! Been thinking about getting a kitty (or a new kitty) for some time? June is the month to act! Shelters are frequently packed with kittens from unexpected Spring litters in June looking for a forever home – and that home could be yours! Not sure about it though? Don’t want to make a commitment you may not be ready for? Check out our list of things you should do or prepare for BEFORE you adopt.

Make sure your house is “cat-friendly”

  • Do you already own pets? If so, do you think they will respond favorable or hostile toward a new addition?
  • If you rent, make sure that pets are allowed and pay any required deposits!
  • Make sure you’re in the habit of keeping potential hazards out of a cats reach; medication, cosmetics, household cleaners, etc.
  • Cats are climbers and jumpers! Don’t keep fragile items of value where they could be knocked over.
  • Make sure your plants aren’t poisonous and take necessary steps to keep a new kitty from making it their litter box

Have the necessary accessories

  • Litter box with litter, scoop, and a mat or cover if needed
  • Food and water dishes with age appropriate food
  • Toys! If you don’t want all your household items to become toys, make sure you supply some!
  • Scratch posts – save your furniture and invest now!
  • Ensure there is a “Kitty Space”

Designate an area in your home for your new kitty

This can be a laundry or utility area or any place where there is easy clean up and you can preferably close off to some degree. Yes, your kitty will get to roam the house, but this will allow them to get accustomed to a going to a specific area to get their needs met; bathroom, food, scratching, and such. It also allows for a safe space that a new pet can feel safe in while they adjust!

Choose a vet and budget accordingly

Finding a vet now will help you keep your kitty healthy for the long term. Costs will vary depending on the age of cat you choose to adopt. Kittens will likely need wormers, and shots. If your shelter has kittens under 12 weeks, you will need to get them spayed or neutered yourself. And don’t forget about flea and tick control if you’re going to have an indoor/outdoor cat.

Consider a finding a good pet sitter too! You will inevitably have time when you won’t be able to be there for your kitty as much as you’d like to. A pet sitter will make sure your pet is fed, the litter box is clean, and that they get some good play time in! Most importantly adopt a kitty whose personality fits you! Spend some time with each one you’re considering and choose the best fit for your lifestyle!

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Wedding Bells & Furry Tails – Including Your Dog!

With everything in bloom and the beautiful weather, late Spring and early Summer are peak season for outdoor weddings! Pet-friendly venues give an opportunity for the wedding party and guests to include their furry companions. The hustle and bustle of the big day can make it easy to overlook some considerations if you intend on having your dog in (or attending) your wedding. Read through these tips to make it a great day for you AND your pet!

Wedding Tips for Dogs

  • Consider the outfit – Not yours silly, your dogs! Whether it’s an actual outfit or just a festive collar its super important to make sure that your pet is comfortable. You don’t want to wait till the wedding day to find out that they hate it and tear and pull at it constantly. Pick something that fits them well and isn’t too hot, then have them wear it around the house in the days leading up to the event. This will help them feel comfortable and prevent and “faux paws”.
  • Have a Pet Nanny – Make sure that you have either hired or that someone in your wedding party is acting as the “Pet Nanny”. You’re going to be far too busy and distracted to keep up with your pet and make sure they are taken care of. Someone will need to dress them, pick up after them, and make sure they are fed and watered!
  • Keep them in their comfort zone – If your pet is anti-social, has anxiety, can be territorial reconsider including them. A wedding is often an occasion of high activity, with lots of loud and unfamiliar sounds and faces. If your pet isn’t a social butterfly, think twice before subjecting them to so much stimulation.
  • Know the dangers – Be sure to keep your pet out of the reception area where they may end up snacking on dropped foods. Keep your pets safety in mind when choosing your flowers and decorations as some plants are poisonous and some decorations can be choking hazards, if you got yourself a chewer!
  • Be mindful of guests – Make it known that your pooch will be part of the wedding party. Some guests with allergies may need to make special arrangments.

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Microchipping – Frequently Asked Questions

May is National Chip Your Pet Month! Microchipping your pet can sound scary. Whether your pet is chipped or not you may have lots of questions concerning this process. We’re here to help!

How Does Microchipping Work?

A small (think rice size) microchip is inserted into under your pet’s skin. This microchip has a unique identifying code that registers once scanned. If your pet is found and turned into a shelter or other authority, they can scan this chip, obtain the number, and enter it into the national database to find out who the owner is and how to contact them. This isn’t a “pet tracker” and it won’t find your pet lost in the woods, but it will help someone who does find them get them back to you!

Why?

Did you know that the chances of being reunited with an unchipped lost pet are about 1 in 5? That’s a pretty big risk and a lot of heartache. Lost pets often end up in shelters, and with overpopulation problems, some may be euthanized. Even if you have a collar that contains up to date information about contacting you, collars can fall off, or even be removed by thieves.

How Much Can I Expect To Pay?

Usually less than $50. Sometimes animals come from shelters with microchips already implanted. If this is the case it is VERY important that you consult the shelter for assistance in updating the microchip database ensuring that you and not the previous owner are listed as the contact. Always make sure to keep this information up to date every time your address or phone number changes!

Are there side-effects?

According to the AVMA:

Since the database was started in 1996, over 4 million animals have been microchipped and only 391 adverse reactions have been reported. Of these reactions, migration of the microchip from its original implantation site is the most common problem reported. Other problems, such as failure of the microchip, hair loss, infection, swelling, and tumor formation, were reported in much lower numbers.

These are pretty low odds, but it’s always good to monitor the injection site, especially if your pet is sensitive. Also, be sure to have your vet scan it regularly during check-ups to ensure it has not migrated and is working properly.

Leash Training Your Dog 101

Using a leash with your dog may seem pretty intuitive. Clip it onto their collar or harness and you’re ready to go, right? Sure, that gets the job done, but did you know there are lots of tips and tricks you can use to leash train your dog? Holding it correctly to prevent injury and teaching your dog to stop pulling are two great benefits of  training!

Leash Training 101

  • The right collar. If you’re starting your leash training with a puppy, it’s pertinent to get a collar that fits. Since puppies grow, be aware that you need to check the collar sizing regularly and upgrade as needed. Check out this link for tips on measuring your dog’s collar size!
  • Learn how to hold the leash. Here is where some human training comes in. Knowing how to hold the leash properly will help you keep steady control of your pet, without risking injury to yourself. This is particularly important during the training process when your pet will be pulling and jerking the most. Proper technique, as described by Wikihow:

    “Slip your thumb through the loop at the end of the leash. If you hold your hand upwards in front of you (like you’re giving someone a high five), the leash should dangle off your thumb. Then close your hand around the loop. The rest of the leash should come out the bottom of your fist, beside your pinky finger.”

  • Start with a short range. Keeping your dog close to you can help them learn which side they should walk on and what an acceptable pace is. This also allows you more immediate, easier control during the early stages.

  • Trial and error. Now comes the training part! With a pocket full of treats head out the door! As your pet walks calmly beside you, praise them and offer a treat. If they pull or dart about erratically exercise patience and reward them when they stop this behavior and return to polite walking. If they remain walking with you, stop and reward them every so often.
  • Deal with pulling. If your dog is trying to pull you toward a goal, stop. Wait until your pet stops tugging and then slowly walk toward the object of their interest, rewarding them if they walk calmly with you. Your dog needs to understand that misbehaving will produce the opposite result of what they want. If their behavior persists, calmly walk away from their goal. Don’t ever jerk the leash, just apply enough steady pressure that they must follow you. And again with the training mantra, once he stops and begins following you at a normal pace, reward him!

Remember to always be patient and gentle with your dog. Use your stubbornness and leadership to command your pet. Dogs are smart and most pick up on leash training fast!

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