New Years Resolutions you can make with your Pet
2019 is almost here! And here are some fun ways to include your pet on your New Years resolutions.
It’s almost 2019, which means its resolution time! And this year why not include your pets in your resolutions? Here are 5 ways you can include your furry family members in the fun.
Go outside more:This one is both important for you but also very important for your pet. If you have a dog you may take them on walks but how frequent are those walks? Once a day? A couple times a week? Or less? Dog’s love going on walks and smelling the world around them. It is something for them to look forward to and it helps them discover your neighborhood and city. Cats can go for walks too! They do make leashes for cats if your cat is strictly indoors. As a dog walker I have never meet a dog that wasn’t grateful after I had taken them on a walk. If you are already an avid walker you can take this resolution up a notch by extending your normal walking time by 5 minutes or to be off the phone and be present with your pet. Which leads to our next resolution suggestion.
Spend More time in the present away from technology:We all do it, when we are watching TV snuggling with our pet we bring out our phone during a commercial break and scroll social media. And our pets sense our distraction in our devices. I have had numerous clients tell me that when they are on their phone, their pets act out by growling or even using their paw to try to get your attention. Next time you get the urge to look at your phone and you have your dog or cat near you, reach from them instead. Give them a belly rub and butt scratch or a kiss. We only have a short period of time with our pets on this earth and little moments like these mean the world to them.
Take more day trips with your best friend: This one we love because living here in Pasadena there are so many great options of pet friendly day trip activities! You could take them for a hike, or go to the Huntington Dog Beach. There is Mammoth Lakes or Big Bear for a fun snow day. Also there are several dog friendly restaurants in our area. These outings help deepen your bond with your pet and they are fun! Its fun to go on a hike or to the Dog beach and see all the dogs being carefree and happy.
You both try to eat better: Many New Years resolutions often include eating healthier for most people. If this is one of your New Years resolutions, you can also apply this to your pet. There has been a lot of ground breaking new research on the pet food industry and what is actually healthy for your pet. If you are looking to get your pet in shape as well as yourself consult your Veterinarian on the best ways to help clean up your pets diet. That way you both are in this one together!
Spoil each other: Self-care is another big resolution for lots of people this year and it is important to take care of ourselves and the ones we love most; our pets. If you have a groomer that offers a mini massage for your pet maybe splurge a few times this year to pamper your pooch or cat. If your dog has a favorite toy or treat maybe you could give them a little extra once a month. In return your pet will spoil you with unconditional love and devotion, which is really the best reward.
We hope you enjoyed and are inspired by these recommendations, and let us know in the comments below if you are going to try any of these 5 suggestions. Thank you!
12 Days of Christmas Gift Giving Guide
Our Annual list of gifts that also help animal charities.
Every year since we started in 2014, we have done a 12 days of Christmas Gift Giving Guide. And each of the gifts we pick as a part of our list; are not only great gifts but also give a portion of the profits to animal charities. Animal Charities are very close to our heart and we are always looking for new ways to give and spread the word.
If you missed any of the gifts we mentioned on our Instagram or Facebook pages here they are as well as the links to the items. We hope you enjoy! And if you have any suggestions for items for us to include next year please leave a comment below. Thank you!
Day 1
Pawzaar Aromatherapy car diffuser: Each gift includes a card featuring a photo of a shelter pet whose kennel your purchase helped to sponsor.
Day 2
Dishraggs.com Tote Bag.:This company has a whole section of gifts and 40% of the net proceeds go to America’s Vet Dogs.
Day 3
N:Philanthropy Dog Mom Shirt: This company donates 10% of net proceeds to Children’s Hospital of LA, ASPCA and SPCALA and other local animal charities.
https://nphilanthropy.com/products/harlow-bff-tee-dog-mom
Day 4
Wholesome Culture Hat: 15% of the proceeds for this hat will go to animal rescues like The Gentle Barn and Sale Ranch Sanctuary.
Day 5
Rescue Candle: A portion of their profits from every candle on their website go to animal charities. And with each purchase you will receive a card so you know exactly where your donation went.
Day 6
Tito’s Vodka Dog Toy: Net Proceeds will go towards helping Emancipent make spay/neuter services as well as veterinary car affordable and accessible to all pet owners.
Day 7
One Heart Coffee Christmas box: Proceeds from the purchase of this box go to Home Fur Friends Rescue.
https://www.oneheartcoffee.net/shop/product/1830447422
Day 8
Pet Play Dog Bed: For every Artist or Original Collection pet bed purchased, a special edition chill pad will be donated to a pet in need.
https://www.petplay.com/royal-crest-lounge-bed-253/?color=79&size=72
Day 9
Alex and Ani Prints of Love Charm Bracelet: 20% of the purchase price goes to the ASPCA.
https://www.alexandani.com/prints-of-love-charm-bangle-cbd17polrg.html
Day 10
Grounds and Hounds Rescue Roast: 100% of all profits generated by Rescue Roast are donated to a new rescue organization every month.
https://groundsandhoundscoffee.com/products/rescue-roast
Day 11
Stray Faces Custom Pet Socks: For every $20 spent on their website, 1 KG of food will be donated to a stray animal in need.
Day 12
Rescue Chocolate 4 Paw Collection: For each chocolate purchased, 100% of the net profits are donated to animal rescue organizations around the country.
https://www.rescuechocolate.com/collections/holidays/products/gift-box-samplers
If an unleashed dog or coyote approached your dog, would you know what to do?
Have you ever been on a walk with your pet and encountered a stray or loose dog? Or even a coyote? If you haven't it is best to be as prepared as possible in the event it should happen to you. These are my tips to help you in this situation.
Have you ever been on a walk with Sparky, when suddenly there is a bark or a growl that isn’t Sparky? Before you know it, the two of you are about to cross paths with a medium sized dog you’ve never seen before who is bounding at you with a ton of energy.
In my 13 years of experience, I have encountered stray and loose dogs, and even coyotes approaching me and the animal(s) I am walking. For those who have not had this experience, it can be both unnerving and scary! You're instinct may be to run away, or to try and confront the animal. But what is really the best thing to do? You don’t know if the other animal is aggressive, and if it’s a coyote, that chance is high. Living in California, I felt it was imperative to share with you some tips that have worked for me when put in these situations.
1. Try and remain calm: Often, our first reaction is to tense up and become anxious. However, the animal you are walking will sense that and will more likely become anxious as well. This can increase stress for the animal (and you!) and your animal can become harder to control. The best way to stay calm is to take a deep breath or two and know that you are prepared for what may happen next…
2. Don’t run: Many animals, especially pets, will take that as a clue to play (or attack) and start chasing you. Instead, avoid sudden fast or large movements and back away slowly from the oncoming animal so as not to alarm it.
3. Step in between your pet and the approaching animal: You can square your hips and shoulders toward the oncoming animal and place your body between the two. This body language reinforces your self as a dominant figure.
4. Make loud noises: Or give out commands such as, “No!” “Sit!” or ‘Stay." A loose dog may recognize those commands and stop from approaching you.
5. Carry SprayShield, and use it if necessary: SprayShield is a pet deterrent spray. The active ingredient (citronella) is a natural essential oil that has been used in human, animal, and environmental applications for thousands of years. Although it can cause discomfort in certain individuals with allergies to citronella, it is considered safe for the vast majority of people and animals.
6. Get your animal to safety as fast as possible: This is if you have encountered an extremely aggressive dog or coyote. If you have a smaller dog, pick them up and try to find a safe place to put them (the bed of a nearby truck, behind the fence of a neighbors yard) If you have a big dog sometimes it is best to let go of the leash to have them try to run to safety.
7. Protect yourself: Once you know your animal is safe, protect your throat and neck area. You can use your arm to be a shield to protect those vital areas of your body.
For all intents and purposes, the information here does not serve as any guarantee. These are just some tips that have worked for me over the years. I strongly encourage you to do your own research on these concerns, so you can also be prepared for the unexpected! Let me know in the comments what has worked for you!
Edited by Tara Rico
Benefits to In-Home Pet Sitting
Living in Southern California, I have many friends and acquaintances I’ve crossed paths with who say they would love to rescue a dog or a cat but don’t have the time to care for it. Well, I agree; if you don’t have the time to tend to a pet, it is better to wait to take one on. However, I also believe there are too many animals today in shelters, in negligent situations, or on the streets. I would often wonder, how could I help?
Living in Southern California, I have many friends and acquaintances I’ve crossed paths with who say they would love to rescue a dog or a cat but don’t have the time to care for it. Well, I agree; if you don’t have the time to tend to a pet, it is better to wait to take one on. However, I also believe there are too many animals today in shelters, in negligent situations, or on the streets. I would often wonder, how could I help? By making pet-care easier for the animal and the owner, I believe we can help mitigate some of these issues, and make the world a little bit better.
As a pet sitter, I am often asked, “What are the advantages of in-home pet sitting?” In my experience, animals are most comfortable in their own environment where they are around familiar sights, smells, and sounds. They can sleep in their own bed, and walk around their own neighborhood. All of these factors help eliminate the stress your animals can feel when you are away. Doggie Dreamz is designed to maintain our clients’ schedule as much as possible while caring for their needs. Animals are most comfortable with routine, and maintaining that routine gives them a sense of ease and comfort.
If you have an animal with anxiety issues or who is not socialized with other animals, in-home pet sitting is ideal for someone like you. Your pet sitter is only focused on your animal and can give him or her the undivided attention and care they need. In-home pet sitting is also ideal if you have an older animal or animal with special needs. Often times, the sleeping quarters at boarding facilities are small and do not accommodate for special animal-mobility and other needs. Additionally, kennels and boarding facilities sometimes carry diseases such as Canine distemper, Canine influenza, kennel cough and heartworms. (AVMA.ORG). Without the stress of a foreign environment at a facility or in someone else’s home, you are less likely to experience your animal running away, getting into a dangerous situations, or just being lonely and upset when you are gone. Even a walk a day from a pet-sitter can help alleviate behavioral issues with your animal. These are some the reasons why I believe in and only offer In-home pet sitting through my company.
As an animal-lover and dog-enthusiast, it is my passion to help pet-owners provide compassionate and quality care. A dog or a cat in a home is an animal off the streets, out of a shelter, and in a loving environment. So, helping people manage that responsibility is my mission! In wanting to help others care for our animal community, I have cultivated a company that operates with compassion at it’s heart and with your pet’s best interest in mind. In addition to utilizing the most comfortable environments for your pets, I ensure each of our pet-sitters are trained in CPR and first aid for animals. Also, all of our pet sitters are insured and bonded. Finally, I personally interview and hire each of our pet-care representatives, making every effort to ensure our pet-sitters are passionate and professional when it comes to our business.
Now, not all pet sitters are the same. That is why it is very important to choose the right pet sitter for your animal and you. I’m excited to discuss this more in our next blog post, and how you can find the right pet sitter for you. If this was helpful, leave a like or a comment below!
Mia Enos
Chief Canine Officer of Doggie Dreamz