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Scratch That – Alternatives to Declawing Your Cat

2012-05-25T18:34:16Z

If you have a new kitten, you may be thinking about declawing your pet. Although Town N Country provides front declawing procedures with advanced pain medication, you may prefer a less intrusive route. Before you make your decision, take a look at the following strategies that could help your cat, his claws and you to peacefully co-exist:

1. Invest in scratching posts. A good scratching post is stable so that trapeze artist and jungle princess kitties can exercise and entertain themselves safely. When you keep your cat’s area interesting, he won’t be as likely to retool your living room furniture or drapes as an exciting feline jungle gym. Check out the You Tube video for a do-it-yourself scratching post project.

2. Answer when Nature calls. While some pet owners want to shield their kittens from the great outdoors, this option may alleviate scratching problems. If your kitten shows a penchant for scratching things you’d rather she didn’t, outdoor time allows for many preferable scratching options that ultimately lead to a sure-fire expenditure of kitty energy (which seems to be in infinite supply!)

3. Make time for kitty’s pedicure. Trimming nails every 2-4 week leaves nails shorter and less likely to damage. If you start this practice when your kitten is small, she’ll be used to this little grooming step when she’s older.

4. Cover the nail. This is a clever alternative that’s safe, inexpensive and lasts for 4-6 months. Soft Paws are vinyl nail caps designed to cover your cat’s nails. Developed by veterinarian Toby Wexler, Soft Paws come in variety of sizes and colors. For more information, take a look at

http://www.softpaws.com/about.html

5. Praise what you like. When you introduce a scratching post and your kitty shows the slightest interest, use your happy voice (“Good kitty!”) to let him know it’s good behavior. Offer a treat when she spends time there. Positively reinforce the behavior you like

6. Stop destructive behavior. There are excellent products available that repel cats. Apply a product like this according to manufacturer’s directions on furniture you want to keep off limits to your pet. Test on an inconspicuous spot first for colorfastness

Introducing these strategies when your cat is a kitten is preferable, but training an older cat isn’t impossible. If you have questions regarding your pet’s health or behavior, don’t hesitate to give us a call at Town N Country. We love to hear from you.

Image courtesy of Barb Henry and Flickr.

What’s that Smell?!

2012-05-18T13:55:15Z

You gave your dog a bath two hours ago, and you still smell something that’s not pleasant. What’s up with that? Aside from nicknaming your pet “Stinky,” what’s an owner to do?

An off odor could be an indication of an underlying physical problem. Here are possible root causes of your pet’s recurring reeking aromas:

1. Ears: The most easily recognizable symptom for a yeast infection in your dog’s ears is a foul scent. In many cases, the ears are not itchy, just smelly.

2. Mouth: Dental disease stinks – literally. Although doggie breath is usually very noticeable, the source of that funky fragrance is difficult to detect in cases where the pets don’t pant. If your pet hasn’t had a dental evaluation lately, that bad breath may hint that it’s time!

3. Skin: Yeast infections on your pet’s skin are also indicated by a distinctly pungent smell. Typical locations for yeast infections are around nail beds, between toes and skin folds. Look for fur or nail beds that are discolored a red brown. Bacterial infections usually create some sort of rash on the skin.

4. Anal Glands: Most dogs routinely express their own anal glands, but a fishy odor may mean that glands are blocked. Other symptoms to look for in your dog are: scooting his rear across the floor or ground or perpetually licking or biting her rear end or loose stools. When you suspect intervention is needed, call us to schedule having your pet’s anal glands expressed. (Read more about anal glands.)

If the not-so-pleasing perfume wafting upward from your pet doesn’t seem to fit into any of the above categories, give us a call and set up an appointment. We’ll help make sure your little stinker passes the smell test!

How do You Keep Danny Dapper and Prissy Presentable?

2012-05-11T20:54:09Z

Don’t be ever be afraid to ask questions when you visit us. You won’t be the first person who – for instance — wonders why a pet owner should bother buying special pet shampoo. Take a look at the questions that the staff at Town N Country hears over and over. The answers may be just what you’ve been looking for:

Q. How often should a dog be bathed or groomed?

A. Different breeds may vary in need from 6 weeks to 6 months, depending on the activity level and the environment. My dogs hike frequently and gravitate toward mud puddles and occasionally, anything that smells disgusting to the rest of us. They can easily require a bath a week. Bathing more frequently than once a week could dry out a dog’s skin.

For the dog with a messy streak, simply rinse the dirt off with warm water. Save the shampoo for next time, and you’ll protect your pet’s skin. A pampered toy poodle or Shih Tzu may go months between services. Town N Country also services dogs whose owners want to be sure they are fastidiously groomed every 6 weeks with an in-between “fluff” scheduled. A groomer’s work is never boring!

Q. What does the environment have to do with it?

A. Pets who live in an arid environment may need to have their baths limited to once a month while those that live in a more humid environment may need to bathe as often as once a week. That desert sun can be brutal on dogs and cats too!

Q. What about cats? How often should a cat be groomed?

A. Rarely, because most cats do a good job of taking care of themselves. However, cats with arthritis or those that are heavy may have trouble grooming themselves and consequently have problems with matting or keeping a smooth coat. If there’s any sign of matting, bring him in as soon as you can. Some long haired cats have extra hair removed every 3 to 4 months, and others only need to come in early spring when their winter coats are shedding.

Got more questions? We’d love to answer! Send us and email and we’ll answer on our website. Or you can always ask us in person – in the Hospital or the Pet Spa – and we’ll give you our best grooming hints to keep Danny Dapper and Prissy Presentable!

500 Umstead Road Unit #: A304

2012-05-06T00:29:32Z

For an investment, this condo in Bolinwood of Chapel Hill just can’t be beat! Recently completely updated, this home is currently rented through Section 8 an passed the inspection with flying colors! The family renting there now has three amazingly well behaved children; their rent is currently $900 per month.

Three bedroom and two full baths with lots of living space to spread out. There are energy efficient areas in the berooms, new dishwasher, shower heads, fixtures in the bathroom and kitchen. Outside are beautiful wooded areas and terrific walking trails.

If you’ve been wanting to invest in real estate, this is a great opportunity! Give me a call today and let’s talk!

In This Neighborhood Near You…It’s A Seller’s Market!

2012-05-09T20:07:45Z

We haven’t been able to say this for a while, but in some areas of the country -and in two areas near Chapel Hill – it really is a seller’s market once again!

The young and educated – grad students, young professionals, medical residents and so forth – are in the market for classic older homes with lots of character. Looking for affordability and a smaller footprint, they’re not even shying away from smaller homes with just one bathroom.

In some areas of Durham, near Duke, Guglhupf and/or walking distance to downtown, houses selling for up to $250,000 are receiving multiple offers! Who would have thunk that Durham would have become so hot?! It’s true, though. I had one buyer who lost out on three houses to multiple offers – as many as four offers coming in at once! (The good news is that the house they finally got suited them better than any of the others.)

The other hot area is Carrboro, where the competition is really fierce. There have been multiple offers on the past seven houses that my buyers have wanted. Investors can’t touch the houses because there are many offers with owner occupants winning out.

Hopefully this is a sign of things to come – a bit more balance for buyers and sellers!

If you’ve got a house you would like to sell in Durham, Chapel Hill or Carrboro, give me a call! And if you’re a buyer, let me use my experience

Your Invitation to The Best in Show Club

2012-05-04T20:27:32Z

If you’ve not joined our “Best in Show” club, you’re missing out. We just sent a freebie to all of our club members, an exclusive coupon good only for them.

If you’ve not signed up the group, all isn’t lost for you! Sign up here and you’ll get a free gift, too. And did we mention that joining is free?!

Image courtesy of Flickr and cali.org.

Spring Cleaning…Grooming for Your Pet

2012-05-04T20:13:36Z

Our houses aren’t the only thing that need a periodical deep cleaning. Your pet occasionally needs a thorough grooming session, too – whether done by you or the Pet Spa at Town N Country. We’re going be talking about grooming this month, and to start with, we’d like to encourage you to trim your pet’s nails!

Why is a nail trim so important? The obvious reason is so that your pet doesn’t scratch your furniture, floors- or you! But untrimmed nails can also result in other problems, too. You may not know that long nails can cause nail bed infections, or even cause “ankles” to drop, resulting in misalignment in the back. In serious cases, nails can even grow around and into the pad and cause infected paw pads.

If you need pointers on trimming your pet’s nails, ask us. Or better yet – let us do it for you. You can get a free nail trim when you join the “Best in Show” club here.

Diamond Pet Food Recall

2012-05-04T19:50:19Z

Diamond Pet Foods just widened their recall list due to Salmonella contamination. We’ve been watching and since our hospital performs a complete risk assessment each time you bring your pet in, we know that some of you are feeding these foods. These batches were distributed in North Carolina.

If your pets are eating these foods make sure to discard the food immediately. Contact us immediately if your pet begins showing any signs related to Salmonella poisoning as this may be life threatening.

For more information, visit Diamond Pet. They also have a list of signs of Salmonella poisoning.

Lean, Mean, Green Machine: How to Save Energy Even if Your House Wasn’t Built that Way

2012-05-02T17:02:49Z

No one wants to spend too much on high energy bills. Try these simple steps around your home for significant savings:

1. Baby, it’s hot in here. The bulk of your energy bill is spent on heating and air conditioning. A programmable thermostat keeps you honest and consistent day and night.

2. Shop green. If you’re in the market for a large appliance, check out the energy-efficient models. Spending a little more money now will pay off in the long run due to money saved on energy bills.

3. Cold-hearted laundry and other sagas. Is that hot cycle necessary?? Wash your clothes in cold water and save the cost of heating the water.

4. Heatin’ up for less. Set your hot water heater on 120 degrees. Also cover your hot water heater with an insulating blanket to conserve energy.

5. High tech drain? Computers, printers, routers, etc. drain energy if they’re plugged in. Rather than struggling to unplug every electronic device, you could purchase a smart strip for around $25. Smart strips monitor energy consumption and will turn off electronics automatically when they have been idle for a certain amount of time.

6. Light up my life – one room at a time, please. Turn off lights as you exit a room. Although lights aren’t a big ticket item, little things add up.

7. Don’t leave that porch light burning all night! Your long lost love will still find you because motion detector lights will illuminate your porch efficiently. (Even if no one wrote a song about it yet.) Another great idea is solar power lights that store energy from the sun in the daytime to light your path in the evening. (You’ll sing a new song when the light bill comes.)

8. Conditioned to save. Shrubs planted around your air conditioning unit can save you 10% on energy bills — keep their mature sizes in mind when you plant.

9. Green is cool. Did you know that you’re 25% cooler sitting in the shade of a tree than you would be sitting on a paved surface in the sun? Be cool and save money by planting deciduous (leaf dropping) trees to shade east-facing walls in the morning and west-facing walls in the afternoon. Keep in mind that trees should be planted a distance of about four times their mature height from your house.

10. Green is warm too. Evergreens planted on the north-facing and west-facing sides of your house serve as windbreakers and help keep your home toasty warmer in winter.

If you’d like to consult with a professional about your home’s energy efficiency and how it affects the value of your home, give me a call. I won’t leave the porch light on – but the motion detector light is always ready to light your way here.

Image courtesy of Flickr and Bill Barber.

Living in a Work of Art: This Year’s Triangle Modernist Tour

2012-04-26T18:20:47Z

Modernist houses are rare art forms, but you can still find quite a few of these gems in Durham, Raleigh and Chapel Hill. Did you know that only Los Angeles and Chicago areas have a higher concentration of modernist houses than our native triangle area?

If you’re not familiar with Modernist houses, let me introduce you. Even if most of us never live in one, it’s hard to deny the influence their design has had on floor plans of many traditional homes in the past 40 years.

A modernist design usually combines separate areas into a common living area – for instance a traditional dining room with a living room. Think of the popularity of “the great room” in the past 20 years. Other modernist features are open interior floor plans with vaulted ceilings, lots of windows and glass allowing natural light, flat or low pitched roofs, exposed beams and geometric forms.

I look forward to going on the Triangle Modernist Tour. We get our tickets early because it’s often a sell out. This year’s tour featured fabulous houses in Durham, which absolutely inspired my husband Sim and me with innovations that we’d love to introduce in our next home.

Two of the houses were brand new, designed and built by a local architect. (The architect actually lives in one of these creations.) The other two houses were older and had been brilliantly renovated.

Some ideas aren’t easily duplicated, like the fact that one house had amazing natural light because of a wall of glass, right up to the roofline.

For other ideas, I was taking notes. In one kitchen, I liked the idea that outlet strips were strategically placed under the cabinet.

In another house, I saw a huge walk-in closet that had an enormous island in the middle of it, much like you’d find in a kitchen. The island included a washer and dryer. Can you imagine? They didn’t need a laundry basket. The clothes were washed, dried, folded and put away right there in the closet.

Another appealing idea (particularly to Sim) was the use of a decorative screen to cover up the television.

If you’re interested in learning more about Triangle Modernist houses, our area boasts a nonprofit organization – Triangle Modernist Archive, Inc – committed to documenting, preserving and promoting modernist architecture. During certain times of the year, tours are sponsored that you might be interested in.

Creative little details can make a big difference and don’t need to cost a fortune. If you’d like to learn more about maximizing the value and appeal of your home for sale, give me a call. Let’s market your work of art.

Stunning Town Home in Morrisville

2012-04-24T01:22:42Z

This lovely spacious townhome is located in Keystone Crossing of Morrisville – a neighborhood that is truly a hidden gem. Enjoy low maintenance living in RTP with no commute.

This town home boasts abundant light, generous room sizes, quality materials and excellent room flow. Lots of extra features, including hardwood floors, granite counters and bonus areas, make this home a must see.

Extremely well maintained, the home has 3 bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths and is priced to sell at $197,000.

Enjoy the one car garage, no maintenance yard, balcony, two parking spaces with guest parking nearby. Although this home is in a townhome area, it’s cleverly designed to give you privacy.

Give me a call today and let me show you this home. I think you might want to turn it into your home!

If You Can’t See it, You Can’t Treat it. Why Digital X-Rays Matter to You

2012-04-20T15:32:45Z

A picture’s worth a thousand words, and digital X-rays provide a very good picture of what’s going on inside your pet.

Why does it matter to you? Here are 7 reasons your pet gets excellent care with digital X-rays:

1. Show me your muscle. With digital X-rays, you can actually visualize individual muscles and tendons. The detail is amazing – and can help specialists see exactly what’s wrong.

2. Lie like a dog. Or maybe stretch like a cat. Town N Country X-ray technicians’ excellent skill at positioning a pet for the camera allow images that tell vets the whole story, making a clear-cut diagnosis attainable.

3. Hold your horses. Immediate images mean you don’t waste time waiting around for the results.

4. Call in the big dogs. If a specialist’s opinion is required, these images can be easily emailed for a consultation.

5. Turn it inside-out and upside down. When needed, image manipulation sometimes provides an enlightening angle. For example, inverting images is a useful technique when evaluating lung masses.

6. Save for kibble. The efficiency of digital x-rays means that you save money.

7. Round and round. Multiple radiologists rotate to conduct monthly meetings to review every radiograph taken at TNC. These sessions allow the doctors to sharpen radiograph evaluation skills and ensure that the tiniest detail is considered.

Digital X-rays are just another reason to choose Town N Country Animal Hospital – just another thing that sets us apart to make sure your pet is offered the very best care available.

If you have any questions about digital X-rays or would like to schedule an appointment, give us a call. Let’s both get a clear look at your pet’s health!

A Raw Review: What’s Your Pet Eating?

2012-04-13T17:09:45Z

Dogs and cats are instinctively meat eaters. It’s what they crave. Think of the dead bird offering that your cat so proudly left next to your slippers last week.

Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Frozen Diets are scientifically formulated with 95% meat, organs and raw ground bone, 5% fruits and vegetables and 0% grain. A “raw” diet is very similar to what your pet’s ancestors ate and what your pet would eat if she returned to her natural habitat.

What Nature Intended. A tried and true raw diet can markedly improve your pet’s overall health and immune system. Benefits of optimal nutrition include a lush, glossy coat, healthy skin, lean muscle tone, a robust immune system, strong bones and teeth, healthy heart, and increased energy and vitality. For testimonials of folks who have seen a true turn-around after feeding Instinct to their pets, click here.

Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Frozen Diets are the first and only raw diets to be scientifically substantiated as complete and balanced for all canine life stages through AAFCO Protocol Feeding Trials.

A Trusted Commitment to Quality. Each patty, medallion or chub is individually flash frozen to preserve freshness, flavor and optimal vitamins and minerals for your pet.

In the heart of the USA, Nature’s Variety Instinct Raw Frozen Diets Raw are packaged in an EU approved and USDA Certified Organic processing facility. Instinct is a brand you can trust safely packaged in your home country. You don’t have to worry about imported problems from food made where there isn’t adequate control for safety or quality.

With RAW food, ingredients are simple and good. There are no synthetic fillers or chemical sounding words on the listing of ingredients.

The idea of feeding your pet raw meat may be a new concept for you, and you may still have questions. We’d be happy to discuss your pet’s nutritional needs with you. Give us a call to ask questions, or just drop by and let’s talk about giving your pet the RAW deal!

Need a RAW coupon?! Click here!

Heartworm Prevention – Another Way to Love Your Pet

2012-04-09T16:24:39Z

How do I love thee, O Furry Critter?

One way to love your pet is to make sure his heartworm prevention treatment is up to date. The best thing you can do right now is have your pet tested for heartworms. The last time we had mosquito weather was about seven months ago, which means that if an animal has been infected during that last season, she would test positively only now for heart worms.

Why Seven Months? How do Heart Worms Spread Anyway? Heart worms are introduced by mosquitoes that spread the disease from one infected pet to another. Warmer weather and standing water encourage the breeding of mosquitoes in every state of the USA. A larva takes about seven months to mature inside your pet, so you probably won’t see any symptoms right away. An infection takes about that long to detect due to the life cycle of heart worms.

In much the same way that a human can have a heart attack without typical symptoms, the same thing can happen to an animal with heart worms. Even with fully developed heart worms, your pet may not exhibit any symptoms. In extreme cases, the death of a beloved pet happens without specific symptoms.

These parasites live happily in an animal’s arteries and around his heart and lungs. Imagine the bloodstream blockage that can be caused by a 14-inch long worm in your pet’s arteries. Now think about the fact that one dog could have as many of 250 of these parasites!

Life Cycle of a Heart Worm With the prick of an infected mosquito, an untreated pet becomes victim to parasitic worms or nematodes that look like long, thin, white worms.

A mosquito becomes a carrier for heart worms when she bites an infected animal. As she draws out blood, she also draws out microfilaria or infective larvae. She’s the intermediate host that the microfilaria need and provides a place for their next maturity stage that lasts 10 to 14 days. With the mosquito’s next meal, she injects the slightly matured larvae into the next animal. The next stage of maturity will take 7 or 8 months.

Choose An Ounce of Prevention This is why now is a perfect time to test your pet, and if she’s clear, to administer preventive medicine. Treatment for heartworm disease can be both lengthy and expensive. In the best of times, prevention is better than a cure, and right now, even more so.

The medicine typically used for the treatment, Immiticide, is in such high demand nationwide that it’s backordered indefinitely. To ensure your pet is protected from heartworms, here’s a good guideline for preventive medication:

1. Proheart: Safe and effective for dogs under 7 years of age, this injection lasts for 6 months and also controls hookworm infections.

2. Trifexis: Besides preventing heartworms in your dog, this monthly tablet quickly controls fleas, making it a good choice for flea-allergic dogs. (Relief comes quickly!) Trifexis controls the majority of intestinal parasites, but it doesn’t prevent ticks.

3. Revolution: A once-a-month topical treatment for your cat, Revolution also prevents most intestinal parasites, ear mites, fleas and ticks. The treatment is usually applied to the skin between your cat’s shoulder blades.

Preventing heartworms in your pet is just one more way you love your dog or cat. Supplying you with timely information, heartfelt care, and the very best of products is what we do best – and what sets Town N Country Animal Hospital apart!

Crazy Viv Talks! An Investment Opportunity in Durham

2012-04-05T16:16:04Z

I wish I could say I found this little gem by myself; it would make a better story. The truth is that another investor from Connecticut told me she was looking at it. She spurred my curiosity, so I thought I would drive over and have a quick look.

I drove up to this new development and was so intrigued that I stayed for two hours. You could say I was completely smitten.

My real estate instincts did eventually kick in, and when they did, I called a client in California who had been looking for such an investment.

Then I thought I would do a little more research so I asked one of my colleagues about it. She hadn’t heard, but checked for details about what and where – and she actually bought one for herself to live in! Can you believe it?

Currently, my son and one of my friends want to buy one. Another friend is looking to buy one for her daughter. I tell you this so you’ll know that your list of positive reasons to buy should include “good neighbors.”

I also want you to know that the development is only allowing a total of 25% investors. So you know this opportunity won’t last indefinitely.

Remember the client from California? He works in financial services and doesn’t want to invest in California real estate. Once I contacted him, he researched the builder \, the location, and rent rates in the area.

After his research, he concluded this was the right place for him to invest. He’s even found a property manager who will take 7% rather than the usual 10%. He’ll keep me posted on that!

Maybe you’re wondering why this opportunity is so great. Like any good real estate investment, it’s in a fantastic location. These townhomes are especially attractive to anyone connected to Duke University.

These townhouses are well-built and very nicely appointed. You’ll find spacious living areas filled with natural light, soaring high ceilings and large bedrooms, especially appealing for roommate situations.

When you walk out the front door, you’ll see beautiful communal space, and you’ll also find that getting where you need to go is convenient. The development is an easy drive to Durham or Chapel Hill.

Prices are more than reasonable with upgraded floor plans starting at $160,000. Basic models start in the 130K’s, and top of the line models go up to 213K.

Did I mention these are great? What I didn’t mention is where they are…you’ll have to give me a call for that.

How often does this kind of opportunity cross your path? If you are interested – for yourself, a family member or as an investment, call me. Let’s just say that Crazy Viv is ready to talk details.

Trifexis Rebate!

2012-04-02T14:49:52Z

Save $10 on a six month supply or $20 on a 12 month supply of Trifexis. This amazing new product kills fleas, prevents heartworm disease and treats and controls adult hookworm, roundworm and whipworm infections – three preventatives in a chewable, beef flavored tablet that you can give as a treat!

Ask us if Trifexis is right for your dog – then save with this great rebate.

Download your Trifexis rebate form here.

College of Veterinary Medicine Open House. Bring the Kids!

2012-03-22T13:21:41Z

We got excited just reading about the open house being held at the College of Veterinary Medicine. There are going to be amazing exhibits, opportunities to meet staff and students, sessions on pet care AND a glimpse into what it takes to be a vet.

Your younger ones will love the Teddy Bear Suture clinic, the chance to milk a cow, an anatomy lab, and a carnival.

One of the highlights of the tour will be the new Randall B. Terry Companion Animal Veterinary Medical Center. Watch the video below for a preview of that!

We’re biased, but we think the College of Veterinary Medicine at North Carolina State University is one of the very best places to learn about veterinary science. We hope you’ll get a chance to visit next Saturday, March 31st from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

RAW Coupon!

2012-03-22T14:13:44Z

We haven’t talked a lot about RAW lately, but that doesn’t mean we don’t still love it! RAW is an amazing way to feed your pet, and we’ve seen its benefits over and over.

So we were happy to see a coupon that we can pass along to you: When you purchase any Instinct Kibble, you’ll get $3.00 off one Nature’s Variety Instinct RAW, RAW Bone, or RAW Boost product of any variety and any size (excluding trial).

The coupon is good through May 31, 2012. Click on the image, then print and save on one of our very favorite foods.

Puppy Pee, Puppy Poo, Happy You

2012-03-19T14:54:57Z

When your puppy goes, and it’s not on your silk rug from Persia, life is very good.

Housetraining your puppy takes a fair share of time and patience. Here are a few tips to help you survive puppy pee, puppy poo and yes, puppy love:

1. Sign up for a check-up. Your first step to a well-behaved, housetrained dog is to schedule an appointment for your furry little love with your vet. A clean bill of health is a fantastic starting point. You might think your dog’s being spiteful when the truth is she has a urine track infection.

2. Programming a poo?? Timing’s everything when you have a puppy and the probable possibility of piddling prematurely. If you have a good idea of scheduling, house training’s manageable. Here’s a general idea of when your puppy’s “gotta go”!

     a) When you get up in the morning,
     b) 10 minutes after a meal
     c) Right after play or any excitement (Look, the mailman!)
     d) Before a walk
     e) Every hour – yes, hour!
     f) When you go to bed at night

3. Seeking Job Placement. It’s possible to train your dog to go in the same place in the garden every time. Take a rag that’s cleaned up urine from her less than successful efforts and place it in the garden spot you prefer. Accompany your puppy to the strategically placed rag, and after sniffing the rag, he’ll go there. You’ll have to repeat this exercise more than once, but your puppy will get the idea.

4. Call and total recall. Choose a phrase or word you will say to get your dog to do the business. You can say “Go poo” or “Let ‘er rip!” or the French word for excrement – it’s up to you. Just be specific and consistent.

5. Sing praises to your pup. When he goes where you want him to go, praise lavishly. She’ll recognize your happy voice right away.

6. In Case of Accident. Don’t panic! Don’t shout “mid-stream” — try not to shout at all. Rubbing his nose in it won’t reinforce anything except fear. A firm “no” is all you need to say. Clean with products created to get the smell out of your carpet or floor. A dog’s nose is sensitive; this is why they go back to the same spot.

7. Crate Sweet Crate. All creatures great and small will instinctively leave the place they sleep to relieve themselves. A crate is a cozy, quiet, safe place for a puppy.

8. Dancing Matilda. If your Matilda or Rex or Fez starts to circle or sniff the floor, realize that these actions indicate a need to go outside. If your reflexes are good, it won’t be too late!

At Town N Country, we look forward to meeting the newest member of your family. Plan to pop over and present your puppy — pronto!

Pee S: Town N Country is an exciting/scary/stimulating place for a dog, so don’t be surprised – or embarrassed – if your pooch walks into the hospital and immediately piddles on the floor. She’s not the first, won’t be the last, and we’re prepared to clean it up. Promise.

Pussy Cat, Pussy Cat, Where Have You Been?? (The litter box, you hope!)

2012-03-09T21:37:45Z

If you have a new (or even not-so-new) kitty, litter box training matters to you. The good news is that cats are fastidious creatures with an instinctive urge to cover their feces with sand or dirt. The bad news is that without a little guidance, your kitten may instinctively relieve herself in your potted plants or flower garden (and play ring-around-the-rosie.)

Here are eight tips to keep kitty poop in its proper place:

1. Hush little kitty, don’t you cry! Cats like a quiet, relatively private place for their litter box, away from the bustle and rush of an entry way or high traffic area. Ideally, the box should be away from the cat’s feeding and sleeping areas.

2. A rose by any other name…still smells. When choosing kitty litter, avoid heavily scented ones. Your cat may not prefer the aroma, which could deter his frequenting of the box. Clumping kitty litter makes your job easier and helps you keep the area clean, which brings us to the next suggestion.

3. Clean, clean, clean the box. As mentioned before, cats are fastidious, and a litter box should be cleaned at least once a day. If the box is dirty, your cat may find a creative alternative like your teenage son’s open sock drawer or an obscure spot in the guest bedroom. A large slotted spoon and a supply of small plastic bags kept nearby make quick work.

4. One, two, buckle my shoe. You should have one litter box for each cat you own, plus one more. That means if you have two cats, you need three litter boxes.

5. London Bridge is falling down. The sides of a litter box should be low enough that a kitten can easily step over the edges. When you first bring the kitten home, take her to the box first thing. She may get the idea immediately. At the very least, he knows where the box is.

6. Touch not the box! Once the litter box is strategically placed where you want it, try not to move it. A location switch could confuse your kitty and lead to accidents.

7. Twinkle, twinkle little star. Positive reinforcement is preferable to negative. A treat given in the early days for use of the litter box could encourage your kitten to repeat that behavior.

8. Mary, Mary, quite contrary. Although no one wants to run across kitty poop or pee on the rug, yelling or making a scene could cause your cat to be stealthy and even strategic with her mishaps. The last thing you want at your house is a
stealthy, strategic cat!

Alas, there’s no more time for feline nursery rhymes. Go tell Aunt Rhody to call us and schedule a check-up for Winken, Blinken and Nod. We look forward to meeting the newest cat in your cradle!