Canine Flu is on the rise with 6 cases being reported in California since December 2017. Here are the symptoms to look for and become aware of to best care for our furry family members.
If an unleashed dog or coyote approached your dog, would you know what to do?
What does it mean when a Business says Background Checked?
With the increase of the presence of on-demand services, there has also been an increase in the use of the term “background check” -- but what exactly does that mean? As it turns out, there is more than one answer, and it varies from company to company. Here is what I learned about how some of these companies cut corners to save money and as a result background checks lack full information on individuals.
Could your pet be suffering from separation anxiety?
Just like people, pets suffer from anxiety. Especially, separation anxiety when their owners go to work or on vacation. As a pet sitter, I have seen many of my clients exhibit at least some of these behaviors. Below are 5 of the most common signs of separation anxiety in animal:
1) Going to the bathroom in the house
2) Excessive barking, crying, or howling
3) Destructive behavior such as chewing or digging
4) Trying to escape
5) Pacing, panting, and/or excessive licking
Anxiety left untreated can lead to ongoing and progressive psychological and physical stressors that you and your pet don’t need! If your animal is displaying these behaviors there are several things you can do to ease your animal’s anxiety.
- Before you leave for work or vacation, consider giving your pet lots of exercise. Giving your dog a long walk or playing with your cat can help release some anxious energy your pet (and you!) may have.
- You can also try counterconditioning. Counterconditioning is a technique that provides a positive reinforcement to distract your pet from the negative action they are engaging in. One of the best ways to do this, in my experience, is using a “puzzle” toy with treats inside. Your dog or cat will be motivated physically and mentally to obtain their treat, thus alleviating some of the anxiety they feel when you leave.
- Leave an item of clothing that smells like you in your pets bed. Pets are hyper-sensitive to smell and nothing is better to them than your scent. A previously worn shirt or pair of socks could be just what they need to settle down.
If your pet is still exhibiting signs of separation anxiety after trying these techniques, you may want to consider consulting with a dog trainer or animal behaviorist. Some causes of separation anxiety in animals do require more intensive training and counterconditioning. Also, consider getting a dog walker who is also a pet sitter. Having one person to walk and watch your pet while you’re away will help maintain your pet’s routine and can give them comfort while you are away.
Remember, anxiety is a natural emotion for pets and people, but redirecting that energy into positive outcomes and engagement will add to the quality of your pet’s life and your peace of mind! Our pets can feel our emotions, so ease your own stress by making life as stress-free for your pet as possible. I’d love to hear some other tips and tricks you’ve used to help your fur family. Comment below!
Edited by Tara Rico
How to choose the right Pet Sitter for you
In our fast paced world where we can now request dog sitters and dog walkers on demand there are some important things to look at when choosing a company and caretaker that will best fit you and your pet's needs. The consequences of not considering who is providing care for your pet can be tremendous. Below are 5 of the most important questions to ask yourself when looking for a pet sitter or dog walker.
1. Does this person require a Meet and Greet before taking me on as a client?
Meet and Greets are essential for all pet sitters to do when taking on a new client. At the meet and greet the pet sitter will ask you important questions about your animal to better serve and take care of them. Some questions they may ask are; has your animal ever bitten anyone? Are they friendly with other people and animals? Do they have a specific diet? Are they allergic to any foods? Do they take any medications? A professional pet sitter and dog walker needs to know these answers to give your animal the best possible care.
2. Is this person caring for my pet trained in Pet CPR and First Aid?
Just like you would feel more comfortable with someone who is CPR trained to watch your child, having someone trained in emergency care for your animal will give you the same peace of mind. If your animal gets a cut or accidently chokes on an item, you should have someone who is trained in emergency care.
3. Are they Insured and Bonded?
A professional Pet Sitter will be insured and bonded with a reliable company, because they know that sometimes things happen that are out of our control. For example, a dog could be bitten while on a walk, or your pet sitter could accidently loose your keys. In these cases, if your pet sitter has insurance and is bonded, those costs would be covered by their insurance.
4. Are they members of any Professional Pet Sitting Organizations?
In any profession when someone is a member of a larger organization that supports their profession, that shows dedication and continued education in their field. This holds true with Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers. There are a number of Professional Pet Sitting Organizations such as National Association of Professional Pet Sitters, Pet Sitters International and Professional United Pet Sitters.
5. How does my animal interact with this person?
You always want to trust your animal when introducing them to someone new. Especially, someone that will be looking after them while you are away. Your animal will let you know if they are excited to see this person, if they are scared of them, or if they trust this person. If you have a shy or skiddish animal, I would recommend having the potential Pet Sitter stay longer than 30 minutes so your animal can have extended time to adjust and get comfortable with them. You can also try having the potential Pet Sitter give your animal a treat, and see how your pet reacts.
In my experience, these 5 questions will help provide you and your pet with the safest and lasting care. When we consider our pets as our family, we want to give them the best. Some other important questions to consider may be: Does this person or company have references? Discussing their services with other clients is your right to know. A responsible and quality Pet Sitter will have references available.
Edited by Tara Rico