Doggie Day Trips To The Beach

Till the end of May, 2013, Wag Watchers - North Port, FL location is offering special rates for dogige day trips to Venice dog park and beach. For more information, visit our website or call us toll free at: 866.749.1551

Turtle Care 101

Turtles are beautiful animals that can live up to 10 years or more with proper care. The tips that follow will give you a foundation for basic turtle care. Be sure to also research specific care information for your turtle's species.

Turtle or Tortoise?
Unlike land-dwelling tortoises, turtles live in or near water, have webbed feet and eat meat or a combination of meat and vegetation. Some of the most popular species include Red Ear Sliders, Painted Turtles, Northern Map Turtles and Wood Turtles.

Turtle housing
Turtles should be kept in tanks that provide water for swimming and a dry area for basking. Make sure the water area is large enough for swimming and diving. Tanks should also be at least 20 gallons or larger, especially as the turtles gain in size. Red Ear Sliders, for example, can grow up to 11 inches and will need more space as they grow. 

Heat and lighting
Since turtles can't generate their own body heat, heat and lighting are needed. They will help your turtle regulate his body temperature and maintain a healthy shell. You should provide both fluorescent light for his health and incandescent light for heat. 

Clean
It's essential to keep the water clean in your turtle's tank. For healthy water conditions, clean and/or partially change the water at least once a week. Also consider a canister filter or a power filter, depending on your tank setup. 

Diet
Because turtles are omnivores, most will eat meal-worms and insects such as live crickets. Leafy vegetables and turtle food are also part of a nutritious diet. Start by feeding young turtles daily, then feed switch to 4 or 5 times per week for adult turtles. Provide variety with insects, dark leafy greens and canned or pelleted turtle food. 

Salmonella
Like other animals, turtles can carry salmonella in their intestinal tracts and feces. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling your turtle or cleaning the tank.

Top Feeding Mistakes by Cat Owners

Milk The sight of a cat lapping up milk is an iconic image, but many cats actually become lactose intolerant once they reach adulthood. For them, drinking milk on a regular basis can lead to an upset stomach and diarrhea. It's fine as an occasional treat, but milk shouldn't be given regularly and never as a replacement for water as this could lead to dehydration.

Tuna diet Your cat may find tuna's strong smell and taste addicting, but a tuna diet is one lacking in nutrition. It doesn't have enough vitamin E and can lead to increased levels of mercury. Keep it on the list of rare treats and provide a proper diet with quality cat food instead.   Neglecting life-stage feeding It's important to feed your cat the proper food for her stage of life. Kitten food, for example, has more protein and fat, while senior cat food will often have less calories. Certain cat foods also address different health issues. To maintain your cat's health, feed her a premium food that is appropriate for her needs at that stage of life.   Dog food  Believe it or not, some cats are eating dog food -- usually cats in multi-pet homes with various food bowls. If Kitty is dipping into Fido's bowl at your home, discourage her. Dog food doesn't provide the levels of protein or taurine cats need for good health.   Table scraps  Feeding table scraps can lead to weight issues and health problems for your cat. Keep in mind also that with table scraps, you're teaching your cat to be more finicky! It's better to avoid feeding kitty any leftovers.

If you need more information or need a pet sitter for your babies, visit our website at WagWatchers.com  - We promise they will have a GREAT TIME!!!

Find a real home for your dog to stay while you are away OR find out how to become a Wag Watchers pet host.

Browse to see what areas we cover in Florida and New Jersey to find a pet care provider in your area or call us at 1-866-749-1551

Keeping an Odor-Free Dog & Home

As a dog owner, you must inevitably deal with doggie odor. But it doesn't have to be difficult to manage. Use these tips for a better smelling dog and home...

Find the cause
It's best to find out what's causing your dog's odor first. Does Fido love to roll in smelly things or does he have a skin condition? Check with your vet if you suspect the latter. Also, some breeds have an oily hair coat that can build up odor, while others are predisposed to skin problems. Don't forget, ear infections and gum disease can cause odor as well. Determine the cause and ensure there are no health problems before choosing the best solution.

Bath time 
Barring any health issues, the smelly dog problem could be cleared up with regular bathing and the right shampoo. Dog shampoos have gone beyond the flea and tick variety. There are now medicated shampoos, anti-bacterial shampoos, formulas with oatmeal or chamomile, water less shampoos and others. Choose one that suits your dog's needs and bathe and groom him regularly.

Grooming all over
Besides bathing, your dog has other grooming needs that can affect his smell. Be sure to clean his ears, check his skin, clean his teeth and brush his fur. Some breeds have oilier fur, but if your dog suddenly develops an oily coat and smelly, flaky skin, he may have seborrhea, a skin condition that should be treated by a vet. Anal glands can also cause odors due to oily secretions and are a common problem. Check with your veterinarian to see if the glands should be expressed. Some groomers may do this as well.

Odor from within 
Does your dog have a flatulence problem? If so, take a closer look at his diet. This type of issue can point to an intestinal problem or may be a matter of improper nutrition. If your dog is usually gassy, switch to a high-quality dog food that provides a proper diet. 

Home and bedding
Once Fido is clean, eliminate the doggy smell at home by treating his bedding and other areas often. Your dog's bed, for example, should get washed or have a washable cover. Extend the cleaning indoors with vacuuming and carpet cleaning. Pet cleaners are a must as well. 

Potty Taining Puppy

You might be a little frustrated right now because house training is not progressing as fast as you had hoped. Your puppy just doesn't seem to get it… Or, maybe you are planning ahead and want to start potty training on the right paw!

Every puppy presents different challenges, but there are common instincts that will facilitate the house training process. This article will detail a training program with techniques that will house train your puppy as soon as possible and foster a trusting and loving relationship between you and your pup.

It’s normal for a young puppy to be a little ‘input-output’ machine. Since they are growing and developing rapidly at this stage, they eat more food, burn up more energy and seem to need to eliminate constantly! Puppies have not yet developed bowel and bladder control, so they can’t ‘hold it’ as long as adult dogs.

Puppies need time to developed a “den” instinct to cause them to want to ‘hold it’ and not soil
the den, i.e., your entire house. In their litter, puppies just go whenever and wherever they happen to be! Successful house training depends upon your diligent supervision so you can be there to show your pup where to eliminate.

Just so you know, a puppy is never completely house trained until they are 6 months old. For some breeds, even later. This means that though you may be making tremendous progress house training  there will be “mistakes”. Sometimes for reasons you can’t figure out! Don’t fret about it. Stay focused on the progress you are making. Your confidence in the techniques you are using to house train your puppy will ensure your success.

Your Five Rules for House Training

• Give your puppy frequent access to his toilet area – prevent soiling in the house.

• Reward the pup for peeing or pooping in the right place – use a special treat.

• Never punish the pup for house training “mistakes” – scolding has dire consequences.

• Put your puppy on a regular and timely feeding schedule – in/out clockwork.

• Know when your puppy last eliminated – keep a diary.

Posted in Behavior & Training, dog training, dogs around the house

If you need more information or need a pet sitter for your babies, visit our website at WagWatchers.com  - We promise they will have a GREAT TIME!!!

Find a real home for your dog to stay while you are away OR find out how to become a Wag Watchers pet host.

Browse to see what areas we cover in Florida and New Jersey to find a pet care provider in your area or call us at 1-866-749-1551

Facts About Walking your Dog

Everyone knows its great for you and your dog to walk regularly. Here are some facts about walking your pooch.

A study by Michigan State University showed that people who walk their dogs regularly are 34% more likely to meet expected levels of exercise, with a recommended level of 150 minutes of activity such as dog walking per week.

A study done in shelters by Psychology Today, sited that dogs who were walked regularly, were significantly happier and noticeably healthier, than those who were not walked regularly.

Dogs are easier to train, and respect their owners authority more if walked regularly.

For more information about dog walking visit our website!