Integrity Pet Services

Reduce Carbon Pawprints

Sara Baxter — Tue, 01 May 2012 18:30:52 +0000

These days, we strive to do what we can to help the environment and our homes stay as safe and healthy as possible. We recycle used materials, compost food scraps, and unplug appliances when they’re not being used. But most of us have no idea how to be “green” when it comes to our pets. Here are a few steps you can take towards keeping your pets happy and healthy — remember, a little difference goes a long way.

1. One of the first things you can do is to Feed Natural

“Eating natural food has become a way of life and many feel their pets should eat the same quality food as they do,” says Robins. Not only are these foods good for pets, but good for the environment. Natural foods use proteins that are raised in sustainable, humane ways and do not contain hormones. Read more.

Just as homemade, natural meals are better for us humans, the same goes for our pets. If you are having a hard time finding something natural for your pet, consider making the food yourself. For recipe ideas, click here.

2. Another step you can take is to spay and neuter your pets – do you know over 70,000 puppies and kittens are born every day in the United States alone?

As a bonus, spaying and neutering helps dogs and cats live longer, healthier lives by eliminating the possibility of uterine, ovarian, and testicular cancer, and decreasing the incidence of prostate disease. Read more.

3. Always clean up after your pup and dispose of it in biodegradable bags to keep it from living forever (in a plastic bag) in a landfill somewhere. Also, use biodegradable cat litter with your feline to avoid illness and diseases. Keep those pets happy and healthy!

Green Pets: By The Numbers

39 million: the number of birds killed annually by domestic cats – in Wisconsin (The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service)

66 million: the number of pet cats in the United States; approximately 35% are kept exclusively indoors.

75 percent: the decreased likelihood that adults will develop allergies, if they grow up with two or more pets as children.

60 percent: the percent of pet owners who have a dog; on average owners have almost two dogs (1.7).

5,500: the numbers of puppies and kittens that are born every hour in the United States, compared with 415 human babies.

28 percent: the percent of pet owning heart patients who survived serious heart attacks, compared with only 6% of patients without pets.

25 percent: the percent of purebred dogs who were afflicted with serious genetic problems in 1994 (Time Magazine).

3-4 million:the number of homeless cats and dogs that are euthanized annually.

For the Full Stories:

How to Lead the Next Green Movement With Your Pets

How to Go Green: Pets

Why You Should Spay And Neuter Your Pets

The Importance of Dental Hygiene

Sara Baxter — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 17:22:16 +0000

A few years ago I took a Pet First Aid and CPR training course so I would be fully prepared in the case of an emergency when pet sitting someone else’s dog. I remember an entire portion of the training being dedicated to dental hygiene, which goes to show you it’s a pretty important part of your pet’s health. In fact, it’s the first thing to look for if your pet seems ill or is showing unusual behavior.

Bad breath can be a sign of periodontal disease

Studies show that 98 % of dogs with bad breath are suffering from periodontal disease, a result of plaque build up. If left untreated, this can lead to a bacteria infection, which can enter the bloodstream and spread to your dog’s kidney, liver, heart and even their brain. Chances are if your dog has very bad breath, there is a problem with his teeth

Start brushing when they’re young

The best way to get your pet used to the feel of a good teeth cleaning is to start when they are young. There are a number of ways you can do this. Some people start by just rubbing their finger along their pet’s teeth and gums so they get used to the feeling. Others purchase a small finger brush (it just slides over your finger) and then put peanut butter on it so your pet associated the activity with receiving a treat. You may need to try a few things before figuring out what works for you and your pet.

How To Brush Your Dog’s Teeth

Hard kibble over soft food

Most people think it’s easier on your pet’s teeth if they chew soft food instead of hard. Studies show that this is not the case as the soft food gets lodged in their gums and between their teeth and can cause decay. Whereas chewing the hard kibble can clean the teeth and brush off the tartar. It’s also a good idea to give them a hard toy or bone to chew on to prevent diseases and other periodontal infections.

Brush twice a week

When you discover what brushing method works best for you and your pet, it’s important to keep a routine and do a cleaning twice a week. Also, have your pet’s gums checked by your veterinarian at least once a year. If you can see tartar build up or decay (see picture above), schedule a cleaning (which usually involves anesthesia).

If you are interested in becoming certified in Pet CPR and First Aid, contact Pet Tech for training classes near you.

Backyard Birds: How To Keep Them Coming

Sara Baxter — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 17:39:39 +0000

Now that Spring has arrived I notice quite a few bird feeders going up around the neighborhood. Giving in to peer pressure, I loaded up the kids and headed out to our local store to get the supplies. I am not an avid bird-watcher but I love the idea of opening my backyard to birds, squirrels, and other friendly wildlife. But, little did I know, there are a few steps to take in order to make this a pleasant experience for everyone (especially the birds).

Step #1: Know the birds in your area

I am new to the Pacific Northwest so I have no idea what kinds of birds are in my area. I did a basic Google search for “what birds live in Seattle” and found a few sites to help me identify my backyard birds. For instance, the most common bird in my neighborhood is the House Finch; beautiful, small birds who are known to frequent the backyard feeder. Now I have some information to help me take the next step–finding a home for the little guys.

Step #2: Bird house: Maybe. Bird bath: Yes!

I live in a neighborhood just north of Seattle. We have a lot of kids on our street and I live close to a busy intersection so I determined it would be best for me to hang a feeder in the backyard rather than try to use a bird house. Not all birds will use a bird house so determine if the area you live is an ideal place to hang one. Otherwise, definitely try a feeder.

Another great way to welcome birds to your backyard (and brighten up your lawn) is to use a bird bath.

Rule #3: Know the food you should get

Instead of using a mixed birdseed, try to include nectar and fruit in the mix in order to include a wider variety of birds in your backyard. I found some helpful information at www.birdfeeding.org to help me figure out what to feed the finches: Black-oil Sunflower, Thistle, and Sunflower Hearts.

Step #4: Find a safe place to hang the feeder

It is very common to want to hang your feeder near your kitchen window (just as I initially did) so you can watch the beautiful birds while doing the dishes. But did you know nearly 100 million birds are estimated to die annually after colliding with glass windows? So make sure when you hang the feeders to put them in a safe place for the birds–far from any windows or hazardous areas. To read more about how to hang your bird feeder, click here.

I hope these tips are as helpful for you as they were for me. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go re-hang my bird feeder–away from my kitchen window.

Cats: Enough Lives To Go Around

Sara Baxter — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 17:32:33 +0000

Knowing cats, they aren’t going to give us all nine lives, but it looks like they’re willing to share more than we thought. If you don’t already own a cat this may make you want to run out and get one.

I did not grow up owning cats, due to my mom being severely allergic (Hi, Mom!), so when I left home and spent more time around my friends’ pets, including cats, it took some getting used to. I would pet the cat, listen to her purr, and then all of a sudden get scratched because of some reason only the cat knew. There were no signs, no warnings…she was just done being petted. If you own a cat you know exactly what I’m talking about. It took a few years–and starting a pet-sitting business–to be comfortable around felines but I am proud to say I am more relaxed (albeit, still cautious) when I’m in the presence of royalty.

Cats tend to get a bad rap when compared to dogs or other pets. They are generalized as selfish, moody animals who only have their best interest in mind. I’m sure that’s true for some cats–as well as some dogs, gerbils, birds,etc–but it seems we may have been wrong about these creatures. Studies have proven that cats may indeed be one of the most giving pets you can own. I mean, what other animal can give you the gift of a longer, fuller life?

The Benefits of Owning a Cat

Not only can cats lower your risk for cardiovascular disease, but they can reduce your risk of heart attack, prevent asthma in children, reduce your blood pressure, and much more. According to Pet Blogs United, cats also play a role in your psychological well-being.

“The findings demonstrate that pets can buffer reactivity to acute stress as well as diminish perceptions of stress,” says Allen. “Social support can indeed cross species.” Read more

Now becoming therapy animals, cats are helping children suffering from autism by providing them social interaction and opportunities to communicate (because, I mean, who doesn’t talk to their pet?). To see the full list of benefits of owning a cat, click here.

They may be moody at times and not always want to cuddle, but if owning a cat means I live a longer, happier, healthier life then, as far as I’m concerned, they are royalty.

Breed Spotlight: Tibetan Spaniel

Sara Baxter — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 19:11:15 +0000

I was six years old when my parents brought Duchess home to introduce to my siblings and I. She was a beautiful Tibetan Spaniel and had a great temperament to live among my large family. She quickly inserted herself into our “clan” and became a friend to each of us. I can remember occasions where my family of eight would sit around the living room and Duchess would perform for us by chasing her tail or “singing” us a song. Whenever I picture a kid-friendly, playful, loving dog, I think of Duchess.

She remained a part of our family for ten years before she passed away. This was my first experience losing a dog and, while I mourned her passing, she left me with so many wonderful memories I will keep with me for the rest of my life.

Originally bred to be companions and watch dogs to Tibetan monks, Tibetan Spaniels continue to be a loyal and dedicated breed. They bond with their masters quickly and don’t need much socialization, other than quality time with their owner. Their luscious, long coat needs regular brushing and needs to be thinned out during the summer months (especially if you live in a warmer climate). They are very intelligent and, on some accounts, are known to be quite the escape artists. I remember walking into our backyard where Duchess was playing and seeing her climbing our chain-link fence…actually climbing it! She was placing her paws in the holes one after the other and could make it all the way over. She never strayed far from home, but I guess she had to stay sharp and make sure we knew she was smarter than we thought.

These wonderful, loving, mischievous animals will make a great pet to you and your family and will leave you with many fond memories to look back on, just as Duchess has done for me.

To read more on the Tibetan Spaniel, click here.

Spring Into Action

Sara Baxter — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 04:06:47 +0000

Spring is here! Well, sort of. For some of us it’s taking a little longer than we’d like but we have hope that the flowers will soon bloom and the birds will start chirping again.

I don’t know about you but I am excited to begin working on my garden and doing some spring cleaning on my home. The winters can be long and harsh but there’s nothing like the first day of spring to get you off the couch and out the door.

As you begin working on your home and garden, it’s also a good idea to do some spring cleaning with your pets. Petswelcome.com shared some helpful tips for you and your pets as you welcome the warm(er) weather:

Chocolate and holiday treats are being sold in large quantities right now. If you celebrate Easter, keep the fake plastic grass, chocolates, and other sugary treats out of reach of your pets.

Lawn fertilizers are very toxic to pets. Make sure you store them in a safe place. After applying any fertilizers and pesticides to your lawn, keep your pet off the treated areas for several hours and post a sign to let your neighbors know that their pets shouldn’t sniff, walk, or come near your lawn either till the chemicals are all absorbed and gone.

Groom your pet! Spring weather can mean more shedding. Brush your pets more regularly to prevent hairballs, matted fur, and brush out any dirt and debris that may get stuck in the coat. Wipe your pet’s feet when coming back home from a walk to remove any dirt, chemicals, and pollen that may be stuck between their toes or fur and to prevent them from ingesting these things when they groom themselves.

Read the full article

So, to summarize, let’s get off the couch, enjoy the beautiful weather, and continue to keep our pets as happy, healthy, and safe as possible.

There’s Something About Beatrix

Sara Baxter — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 18:30:31 +0000

Queen Anne is a gorgeous, thriving town on the outskirts of Seattle. Providing a perfect view of the Space Needle, it is a wonderful little area with many off-leash dog parks and pet friendly establishments. The streets are constantly bustling with pet owners and dog walkers doting on their pups. Beatrix, a Rhodesian Ridgeback mix, is one of these dogs.

Her story begins when Leigh Ann decided it was time to expand her family and began the search for a new puppy on Petfinder.com. “After what culminated in several hours of staring at adorable dog pictures and reading sweet stories I came across Beatrix’s profile and immediately fell for her. I could tell from the pictures and her bio that she was the dog for me. “

Their first face-to-snout encounter went very well. When Leigh Ann first met Beatrix as a 4 month old puppy, she knelt down to pet her and Beatrix sheepishly ran to her. “One of the women that was working at the boarding places told me that it must be right because she doesn’t do that with anyone. I knew it was a good match. ”

Now outgoing and social, nobody would have guessed Beatrix was originally shy and distrusting of other dogs. She is full of funny stories and weird quirks, one of which is that she puts herself to bed every night. In the early evening as Leigh Ann is sitting down for dinner Beatrix will walk toward the hallway, pause and look at Leigh Ann, turn and head toward the bedroom where she head butts the door open and retires for the evening. “It makes me laugh every time,” Leigh Ann says. “Another quirk is when I take her outside and the weather is particular nasty and rainy she will “put the brakes on” and literally stop dead in her tracks, hunker down and refuse to move until we’re headed back in the direction of the apartment. Also, she LOVES cabbage and zucchini.”

Beatrix’s dog walker, Jennifer, has been taking her on park runs since October 2011. When I asked Jennifer what things set Beatrix apart from the other dogs, she said, “Miss B Bear is a tomboy and queen of the hill. She has to go to the highest place in the area and yell at everyone to play with her. She loves and wants to be friends with anyone and everyone. She’ll talk their ear off until they play with her. She loves to play chase and if there’s a water bowl around she’ll wash her feet in it and then dump it upside down.” Jennifer goes on to say that she and Beatrix bonded from the beginning and have an understanding: “I won’t belittle her intelligence as long as she listens to me when I tell her to do something.” Her favorite thing about Beatrix? “Beatrix being herself is my favorite thing about her. She is who she is. Each dog is so unique that them just being themselves is what makes me love each of them so much.”

Leigh Ann has now had Beatrix for four years and this once shy animal is now known to be outgoing and loving towards everyone she meets. She has provided a safe, loving home for her, and I would venture to guess Beatrix is doing a great job of returning the favor.

Can Dogs Detect Cancer?

Sara Baxter — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 16:32:50 +0000

We all know dogs are man’s best friend…but did you know they could also save your life from one of the deadliest diseases in America?

About four years ago, I met a foster couple who, at any given time, had approximately ten dogs in their home. Needless to say it was a very lively home and they found themselves in need of a little help. They asked me to have a sitter come by and make sure the pups got some play time during the day, and that’s exactly what I did until they moved away a few years later. But I learned something during my time there that has stuck with me all these years.

About two months into the job I was told Cindy (the owner) had cancer, and because the doctor’s didn’t find it early on she would have to go through extensive chemotherapy and radiation treatment. We all held on to hope but there was no guarantee she would live. When they gave me the news I asked how they found out she was ill. What were the signs? Cindy went on to tell me that she hadn’t been feeling well for some time now but the doctors had run tests and didn’t know what was wrong. So, how did they find out? “It was Bandit” (their Australian Shepherd), Cindy said. “He wouldn’t stop sniffing and scratching at [this part of my body] and would sometimes get so worked up he would whine and fuss until I had to put him outside. I decided I would go to the doctor one more time to find out why I’m not feeling well.” It’s a good thing she did. To this day, she gives Bandit the credit for saving her life. If it wasn’t for him, I’m certain she would not have made it.

This made me wonder, “Can dogs really detect cancer?” I started searching the cyber-world for stories similar to Cindy’s and this is what I found:

Mammogram, “the gold standard in breast cancer detection” failed to detect Lisa Hulber’s malignant tumor. But Effie, her rescued hound mix, did. The dog whose life Hulber saved helped save hers after she sniffed her to the point where she decided to get double-checked.

This time, doctors found Hulber’s tumor, and did an excisional biopsy. But Effie was ahead of them again. She started sniffing around and apparently detected the only lymph node that had the cancer. Hulber underwent a double mastectomy and 20 weeks of chemotherapy, and will soon start radiation. Full Story

I also found reports of service dogs being trained to detect cancer in humans:

Daisy the labrador is hard at work on a project that could change your life and mine. In her smart red jacket, she wanders around a metal carousel in a small center outside Milton Keynes, sniffing at the different scents that are attached to its 12 spokes. Then she stops. She’s found what she’s looking for and looks expectantly up at her handler — she knows that when she recognizes this specific smell, she will soon get an edible reward.

While Daisy enjoys the process (and her dog biscuits) her actions are more than just a game — they have huge implications for all of us. Because what this seven-year-old dog is sniffing is a selection of samples from a local hospital. And she has just located the only one that came from a cancer patient.

Daisy, quite simply, is being taught to sniff out cancer. She is one of the world’s first bio-detection dogs — trained animals that may one day revolutionise medical diagnosis. Read more

Okay, so if dogs have the ability to sniff out cancer, How do they do it?

According to Shilo Urban, blogger on www.organicauthority.com:

Dogs were born to sniff; their noses dominate not only their faces (pugs notwithstanding) but also their brains. Even a miniature dachshund puppy has 25 times the scent receptors as a human — and bloodhounds twice as many as that. As much as humans see the world as we are, dogs smell the world as it is — and if it’s stinky, they roll in it.

This sharpened sense of smell in canines is a special instrument, and there has long been anecdotal evidence about dogs being able to smell diseases, particularly cancer. Perhaps a lady had a lump on her leg that her dog wouldn’t stop smelling, and when she finally had it examined by a doctor, it turned out to be cancer. Other such stories have percolated through health news columns for years.

But now the proof is finally here. In August, a study from German researchers showed that dogs are able to detect early-stage lung cancer better than any doctor or any fancy medical equipment.

Tests were held at Schillerhoehe Hospital in Germany with four specially-trained dogs: Two German shepherds, a Labrador retriever and an Australian shepherd. Each dog was given a test tube to sniff that contained the breath of some 220 patients, some of whom had lung cancer and some of whom were cancer-free. Full Report

If you haven’t already, schedule your annual mammogram or prostate exam today. Then make sure you take the time to grab some cuddles with man’s best friend. Who knows? It may end up saving your life.

How To Choose the Right Pet For You

Sara Baxter — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 19:52:30 +0000

At last, you are at the point in your life where everything is going according to plan and now you feel you are ready to “take the plunge” and get a pet. You finally have that big yard you’ve always wanted. Your kids are old enough to learn the responsibility of caring for a pet. Or maybe you decided a puppy will be a great companion for you and your family. These are very common, real-life scenarios we will all face at least once in our lives. So, now that you’re thinking about it, what is the next step?

Speaking from personal experience, this is a big decision to make. So many people get a pet without doing the research and then, after the honeymoon phase is over, find themselves in a difficult place. Whether or not you are looking at adoption, breeding, getting a “working” pet, or just finding a fun-loving house-mate, there are a few things to consider beforehand. Believe me, I’ve been in your brand new, un-chewed shoes…you know, the ones you had before the pet arrived. So I know where you’re coming from.

Here are some things to consider:

1) Activity level: Are you a runner? Or is your idea of a workout just getting out of bed in the morning? Maybe you’re somewhere in between these two extremes but, either way, this is definitely something to take into consideration before buying your cute puppy.

Top 10 Dogs for Lazy Owners:

Great dogs for the Active Owner:

2) Work schedule: My husband is an accountant, which means for about five months out of the year he works long hours, six days a week. He isn’t home to assist with pets, much less anything else around the house. When he is home he’s reading stories to the girls, cooking meals, and more, but during “busy season” I know that much of the household duties will fall to me, which includes caring for a pet. Consider how much time your pet will be alone at home without a companion. This should determine the breed and age of the pet you decide to get. Older pets can obviously last longer between bathroom breaks and certain breeds do well with a lot of quiet time during the day.

3) Ages of family members: My girls are both under the age of 3. The house is filled with high-pitched squeals and the pitter-patter of little feet on a daily basis. How old are the people in your home? You’ll need everyone to pitch in with the pet duties so, even if your little ones are toddling around like mine, they can still learn to help out with your furry family member. Also, consider their age as a safety issue. Are they old enough to understand how to treat a pet without harming the animal or themselves?

4) Travel frequency: Is your work constantly taking you out of town? Do you visit your family every other weekend? Are you able to take your pet with you without causing too much hassle on you and your family? So many people forget about the pets when making travel plans, but I have learned to consider this before purchasing the plane tickets or reserving the hotel rooms.

There are some pets that will do fine at a kennel or boarding facility while you’re out of town but, in my experience, most dogs and cats prefer the one-on-one attention of a pet sitter while they stay in the familiar environment of their own home. If you do plan on making a trip out of town, start looking for a pet sitter at least a month in advance. That way, you give yourself enough time to meet your new sitter and have them do at least one “dry run” before you go out of town. Remember, when it comes down to it, the most important things are your pets’ happiness and safety…and your peace mind.

Not sure which pet to get? Here’s a list of the Top 5 household pets. Enjoy!

Dixie’s Story

Sara Baxter — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 17:28:13 +0000

The winner of our 2011 Christmas Photo Contest is Dixie, an adorable kitten from Pearland, Texas. I asked Dixie’s owner, Heather, to share a few things about her “furry baby” with our readers.

Sara (owner of IPS): How long have you had Dixie?

Heather: I’ve had Dixie almost 3 months

Sara: What made you make the decision to get Dixie?

Heather: Two days before Thanksgiving I had to put my cat, Raja, to sleep. I got her as a kitten and had her for 17 years so her death really hit me hard and I didn’t think I would ever adopt another cat. A couple of weeks later I was at PetSmart picking up some things for my other cat Meeko when I saw the cats looking for homes. I walked up and talked with the lady in charge and she told me that getting another cat would be a great way to honor Raja and I would know when the time was right. Also at the time Meeko was having a hard time of her own. She lost her buddy and she became really clingy and vocal so, at the urging of a friend, I decided to go down to the Houston SPCA and just look. My heart wasn’t really in it but I thought it wouldn’t hurt to go look. When I got to the SPCA I started looking around and an employee also started showing me around. I saw tons of cats but none that really caught my attention until I came to the last room. I saw this lone kitten in a cage and she was meowing pretty loudly. I picked her up and she snuggled right into my arm and started purring. I still wasn’t convinced so I put her back in her cage and she started meowing and climbing up the cage door to try to get to me. I picked up a kitten in the cage above her and the kitten wasn’t having any of that, she scratched my arm and tried to get away from me. That’s when I realized Dixie was mine.

Sara: What are some of your favorite things about Dixie (quirky habits, special traits, etc)?

Heather: Dixie is still a playful kitten and loves to play and chew on everything be it the lights on the Christmas tree or my hand. Dixie also begs like a dog for food. She jumps on people to get to food and she has no problem trying to eat off your plate. I can’t even leave my dinner on the table to grab a napkin without Dixie trying to eat off my plate! She still loves to cuddle and if I’m sitting down for any length of time she has to be in my lap.

Sara: Any advice you would give fellow cat-owners out there? Or something you would’ve wished you would have known prior to getting Dixie?

Heather: I would stress the importance seeing a vet soon after welcoming home a new pet. Dixie was a very sick kitten and had I waited to see my vet she wouldn’t have made it. I took her to the vet a few days after I picked her up from the SPCA and she had an upper respiratory infection and my vet told me that he had seen kittens earlier in the week who had the same infection and weren’t going to make it and he couldn’t even promise me Dixie would make it. I do believe had I waited Dixie wouldn’t have made it.

Thank you, Heather, for sharing about Dixie and telling us her story. Everyone here at Integrity Pet Services wishes you and Dixie a very long, happy life together.

Click here to see other photos from the contest.

Click here For more information on pet adoption and supporting your local shelter.

Integrity Pet Services

Reduce Carbon Pawprints

Green Pets: By The Numbers

39 million: the number of birds killed annually by domestic cats – in Wisconsin (The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service)

66 million: the number of pet cats in the United States; approximately 35% are kept exclusively indoors.

75 percent: the decreased likelihood that adults will develop allergies, if they grow up with two or more pets as children.

60 percent: the percent of pet owners who have a dog; on average owners have almost two dogs (1.7).

5,500: the numbers of puppies and kittens that are born every hour in the United States, compared with 415 human babies.

28 percent: the percent of pet owning heart patients who survived serious heart attacks, compared with only 6% of patients without pets.

25 percent: the percent of purebred dogs who were afflicted with serious genetic problems in 1994 (Time Magazine).

3-4 million:the number of homeless cats and dogs that are euthanized annually.