Posts tagged Cats

Pet Care Costs on the Rise!

August 5, 2008 · Filed under Life of a pet sitter · Tagged , , , , ,

With gas prices and everything else in this country going up, up, up, it’s sad to say that pet care prices are going up as well.  Times are hard with everything going up but our paychecks.  We know this.  But prices are being raised for us as well!  As much as we would be able to care for your pets for free or really cheap, this is how we make OUR living and how WE survive.

Please be patient with your pet care providers.  Your veterinarians, their staff, your pet sitters, your dog walkers, your groomers, your pet stores….we can’t help the price increases!! 

PLEASE!! Do not let the increased prices convince you to not care for your pets at all.  Shop around if you need to, find someone willing to work with you or programs that can help.

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Tips for using topical flea control.

June 20, 2008 · Filed under Educational Articles · Tagged , , ,

With all the new flea control products coming out lately, I’d like to take a moment to give a few tips on using the products.  First of all, be sure to follow the instructions and read the box carefully.  Some products for dogs are toxic for cats and you will have to seperate them for a short period of time.  Some are applied all in one spot, some in several spots, some in a stripe down the back.

A lot of people believe that their topical flea control isn’t working properly, but there are a few things that may be contributing to the product not working to its full potential.  One popular mistake is what kind of shampoo you bathe your pet in.  Most topical flea controls are stored in the oil glands of your pet, and as your pet secretes oil, it secretes the product as well.  When you bathe your pet in an ordinary shampoo, you are stripping the oil glands and removing the product.  You should bathe your dog in a soap free or detergent free shampoo.  You also need to apply the product at least either 24 hours before or 24 hours after giving your pet a bath in order for them to build up new a new oil supply.

Another mistake people make is not applying it every month.  The product needs to be applied EVERY month without fail in order to have continued protection.  Some products ARE guaranteed.  I know that Frontline Plus is guaranteed but ONLY if you purchase at least 3 months at a time, that way they know that you have been using it continuously.

Now there are many topical flea products out there, so my most important piece of advice is to read the box thoroughly, and call your veterinarian or the manufacturer with any questions or concerns.  When you use a topical product that also contains a heartworm prevention, please use them as directed because continued protection from heartworms is vital.  I think everyone knows by now how I feel about that subject. :)

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Don’t try to beat the heat – Know the signs of heat stroke!

June 18, 2008 · Filed under Educational Articles · Tagged , , , , ,

We’re in the midst of another Mississippi summer, which means HOT HOT HOT temperatures!  This is the season to reconsider bring your dog along for the ride.  He might fight to get out the door, beg, and plead, but put your foot down and let him stay home if you have to run to any dog un-friendly place for any amount of time.  It’s best not to take a chance.

Parking in the shade and cracking the windows doesn’t help keep the car cool, despite popular belief.  If it is an 85 degree Farenheit day, a car with the windows cracked can reach a temperature of 102 degrees Farenhiet in just ten minutes!  At a temperature of 110 degrees Farenheit, your dog is at risk for heat stroke.  Lethal temperatures can even be reached on more mild days.  Check out this Stanford University study for more details.

Some signs of heat stroke are:

  • heavy panting
  • glazed eyes
  • restlessness
  • rapid heartbeat
  • lethargy
  • fever
  • excessive thirst
  • dizziness
  • confusion
  • vomiting
  • deep red or purple tongue
  • excessive salivation

 Heat stroke left untreated can cause collapse, coma, then death.  If you see a pet with the signs of heat stroke, head to the veterinary IMMEDIATELY.  There are some things you can do along the way to help.  Move the pet to a cool area, and begin wetting him/her with ROOM TEMPERATURE water, making sure to get the water on the skin.  Gradually use cooler water.  Rubbing cold water or alcohol on the pads of his/her feet also helps.  Offer room temperature water.

If you see someones pet in their car, whether the windows are cracked or not, contact the authorities immediately.  You just may save their life.

 

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Vaccinating yearly and over vaccinating

June 11, 2008 · Filed under Educational Articles · Tagged , , , ,

Let me start off by stating that Harrison County Mississippi requires your pets be vaccinated for rabies every year.  With the high population of wildlife, we really need to be sure our pets our protected.  Rabies is almost ALWAYS FATAL in pets and humans.

A lot of people are concerned that we are over vaccinating our pets.  In my opinion, vaccinating yearly does more good than harm.  I see many pets live to be up to 18 years AND OLDER who have religiously come in every year for their vaccines.  I have NEVER seen an unhealthy pet due to over vaccinating.   I am NO expert when it comes to vaccines, I’m just stating my opinion.  I will continue to vaccinate my pets yearly, because I would rather be safe than sorry.

Some people believe that because their pet never goes outside, that vaccines and even heartworm prevention for that matter are unnecissary.  Let me ask you this.  Does your pet use the bathroom outside?  Do you take your pets on walks?  Do you take them on car rides?  Do you take them TO THE VET?  If you answered yes to ANY of those, guess what? You’re pet goes outside! 

I found a very interesting article on over-vaccinating your pets, check it out!

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Oh, dearie. I’m such a sucker!

June 5, 2008 · Filed under Life of a pet sitter · Tagged , , ,

So…I already have 4 dogs and two guinea pigs.  Having such a love for animals can be quite the downfall.  Tomorrow I will begin fostering 3 kittens!! If someone knows ANYONE who would be interested in adopting or fostering 1-3 kittens, please let me know. You can see more details at www.amandaspetsitting.net/freetogoodhome.html

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Dog’s Diary/Cat’s Diary

June 4, 2008 · Filed under Humor · Tagged , , , ,

The Dog’s Diary

Day number 181
8:00 am – OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
9:30 am – OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
9:40 am – OH BOY! A WALK! MY FAVORITE!
10:30 am – OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
11:30 am – OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
12:00 noon – OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
1:00 pm – OH BOY! THE YARD! MY FAVORITE!
4:00 pm – OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
5:00 pm – OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
5:30 pm – OH BOY! MOM! MY FAVORITE!

Day number 182
8:00 am – OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
9:30 am – OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
9:40 am – OH BOY! A WALK! MY FAVORITE!
10:30 am – OH BOY! A CAR RIDE! MY FAVORITE!
11:30 am – OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
12:00 noon – OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
1:00 pm – OH BOY! THE YARD! MY FAVORITE!
1:30 pm – ooooooo. bath. bummer.
4:00 pm – OH BOY! THE KIDS! MY FAVORITE!
5:00 pm – OH BOY! DOG FOOD! MY FAVORITE!
5:30 pm – OH BOY! MOM! MY FAVORITE!

The Cat’s Diary

Day 752 – My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while I am forced to eat dry cereal. The only thing that keeps me going is the hope of escape, and the mild satisfaction I get from ruining the occasional piece of furniture. Tomorrow I may eat another
houseplant.

Day 761 – Today my attempt to kill my captors by weaving around their feet while they were walking almost succeeded, must try this at the top of the stairs. In an attempt to disgust and repulse these vile oppressors, I once again induced myself to vomit on their favorite chair…must try this on their bed.

DAY 765 – Decapitated a mouse and brought them the headless body, in attempt to make them aware of what I am capable of, and to try to strike fear into their hearts. They only cooed and condescended about what a good little cat I was…Hmmm. Not working according to plan.

DAY 768 – I am finally aware of how sadistic they are. For no good reason I was chosen for the water torture. This time however it includeda burning foamy chemical called “shampoo.” What sick minds could invent such a liquid. My only consolation is the piece of thumb still stuck between my teeth.

DAY 771 – There was some sort of gathering of their accomplices. I was placed in solitary throughout the event. However, I could hear the noise and smell the foul odor of the glass tubes they call “beer”. Moreimportantly I overheard that my confinement was due to MY power of “allergies.” Must learn what this is and how to use it to my advantage.

DAY 774 – I am convinced the other captives are flunkies and maybe snitches. The dog is routinely released and seems more than happy to return. He is obviously a half-wit. The bird on the other hand has got to be an informant, and speaks with them regularly. I am certain he reports my every move. Due to his current placement in the metal room his safety is assured.

But I can wait, it is only a matter of time…

(This is a joke you can find floating all over the internet.  I think I got this copy in an email or something, I didn’t write it.  If anyone knows who wrote it, let me know and I’ll give them full credit!)

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How to give your dog a nail trim.

June 3, 2008 · Filed under Educational Articles · Tagged , , ,

First of all, if you aren’t comfortable trimming your own dogs nails, call your vet!  Some vets offer free or inexpensive nail trims, and they don’t even require an appointment!

For the braver souls, I’ll give a few helpful hints.  Invest in a GOOD pair of nail trimmers.  The cheaper ones just don’t do as good of a job and can leave your dog’s nails splintered.  Now to get down to business.  If your dog has white nails, take a close look.  Do you see a pink line in the center of the nail?  That’s called the quick.  If you cut the quick, it will bleed.  So try to get the nail just above the quick.  For darker nails, it maybe be helpful to look at the nail from the underside to see the quick.  If that doesn’t work, maybe try having someone shine a flash light on it.  If THAT doesn’t work, just trim a small amount off the tips.

Another option that can help get shorter, smoother nails is using a dremel.  It’s a little pricier but may be worth it if you don’t like how sharp your pets nails are after a nail trim.  Most veterinarians offer this service as well for a small fee. 

Keep your pet’s nails trimmed regularly to prevent them from breaking and causing discomfort.  The more often you trim the nails, the shorter the quick will become!  The longer you grow the nails, the quick grows as well, so its better to be sure they get trimmed regularly.

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Funny Pics

May 31, 2008 · Filed under Humor · Tagged , , , , , ,

I found these pics around the internet. I don’t take credit for any of them!

zzzzzzz

Nap time!!

nap time

When ya gotta go….try not to do it on the laptop!

nap time

It’s been a long day….

solitaire

Killing time

get pumped

Getting buff!

bubbly

PARTY TIME!!!

a few drinks later

A few drinks later….

chillin

“Chillin”

man cat

His owner must have been a man….

go green dishwasher

Go green! Save energy with this new dishwasher.

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Why use a pet sitter?

May 31, 2008 · Filed under Educational Articles · Tagged , , , , ,

There are MANY benefits of using a pet sitter.  While a lot of pets do well boarding in kennels, a lot of pets may do a lot better staying home.

Hiring a pet sitter may benefit you and/or your pet if:

  • your pet suffers from seperation anxiety.
  • your pet does not like kennels.
  • your pet requires a lot of individualized attention.
  • your pet is afraid of new people.
  • you have 2 or more pets. (It can save you money!)
  • you need your house tended to while you are away.
  • you work long hours and can’t get home to let your dog(s) out.

That’s just a few reasons to use a pet sitter!

Think about it.  If you have two or more pets, and board them in a kennel at $15/night, you’ll be paying at least $30 a day for them to stay in a kennel.  For a very similar price, you can leave your pets in the comfort of their own home, with their own smells, sights, sounds.  They have the same person come care for them several times a day, someone who they can learn to trust and love.  Your pet sitter will also check your mail, bring in your trash, water your plants, change the lights, and more!

Do you work long hours?  Have a pet sitter come walk your dog if you can’t make it home from the office!

The benefits of using a pet sitter are endless. 

For more information on pet sitters, visit the FAQs page of PUPS (Professional United Pet Sitters.)

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