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!

“Eabor Goes To The Dogs”

Wag Watchers will be at the "Eabor Goes To The Dogs" on Saturday, March 30th, 2013 from 10:00am to 1:00pm. Come on out and see the unveiling of our new Mascot and enter our Free Raffle drawing. We will also be giving away samples of Nimah's Nibble homemade grain and wheat free dog cookies. We look forward to seeing everyone there!!!

Fun Day 4 Paws

Hi Everyone,

Don't forget to come out and see us this Saturday at the “Fun Day 4 Paws” - Benefit and Adopt-A-Thon at the American Legion in North Port, FL between 10am and 4pm. We will have a lot of coupons and cool stuff to give away - including 2 Raffles that you can enter for Free!!!

1. A Wag Watchers tote bag filled with toys, treats, shampoos and other cool stuff for you dog.

2. A Easter basket filled with homemade dog treats from Nimah's Nibbles of North Port, FL that your dog will love.

We will also be unveiling - for the 1st time - Wag Watchers pup in full bling.

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