Rewarding Good Behavior

Reward Good Behavior

If your beloved, four-legged baby goes potty in the right spot, a reward is in order. This can be your praise and affection or it could be a special treat just for potty time. A mixture of treats, praise, and playtime works very well for puppies. Because puppy wants only to please and play with you, this small rewards mean everything to them.  They will do whatever they can to make you happy – including go potty in the right place.  Eventually, you will wean them off the treats, but always praise them for doing a good thing.

Spring and Summer Break for Pets

You’re on vacation, but what about your dogs and cats? Remember to line your pet sitters and dog walkers up now while there is still room and you are able to the sitters you want and need and not just kennel your dog at the local dog run.  In the Dallas area, there are many great pet sitting companies out there.

Dogs and cats do much better when they are taken care of in their home as opposed to going to kennels. To make sure you get the best out of your pet sitting experience, you need to understand that pet sitters do so much more than water and feed your dogs.

Pet sitters spend time with your baby, gives them exercise, and can evaluate if there are any medical issues which may arise. Many will bring in mail, papers, water the plans, provide crime deterrents with making it appear as someone is home.

So for your spring and summer vacation time, choose a pet sitter and give your fur babies a break as well.

Holiday Tips from a Dallas Pet Sitter

Holiday Tips From Dallas Pet Sitter

Everyone is home for the holidays, the pets are barking and meowing; kids are crying, aunts are pinching your cheek; but, the food is good and the company is fresh.

As much as you may or may not enjoy Thanksgiving with your family, understand your pet is seeing this in a different way - FREE FOOD. Designate someone to keep an eye on the food and away from the family pets.

Many foods are toxic to animals. Cats have a problem with onion and garlic which can make them anemic. Also green tomatoes and raw green potatoes can cause explosive diarrehea. Milk can also cause stomach problems and gas while turkey bones can splinter.

However, cooked turkey meat, uncanned pumpkins, squash, cats can eat.

Dogs keep away from onions, chocolate, and bones. Onions can give gas, chocolate is toxic, and bones - well, you didn't want to head to the vets on a holiday!

If you do need a vet, check the emergency clinic or your vet's hotline to see who is minding the house while they enjoy holidays.

Prepare and watch out and all should be good for your dogs and cats. If you need to travel, find a reliable pet sitter, dog walker, and bird feeder to watch after your loved ones. It is worth it for your piece of mind.

Libby Mitchell is the owner of Fetch Pet Care of NE Dallas. Fetch Pet Care offers a variety of pet services in your area. Call us today at 214-989-3639.

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

So You Want A Rat

Rats are very gentle and intelligent rodents that just love human companionship and are masterful escape artists. Being small but not too small they serve as a great starter pet for any young child or classroom. But, before you buy your new friend his permanent home, consider all the options out there and know the ups and downs of each habitat.

***When buying cages it is a good rule to buy the largest cage you can both afford and accommodate into your home.***

Glass aquariums are an affordable option but they are not a good first choice as the walls can be to high resulting in poor circulation and respiratory problems for the animal. Aquariums made for fish must be taller than average to have room for pumps, filters and heaters. Ammonia build up from urine can harm your rodents lungs if there is not good air circulation.

Reptile/small animal aquariums, glass aquariums made JUST for small animals, are a great second choice as the walls are proportionally smaller than an aquarium made for fish. The shorter walls allows the airs to flow and for your pet to breathe easier.

The best choice in a rodent home is an open cage with bars. The open bar design allows for complete air circulation. It also allows for more contact between you and your new pet because there is no glass wall. Just make sure that the bars are not spaced too far apart because your new pet can escape and your home is full of dangers.

By Staff Writer Trish Harding

Backyard Hazards for Pets

Heat isn’t the only thing to worry about when it comes to your pets. There are many dangerous things right outside your backdoor. When shopping for lawn care products it is a good idea to research what will harm your pet and what is safe. Some products are incredibly tempting to your dog and need special precautions.

Blood and bone meal fertilizers are made from ground up animal bones and dried blood powder. This will smell awesome to a dog but if ingested your pet runs the risk of iron poisoning and bone meal becomes a hard concrete like block upon entry into the stomach. Make sure to water your lawn after application as this will cut down on the smell for your dog and wash away the large particles so they are not eaten.

Cacao bean mulch is made from the ground up hulls of the cacao bean. It has a chocolate nutty smell when fresh and can potentially cause great harm to your pet. If eaten chocolate toxicity can set in and you would need to take your pet to the vet IMMEDIATELY. After application, water the area to reduce the yummy smell to your pets and to wash most of the particles into the soil.

Pesticides and baits placed in the house or in the yard also pose a health hazard. Keep these substances far out of reach from your pets and monitor your pets while they are in the yard to make sure they don’t consume any. IMMEDIATE vet care is suggested if your pet consumes pesticides.

By Staff Writer Trish Harding