Tips for Giving Your Dog a B-A-T-H

Does the spoken word “bath” send your dog scampering under the sofa? Does it bring dread to you knowing when they're finally free they will charge -- soaking wet -- onto your bed – damp-dog smell and all?

Many challenges result from dogs being afraid of the noise, disliking a soap scent, or simply not caring for the feel of water on their skin. Nevertheless, when your dog starts to smell like a dog, it’s bath time. Regardless of how you do it, dog baths need to be a regular event in your home, no matter how messy or unpleasant the job can be. Whether you are able to bathe your dog outdoors in warm weather or need to give baths indoors in a tub, we will offer some pointers here to help make your job as a fur parent a bit easier.

Start When They’re Young

It’s easier to get a puppy adjusted to being bathed and having nail trims and grooming than it is for an older pet. If you do adopt an older dog, present grooming as a fun part of your routine. Select a special treat for after-the-bath time and perhaps let them take a favorite water toy in the tub during the rub-a-dub-dub.

Brush First

For dogs with long hair that easily mats and tangles, purchase a commercial conditioner readily available at your local pet store. Apply and gently work out mats to prevent your dog from fearing the brush. Cornstarch or baby oil can also be applied to stubborn mats to help smooth fur and work out tangles prior to brushing.

Tangled wet fur is to be avoided. Brush your dog before bathing so fur is smooth and mat-free. Prep by spraying your dog with a light coat of water or conditioner to smooth the fur and make brushing more pleasant.

Gentleness is Key

Dogs have sensitive areas, too, and generally don't like water in their eyes and ears; use a damp cloth to clean the face while keeping the shampoo and conditioner away from the area.

If grooming is problematic for your pet, make sure there's no medical reason for the discomfort such as raw or itchy patches of skin that can be irritated by brushing too hard or that result from using a harsh shampoo.

Be Fast and Efficient

Bathe your dog as quickly as possible to make the process less stressful for both of you. Be thorough and do a good cleaning, but whether you're using an indoor tub or shower or bathing in the yard, do it as quickly as you can. Dry your dog immediately using a pet chamois, lots of big soft towels, or a hair dryer set to a low setting.

Dogs Will Be Dogs

At some point in their lives even the perfect dog will get into something incredibly sticky like tar or sap. Removing this from fur can hurt, but most sticky spots can be softened by applying peanut butter or shortening and working the mat loose with your fingers; olive oil can also be used to loosen the mat. For more solid masses like gum, try freezing the mat with an ice cube and breaking it loose from the fur.

Rest assured, your pet will be a lot happier – after the fact – when he or she is nice and clean. And, believe it or not, with a little preparation and the right tools it can actually be fun for both of you after you get used to the process.

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 at nine dots branding & marketing company (ginger@ninedotsbranding.com).

Soaring Temperatures Require Special Pet Care

With this summer’s temperatures hitting 100-degrees-plus across the US, it’s time for a reminder on how to keep your pets safe and cool. Basically, anything a human needs a pet needs in these heatwaves. Just be mindful of the major mistakes pet owners make and don’t be guilty of making them. Irreversible damage can be done in seconds, in some cases.

We all know leaving a pet in a parked car can be a deadly mistake. The interior temperature easily can reach 120 degrees in a few minutes. Don’t think partially open windows will protect your pet from heatstroke -- or worse. When temperatures are on the rise, please keep your pet at home.

When exercising your dog, do so in the morning or evening when temperatures and pavement are cool.
 Better yet, simply stay off concrete and asphalt. Your dog's feet should be safe on grass while you exercise together. Summer heat can turn a road as hot as a frying pan. Even though your dog's feet are tougher than yours, the scorching surface of the road or sidewalk can do serious damage in no time flat.

Dogs should NEVER be in truck beds, but if they are they can suffer serious injury or heatstroke. Debris from the road damages eyes, not to mention they can easily jump or fall out of the truck bed. Think about their feet, too. If you cannot touch the hot truck bed with your bare hand, your dog should not be suffering on the hot metal. It’s also not a good idea to let dogs hang their head out of open car windows at any time because, again, they can get debris in their eyes.

If your pet is outside during the day for any reason, remember to provide shady protection from the sun and plenty of fresh water. Keep in mind older, short muzzled, and overweight dogs are more likely to overheat during hot weather.

Comfort pets during a thunderstorm or fireworks’ event. Make sure every animal, including livestock, has current and legible identification tags or a microchip ID. Keep your pet/s indoors in a safe area and never leave them unattended outside.

Pets can get sunburns so they should have sunblock applied to sun-sensitive areas such as tips of ears, nose, the belly, and groin areas that typically have sparse hair coverage and thinner skin. Cats love to sunbathe and dogs often will belly up for some sunning as well. Think about getting season-appropriate groomings for cats and dogs to reduce matting and keep them comfortable in the heat. What products are safe to use for pets? Remember dogs -- and especially cats -- are adept at licking off topical lotions, sprays, and creams. These substances can be toxic for dogs and more so for cats. It was once recommended that anything safe for human babies would be OK to use on pets with supervision (let the lotion soak in before licking can occur); this is a guideline, but with the following considerations in mind. 
Using products on a species not covered by product usage guidelines is off-label usage. Please consult with your veterinarian prior to using any human products or medications on your pet.

If traveling with your pet, add these to your vacation checklist: current ID tags and vaccines, copies of health records and medications, your pet’s regular food and water, and don’t forget a leash.

For pet-sitting with a personal touch, contact Dee Hopkins at 517.546.0439 and Like us on Facebook at DD’s Pet Patrol LLC.

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

Toxic Human Items for Pets

When it comes to a list of human foods you should not feed your pets nor allow them to accidentally get into, we all know chocolate is the most notorious; it doesn’t stop there by any means. Let’s take a look at other fatal foods, plants, and household items that can be deadly for your pets. Make sure even when putting the remnants of these in your trash that your four-legged babies cannot gain access to them.

The following foods may be dangerous to your pet: 

·         Alcoholic beverages 

·         Apple seeds 

·         Apricot pits 

·         Avocados

·         Baby food (can contain onion powder)

·         Bones from fish, poultry, or other meat sources (can splinter and rupture their organs on the interior or cause obstruction or laceration of the digestive system)

·         Canned tuna (large amounts can cause malnutrition since it lacks proper levels of vitamins and minerals. It can also lead to thiamine deficiency.)

·         Cherry pits

·         Candy (particularly chocolate, which is toxic to dogs, cats and ferrets, and any candy)

·         Coffee (grounds, beans, chocolate-covered espresso beans) 

·         Fat trimmings

·         Garlic and garlic powder

·         Grapes, raisins and currants (As few as seven grapes can be fatal to a dog)

·         Hops (used in home beer brewing) 

·         Macadamia nuts 

·         Marijuana or remnants – cooking or otherwise

·         Milk or other dairy products (some adult cats and dogs may develop diarrhea if given large amounts of dairy products)

·         Moldy foods 

·         Mushrooms and mushroom plants 

·         Mustard seeds 

·         Onions and onion powder 

·         Persimmons

·         Potato leaves and stems (green parts) 

·         Raw eggs

·         Raw meat

·         Rhubarb leaves 

·         Salt 

·         Sugary foods

·         Table scraps (Table scraps are not nutritionally balanced. They should never be more than 10% of the diet. Fat should be trimmed from meat; bones should not be fed.)

·         Tea (caffeine) and tea bags

·         Tobacco

·         Walnuts 

·         Xylitol 

·         Yeast dough

Of course, keep your household cleaners and products safely locked away or out of reach. Here are a few, in particular, to keep away from your pets:

·         Antifreeze

·         Liquid potpourri

·         Polyurethane glue

·         Pennies

·         Pine-oil cleaners

·         String

A recent list of the top pet-poisoning claims in, according to VPI, a pet health insurance company comprises:

·         Raisins/Grapes

·         Mushrooms

·         Marijuana

·         Lily flowers

·         Walnuts

·         Onion

·         Sago Palm

·         Macadamia nuts

·         Azalea flowers

·         Hydrangea flowers

For poison-related emergencies, call the Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435. If in doubt, take your pet to your emergency veterinarian clinic immediately!

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).

Beware of Tick Time 2012

Due to this year’s extremely mild winter and much warmer spring weather so far, ticks are out and about in record numbers – and will be through spring, summer and fall. Pets and their humans have to take cover and be aware to prevent disease carried by ticks and other parasites. 

Pets and their people have good reason for concern in 2012. Transmission from pets to humans – called “zoonotic” transmission – are almost completely preventable. The most common concerns include fleas and ticks – external parasites that not only cause our pets discomfort, but also pose some risk of transmitting disease to humans. Ticks can transmit serious diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and others.

Have a conversation with your veterinarian about both internal and external parasite control. In addition to administering the necessary preventive treatment, there also are several things you can do to protect your family and pets:

·         Keep the grass cut short in yards, and if you have to overgrown areas wear long clothing to prevent ticks from accessing your skin.

·         After spending time outside in the yard, woods, playing area and/or beach, make sure you check yourself, your children, and your pets for ticks.

·         Encourage everyone in the family – kids in particular – to practice good personal hygiene and prevent exposure to places that may be contaminated.

Dietary Tick Preventatives

·         Garlic – Garlic given as a dietary supplement makes the dog less appealing to ticks, too. The smell is excreted through the skin and repels both ticks and fleas. However, garlic contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which can damage red blood cells and cause anemia in dogs. A couple of cloves per day is completely safe but don’t overdo it.

·         Apple cider vinegar – Apple cider vinegar adds acidity to your dog’s blood, making it less appealing to ticks and fleas. Add 2 tablespoons of the apple cider vinegar to the dog’s food or water bowl as a preventative.

Please just keep a close eye out and be smart when working to prevent ticks on your pets and in your home.

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).

Win the Flea Battle This Summer Season

Along with the hot weather come the fleas. It’s important to make sure your dog is protected from these pesky parasites – not just in summer, but year-round. However, summer is when they thrive since these small, dark-brown insects prefer temperatures of 65-80 degrees and humidity levels of 75-85 percent. But do keep in mind for some areas of the country they are more than just a "summer" health annoyance.

Your Fido doesn’t have to venture far to pick up fleas; he can come into contact with them anywhere from your yard to the park, or even by coming into contact with another dog that is carrying them. Fleas will not only latch on to a dog, but tend to spread to infest a home, other animals that live there, and even humans; flea bites are no fun for anyone.

While there are more than 2,000 types of fleas on the planet, the dog flea thrives specifically on canine blood. Once female fleas taste blood, they begin to reproduce with eggs that will hatch anywhere from two days to two weeks later. This period is the trouble zone: the delay is one of the things that make fleas so difficult to eradicate. Be sure the product you buy will kill live fleas and eggs or you will be fighting a losing battle.

Signs of Fleas on Your Dog

If your dog is scratching and itching, particularly around the base of the tail and along the belly, there are most likely fleas already attached. A severe infestation can result in your dog scratching so badly he can draw blood or begin to lose fur. While you may not be able to see the tiny fleas, you most likely can see dried blood that has already passed through the flea's system that will be on the skin and around the dog's bed space; eggs can sometimes also be seen, showing up as tiny white nodules.

Beat Pests to the Punch

The best approach to this horrific attack on your dog is to stop the fleas before they start. With these parasites, it is so much easier to prevent an infestation than it will be to fight one. Ask your veterinarian to recommend the most effective kind of pest repellent for your dog. For many, that means administering a monthly dose of a strong-smelling liquid that will get rid of fleas, ticks and other small pests.

Don’t forget other pets in the home when using a prevention method. Some flea medications are safe only for dogs and can be dangerous to other pets, such as cats; this includes felines who are not only around dogs but also share sleeping arrangements or toys with their canine siblings. Cats who ingest some dog-only flea medications can become very ill, so be sure to be specific about other pets when determining the best treatment.

Mosquitoes Love Heat, Too

Along with the fleas that crave warm weather, expect mosquitoes to be right by their side. Mosquito bites can lead to the fatal heartworm disease, so it’s vital to make sure your pet is up-to-date on worming medications as well as flea prevention. While the highly effective and recommended products might be a bit costly, they are well worth every penny to keep your dog – and your household – flea free and healthy year-round.

There’s no other way dogs get heartworms than from an infected mosquito; there’s no way to tell if a mosquito is infected. That’s why prevention can be a lifesaver for your pet. The bite of one mosquito infected with the heartworm larvae will give your dog heartworm disease. The problem: it takes approximately seven months after a dog is bitten by an infected mosquito for larvae to become adult heartworms, which then lodge in the heart, lungs, and surrounding blood vessels and begin reproducing. Adult worms can grow up to 12 inches in length and can live 5 to 7 years.

Heartworm Complications Can Be Heartbreaking

A dog can have as many as 250 worms in its system. Simply put, heartworm is a horrible disease that can lead to a dog’s death if left untreated. Again, go the prevention method instead of the expense and heartbreak that will certainly occur if your dog contracts this disease.

In warmer climates, these flea and heartworm prevention treatments are typically year-round, but in cooler areas treatment should begin in early Spring before the danger season starts. Your veterinarian will be your best source for current information. Keep your pets 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).

Healthy Pet Food Will Mean the World to Your Dog or Cat

As more pet owners became aware of -- and more diligent about -- the importance of nutritious diets for humans, doesn’t it make sense to think the same way about your dogs and cats? Would you be running on full and healthy gears if you started the day with a breakfast of -- let’s say -- doughnuts and a pot of coffee? Most likely you would not be at your best, even if you think you are due to the sugar and caffeine rush.

Proper pet nutrition -- quite simply put -- results in a healthier pet. An optimal coat, stronger bones and muscles, and healthy vital organs are just a few benefits. Pet foods with healthy ingredients result in fewer digestive and allergy complications along with less intestinal gas and firmer and fewer stools. Don’t think your pet’s mood and behavior is not also affected by food intake either; the better the food, the better the behavior. The real bottom line is twofold: the healthier your pet, the less you pay in veterinarian bills over the long run and most important is the fact your pet can enjoy a longer -- and higher quality -- life.

How to Choose?

Many of today’s products are labeled natural or organic and include ingredients said to promote health such as blueberries and salmon oil. This advertising makes it even more challenging to determine what is high-quality food and what is the canine or feline equivalent of junk food. Ideally, you will reach the right diet decision for your dog or cat through a combination of research combined with your veterinarian’s recommendation.

The most important thing to remember when shopping for healthy dog and cat diets is they are meant to eat meat. If you question this, look at your pet's teeth! Animals that are meant to eat primarily herbivorous diets do not have pronounced canines but flat teeth well suited for grinding. Any diet for your dog or cat should have high meat content. Ideally, meats should be listed as the first three or four ingredients on the label.

Despite the economy, US pet owners spent $51 billion on their pets in 2011. Dog and cat nutrition is a major business arena and companies know this, producing a virtual smorgasbord of options with big differences in quality from one brand to the next. It may take some research and experimentation to find the right food for your dog or cat, but you will be repaid for these efforts by many happy, healthy years with your beloved pets.

Separating the Good from the Bad

The first five ingredients on the label are the most important as they comprise the bulk of the recipe; the first 10 ingredients typically make up 90% of the recipe.

The first ingredient in the food should always be a specifically named protein, such as chicken or salmon. Meat by-products (also known as meat or bone meal, by-product meal, animal by-product, chicken by-product, etc.) are not equal to meat; they are the slaughter leftovers once the meat has been removed and can include some awful things.

Healthy whole grains should be in the top five ingredients. These supply carbohydrates your pet needs for energy. Try to avoid processed or altered grains such as brewers rice, wheat glutens, wheat flour, shorts, or middlings. These are inexpensive fillers, which are hard to digest and offer little nutritional value.

Try to avoid foods that list corn, in any formulation, within the top five ingredients. Corn is an economical carbohydrate for manufacturers to use but it is virtually indigestible and offers little nutritional value.

Whole vegetables are nutrient-rich and easy to digest. Vegetables are important because they are a great source of antioxidants, which are essential to your pet's good health. Whole fruits are healthy but experts agree they are not necessary in a pet’s diet. Also, if they are listed after the fifth ingredient, the portion is too small to impact the pet's health.

Two particular preservatives to avoid are "BHA" (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) and "BHT" (Butylated Hydroxytoluene). Research shows these chemicals have caused cancer in laboratory animals. Natural preservatives such as vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and vitamin E (tocopherols) are much safer and healthier.

The highest quality food will not be beneficial if your pet won't eat it. Don't be afraid to try more than one brand and see how they work out. Nearly all manufacturers allow you to return unused portions to the place of purchase if your pet turns his or her nose up at it.

When you’re tempted to buy a cheaper brand of perhaps a well-known, commercial food, remember: your pet will need less food if it's high-quality and contains top-notch ingredients, so don't think you're saving money by buying the cheapest choice or whatever is on sale. Pet food manufacturers spend millions of dollars a year in advertising campaigns to make their brand known to you. When you hear "Pedigree" or "Science Diet" or "Purina," do you instantly trust the name because you hear it so often? It's a natural human inclination to automatically trust someone or something we know; it's what you don't know that can be harmful for your dog or cat.

The Bottom Line for the Bowl

Finally, to summarize, remember to make certain the pet food you buy is high in protein, not grain-based, and AAFCO-tested. The AAFCO -- the American Association of Feed Control Officials -- is a watchdog group that sets food-testing and labeling standards.

Bone appetite to you and yours!

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).

How to Find a Lost Pet and Block Their Exit Strategy

I covered the importance of pet micro-chipping in December but keep in mind that’s just one way to keep your dog or cat safely at home. I’d like to share a few other tips to help prevent a pet from getting lost and to direct you on how to find your fur baby if the unimaginable happens.

Keeping your Pet Safe

• Keep your personal information and your alternate contact information up to date.
• Always keep a collar on your pet and be sure it is securely attached.
• Look around your house and garden for ways your pet can get out; check for loose fencing or gaps keeping an eye out for new “escape routes.”
• Keep fence gates securely locked.
• Never allow pets to roam freely in the neighborhood; leash them at all times.
• Always transport a dog or cat in a proper carrier.
• Regularly take clear, up-to-date photos of your pet. Take close-up shots that show details well; you want your pet to be unmistakable.
• Train your pet to associate a "dog whistle" with pleasant things. Blow the whistle each time before you feed them and they will be more likely to respond to the whistle when they are lost if they associate the sound with feeding time.
• Make sure you can always be located when your pet is found.

         

How to Find a Pet Faster

• Search your property thoroughly.
• Walk the neighborhood, talk to everybody, and leave your phone number.
• Make noise, like calling your pet’s name, while you walk the neighborhood. Animals respond to sound.
• Bring a flashlight -- even in daylight hours -- for checking dark spaces.
• Place strong-scented personal articles outside your home; animals find their way home by scent along with sound.
• Visit your local dog warden and all rescue centers in surrounding areas; calling is not enough.
• Post tons of posters within a one-mile radius of where your pet was lost.
• Place an ad in your local newspaper; check "found" ads daily.
• Post on Facebook and other social media and ask everyone to please share the post.

Stay Safe When Collecting a Found Pet

• NEVER respond to a "found" pet contact alone; take a friend with you and arrange to meet in a public place.
• NEVER invite the person to your home unless you know the person well.
• Beware of scams. A common swindle is a person calling and claiming to have your pet in a different town; they then ask for the money to ship your pet to you. This person does not have your pet; they are simply trying to swindle your money.
• Don't look for your pet alone, during the day or night; ALWAYS bring a friend, especially in unfamiliar neighborhoods.

If a beloved pet does get lost, remember: don’t give up. Pets have been known to find their way back home after being lost for many months, and even years in some cases – at times across hundreds of miles!

         

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).