Your pet’s season eating should not include holiday greenery such as mistletoe, holly, lilies or amaryllis.

Look before you light! Before you light, be sure if you have birds they are not in the area. The fumes from lit candles can be harmful to them. And then the wagging tails can easily knock over a burning candle or your cat might become interested and try to paw at the flame.

O Christmas tree! Even the branches are a delight to our pets who find them good chewing. The decorations that are hanging are great for play so you want to be sure to place breakable ornaments high up, along with keeping tinsel and garland out of the reach of your pet.  And if you have a “flying” cat you might want to stabilize the tree using wires and securing the tree to the wall or ceiling. I have seen where people have put x-pens around the tree to keep the dog out but if you have a cat that does not stop them.

Keep batteries away from your pets. Packaged or loose!

Have a “stress” free room for your pet that might get stressed with all the hustle and bustle brought about with holiday guests.

Snow globes and bubble light contain poisonous chemicals. Keep them away from your pet!

Hope these tips help you and your pets have a very Merry Christmas!

The post Keep the Season Bright for You and Your Pets! appeared first on Guardian Pet Sitters®.

Dogs:

1. Do not coddle, petting them and saying its ok is exactly the wrong thing to do. They hear “its ok, be scared.” You are rewarding their fear behaviour. You might try engaging them instead. Work on basic obedience, feed them dinner and give them rewards for working for you. Give them a massage, but not pets and encouragement the way you do when they do something right. If the dog does not respond to any of these tips the best thing to do is ignore him. He will see that no one is making a fuss about the commotion and he shouldn’t either. You want to reward calm behavior, not fear!
2. Keep dog in the house, close the doggie door.
3. Play music, jazz fits our dogs. Or you can have the TV on.
4. Provide a place to hide—crate, under a bed, in closet
5. Make the room dark, close blinds
6. Thundershirt
7. Lavender oil
8. Rescue remedy (not my choice) or DAP (Comfort Zone)

Cats:

1. Make sure cats are indoors for the Fourth. It is a good idea to have them indoors a few days before and after the holiday. Check to see when your town and surrounding towns are celebrating the holiday. Keep this in mind in helping the pets.
2. Place cat in a dark room with the blinds drawn to keep out the glare from the fireworks.
3. Play background music. Classical is a good choice for cats.
4. Feliway can be used to help keep cat calm.
5. Thundershirt
6. Lavender Oil
7. Rescue Remedy (not my choice as it has alcohol in it)

Cats and Dogs:

Be sure pets wear identification tags and all information is up to date.

Have a current full-bodied picture of your pet on hand if they were to get lost.

Never use fireworks around pets.

Fireworks are toxic to pets

Fireworks can result in severe burns and/or trauma to the face and paws of the curious fearless pet that bites into or steps on a flaming fused firework.

The post July 4th Pet Tips – Did you know the shelters say July 5th is the busiest day of the year? appeared first on Guardian Pet Sitters®.

Spring is here and that means working in our yards. We will be spending more time outside with the weather being nice enjoying our hard work and it also means our dogs are going to be spending more time in the backyard exploring and playing. It is important when we are working in our yards planting flowers, making our lawn barefoot perfect and getting the landscape just right we think about our dogs.

Has your dog gotten out of the fence in the past? If so, it is time to make some changes.

Let’s begin looking at the fence. Take a walk around your fence, is there a place to escape? Do you see where your dog has been digging? Does your fence have any holes or areas where the dog can squeeze through?

If your dog is a jumper or they can climb the fence they should not be left out in the yard alone. You want to make it impossible for them to jump or climb the fence before you ever leave them alone in the yard.

Does your gate have a lock on it?  You want to be sure it does have a lock so that someone could not open the gate when your dog is in the yard. Or did you know your dog could be smart enough to learn how to open it?

Patch any holes or areas that your dog can squeeze through such as areas where the fence meets the gate or house. Are there split boards needing to be replaced? Maintaining your fence to ensure it is secure is a priority to keep your pet safe.

Are you planting with your dog in mind? You don’t want to plant harmful flowers or shrubs. Some plants that are notorious for not being “pet-friendly” are azaleas, lilies, daffodils, sago palms, dumb cane and elephant ears. Other things to be aware of are various mushrooms and black walnuts.

Maintaining your yard is important to keep out snakes or other critters and to enable you to keep fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes under control. Keeping the grass trimmed aids a lot in keeping fleas and ticks from multiplying. You might have to use nontoxic repellants in the yard to help in the control of these insects. Also be sure that you have no standing water around to help keep the mosquitoes under control. By eliminating clutter such as piles of wood or leaves will aid in helping with the fleas and ticks but also snakes.

I want to be sure to address the cocoa bean mulch. This is made from cocoa shells. It smells good, retains moisture well and helps in repelling garden pest. Landscapers and gardeners are favoring this mulch. However, it could pose a problem for your dog. Read what Dr. Karen Becker says about cocoa mulch. 

This is a start in making your yard dog-friendly. There is much more to think about in having a dog-friendly yard. Look for future blogs where we will further address making your yard dog-friendly.

If you enjoyed reading this article, you may enjoy reading this article:

When Your Pet Needs a Pet Specialist – Click Here To Read

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It is that time of year to get prepared here in North Texas for tornados, thunderstorms and high winds. BE PREPARED!

Have you ever thought about all the different things that can be classified as a disaster? How many disasters in the last few years on the following list have occurred in the United States?

• Terrorist actions
• Tornados
• Fire
• Flood
• Hurricane
• Long-term Power or Water Loss
• Chemical Spill
• Explosion
• Broken Gas Main

What happens to your “furry or feather” companions if you and your family would have to leave your home because of a disaster? Did you know that a lot of shelters, including the American Red Cross, do not allow animals in the shelter due to public health and safety reasons? BEFORE you are faced with a situation, be prepared to give your pet(s) the security and shelter in the event of a disaster.

Find out what local boarding kennels, veterinary hospitals, friends/relatives, pet sitters and as a last resort animal shelter will provide shelter for your pet(s) should an emergency occur. You want to have several in mind as with a disaster, anyone can be affected. Know the local hotels or motels that allow pet(s) so they can stay with you during an emergency.

During a disaster, it is best to keep pet(s) in carriers or on leashes to prevent them from escaping or getting hurt. I know for my house when warnings of a possible tornado appear I start preparing the pet(s) and make sure they are secure until the threat of danger has passed. When I had six dogs, I would put crates in the hall bathroom (safest room in my house) and put pillows in the bathtub. I had to practice drills with them by putting all in the bathtub. They were so good as they seemed to know this was for them. Having practice drills will help you be prepared for your pet(s) just as you do with your children.

During the terrorist attacks, we have heard about pet gas masks. Thom Somes “The Pet Safety Guy” does not recommend gas masks for our pets. He warns, “A gas mask may actually harm your pet rather than help.” “For example, dogs keep their bodies cool by panting and if a gas mask interferes with a dog’s breathing, it could cause a dangerous rise in temperature.”

Disaster Preparedness List

The following is a list of items to have prepared for your pet(s) in the event of a disaster:

1. A current photo (in case your pet is lost.)
2. Medical records in the event you need to board.
3. A week’s supply of food for each pet.
4. Leashes
5. Crate/carrier – be sure it is secure.
6. Food dishes
7. Bottled water
8. Pet’s medications
9. Blankets and towels
10. Toys and chews (depending on type and age of pet)
11. Spare collar/ID tags
12. Litter and waste containers
13. Plastic bags for waste
14. Pet First Aid Kit
15. Can opener
16. Cleaning supplies
17. Flashlight
18. New batteries

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February is the month we celebrate “Love”.  Love means feeling affection for, adore, be devoted and to care for. We love our pets and that is why we want to provide them with the best care. A lot goes into giving our pets the best. Sometimes we overlook some of the simplest things we can do to show our pets our love. We have listed a few questions that are often overlooked that will help you in providing the love and care you want for your pets.

If you own cats:

Do you have one litter box per cat in your house?

Do you change out the litter box at least monthly (this means dumping out all the litter, washing the container and putting in the fresh litter)?

Does your cat have toys to play with and do they get exercise?

If you own dogs:

Do you make sure that your canine friend gets plenty of interaction with you (playing ball, going for a walk or just cuddling)?

Does your dog have toys to play with to stimulate their mind and keep them from being bored?

For both cats and dogs:

Do you keep your cat/dog’s coat brushed and free from mats? Do you keep their toenails trimmed to prevent catching on things or growing into their pads?

Do you take your cat/dog to the veterinarian for wellness checks and to have their teeth and gums checked?

Have you educated yourself on vaccinations, nutrition, and your pet’s health issues? Do you take an active role in their healthcare?

Do you feed your cat/dog the right food? Have you researched the food you need to be sure you are making the right choice?

We know how much you love your pet and how they adore you. We want to help you keep your pet happy and healthy!

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The post The Simple Things Show Our Pets That We Love Them appeared first on Guardian Pet Sitters®.

February is designated as a month of love. Love is an emotion of strong affection and personal attachment. How do we show “love” to our pets? Being responsible pet owners and providing care and attention to the critters that share our homes. Pets are a gift to us and they give us so much in return for the love and care we provide. Some benefits we get from pets are companionship, increased social interaction, and comfort. Pets have positive effects on you mentally and physically. Petting an animal has shown to lower blood pressure and can ease anxiety. Getting out and walking or running with your pet helps you stay fit and stress-free.

Being responsible pet owners includes learning what is best for your particular pet. Be sure they are fed the right food–nutrition is of utmost importance as it is the main key to your pet’s health. Exercise is important for all pets; even cats need to play. Being sure you have toys to engage the pets is very important. Keeping pets bathed and groomed will reduce skin problems; mats are painful for our furry friends. Spending time with your pet is important as they want to have attention and be part of the family. Have your pet get a wellness checkup yearly by your veterinarian and seek veterinary attention early when you suspect something is physically wrong. Spay and neuter your pet. The pet you have chosen will stay with you for the life of that pet. If something did happen that you could no longer care for the pet, be sure you have arrangements in place for them to find another good home.

Pet owners need to be responsible and be sure they do not have more pets than they can adequately provide care for, both physically and financially. It is a huge responsibility we have taken as pet owners and the pets you have are depending on you. What love they give! Let’s show them how much we can love them in return.

Do you have some awesome Love photos with your fur babies?  Share them on our Facebook page: https://facebook.com/guardianpetsitters 

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The post How Do We Show “Love” To Our Pets? appeared first on Guardian Pet Sitters®.

For outside pets: Watch pets for hypothermia (lowering of body temperature) Add straw to the doghouse for insulation. For outdoor cats, provide a snug, warm bed off the cold ground. Outdoor pet’s water bowls can freeze. Outdoor dogs and cats need shelter out of the cold, wind and elements. Outdoor cats get into car engines for warmth. Knock on the hood or honk the horn before starting engines. Bring pets in if weather conditions are severe.

Antifreeze poisoning: Antifreeze smells good and tastes great to pets if you suspect antifreeze-poisoning transport to vet immediately, do not wait for symptoms to appear. It will be too late.

For inside animals, add protective screens around fireplaces and install carbon monoxide protectors. Keep the thermostat level; animals are sensitive to temperature changes. Regular brushing of the coat helps distribute natural oils to the skin. Inspect paws regularly for cracked pads, broken nails, or snow/ice damage

Signs of frostbite include red or swollen areas of skin. Watch pet for hypothermia (lowering of body temperature).

Symptoms of hypothermia include:

1. altered consciousness
2. slow or absent pulse
3. shallow or infrequent respiration
4. reduced or absent heart sound
5. dilated pupils

Mild cases of hypothermia may be treated by:

1. Drying the body surface if the animal is wet.
2. Wrapping the animal in towels or blankets
3. Applying an external heat source (hot water bottle, heating pad, electric blanket) DO NOT APPLY DIRECTLY TO SKIN.
4. Bathing the pet in warm water if the above methods are not available

Always seek medical attention from your veterinarian after your pet is stabilized!

The post Cold Weather Tips / Winter Pet Care appeared first on Guardian Pet Sitters®.

This a wonderful time of year! The holidays bring us time with family and friends, enjoying great food and exchanging gifts. It is a time of hustle and bustle, holiday programs, shopping for gifts, going to wonderful parties and the young waiting for the big day when Santa will bring them the special toy.

This is a time for us to remember the wonderful animals that share our lives and bring us joy. Pets can enjoy the holidays if we are careful and not let their curiosity or their sense of smell get them in trouble. We can show our love and thankfulness for the part they play in our lives by giving the gifts that say I care.

Some gifts can be bought, you might want to replace the worn-out and frayed collar and leash, get a new name tag, new food or water bowls and this would be a good time to throw out the old litter box and get a brand new one. What about a new orthopedic mattress bed for your older pet, or replace the bird’s rusting cage with a roomier clean one. What about a new kitty condo? We don’t want to forget new toys for them to play with that will entertain and give them exercise.

Then there are gifts that we can not buy, scheduling time during this busy season to spend time with your animal friend, find moments in your busy schedule to take the dog for a walk or play with the cat.

During this time of year, we have the responsibility of protecting them from the many hazards for pets that can be found. The holidays can be stressful for our pets with all the changes in the home and routine. Here are some steps to make sure your pet is happy and secure during this time, eliminating added stress and giving you enjoyment with your pet.

• Be sure there is a quiet room for the shy animals to retreat as they can get stressed with the hustle and bustle of holiday guest.
• Before you light those candles, remember some produce fumes that can be harmful to birds, a wagging tail can easily knock over a burning candle, and a cat could jump on the table and knock over the candle.
• The simmering pots or decorative bowls might find a curious pet checking it out and they could burn themselves or ingest the liquid.
• Batteries (loose and in packages) should be kept away as they contain corrosives that can cause ulceration in your animal’s mouth, tongue, and gastrointestinal tract if bitten or swallowed.
• The Christmas tree is a target as the pet might want to chew on the branches (pine needles can be toxic), climb into the tree causing it to fall over or for the “live” trees drink the water that contains commercial preservatives or the water is stagnant and contain bacteria which can cause vomiting and worse.
• Electrical cords, glass ornaments, ribbons, holly berries can have dangerous side effects if your cat or dog chews or consumes.
• Don’t use tinsel; it can cut your pet’s intestines. Also can wad up and cause blockage requiring stomach surgery for your canine or feline.
• Holly, Poinsettia, Chrysanthemums, Amaryllis, Periwinkle, and Mistletoe can be toxic to your pet.
• Know what you can “treat” your pet from the table!
• Alcoholic drinks can cause death, especially smaller animals
• Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine which can cause serious problems for your pets.
• Cooked bones from turkeys, chicken, pork, fish and beef ribs can puncture your pet’s throat, stomach or intestines.
• Electrical cords, glass ornaments, ribbons, holly berries can have dangerous side effects if your cat or dog chews or consumes.

If you do suspect that your pet has gotten into a poisonous substance, call your veterinarian or the APCC’s emergency hotline 1-888-4-ANI-Help for help.

With your busy schedule, you might reduce your stress by hiring a pet sitter to come in to feed, play or walk the dog, or if you have an elderly or special condition pet (diabetic) that needs medicine or insulin shots. This will reduce the stress and enable you to attend the holiday functions with “peace of mind” that your pets are being provided the care you want them to have.

Sharon Jones, owner of Guardian Pet Sitters since 1992, is passionate about helping people enjoy their pets by keeping them safe, healthy and happy. To learn more about keeping your pet happy and healthy contact her at 972-625-5272, sign up for her newsletter Pet Tracks or to read her blogs.

The post Holiday Tips for a Healthy and Happy Pet appeared first on Guardian Pet Sitters®.

Thanksgiving will be here soon! You will be busy cooking for this glorious holiday! Have you stopped to consider how your dog fits into your Thanksgiving feast? Most of us consider our dog as part of our family which could possibly entail including him in the Thanksgiving Day feast. However, you must keep in mind that your dog depends on you to be a good steward and protect him at all costs. You don’t have to exclude him from the festivities but, you must set some limitations. Keep reading for 5 ways to keep your dog safe AND happy this Thanksgiving.  

Exercise your dog. Wait, what? Yes, you heard me right! A tired dog is less likely to misbehave and look for mischief! If your dog is full of energy, he will be more likely to be underfoot while you are preparing for the feast and entertaining your guests.
Keep Alcohol out of your dog’s reach. Your dog might not be a drinker but with all of the tempting aromas floating through the air, your dogmight be inclined to take a sip! Alcohol is completely toxic – even in small amounts!
Do NOT give your dog a turkey bone! The same goes for ham bones, chicken bones and bones from prime rib. All cooked bones splinter. This could cause serious trouble for your dog’s gastrointestinal tract. A splintered bone could cause a tear or even worse a blockage.
Turkey Skin is out of the question also! In fact, all fatty foods should be avoided. Even in small doses fatty foods can wreak havoc on your dog’s tummy. This can lead to serious digestive problems including but not limited to pancreatitis. You don’t want to be at the emergency veterinary clinic worried about your furry family member on Thanksgiving!
Just say no to spices. Flavor enhancers can cause all kinds of problems! Seizures, death, stomach discomfort, anemia and even death. Onions, garlic, sage and nutmeg are some of the common seasonings we use during the holidays and these are some of the biggest offenders!

So now you might ask “What can I feed my pet”? There is actually a lot! You can say you can say Yes to the below. But remember to mindful of additives and how it is prepared or your particular pet’s stomach requirements.

Turkey

Mashed Potatoes (be mindful of butter, milk and no gravy)

Cranberry Sauce (just watch the amount of sugar, a small helping is probably best)

Macaroni and Cheese (as long as your pet can handle dairy all-right)

Green Beans (plain is great but watch out for green bean casserole)

Sweet Potatoes (be mindful of sugar and butter)

Carrots

Pumpkin

Rolls and Bread (must be cooked and sparingly)

Apples (you might slip your pet some apple slices before you add it to the pie)

Sharon Jones, owner and founder of Guardian Pet Sitters®, established in 1992, is an avid animal lover who brings her personal experiences and the 25+ years of animal related knowledge she has obtained since she started Guardian Pet Sitters.  She is passionate about pets and helping pet owners.

If you enjoyed this article, you might find the following interesting as well… Pets Feel Cold Weather Too and Cats and Dogs Need Exercise. 

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While reading an article on poisonous mushrooms for dogs I was astounded when I recognized the Scleroderma (picture) as a mushroom that I had found growing in my backyard this summer. That is what sparked me to write this article. I see mushrooms when out walking Chrissie or in my yard and my staff see mushrooms in client’s yard or when out walking our clients’ dogs and we need to know what we are seeing!

It is a medical emergency if your dog eats a mushroom. If possible try to get a sample to take with you to the veterinarian or emergency clinic. Don’t try to guess which mushroom it is.

Here are five known mushrooms with pictures that are toxic for your dogs. Make sure your backyard is void of these mushrooms or when you are out walking your dog you steer your dog clear of these mushrooms.

Dogs tend to be attracted to deadly mushrooms due to the fishy odor:

         Amanita phalloides AKA Death Cap Mushroom picture

         Inocybe AKA White Fibracap picture

Amanita muscaria AKA Fly agaric or Fly amanita picture

 Amanita pantherina AKA Panther cap and False blusher picture

 Scleroderma AKA Common Earthball, Pigskin poison puffball or Common earth ball picture

The Inocybe and Clitocybe contain a compound called muscarine that is lethal to dogs but the compound does not seem to be a problem with humans.  Not all Scleroderma is toxic, but some of the species are, but they have not yet identified the poisonous substance in that species of mushroom.

To keep your pet safe this fall, rid your yard of mushrooms, steer your dog clear of mushrooms when out walking and if your dog does eat a mushroom, it is a medical emergency.

If you enjoyed reading this article from Guardian Pet Sitters, you can subscribe to the Pet Care Articles in the right sidebar box. Enjoy! 

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