Irresistible Pets

My Chihuahua Had a Splenectomy

Irresistible Pets — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 04:15:15 +0000

Chuy, my Chihuahua had a splenectomy, a surgical removal of the spleen, in 2022. I shared his journey on my social media in real-time as it was happening but I’ve been wanting to put everything together in a blog post in case you’re facing the same tough decision we had to make. Making a decision for your dog to have a splenectomy is incredibly difficult and I understand all of the anxiety and fear you’re feeling.

At the time this happened in 2022, Chuy was 12 years old. He has a heart murmur so he sees a cardiologist twice a year to monitor his heart. Coincidentally leading up to a scheduled cardiologist appointment, Chuy was not feeling good. He wasn’t eating much, had extreme diarrhea, and low energy. Not sure if it matters or can be related but our entire family had stomach flu in the weeks leading up to this.

I mentioned this during his cardio re-check, so his doctor did a full exam. His cardiologist broke the news to me that she discovered a mass in his abdomen. He was also dehydrated from the diarrhea. They recommended that we hospitalize him to perform a full abdominal ultrasound and to treat the dehydration. He was hospitalized for 2 nights. They stated that the GI issues were Gastritis and not related to the mass.

The ultrasound confirmed it was a 4cm mass on his spleen with a “complex” appearance. He also had 2 other smaller nodules on the spleen that did not appear complex. She explained to me that quite often, “complex” equates to cancer but not always.

I was devastated.

I couldn’t breathe. I wasn’t ready to face potentially losing my boy yet. I had him hospitalized to get his stable from the dehydration and headed home. Coming home that day without Chuy was just awful. There’s no other person that I’ve spent as much time with in the past (now) 14 years with. Not even my own children or husband! Chuy is aways with me…when they’re at school, at work, or sleeping – it’s me and Chuy.

The vets started giving us some options. Mind you, at this point all of this has been over the phone thanks to Covid policies. I had not seen one doctor face-to-face! All of the options sucked. It was agonizing and heart-wrenching trying to decide what was best for our Chuy boy.

Option #1: Surgery

Option one was to surgically remove the entire spleen and send it out for a biopsy. There is no way currently to take a biopsy without fully removing the spleen. If it’s cancer, he would only have a few months (maybe) left with us as this is a very aggressive cancer and it usually spreads to the major organs. If it’s not cancer, the surgical removal is curative and we move on. Chuy was 12 and a few months shy of turning 13 at the time this happened. He has a grade 5 heart murmur. Surgery could be risky AF. He could pass away on the operating table even if it’s not cancer.

Option #2: Do Nothing

The second option we were given was to do nothing. The splenic mass is vascular so basically it would just be a matter of time before it would rupture. Chuy would internally bleed to death. Basically, this option would leave Chuy as a ticking time bomb. When these things rupture it’s an extremely traumatic event for the dog and everyone in the family. The emergency vet told us that he’s already old, has a heart murmur, and has tracheal disease, so we could just go enjoy life to the fullest with him until this thing eventually ruptures.

Option #3: Euthanasia

The third option took my breath away. One of the options presented to us was euthanasia. With this option, they reiterated he’s old, has a heart murmur, has tracheal disease, and we could pick a date. They were telling us it was like an 80% chance that this splenic mass was cancerous. It would be a fast and aggressive cancer. It was starting to feel like saying goodbye might actually be a viable option. I couldn’t believe it. I didn’t want to believe it.

After that call, we had to see him.

We asked if we could come and see Chuy. That was a big ask considering all the Covid policies that were still in place at the time. That was the longest drive we’ve ever taken. My husband and I held hands and fought back the tears while we drove. We were quiet most of the drive because we knew we might have to make the hardest decision of our lives. Based on what the vet told us, we were expecting this might be the last time we see Chuy. We knew that we’d need to make a decision once we saw him. We knew that we couldn’t make this excruciating decision without seeing him.

They told us that Chuy wasn’t eating. I told them he never eats when he’s in the hospital or away from us. They said to bring some food with us. So, we stopped at Chick-fil-A and got his favorite; grilled nuggets.

Frank and I sat in a room, masked up, nervously tapping and pacing back and forth while we waited for the vet assistants to take him off his IV and bring him into the room.

The door finally opened.

Chuy came in, running towards us, and wagging his tail. He immediately perked up, going back and forth between both of us. He devoured the nuggets. All of them. Frank and I didn’t even have to say anything to each other. We have this thing where we can tell what the other person is thinking without saying a word. I guess that happens after almost 20 years together! We just looked at each other and we knew what to do.

It was not his time.

Frank and I both decided a long time ago that putting him to sleep is only going to be an option if he’s suffering or clearly in pain. We will both know if and when that time comes. My gut told me it’s not this time.

We have to give him a fighting chance.

We loved on him. Cried into his fur. Talked to him. Promised him that we’d do whatever it took to keep him with us as long as possible.

He needed to stay in the hospital a bit longer so we said goodbye and went home. We talked the entire way home about what to do. We went through all the risks of surgery versus the horror of “wait and see.” We had no idea how long he could be “ok” without surgery. Nobody knew for sure if was 100% cancer or not. Nobody could tell us what to do. It was a decision that only we could make.

After a couple of nights in the hospital, we decided to bring Chuy home. After a few days, he started feeling much better. Once gastritis cleared up, he was totally back to his crazy self. You wouldn’t have ever known he was walking around with a ticking time bomb in his stomach.

This was the hardest decision of my life. If we operate, he could die. If we do nothing he could die. Something kept telling me that I had to give him a fighting chance. I talked to so many friends in the dog world. They gave me great advice and stories of hope. But at the end of the day, nobody (not even the vets) could tell us what to do. It was a decision that only we could make. It was a gamble with his life no matter what choice we ultimately made. I prayed for peace and clarity to be guided to the right decision.

After agonizing over the pros and cons and the what-ifs, we decided on surgery.

Prepping for Surgery

We met with the surgeon for a consultation (again while sitting in the car, on the phone…sigh). He explained all the details to us. He told us that Chuy would be a good candidate for surgery and that they would have a whole team there to take care of him; including his cardiologist and paying extra close attention to his heart.

The Day of Surgery

The reality was that Chuy could die right there on the operating table. I was a mess the night before and that morning. I knew that this could be the last time we’d ever see him again. We were up before sunrise and dropped him off at the vet. I couldn’t sit still. I couldn’t focus. I kept looking at the clock to see if it was almost time for them to call based on their estimations. I about threw up any time my phone rang before the time promised.

We ate breakfast in the parking lot of the vet’s office. We sat there for a while. My husband kept saying there’s no reason to stay because we won’t see him today anyway. They recommended that we wait until he’s discharged the next day to avoid any unnecessary distress. I didn’t want to drive home. Our vet is about 45 minutes from our house. It’s too far. I needed to be close just in case we don’t get good news. We went across the street and wandered around Wal-Mart just to kill time.

The phone rang. Chuy was out of surgery. He was alive! He was doing amazing! His heart was stable the entire time and he had no complications! All of his other organs looked great including his liver. Thank you, God! The surgeon said he removed a mass the size of a golf ball plus a smaller one. It would now be sent off for a biopsy. So, now we made it through the first hurdle. Now, we wait and find out if it is cancer or not.

This was Chuy on the way home from the hospital. You can tell he is in lala land from the pain meds!

Recovery From Surgery

Chuy had to be on strict crate rest for 2 weeks until the staples were removed. He needed lots of medications. We have a two-story home so we kept Chuy in his extra-large crate upstairs in our bedroom. He was our little patient as we had to bring him medications around the clock for the first few days. I would also make him chicken or ham because he wouldn’t eat his regular dog food. He healed beautifully and all of the veterinarian staff were really pleased with his results. You can see the progression of his scar below. If you get squeamish with stuff like this, just scroll past!

The first image is the staples the day after the surgery when he came home. You can see the skin is a bit swollen. The second one is 2 weeks after the staples were removed. The third image is a few days later. If you see the image a bit further down, you can see how well he healed!

The Biopsy Results are In

I was shaking when I took the phone call. Everything came back benign! There was NO sign of cancer in Chuy’s spleen or liver. They called it a nodular hyperplasia due to age. When I you I fell to the floor when they called with the results. This was the best news! My intuition told me it wasn’t his time and I’m SO glad I listened. Chuy is doing really well and hasn’t had any complications or setbacks.

A splenectomy is not an easy decision to make. I know how hard it is if you’re going through this. You have to weigh the pros and cons, educate yourself, and make the best decision that only you know in your heart is right. Sending you lots of love if you’re in this situation. Hoping our story can give you a little bit of hope.

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Are Chihuahuas Good Pets?

Irresistible Pets — Fri, 04 Sep 2020 02:22:53 +0000

As a Chihuahua mom, people ask me all the time, “are chihuahuas good pets?” Of course, I may be a bit bias but I definitely think that Chihuahuas are the best dogs on the planet. Again, I’m partial to the breed.

In this post, I’ll share my top five reasons why Chihuahuas are good pets based on my experience for the past 11 years.

1.Chihuahuas are Small but Mighty!

One of the things that I love about Chihuahuas is their small size. Some people prefer big dogs but for me personally, I love small dogs. A perk for me is that Chuy can pretty much go anywhere with us. We have taken Chuy on so many vacations, airplanes, road trips, and fun adventures. I even kayak with my Chihuahua, Chuy! Flying with a Chihuahua or small dog is super convenient because they can ride in the cabin with you.

2. Chihuahuas are Super Loyal

I always call Chuy my little shadow. He is literally sitting on my lap as I type this post! If I get up to use the bathroom, he follows me. If I move to a different room in the house, he’s right behind me. I make jokes about it all the time but I absolutely love it. If I move by an inch in my bed, Chuy moves so he can literally sleep right up on me. I love spending time with Chuy because I work from home. Chihuahuas are so loyal and loving.

3. Chihuahuas Have a Longer Lifespan That Most Dogs

The average Chihuahua lifespan is 15 to 20 years. No matter how long your dog lives, it’s never enough time in my opinion. However, Chihuahuas do tend to live longer than most dogs.

4. Chihuahuas are Easy to Care For

My experience with Chuy is that he’s pretty low maintenance in terms of taking care of him. I think a lot of it has to do with their small size. I can easily bathe Chuy in the bathtub. He is a short hair Chihuahua so he doesn’t require regular grooming appointments. I do take him every 6 – 8 weeks for a nail trim and anal gland expression. Also, in terms of exercise they don’t require as much as a bigger breed. We play a lot inside the house in addition to a few 10 minute walks per day.

5. Chihuahuas are Fun and Playful

One of the things I just love about Chuy is how fun and playful he is. Even though he is 11 years old now, he’s still full of energy and loves to play and have fun. Chuy doesn’t hide his feelings and his facial expressions are hilarious.

So, if you’ve ever wondered if Chihuahuas are good pets, I hope this convinces you to rescue a Chihuahua for your family. Chihuahuas are portable, fun, low maintenance, loyal, loving, and are easy to care for and easier to love. Make sure you check out our page for for a ton of resources.

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Chuy’s 11th Birthday

Irresistible Pets — Wed, 12 Aug 2020 18:47:25 +0000

Chuy turned 11 years old a little over a month ago on June 22nd, 2020. His birthday just so happened to fall on the date we closed on our new home. It was also the same day that I had my 20 week anatomy ultrasound. In case you didn’t know, there’s been a lot of changes going on in our family!

We are due with our second child in late October/early November. We also just moved into a new house after being in our first home for a little over 9 years. So. Many. Changes. Good changes but still a lot, nonetheless.

Even though things were absolutely crazy on Chuy’s birthday, we still celebrated! I don’t ever take it for granted to celebrate another year with Chuy. He is my everything. I can’t put into words how blessed I am to celebrate 11 years with our little Chuy.

Since things were so nuts on his actual birthday, we celebrated with cake the following day. We had barely moved in, were still sleeping on an air mattress, and had NO furniture or silverware in our home yet!

The past few years, I’ve had Chuy’s cake delivered from a local bakery in Virginia Beached called My Best Friends Cupcakes.

The delivery is everything especially when the weather is SO hot…Plus, trying to go out and about with a 3 year old, a dog, and a pregnant lady is ummm challenging to say the least! LOL!!!

So, I didn’t tell you yet but our new home has an in-ground saltwater pool! My husband and I have always dreamed about having a pool one day. Since we didn’t have any furniture in the house, we gave Chuy his cake poolside on the diving board.

Chuy didn’t seem to mind as long as he got to eat cake!

Happy 11th Birthday, Chuy. We are so blessed to spend another “irresistible” year together!

Happy Birthday, Chuy Over the Years!

We’ve been blogging almost as long as Chuy has been with us. Here is an archive of his birthday celebrations.

Dog Birthday Ideas

How do you celebrate your dog’s birthday? Leave us a comment below and be sure sure to check out these other dog birthday ideas!

Stay Connected with Irresistible Pets

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Where Did the Chihuahua Originate?

Irresistible Pets — Wed, 17 Jun 2020 02:06:54 +0000

The Chihuahua is the smallest breed of dog and has an interesting history. Have you ever wondered about where the Chihuahua originated from? In this post, we are going to cover the Chihuahua origin so that you can learn more about this irresistible dog breed.

for more resources.

Where Do Chihuahuas Originate From?

The Chihuahua is named after the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. Chihuahua is the largest state in Mexico and it borders Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico in the United States. They are the oldest breed of dog found in North America.

Chihuahua’s have a proud Mexican heritage as they were considered sacred by the Aztec and Toltec tribes. Looking at artifacts from ancient civilizations you can see dogs that resemble the Chihuahua in their drawings and artwork. The Toltecs originally had a dog called the Techichi, which is a larger ancestor of today’s Chihuahua.

According to the AKC,

“Historians credit the Aztecs with refining the Techichi into a smaller, lighter dog. By the time Spanish conquistadors toppled Aztec civilization in the 1500s, the Techichi was so integral to Aztec culture it was considered one of Montezuma’s fabled treasures, once presumed lost forever after the conquest of Cortez.”

It’s so interesting to see those famous Chihuahua shaped ears in ancient art and wall drawings. In fact, the Aztecs considered the Chihuahua a sacred creature. That version may not be what we know as the modern day Chihuahua but they were very similar in their characteristics.

Learn more by visiting our Chihuahua Breed Profile.

Don’t forget to check out our for more resources.

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What is the Average Chihuahua Lifespan?

Irresistible Pets — Thu, 21 May 2020 02:02:45 +0000

No matter how long a dog lives, it’s never long enough in my opinion. Most small breed dogs live longer than large breeds and Chihuahuas are no exception. The average Chihuahua lifespan is 15 to 20 years.

Of course, there are precautions you can take when raising a Chihuahua to give your dog the longest life possible. There are some factors within your control and obviously things that are uncontrollable.

What Determines Chihuahua Life Expectancy?

Being a proactive dog mom is critical to increasing the lifespan of your Chihuahua. Here are some factors that you can implement to improve life expectancy.

1. Your Chihuahua’s Diet

Diet directly impacts your Chihuahua’s lifespan. You should feed your Chihuahua a nutritious, balanced premium dog food free of fillers, preservatives, and artificial flavors. My personal favorites are Wellness Small Breed and Halo Small Breed. I recommend checking with your veterinarian for the best recommendation.

2. Avoid Table Scraps

Your Chihuahuas begging eyes are quite tempting…but, avoid giving in and feeding them scraps from your dinner. This leads to obesity and potentially feeding them foods their small bodies cannot handle. There are foods such as grapes and raisins that are toxic to your Chihuahua.

Plus, it doesn’t take a ton of extra calories for your Chihuahua to pack on the pounds!

3. Manage Your Chihuahua’s Weight

Obesity leads to further complications which may lower the life expectancy of your Chihuahua. Complications from obesity include diabetes, heart disease, joint pain, and more.

4. Regular Vet Checkups

We take Chuy for a regular vet checkup twice a year. Because the lifespan of a dog is accelerated compared to humans, twice annual checkups are a must. Checkups include required vaccines and booster shots to protect against life threatening diseases. I am extra vigilant about checking Chuy at home in between visits any new symptoms or things out of the ordinary.

BONUS TIP: Don’t forget to practice good oral hygiene with your Chihuahua! Your Chihuahua requires regular teeth brushing and professional cleanings. Bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause major health problems.

5. Spay and Neuter Your Chihuahua

We had Chuy neutered before he was a year old. According to the Humane Society, “Neutered male dogs live 18% longer than un-neutered male dogs and spayed female dogs live 23% longer than unspayed female dogs.” It also reduces their risk of certain types of cancers in the reproductive system.

6. Live an Active Life with Your Chihuahua

Chuy was the inspiration behind my blog AND he truly changed my life in so many ways. One of those ways was learning how to be more mindful and embracing life in the moment. Dogs just live their life like that. Chuy and I love to go on adventures together. Going for walks together is my stress relief…and his! Chihuahuas need daily exercise for their physical and mental health.

FUN Fact: The world’s oldest Chihuahua on record is Megabyte, who passed away on January 1, 2014 at the age of 20 years and 265 days.

To learn more about improving your Chihuahua’s lifespan, please check out all of our resources for raising a Chihuahua.

Tell me how old your Chihuahua is down in the comments below.

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Raising a Chihuahua

Irresistible Pets — Wed, 20 May 2020 16:11:31 +0000

We brought our Chihuahua, Chuy home when he was only 6 weeks old. Now that he is over ten years old, I’ve learned so much over the years about raising a Chihuahua. Chihuahuas are a special kind of breed that with specific needs. Chuy was and is the inspiration behind this blog. I immediately became obsessed with learning everything I could and I love sharing that journey with other Chihuahua parents.

I’ve put together everything I’ve learned about raising a Chihuahua right here in this post.

Raising a Chihuahua Resources

Chihuahua Health Problems

A common health issue with Chihuahuas is IVDD. Our Chihuahua, Chuy has IVDD so we have learned a lot over the years about how to treat disc disease when he has a flare up.

How To Crate Train a Chihuahua

Crate training is essential for raising a Chihuahua. We keep Chuy in his crate when we are away from home because it keeps him safe and puts our mind at ease while we are gone.

Five Benefits of Crate Training a Chihuahua

Are Chihuahuas Good with Babies?

Some Chihuahuas are not good with babies. We had Chuy for years before we had children. It was extremely important that we prepared Chuy for the arrival of our daughter and that we teach her how to interact with him.

Where Did the Chihuahua Originate?

Where Did the Chihuahua Originate?

Adventures with Your Chihuahua

One of my most favorite things to do is to explore and go on adventures with my Chihuahua, Chuy. We love kayaking, hiking, and going to the beach. Just because your Chihuahua is little doesn’t mean they can’t be adventurous!

Check out all of our adventures here with Chuy as we post them to the blog.

Must Haves for Raising a Chihuahua

These are some of my must have items for raising a Chihuahua.

What questions do you have about raising a Chihuahua? Leave them in the comments below!

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How To Keep Your Dog Safe During Covid-19

Irresistible Pets — Sat, 18 Apr 2020 02:23:43 +0000

During the Covid-19 pandemic, most veterinarians are limiting the type of appointments and interaction with their four legged patients. I received an email from my vet and thought, “Now, more than ever I need to keep Chuy extra healthy with these new Covid-19 rules.”

I must have jinxed myself because a few days later I forgot about a bowl of raisins next to the couch. I hate raisins so I pick them out of my trail mix. When I got up, Chuy went in for the kill and ate a good chunk of them before I realized it and stopped him. I felt awful. How could I be so dumb?! Anyways, I digress.

So, I got to experience going to the ER vet in the post Covid-19 world. It’s not something that you want to experience if you can help it. At my local vet, you can’t visit your dog if they are hospitalized and you can’t come into the office what so ever. Chuy was there for two nights and it was horrible.

I deeply respect and appreciate what the vets are doing but that doesn’t take away the fact that it was hard AF to pass Chuy over through my window in an emergency situation. So, keeping your dog out of the vet right now is the best case scenario to avoid all of this.

How To Keep Your Dog Safe During Covid-19

I’m going to share some tips to keep your dog safe during the Covid-19 pandemic so that you can avoid an emergency vet visit.

Keep Human Food Away from Your Dog!

I’m super vigilant about keeping food out of reach. Chuy is food driven and will literally try and eat anything and everything. I guess my brain was thinking a million different things given what’s going on right now. I made an honest mistake by leaving the raisins next to the couch. Please learn from my mistake. Keep all the human food away from your dog! Especially food like raisins and grapes that are toxic.

Vacuum on the Regular

This seems pretty obvious but with so much going on right now, it’s easy to forget to do the simple regular tasks. The carpet is another place where dogs can pickup things they shouldn’t be consuming. The kids drop stuff, you track things in on your shoes, etc. Vacuum daily or with some kind of regular schedule to keep the mess to a minimum.

Keep Your Dog Clean

When Chuy got home from the vet, I took him directly to the bath tub as soon as we got home since dogs can possibly carry Covid-19 in their fur. Regular grooming and bathing are a must. If you take your dog to a groomer, they aren’t going to be open right now. Follow up with at-home grooming and regular baths.

Wash Bowls and Bedding

Regularly clean your dog’s food and water bowls, bedding, and toys.

Keep Your Dog Active

Chuy is ten years old and has IVDD. He is still extremely active and energetic for his age. When you’re on lock down, it’s easy to get stuck on the couch not moving. That is no bueno for your dog’s joints. Keep doing short daily walks and getting in some exercise. This helps not only with your dog’s physical health but their mental health too. Plus, the same for you!

Read This: Boredom Busters for Your Dog During the Lockdown

Order Your Dog’s RX & Heartworm Preventative

The last thing you want to do during the pandemic is to run out of your dog’s RX and/or heartworm preventative. See if your vet has online orders available. I order our monthly heartworm preventative from 1-800-PetMeds and they connect directly with my vet for approvals.

Don’t Try New Dog Food Right Now

I would recommend that you do not introduce any new food or treats into your dog’s diet right now. If they have a bad reaction, you may end up at the vet. Save the new food for after the pandemic when vets are back to normal hours and procedures.

Be Careful with Household Cleaners

Right now, we are all using more household cleaners to sanitize our homes. Some household cleaners that help prevent COVID-19 aren’t safe for your dogs. Please keep your dog out of any rooms where you’re using cleaners that include bleach, alcohol, and other harsh chemicals. Also, keep the cleaners sealed tightly and away from pets and kids!

Read This: Cleaning Hacks for Dog Moms

Let me know in the comments how you’re keeping your dog safe during the pandemic.

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DIY Easter Ideas for Pets

Irresistible Pets — Tue, 07 Apr 2020 23:00:03 +0000

Easter is coming up soon! Completing a DIY Easter idea for pets is a great way to keep them involved in the festivities. I’ve got a roundup of DIY crafts, dog treat recipes, free printables, and more that you can do with your pet for Easter. For more pet DIY ideas be sure to check out our gallery!

DIY Bunny Jars for Pet Treats by Irresistible Pets

Irresistible Bunny Bones Dog Treats by Irresistible Pets

Spring Bucket List for Pet Parents Printable by Irresistible Pets

DIY Easter Basket for Dogs by Irresistible Pets

DIY Easter Photo Props by Kol’s Notes

Five Minute No Sew Bowtie for Your Pet by Ammo the Dachshund

Carrot Mini Muffins for Dogs by Doggy Dessert Chef

Homemade Easter Egg Cookie Dog Treats by Pet Coupon Savings

Chihuahua Easter Egg Hunt by Irresistible Pets

DIY Easter Cookies by Pretty Fluffy

DIY Doggie Easter Eggs by Pretty Fluffy

DIY Doggie Easter Egg Hunt by Pretty Fluffy

10 Spring Fling Easter Activities for Dogs by Fidose of Reality

DIY Bunny Ears by Sew Doggystyle

Dog Bone Easter Basket by Pizzazzerie

DIY Washi Tape Easter Bunny Frame by Irresistible Pets

Be sure to hop on over to our Facebook page to share your DIY Easter ideas for pets with us!

Happy Easter!

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10 Spring Cleaning Tips for Pet Parents

Irresistible Pets — Sat, 04 Apr 2020 01:50:03 +0000

I’ve been slowly going through each room of my house and doing a little Spring cleaning. Chuy might be small but he’s a big part of our house! Not only that, I seem to find socks, dog toys, and dog hair all over my home! As much as I love Chuy, I don’t love the mess that comes with being a pet parent! I’ve put together ten spring cleaning tips for pet parents in this post.

1. Clean and Organize Your Pet’s Food Stash

Go through your pet’s pantry and dispose of any expired or stale pet food/treats. Make sure all bags and containers are clean and air tight. If you want to save space and make your storage look better, check out our DIY Pet Treat Jars. If you have treats or food you are no longer using but are not expired, donate them to your local animal shelter!

2. Donate Old Toys and Accessories

Chuy’s toy basket is getting a little out of hand! It’s time to go through the basket and create 3 piles:

1. Keep
Keep any toys that your pet still plays with and are still in good condition . . . or maybe they still just play with. Chuy has this thing that used to be a stuffed monkey and I find it ALL over the house! He takes it everywhere and I have no clue why!

2. Donate
Donate toys your pet doesn’t play with but are in decent condition to your local animal shelter.

3. Trash
Broken and damaged toys should go in the trash as they can pose a danger to your pet.

3. Clean and Organize Grooming Supplies

Do you have grooming products that are expired? Toss them! Clean all brushes, combs, etc. Be sure to check out our DIY Grooming Kit for tips on how to organize your pet’s grooming supplies.

4. Wash Pet Beds and Bedding

Chuy has two different beds, one in my office and another in the living room. I periodically clean them throughout the year but Spring is the perfect time to REALLY give them a good wash! I also plan on replacing some of the filling from one of the beds. I recommend checking out these Dog Hair Cleaning Hacks.

5. Verify Pet Medical Records + Tags

If it’s time to make your pet a vet appointment, get it on the calendar now! I keep all of Chuy’s medical records in a binder that I store in my home office. That way I can quickly grab it in case of an emergency or just in case the vet needs any info during a routine appointment. Also, make sure phone numbers, addresses, and contact info is correct on all your pet’s records including their microchip and tag. Another tip is to create an emergency contact sheet for your pet.

6. Inventory Your Pet’s First-Aid Kit

If you don’t have a pet first-aid kit, now is the time to create one! If you do have one, take a few minutes to verify expiration dates on medications and refill any products you’ve used.

7. Wash Bowls

Pet bowls should be cleaned after every feeding to ensure you’re not passing bacteria and germs to your pet. Take some time to scrub out bowls and give them a good cleaning!

8. Replace Air Filters

This is the perfect time to replace the air filters in your home. Look for specialized air filters for pet owners that work extra hard to minimize dust and danger allergens.

9. Check Collars, Harnesses, and Leashes

Pet collars, harnesses, and leashes are not intended to last forever! Normal wear and tear will cause them to lose their effectiveness. Take this time to make sure your pet’s collar and harness still fit and are in good working order. Also, make sure your leash is still working.

10. Deep Clean Your Carpets or Floors

As a pet owner, regular cleaning and vacuuming is a must! Spring cleaning is the perfect time to give your floors a deep cleaning. Paws track in lots of mud and dirt! Deep cleaning your carpets also gets rid of pet hair and urine. I love my Bissell Carpet Cleaner and recommend it for any pet parent!

If you enjoyed this post, check out these Cleaning Hacks for Dog Moms.

What tips do you have for Spring Cleaning? Leave them below in the comments!

The post 10 Spring Cleaning Tips for Pet Parents appeared first on Irresistible Pets.

Dog Movies on Netflix

Irresistible Pets — Fri, 03 Apr 2020 23:06:58 +0000

Are you stuck at home with your dog? Curling up on the couch to Netflix and Chill is one of my favorite things to do with Chuy on a lazy day. I’ve rounded up some awesome dog movies on Netflix.

The Adventures of Tintin

This 3-D motion capture adapts George Remi’s classic comic strip about the adventures of fearless young journalist Tintin and his trusty dog, Snowy.

Watch on Netflix.

Do you have a favorite dog movie?

The post Dog Movies on Netflix appeared first on Irresistible Pets.