Where to Board Your Dog

Sometimes our furry friends cannot go on vacation with us and we must board them or leave them with a friend or family member. If you must board them, try stopping by a boarding facility unannounced to see how the facility is run when they do not expect you. If using a private professional sitter, make an appointment to come and meet with them or call the service office to schedule.

Take note of things and don’t be afraid to ask questions. You and your pet need to be comfortable with your choice in boarding and most professionals will welcome the questions.

· Cleanliness.

· Is there sufficient room? Is there sufficient outdoor protection?

· How often are they taken out to play?

· The facility should require all pets to be current on vaccinations.

· Cats should be housed separately from dogs, if they board cats

· Do they provide enough from between the food/water bowls and the potty areas?

· Is there enough room in the kennels for your pet to stretch out?

· Is bedding provided or do you need to bring your own?

· How often is feeding and will they oblige your pets special diet requests?

· Do they provide additional services?

· Are the staff friendly, professional and show a genuine interest in the well being of your pet?

· Are the staff trained for medical pet emergencies?

· What happens if your return home is delayed?

Once you feel comfortable with your boarder – whether a facility or a professional pet sitter home, make sure you also ask if they have insurance to cover in case of any emergency.

By Staff Writer Trish Harding

Pet Travel Trips for Holidays

The holidays are meant to be shared with everyone you love, including your furry friends. Bringing a pet along with you on your holiday travels can bring a sense of home, for both you and your pet, while not at home. You need to have a clear understanding of all pet policies with the hotels, relatives and airlines before you bring you pet. Follow these tips to reduce stress for you and your animal.
· Go over pet policy at time of hotel booking.

o Make sure you fully understand your lodging’s pet policy. Some hotels do not allow you to leave your pet unattended. Make arrangements if this is the case.

· Understand your pet.

o Understand what your pet is comfortable with. Bells, crowds, bright lights, loud noises?
· Minimize table scraps.

o The holidays can bring an abundance of food but try not to feed your pet too many table scraps, they may upset their tummies.

· Watch your pet at other’s homes.

o Watch your pet around other peoples holiday decorations to make sure they do not break or consume anything they should not.

· Keep your pet's tags on.

o Pets must wear tags at all times and bring their vet records along with their vaccination records. You may need these when they board your pet on the plane. Bring things your pet may need as you may not be able to find a vet or pet store open over the holidays.

By Staff Writer Trish Harding

Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Dog

Dogs are notorious for begging under the dinner table and inhaling everything that comes within a two foot radius of their mouth. It may be tempting with those puppy dog eyes but feeding these foods to your animal can be VERY harmful.

· Alcoholic beverages can result in intoxication and death.

· Bones not made specifically for dogs. Rib bones, chicken bones, fish with bones can cause choking and puncture internal organs.

· Cat food is too high in fats and can lead to obesity.

· Anything containing caffeine which could hurt the heart and disrupt the nervous system.

· Fat trimmings can lead to pancreatitis.

· Grapes and raisins contain toxins hurt the kidneys and lead to renal failure.

· Liver can cause vitamin A toxicity, in high amounts.

· Macadamia nuts affect the digestive system.

· Onions and garlic (raw, cooked, or powder) can cause issues such as gastrointestinal issues, and can cause anemia and red blood cell damage.

· Sugary foods can cause obesity, dental problems, and possibly diabetes mellitus.

· Xylitol (artificial sweetener) can cause liver failure.

By Staff Writer Trish Harding

Vital Pet Vaccines: Responsible Pet Ownership and Awareness

Once you get a new pet you must begin thinking about vaccines, just as you would for your new child. There are many illnesses out there that you can completely prevent from ravaging your pet.

RABIES
You must, by law, vaccinate your pet against rabies. This highly contagious disease is contracted through saliva and anything, including humans, can be effected by it. The early signs are jaw stiffness and inability to swallow. Once the rabies virus spreads to the brain the effected individual/animal will lash out at noises and bright lights. At this stage in the disease the brain is in complete disarray and no none cure exists.

COMMON FELINE DISEASES
- Chlamydia, Calici, and Rhinotracheitis:  All respiratory diseases and all communicable to humans.
- Distemper (Panleukopenia)  Distemper in cats cannot be spread to dogs. Vaccines are the only measure against distemper.

COMMON CANINE DISEASES
- Bordatella (Kennel Cough):Vaccines are available through a nasal spray. Treatment is possible through antibiotics.
- Distemper:  Highly contagious amongst dogs and, if survived, the animal will suffer severe mental impairment.
- Heartworms:  Preventative measures are available in pill and liquid form from your pet store. Treatment is expensive, painful and has been known to be fatal.
- Hepatitis:  Without a vaccine a dog does not stand much of a chance against this liver killing disease.
- Leptospirosis:  This vaccine is highly recommended if your dog likes to swim and play extensively in the outdoors.
- Parainfluenza:  If you board your dog in a kennel this vaccine is recommended.
- Parvovirus:  This vaccine is usually recommended by your vet. Responsible pet owner ship dictates the vaccine as this virus can be deadly and debilitating.

By Staff Writer Trish Harding
http://dallas-plano-richardson.fetchpetcare.com

Separation Anxiety and Senior Dogs

Separation anxiety can become a bigger problem as your dog ages. It can result in complete destructive behavior and some dogs even use the bathroom in the house as a sign of anxiety. The older your dog gets the harder it becomes for him to cope with changes in his routine. Leaving you to wonder if staying late at the office will end in your sofa being torn to bits.

Some of the main considerations in treating separation anxiety are:

· Do not make a production out of your coming and goings.

· Train your dog to relax. Teach your dog to sit in the “stay” position and leave him there for longer periods of time.

· Change your habits. Dogs go by routine so if they hear a noise before you leave for work every day they will associate that noise, your alarm, with you leaving them. Try sitting on the couch before you leave to calm your dog or wear your woke clothes on the weekend to keep him guessing.

· Start with very short departures. Gradually increase the amount of time you leave your dog before he becomes anxious. Upon return, reward him for staying calm.

· Associate your departure with something good. Give your dog a treat or a food filled toy to keep him busy while you are gone. He will also associate your leaving with something enjoyable and stress free.

· Have someone come by. Older dogs may need to go to the bathroom more often and if there is no one there to let them out the anxiety can get worse. So hire someone or have a neighbor or relative come by to let the dog out on days you will be gone for some time.

· Crate your dog. Many dogs feel safe in a crate, and being in a crate will help reduce their destructiveness. This should be limited to no more than four hours.

· Thundershirts or tight fitting shirts can make them feel like they are being hugged and are calming.
--If the separation anxiety gets to become a huge problem and is causing your dog to “self-destruct” take him to a vet and ask about anti-anxiety medications.--

By Staff Writer Trish Harding
http://dallas-plano-richardson.fetchpetcare.com

Keeping Kitty Happy

Keeping a cat indoors is beneficial to the health of the animal. They have no chance of getting hit by a car, they don’t have to deal with the pound and they cannot be snatched by strangers. But, indoor cats can be very insistent on going outside despite our best efforts to keep them happy indoors.

· You can fashion an escape resistant inclosure for the cat. Make sure all the walls connect and there is a celing so kitty can’t jump out. Make sure materials are animal friends and placement is in a quiet safe area.

· You can add a cat door and a run so your cat can easily get to their favorite outside space. Knowing that your pet is safe to roam in the enclosure will keep you at ease and with a cat door you don’t have to be annoyed by a persistent cat’s meow.

· You can train your cat to become accustomed to a leash outdoors. This a fun alternative to an enclosure because the cat will be roaming “free” and you will safely be at its side. Although be careful of unleashed animals as your cat will not be able to defend itself fully with a leash on.

By Staff Writer Trish Harding

http://dallas-plano-richardson.fetchpetcare.com