Microchips Prevent Heartache for You and Danger for Your Pet

One of the first questions a vet will ask when you bring in a new pet is whether or not your furry family member is microchipped -- and for good reason. Every year, millions of animals -- both cats and dogs -- are euthanized in shelters faced with overpopulation. Microchipping allows shelters to scan an incoming animal for a chip and identification. The database can be accessed from anywhere, so this is also an invaluable way to ensure safety when traveling with your pet.

Tags on collars should be used in tandem with microchipping but are not a sufficient method on their own since they can be easily lost by a dog that slips off a lead or out of a collar. Also, with dog abductions on the rise thanks to thieves looking to resell stolen pets for a tidy profit, microchipping can help in these scenarios. Tags can be removed, but a veterinarian or shelter employee can find a microchip with a scanner; this increases the likelihood officials will be alerted that something isn't right.

How Does the Process Work?

The microchip is about the size of a grain of rice and is implanted using a needle similar to those used to give routine shots beneath the dog's skin, usually in the neck or shoulder area. The pain or discomfort is no different than that with a rabies shot or other vaccinations.

While there are various manufacturers, the process is similar across the board. Once the microchip is implanted into your pet, the identification number encoded at the factory is linked to vital information in case of an emergency; this comprises your name and contact info as well as your vet’s info to ensure someone familiar with the animal will be contacted.

Most vets charge between $25 and $75 to implant the chip and register the information. Puppies can be microchipped when they are between 6 and 8 weeks old; the process is usually done when they are getting a round of booster shots.

In summary, here are four very good reasons to microchip your pet:

• Only true permanent method of pet identification.
• Best chance of your pet returning to you after going missing.
• Quick and painless procedure, similar to vaccination.
• Lasts for the lifetime of your pet.

Be a savvy pet owner! Don’t wait and regret not microchipping your pet when it’s too late. Taking this simple precaution now will save potential heartache down the road.

For pet-sitting with a personal touch, contact Dee Hopkins at 517.546.0439 and visit http://www.ddspetpatrol.com.

Written by Dee Hopkins in collaboration with Ginger Sprinkle @ nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).

Holiday Pet Photo Time: Smile and Say “Treat”

Are you hoping for an adorable photo of your pet to put on a holiday card, perhaps? Or would you just like to have a beautiful memory of a treasured moment to display in your home? All pet owners know our furry babies often aren't the best at – or fond of – posing.

Thank goodness for digital cameras so we don’t waste film and development costs these days just to discover endless shots of closed eyes or animals in motion as they attempt to escape the frame. Here are some tips we’d like to share to make the photo session both fun and bearable – for you and your pet.

Familiarize yourself with your camera and explore shutter speeds if you are photographing a pet in motion – particularly a dog. The faster the shutter-speed setting, the more success you will have at capturing a clearer photo. Often, with one push of the button, you can capture a stream of photos of your dog at play. Then simply edit digitally and only keep your favorites.

Zoom is your friend. Don’t let your pet know you are photographing him/her and then zoom in for some delightful candids. Using this method you don’t have to invade their space, but can use the zoom to focus in on eyes or a nose for an upclose and personal – and very sweet – look at your dog or cat. This is also a great way to play around with angles and approaches, especially if you can get some close-up shots of your pet looking over his/her shoulder or with his/her head resting on paws.

Consider the lighting and ambiance such as that provided by natural light. Often a flash can ruin the picture and make your dog run away; due to this they also develop a dread of seeing the camera in the future. Why? Dogs have tapetum – a layer of eye cells –, which causes the colored reflection when exposed to painful bright lights such as a camera flash or headlights. Reflections run the gamut from red and green to yellow or orange, dependent on the dog's eye color. For example, a blue-eyed husky will often have red eye shine, while a brown-eyed lab will shine yellow.

Have “assistants” available – preferably two. If you are seeking a posed shot, while you take charge of the camera perhaps have one person handle the dog such as getting him/her to sit and stay. Have another person behind you who can catch the dog’s eye by saying “treat,”“cookie,” or a word your dog recognizes as an attention-getter at the right moment. Assistants are particularly useful if you are attempting to photograph two or more pets together!

Capture attention with favorite toys and goodies. Put a treat in a glass, mug, or Kong to get him/her to be still long enough for a shot. Hide a cherished toy behind a couch pillow or outside in flowers to keep him/her inquisitive and in position. These tricks lead to adorable personality photos.

Have fun, good luck, and happy shooting – both for the holidays and forever!

For pet-sitting with a personal touch, contact Dee Hopkins at 517.546.0439 and visit http://www.ddspetpatrol.com.

Written by Dee Hopkins in collaboration with Ginger Sprinkle @ nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).

Keep Your Pets Safe During Autumn

With fall upon us, we should be especially careful and watchful regarding our pet’s safety from seasonal hazards. Autumn brings some potentially fatal situations. Knowing what these hazards are and taking simple precautions will keep your pet healthy through the fall and holiday months.

Here are a few key concerns to keep an eye out for both inside and outside your home:

• Antifreeze: Many people change their car’s engine coolant in fall. Ethylene glycol-based coolants are highly toxic, so spills should be cleaned up immediately. It has a sweet taste and is readily consumed by children and animals. Five teaspoons can kill a 10-pound dog; less will kill a cat. Antifreeze is very fast acting and results in kidney failure and death in as little as four to eight hours. Dispose of old coolant in a sealed container; don't hose it down the driveway. Always have plenty of fresh water available for your pet. A thirsty pet may relieve its thirst with antifreeze that a neighbor left out or hosed down the driveway. Consider switching to propylene glycol-based coolants – though they aren’t completely nontoxic, they are much less toxic than other engine coolants. If you think your pet has consumed antifreeze, call your veterinarian right away.

• Rodenticides: Formulas used to kill rodents hoping to spend winter in your house will also kill your pet. They cause severe bleeding, kidney failure, and death. There are no safe rodenticides. Whether out of hunger, boredom, or curiosity, pets will consume these products. If rodenticides are used in your home, put them in places inaccessible to pets and children. Keep a record of the product used and in case of accidental poisoning, contact your veterinarian immediately.

• Chocolate: A favorite at Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, chocolate is toxic to dogs, cats, and birds. The initial signs of poisoning are those of stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea. If sufficient chocolate is consumed, an animal will become restless and uncoordinated and can suffer heart failure and/or respiratory failure. As little as one ounce of baking chocolate or eight ounces of milk chocolate can kill a 10-pound dog. Like other poisonings, chocolate poisoning requires emergency medical treatment.

• Thanksgiving dinner: Holiday meals can also cause medical emergencies for pets. Chicken and turkey bones can get stuck or can pierce holes in any portion of the digestive tract. Rich foods can cause sudden pancreatitis or bloat. Keep holiday meals, leftovers, and table scraps out of reach of your pet. If your pet insists on participating in the feast, cooked vegetables (without the butter and salt) or commercial dog treats are safe in small amounts.

• Cold weather: Indoor pets not acclimated to winter temperatures should not be left outside in cold weather for long periods. Frankly, we advocate that no pets be kept outdoors but if you must, pets left outside can withstand fairly cold temperatures if they have shelter from wind and rain with adequate bedding to insulate them from the cold ground. Avoid electrical heating devices that could electrocute your pet if they got wet or were chewed. Outdoor pets need extra food in cold weather to generate body heat, and they need access to water that is not frozen. Keep your pet's feet clean and dry. Ice or salt will cause severe irritation when caught between your pet's toes. Frostbite is a winter hazard to pets as well as people. Frostbitten areas are fragile and should be wrapped snugly for protection from abrasion and from sudden temperature change. Severe frostbite requires emergency treatment.

• Novelty items: With guests coming and going amid decorations going up and down, you must keep small, novel items away from your pet. Dogs and cats, especially puppies and kittens, will eat anything. Non-food items lodged in your pet's digestive tract is yet another emergency condition. Don't let curiosity kill your furry family member.

·         Mushrooms: Remember fall and spring are mushroom seasons and while 99% have little or no toxicity, the 1% that are highly toxic can cause life-threatening problems in pets. Unfortunately, most of the highly toxic mushrooms are difficult to distinguish from the nontoxic ones, so the best way to keep pets from ingesting poisonous mushrooms is to keep them away from areas where any mushrooms are growing. Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately if you witness your pet eating a wild mushroom.

·         Snake bites: Snakes who are preparing for autumn hibernation may be particularly agitated, increasing the possibility of severe bites to dogs and cats who find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. Pet owners should know what kinds of venomous snakes exist in their environment – and avoid where these snakes are most likely to be found.

Actually, another holiday-season annoyance for Fido or Fluffy comes in the form of children. When visitors in your home bring their little humans, make sure your dog or cat has a safe place to stay to avoid pokes and pulls from children they are not used to having in their home. Also, be careful when feeding your pets around these children, making sure the kids do not disrupt your pet when dining. Otherwise, this might fall under tips for keeping unfamiliar children safe!

For pet-sitting with a personal touch, contact Dee Hopkins at 517.546.0439 and visit http://www.ddspetpatrol.com.

Written by Dee Hopkins in collaboration with Ginger Sprinkle @ nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).

Pampered Pets 101 blog – 9/11

Putting the Brakes on Canine Obesity

With the cooler weather approaching, it’s natural to want to “hibernate.” As humans, we know the health ramifications of this in terms of the tendency to gain more weight during this time of the year due to staying indoors more, succumbing to comfort food, and attending holiday food-and-drink festivities.

What about Fido who is really at a loss since you, the owner, are the one literally dishing out what he gets to eat? You and your dog have much in common; you play, eat and unwind together. If you’re not careful about how much you consume and relax, you both might pack on unwanted weight together -- excess fat that can be tough to shed.  

A Healthy Dog is a Happy Dog

We all know how difficult it is to turn down those big, sad, begging dog eyes when they want a food item or treat they should not have. Think of yourself as the gatekeeper of all things dog-food related. One of mine honestly stops and salivates when the Beggin’ Strips TV commercial is on and that is not something I taught her to do to be cute; she simply pays attention to TV at times and literally chose that commercial to pay attention to all on her own. I was shocked when I noticed this recently.

Canine obesity is an important and common medical condition with serious health implications. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has estimated there are 41.2 million pet dogs in the United States. Other sources add that 40 percent -- approximately 17 million -- are overweight or obese. A recent Pfizer Animal Health study found veterinarians consider 47% of their patients overweight or obese but only 17% of dog owners think so. Why? It’s most likely denial or the difficulty owners have in recognizing when their dogs are overweight.

Be aware of these six causes of canine obesity and be prepared to counteract the situation in your household:

·         Feeding habits

·         Lack of exercise

·         Neutering

·         Slow metabolism

·         Breed

·         Hormonal disorders

Be diligent about scheduling your dogs’ regular veterinarian check-ups and paying attention to guidance on how to put your fur baby on a diet. This potentially can save a good deal of money and heartbreak in the future; extended lifespans are, of course, reason enough to take care of the weight issue now. Overweight canines run a greater risk of developing an array of health problems:

• Reduced lifespan
• Labored or difficult breathing
• Fatigue
• Osteoarthritis
• Cardiac disease
• Respiratory conditions
• Heat or exercise intolerance; greater risk for heatstroke
• Dermatological problems affecting skin, hair and coat
• Compromised immune function
• Increased surgical and anesthetic risks
• Cruciate/intervertebral disk rupture
• Diabetes
• Joint problems, including arthritis
• Pancreas problems
• Knee problems (ruptured ligaments)

Dog Dieting 101

Veterinarians are trained to recommend an appropriate diet and exercise program for safe weight loss. You’ll find most strategies stay consistent across the board and are not unlike dieting do’s and don’ts for humans.

First, keep in mind when helping your dog lose weight that slower is safer. “Crash” diets or intense workouts aren’t appropriate for inactive dogs. If your dog gained the weight slowly, he/she can lose it slowly. Naturally the most effective weight-loss plans involve increased activity in tandem with fewer calories. The more convenient you make the process, the higher the odds of sticking with it. What you are striving for during your dog’s new regimen is a loss of 2% or less of his/her initial body weight weekly. For example, a 100-pound dog should lose no more than 2 pounds every week. A successful weight-loss program may take a year or longer.

Be supportive and patient! Your four-legged family members will thank you as they certainly can’t accomplish this alone! Bone appetit the healthy way!

For pet-sitting with a personal touch, contact Dee Hopkins at 517.546.0439 and visit http://www.ddspetpatrol.com.

Written by Dee Hopkins in collaboration with Ginger Sprinkle @ nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).

More Fresh Breath, Less Medical Issues

By now we’ve probably all seen -- and rolled our eyes or had a good laugh at -- the doggy-dentures TV commercial. All kidding aside, dogs’ teeth indeed need regular cleanings to remove plaque and tartar build-up. Neglecting to do so can lead to an array of dental problems including gingivitis, tooth decay, and tooth loss. If left untreated, gingivitis will develop into periodontal disease; then the gums will begin to break down increasing the risk of bacteria entering your pet’s bloodstream. Research from the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS) has found 80% of dogs develop periodontal disease by the age of three. Studies have shown dogs with poor dental health are more likely to suffer with heart disease, liver disease, and kidney disease.

With some diligence on your part, your fur baby and your wallet will thank you in the long run. Brushing a dog’s teeth is really a matter of getting your puppy (ideally the earlier you start this good habit the better) -- or an older dog -- accustomed to you playing with his or her mouth. In this case you can teach an old dog new “tricks,” particularly by incorporating treat training into the process and never forgetting to deliver a small and healthy reward after each brushing.

Various Methods

There are a few ways to accomplish the task. One is to take a small gauze pad and put a few drops of water and some baking soda on it. Gently rub the treated pad on the teeth. An easy method is to put the pad between your thumb and forefinger. Put your fingers over each tooth and rub to remove all debris and plaque. Be sure to gently rub the gauze on the dog’s gums to remove anything that has adhered to them.

Another popular method is to apply hydrogen peroxide to a soft cloth, along with some baking soda. Scrub each tooth by rolling your index finger and thumb on it. Wipe the gums carefully but do not rub hard and cause an irritation, which may result in an abscess.

Some pups actually enjoy having their owners use a water pic designed for pets, which helps remove debris from between the teeth. Dogs usually like the water pressure on their gums as well. Removing the build-up on the gums will help promote good dental health.

There are also various products on the market and available in veterinarians’ offices such as tooth-brushing devices and flavored toothpastes specifically for pets.

Just Do It

Just make sure you clean, clean, clean -- consistently -- so you and your dog reap all the benefits:

• Teeth and gums will be cleaner and healthier, which leads to a healthier body.
• Save money on veterinary bills.
• No more “doggy breath.”

Without proper dental hygiene and brushing, your dog could be looking at having teeth extracted, which leads to problems when eating and digesting food. In reality, there are no canine dentures, so it’s essential you do all you can to ensure good health before it’s too late.

For pet-sitting with a personal touch, contact Dee Hopkins at 517.546.0439 and visit http://www.ddspetpatrol.com.

Written by Dee Hopkins in collaboration with Ginger Sprinkle @ nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).

Pampered Pets 101 blog – 7/11

Dog Talk: Wags Say More Than Woofs

How many times have you thought, “if only my dog could talk”? Wouldn’t it be fabulous to know what they are thinking? It’s pretty obvious a big kiss on the mouth seems to indicate affection for the owner or guest in the canine’s home – at least that’s how we humans interpret it. Surprise! Dogs can identify us by the scent of our breath, so in reality they may be doing a quick check to see if they know us.

Every time we return home we are greeted with love and excitement. I would be very surprised if most owners could not bring themselves to say they love their dog, and their dog loves them in return. Happiness – joy – seems to radiate from the majority of dogs much of the time. They have relaxed, open faces, and bodies that wiggle from the shoulders backward, including the tail, of course.

Scientists now firmly believe dogs do experience happiness. They have been programmed by domestication to have intense emotional reactions toward people; this lies at the root of the “unconditional love” many owners describe and treasure in their dogs. Such intense feelings are not easily turned off, as attested by the high proportion of dogs that hate being left alone – as many as one in five, according to surveys. Since we humans have programmed in this vulnerability, it is our responsibility to ensure that our dogs do not suffer as a result. This is a great reason to schedule a pet-sitter for your pups when you are away from home, as opposed to boarding them in a kennel. They -- to some degree -- will transfer the same excitement exhibited when you walk in the door to their temporary caregiver, leading to less stress for your fur baby until you return home.

The next time you want to decipher what Fido is “saying,” perhaps this guide to canine body language will come in handy.

Body low to the ground

The dog is worried about the outcome of an encounter and is trying to look as unthreatening as possible.

Standing tall

Confidence.

Low tail

The lower the tail, the less confident the dog; dogs in retreat will usually tuck their tail forward between their hind legs. Precisely where “low” is will vary from one dog to another, because selective breeding has affected where the normal, relaxed tail position is.

Upright tail with a wagging tip

This indicates interest.

Relaxed tail

If it is being wagged from side to side using movement of the whole back end of the dog, this indicates excitement and/or a desire to play.

Slow tail wagging

Some dogs perform an exaggerated slow swish of their tails when they are contemplating aggression.

Rigid back

This can indicate a low level of fear or anxiety, although some breeds have naturally stiff backs.

Rounded-up back

This may indicate indecision -- the dog looks as though its back legs are trying to move forward while its front legs are trying to stand still.

Ears pricked forward

Ears are easy to read in some dogs, harder in others; but even in breeds with rather rigid ears the muscles at the base of the ear may show what the dog is trying to say. Ears pricked forward suggest alertness and interest.

Ears pulled back

They are an indication of anxiety, and, if flattened as well, fear.

Tense eyebrows

Indication of threat, often accompanied by a fixed stare. In some dogs, this tension will also result in the whites of the eyes becoming more visible.

Looking away

A dog wishing to dissociate from an interaction will often turn its head away so it is at a right angle to the others.

Loose mouth

Relaxed dogs hold their mouth slightly open when interacting with other dogs.

Shut mouth

Indicates a tense dog.

Bared teeth

This can mean both fear and anger alike; the rest of the dog's body language, from the ears backwards, should provide clues as to which.

 Friendly “grin”

Which looks like a “smile,” with teeth slightly bared. This is the position of the mouth in the affiliation display, though many dogs will use it as a signal in its own right when interacting with people, presumably because it has been rewarded by extra attention.

Head on side

This “cute” pose is likewise not a species-typical signal but, rather, a posture some dogs learn because it evokes a rewarding response from their owner.

For pet-sitting with a personal touch, contact Dee Hopkins at 517.546.0439 and visit http://www.ddspetpatrol.com.

Written by Dee Hopkins in collaboration with Ginger Sprinkle @ nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).

15 Must-Knows to Keep Pets Safe in Summer

Pampered Pets 101 blog – 6/11

With Memorial Day signaling the start of summer, it’s crucial to remember your pets and how they handle the heat. In short, they don’t. Summer weather, vacation travel, family time, and outdoor activities often affect your cat and dog. Make sure to be alert and aware, taking precautions to keep them safe in the heat and summer elements. Any responsible pet owner knows the obvious, but it doesn’t hurt to be reminded.

1. Never leave a pet unattended in the car on a warm or sunny day. Cars quickly heat up to fatal temperatures, even with the window slightly open.

2. Be sure to keep pets up-to-date on vaccinations and preventative medications. Fleas and ticks stay busy in warm weather and summer is also the prime time for heartworms. Follow the preventative regimen suggested by your veterinarian.

3. Keep cats indoors to keep them safe. Cars, other pets, and wild animals can all pose risks to cats' safety. By providing playtime, cat trees, and other enrichment, your furry feline will be content indoors.

4. Beware of cocoa mulch and other gardening products. Cocoa mulch can be deadly if ingested and has an appetizing scent to some animals. Pesticides, fertilizers, and other harsh chemicals can also be quickly fatal if ingested.

5. When taking a dog for a walk on a hot day, plan for shorter walks midday, when temperatures peak, and longer walks in the morning and evening when it's cooler. Hot sidewalks can burn the pads on a dog's paws, so walk on the grass when possible.

6. Pet rabbits should be kept indoors because they don't tolerate heat well. Keeping a rabbit indoors will also provide protection from predators who might try to attack a rabbit in an outdoor hutch.

7. Never leave a dog outdoors on a chain or tether. Long-term chaining during the hot summer months can result in countless insect bites, dehydration, and heat stroke. Even short-term tethering can pose risks such as theft or attacks by people or animals.

8. When driving with pets, be sure to keep them properly restrained and inside the vehicle. Special seatbelts and secured carriers can protect pets during accidents and prevent them from distracting the driver. The back of a pick-up truck is NEVER a safe place for pet transport.

9. Be mindful of pets around wild animals. When going for walks or playing in a fenced yard, don't allow pets to harass birds, rabbits, squirrels, or other wild animals. Also, do not leave pets out in any area where coyotes could be present – day or night.

10. Stay bite-free. The summer months are the peak season for dog bites because so many kids and dogs are playing outside. Training, socialization, and dog spaying or neutering a dog can reduce the risk of dog bites. Kids should be forbidden to antagonize dogs – at any time – and can learn to stay safe through good manners around pets and humane education.

11. There is potential for sunburn.  Some dogs get sunburn. Just like fair-skinned people, white-haired dogs are sensitive to sun exposure. White cats and cats with white ears and noses are very susceptible to sunburn so it is important to keep your cats and dogs inside more on very sunny days and to talk to your veterinarian about the occasional use of sunscreens.

12. Should Fido and I go swimming? This depends on the breed, as not all dogs are good swimmers. Short-legged dogs, such as Corgis, are very poor swimmers, but most dogs with long legs, such as Labrador Retrievers, swim quite well. Common sense says not to take your dog swimming anyplace dangerous, where the current is too swift, the boat traffic too busy, or where if something went wrong you would both be in danger of drowning.

13. Thunderstorms and the July 4^th holiday noise can lead to stress in many pets, even when indoors. Many dogs are afraid of loud noises such as thunder and fireworks. Some dogs just need reassurance, but some are too upset for a few calm words and some petting. If your dog is very afraid during summer storms, talk to your veterinarian, who may prescribe medication to help calm your pet.

14. Letting cats out at night is a no-no. Many cats beg to go outside at night in the summer, even some cats that seem very happy to remain indoors all winter long. But cats are at greater risk for disease and injury when they are outside, especially at night. If you feel you must let your cat go outside, be sure that he/she is up-to-date on all recommended vaccinations. But, better safe than sorry, so no outdoor time.

15. Not unlike humans, dogs and cats are also susceptible to heat stroke. Don't ever leave your pet in the car with the windows rolled up or even cracked. On very hot days, don't lock your pet in the garage. Remember your dog and cat are just as vulnerable to the heat as adults and children and need to have plenty of water available and a cool place to rest. If it is hot, take it easy with your pet – play less, run less, and cool off more often.

The dog days of summer are upon us, so we just ask that you pay attention and take care to keep your fur kids safe and happy! Enjoy!

Written by Dee Hopkins in collaboration with Ginger Sprinkle @ nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).

Pet Mom No. 1 Meet Stand-in Pet Mom No. 2

Congrats! Paws up! After doing all the research and interviews, you’ve just hired a professional petsitter. Even though you’ve checked out the excellent references, it’s still natural to be a bit apprehensive. The first time you leave your four-legged kids with anyone can be stressful – in fact, any time you leave the fur kids can be worrisome. Here are a few pointers on how to smooth the transition while you are away.

Home Visits Are a Must

Before you hire a sitter and leave your pets in the care of a new person, schedule a home visit. Check the pulse of your comfort level with this new person in your life, and take note of the chemistry between the sitter and your pets. If something just doesn’t “feel” right or your pets seem uncomfortable with the sitter, you might want reconsider. Trust your instincts.

Pinpoint What You Expect

When you first meet, be very definitive about your needs and expectations. Key points to agree on should comprise:

• Live-in vs. Stopovers: Some pet owners want the sitter to housesit and petsit, especially during longer trips. Others simply look for someone to drop by once or twice per day to feed and water the pets, exercise them if needed, tend to the litter boxes, etc. Be sure your sitter knows what you expect and agrees to the arrangement.

• Payment: Make sure you and your sitter discuss payment plans and agree on all terms, preferably in writing. Be sure to settle on the per-day or per-visit fee, any amount to be paid in advance, terms for final payment, etc.

• House Rules: Whether or not your sitter will be staying in your home while you are away, let him or her know your expectations regarding use of your home and appliances, food, and so on. Also set terms for visitation by the sitter's friends.

Write Down Each Detail of Care

Make sure the sitter has complete directions regarding the care and feeding of each pet. Information to share might include the following:

• Feeding: Provide instructions for each pet, including who, when, where, what, and how; for example: What are your preferred feeding times? Where should the food be placed? What food should be given to each pet? What should the sitter do if multiple pets compete for food? Should the sitter wait around until the food is gone and then clean up the dishes immediately, or should the food be left out unattended for the evening or overnight?

• Medication: Leave complete instructions for administering; for example: Where is the medication stored? When is it given? What’s the dosage? How is the medication administered? It’s a good idea to demonstrate the process to the sitter during your home visit, and, if possible, have the sitter do the same in your presence prior to your departure.

• Exercise: Provide exercise instructions. How often are walks? How should the sitter clean up after the dogs? Should your cats have interactive playtime daily?

• Household Tasks: Provide explicit instructions for household maintenance, which is needed. How often should the litter box be cleaned? Where should the mail be stored? Does the garbage need to go out, and when? Should the sitter answer your phone? What about your security alarm?

How to Reach You

Of course you will provide your sitter with all emergency contact information such as the following:

Where You Will Be: Leave a detailed itinerary, including hotel contact information and cell-phone numbers.

Local Contacts: Provide names and numbers of at least one local contact who can help in an emergency. This can be a local relative, a trusted neighbor, or a close friend.

Veterinarian: Naturally you will list your veterinarian's name, address, and number. Also, if your vet uses an after-hours emergency service, also provide that contact information.

Now Go Vacate and Relax

With all arrangements attended to, now you can go on your trip with your mind a bit more at ease. Pet parents are always going to worry about and miss furry family members, but by taking time to make these preparations, you can rest assured your pets will be well cared for until your return. You will most likely call and check in a few times but don’t overdo it; you have hired an excellent sitter to tend to your “fur babies.”

Written by Dee Hopkins in collaboration with Ginger Sprinkle @ nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).

The Right Sitter/Pet Match is a Win-Win-Win

Does your near future include some out-of-home time? Are you preparing to travel for work or go on a well-deserved vacation? Instead of boarding your pet/s at the kennel or asking a friend to take care of your furry family members in your absence, why not consider hiring a professional petsitter?

Of course, you don’t want just anybody taking care of your pets and entering your home. Alleviate the worries by doing your homework and selecting a professional petsitter with a loyal following and solid reputation.

Some guidelines to consider when choosing the best fit for your pet’s well-being and your peace of mind include:

• Check the company’s references; ask for at least three.
• Ensure the company is fully bonded and insured.
• Confirm your petsitter has undergone a criminal background check and has received proper training.
• Pre-interview a petsitter with your pet/s present to observe interactions and establish a “comfort level” for both you and the pet/s.
• Let your petsitter know how you would like her to use the visits’ time in terms of walking, playing, feeding, cleaning, etc.
• Verify the sitter can accommodate both your pet’s daily feeding and walking schedule as well as your desired vacation schedule, even during the busiest holidays.
• Ensure the company offers seven-day per week telephone and e-mail availability.
• Provide medical and behavioral history about your pet/s as well as veterinary and other emergency contact information.
• Gather all necessary supplies, including food, vitamins, and treats in one central location.
• Ensure the company has “backup” measures in place should your petsitter have an emergency that prevents her from completing the assignment.  

By covering all the bases, you can travel without worry as part of a win-win-win scenario for all – you, your pet, and the petsitter.

Check back in to stay posted on our upcoming blog topics as we cover how to pamper your pets, and how I will aim to do the same!

For pet-sitting with a personal touch, contact Dee Hopkins at 517.546.0439 and visit http://www.ddspetpatrol.com.

Meet DD’s Pet Patrol – Pet-sitting at its Best in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan

Where to start? That’s easy. I love my pets and will treat your fur babies as I want mine treated when I am not home.

With that said, let me explain how and why I chose to start a pet-sitting business in October 2008. In these recessionary times, I lost my full-time office job. Because I love animals more than I like most people, I decided a career working with animals seemed to be the best option for me. Thus, I laid the groundwork for DD's Pet Patrol.

I have an affinity for rescued pets, although -- of course -- I love all pets! My furry kids are all rescues. Let’s start with Boomer, an Australian Shepherd who will be 4 in April. He has special needs, as he is epileptic and on medication twice a day. Boomer is my Velcro dog and I think he loves me more than anything in the world. Then there’s Munchkin, an orange and white Tabby cat who is just a love. She is kind, affectionate and just a lot of fun to be around. Did I mention she is also very investigative and extremely thick-headed?! Next we have Trouble -- a Calico cat who should have been a dog, and thinks she is. In fact, we think she may be a Beagle trapped in a cat's body.  Trouble is a typical cat in that she wants you to love on her, when -- and only when -- she has that loving feeling. Both the girls will be a year old in April and were adopted from the Humane Society of Livingston County.

When I am away, I want my animals treated with kindness and respect. I want them cared for in the manner they are accustomed to when I am here. They are my children and should be treated as such. Most of all, they should feel loved and receive extra special attention because they miss their "mommy.” This is what I promise to provide for your pets when you leave me in charge of your “loved” furry ones.

Check back in to stay posted on the upcoming blog topics as we cover how to pamper your pets, and how I will aim
to do the same!

For pet-sitting with a personal touch, contact Dee Hopkins at 517.546.0439 and visit http://www.ddspetpatrol.com.

Written by Dee Hopkins in collaboration with Ginger Sprinkle @ nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).