Six Springtime Dog Tips

As Spring days grow longer, many of us are becoming more active with the outdoor activities we enjoy with our dogs. Here are a few tips to help your pooch ease into the fun of hitting the trails:

1. Start the day early by getting outside and enjoying the cool morning air in order to prevent your dog from overheating.

2. Protect your pet's nose, ears and other sensitive areas with sunscreen.

3. Monitor your dog's overall condition; be cautious to prevent exhaustion.

4. Let your dog build up his endurance, don't overdo it by attempting an extended hike early in the season.

5. Make sure that fresh water is readily available.

6. Inspect paws for wear, damage and injury.

Got Fleas or Ticks? Vacuum the Lawn!

No, this is not what Martha Stewart does on weekends. We're talking about removing ticks and fleas from your grass. Using the lawnmower's bag to catch the clippings, rather than mulching them, picks up all kinds of undesirable parasites that have jumped off squirrels, mice and deer into your grass.

You can compost the clippings at the edge of your property where the parasites will be trapped in the pile. Mulching mowers, eco-friendly as they are, do not suck up these blood suckers as well as the bag method does.

Tools to Help Unravel Your Dog's DNA

Many of us with mutts are curious about the breeds lurking in their ancestry. With the invention of Dog DNA tests, it is promised that we can now find out easily. But as many dog owners know, these tests are not always accurate.

I used Biovet to test my Pit Bull/hound mix. Here was her odd result: Akita/Boston Terrier/Schnauzer. Well, at least now I have proof she isn't a Pit if BSL ever comes to my town!

The only way to be certain about your dog's DNA, though, is to do a blood test. This test is over 90 percent accurate and can be done at your vet's. In the meantime, you can make an educated guess.

SPRING Into Parasite Prevention

Spring is here, and that means the warmer weather is bringing us and our pets out of hibernation. Unfortunately, it also means pesky pet parasites are becoming more prevalent.

Did You Know?

Fleas and Ticks are not only a nuisance but have the ability to cause serious illness in your pets and even family! One tiny flea can multiply to over 500 on your pet and in your home in just 3 weeks.

Heartworms are passed by mosquitoes through the bloodstream and into the pet's heart and lungs, causing serious illness and possibly death. Even 100% indoor cats can be become infested with heartworms.

Intestinal Parasites can infest your pet when your pet simply walks through soil that contains worm eggs or larvae or ingests something that carries the parasites. Pets can appear perfectly healthy and still be infected with parasites.

Here's the Good News!

All of these parasites are preventable!
Parasite prevention and treatment can help maintain the health and happiness of your pet. Call your local vet to schedule an appointment, and don't forget to bring a fecal sample for testing.

For Anyone with Pets!!!

Who has pets that have had an accident in the house? This is a Eco~Friendly & $$$ Saving Tip to help clean urine out of your carpet or upholstery. 

Just take a container of regular old table salt and pour a generous amount on the wet area of your carpet. Let is set for several hours and then vacuum it up. The salt absorbs the urine. Anytime I have used this there is no stain or smell that remains. 

How to Keep Your Cat from Having Cling-Ons

Although it’s embarrassing to admit, our cats sometimes have problems keeping their bottoms clean. This is particularly true of obese or long-haired cats. Here’s how to minimize the smelly impact:

Keep the litter box clean. Scoop waste at least twice a day. If you have a covered litter box, remove the cover.

If your cat has messy britches because of diarrhea, talk with your vet. If there’s no disease-based reason for diarrhea, consider switching food brands.

And, of course, when you do clean your kitty, it’s easiest to take care of the mess before it hardens up. If you tug on his fur while trying to remove the cling-ons, your cat won’t appreciate your assistance.

A Headache of a Question: Can Cats Take Aspirin?

When your cat has a headache, can he reach for the aspirin? According to Vet Info, it is possible to give cats aspirin in very low doses. It is recommended that 10mg/lb of body weight or one of the 81mg adult chewable aspirin tablets be given, whichever is less medication.

Aspirin stays in a cat’s system for 72 hours though, so dose infrequently. Too much aspirin can be toxic, as can any amount of Acetaminophen, so skip the Tylenol and Excedrin. And, as with every medication, make sure you talk to your vet first.

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.

Pets Make Babies Healthier

According to a story in today’s U.S. News and Report, a new study from Kuopio University Hospital, in Finland, found that babies in homes with dogs and cats are less likely to get sick.  The study showed that babies were less susceptible to colds, ear infections, and respiratory illnesses. The study of 400 children showed that a child with a dog is 29% less likely to need antibiotics.

“Children who had dog contacts at home were healthier and had less frequent ear infections and needed fewer courses of antibiotics than children who had no dog contacts,” said the study’s lead author, Dr. Eija Bergroth, a pediatrician who worked at Kuopio University Hospital, in Finland, at the time of the study.

Bergroth also noted that “cat contacts did not seem to have as strong of an impact on infection frequency in multivariate analysis as the dog contacts.”

Results of the study, released online July 9, will be published in the August print issue of Pediatrics.

Posted in Cats & Children, dogs around the house, Health & Wellness

Weekend Doggie Fun

If you of live on the Suncoast area there are tons of awesome places to take you dogs for some outdoor fun.  Get our and play. Here are some favorite dog parks…

17th Street Paw Park
4570 17th St., Sarasota

17th Street Paw Park is located within the greater 17th Street Park, situated between Honore Avenue and Beneva Road.

Paw Park amenities:
Drinking fountain for dogs, separate fenced areas for small and large dogs, waste disposal bags and trash cans, benches, covered picnic tables and restrooms

Arlington Paw Park
2650 Waldemere St., Sarasota
Arlington Paw Park is situated within Arlington Park, a 17-acre park, located in Sarasota between Tuttle Avenue and Tamiami Trail. This park is owned by the city of Sarasota and operated by Sarasota County.

Paw Park amenities:
Drinking fountain for dogs, separate fenced areas for small and large dogs, waste disposal bags and trash cans, benches, picnic tables and restrooms.

This Park also features:

Recreation and Aquatic Center, paved trail, passive recreation area, picnicking area, and playground.

Brohard Beach Paw Park
1600 Harbor Drive South, Venice
Brohard Beach Paw Park, a 1-acre park, is situated within the vicinity of several beach parks. 

This park is owned by the City of Venice and operated by Sarasota County.

Paw Park amenities:

Drinking water for dogs, penalty box for dogs that get too frisky, separate fenced areas for small and large dogs, waste disposal bags and trash cans, benches, covered picnic tables, boardwalk to the dog-friendly public beach and restrooms. Dogs are permitted in a restricted area along the beach.

Lakeview Paw Park
7150 Lago Street, Sarasota
Lakeview Park is a 26-acre neighborhood park located in Sarasota, east of Interstate 75, just south of Bee Ridge Road.

Paw Park amenities:

Drinking fountain for dogs, separate fenced areas for small and large dogs, waste disposal bags and trash cans, benches, picnic tables and restrooms.

This park also features:

Disc-golf course, playground and picnic shelter

Woodmere Paw Park
3951 Woodmere Park Blvd., Venice
Woodmere Paw Park is situated within Woodmere Park, a 38 acre park located in Venice near the Jacaranda Library.

Paw Park amenities:

Drinking fountain for dogs, separate fenced areas for small and large dogs, waste disposal bags and trash cans, benches, picnic tables and restrooms.

This park also features:

Recreation Center, fitness trail, passive recreation area, picnicking area and playground.

If you need more information or need a pet sitter to take you babies to one of these facilities, 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

Pets Make Babies Healthier

According to a story in today’s U.S. News and Report, a new study from Kuopio University Hospital, in Finland, found that babies in homes with dogs and cats are less likely to get sick.  The study showed that babies were less susceptible to colds, ear infections, and respiratory illnesses. The study of 400 children showed that a child with a dog is 29% less likely to need antibiotics

“Children who had dog contacts at home were healthier and had less frequent ear infections and needed fewer courses of antibiotics than children who had no dog contacts,” said the study’s lead author, Dr. Eija Bergroth, a pediatrician who worked at Kuopio University Hospital, in Finland, at the time of the study.

Bergroth also noted that “cat contacts did not seem to have as strong of an impact on infection frequency in multivariate analysis as the dog contacts.”

Doggie Dental Care

We all know its important for us to take care of our teeth.  Most of us brush, floss, and go to the dentist at least somewhat regularly. But what are you doing for your dog’s dental health? Canine dental health is important and here are some tips.

First check your pooches mouth. Do the sniff test, bad breathe is normal but terrible breathe should be addressed with your vet. It could mean halitosis or infection. While in there look for swollen gums, sores and visible tooth decay. All of these issues affect your dogs health and should be taken care of by your vet.

Next, invest in a dog tooth brush. You should be brushing your dogs teeth at least weekly. This will help prevent gum disease,cavities, and other oral infections.

Finally, consult your vet for information on professional teeth cleanings, gum scrappings and other ways to prevent dental issues. Your dogs teeth affect it’s health. It is good for you and your pet to take care of these potential issues.

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Make sure to show your dog how much you appreciate them by not sending them to a kennel. Leave your dog with one of our amazing WagWatchers.com pet hosts when you’re out of town! We promise he’ll have a vacation he’ll remember forever.

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

If You Change Vets, Take Your Dog's Records with You

Your relationship with your vet is as important as your relationship with your dog. If you love your dog, you should love your vet. Should you change vets, make sure you either take your dogs medical records with you or have them directly sent to the new vet.

Those records are legally yours, and not legally the property of the former vet. Just as it is for human patients, canine patients' diagnoses depend upon a knowledge of medical history.

Could Your Cat Be Allergic to YOU?

We all know someone who is allergic to cats. But did you know that cats can be allergic to people? The culprits are human skin cells and dandruff. Consider that humans replace their outer layer of skin every day or two and you'll see that it is very possible for your cat to be allergic to his environment.

Symptoms of feline allergies are similar to humans' and include sneezing, coughing and runny nose. As always, it's best to contact your vet if you see any continual symptoms. Medical treatments include steroids and inhalers. But you can start by making changes at home such as replacing chemical cleaning products with natural ones. You can also change your cat litter to something like shredded newspaper. And, in the meantime, you can have sneezing contests to find out who is more allergic to whom.

For a complete list of our services - visit our site at WagWatchers.com

Go Take a Walk

Often times dog owners underestimate the importance of a walk for their pet. In the hustle and bustle of day to day life, owners think a quick romp in the yard is enough. While that play time is fun, walks are essential.

A proper 30 minute walk at least twice a day is one of the best things you can do for your pooch. Walks help your relationship with your dog, who looks to you for leadership. Properly walking your dog on a lead commands respect and helps to lessen behavioral issues.

The health benefits of a good walk for you and your dog are evident. The exercise will keep your dog lean and agile, and help with joint issues. A good walk also helps to calm a hyper active dog.

If possible a dog should be walked for 30 minutes before breakfast, at lunch and after dinner.

Wag Watchers has a great dog walker program, so if you need help walking your pooch, give us a call, we are always happy to help!