I would like to share just ONE of my experiences as a pet sitter.
In case one wonders what it means to be a Full time-Sole Proprietor
Sunday afternoon…..
* Arrive at Client’s home to take care of 3 Dogs and 2 Horses.
* Let 3 dogs out of their kennels inside Master bedroom and take them to yard for potty and playtime.
* While dogs are outside, I go inside to clean & disinfect kennel full of urine and feces.
* I walk to barn and muck 2 stalls. It has rained all day, thank God for Muck boots.
* Fill trough with water and 2 buckets inside stalls with water too.
* Say Hello to horses and give them some TLC.
* Walk back to home and let dogs inside.
* Play with dogs inside with their ropes.
* Let dogs in, let dogs out, let dogs in, let dogs out, let dogs in, let dogs out let dogs in, let dogs out, let dogs in, let dogs out, let dogs in.
* Feeding time…Feed 3 dogs and watch as they finish for food aggression Replenish their water.
* Let dogs outside in yard after done feeding.
* Walk to barn and feed horses.
* Fasten gates for the night to keep horses in barn.
* Walk back to home and let dogs inside.
* Try to check email for business related items, new clients, questions and scheduling, complete Clients invoice and interrupted by one dog who has attention deficit disorder.
* Take dogs outside to play some more, try and wear down energy levels.
* Come inside with dogs and see if there may be a Holiday movie on t.v. Found a movie, see if dogs might relax for a bit, and they do.
* Time for bed…Let dogs out one more time.
* Night night for me…Take some Ibuprofen and try to sleep.
* 2 dogs trying to sleep in their kennels, but 1 dog howls and howls. Let howling dog outside again, and put her in kennel. She whines herself to sleep.
* Wake up with little sleep and do it all over again for 3 more days.
This job is HARD at times, but I would not change it for the world!
God has blessed me with my business, and I am so thankful♥♥♥
This is a free app that dog owners can use to find their beloved dog!♥♥♥
When you hire a Professional pet sitter, you have peace of mind, trust and security that your pets are in the hands of an experienced pet sitter. I say this to share with you what happened a few days ago while boarding 2 Yorkies at my home. 1 of them became very sick, throwing up an enormous amount of brown liquid. I found droplets of blood the size of a quarter on my kitchen floor and a golf ball size stool the color and consistency of tar. I phoned the owner explaining to him the need to take his boy to the Vet. He agreed, so I drove the Yorkie to the Vet. He was kept for monitoring overnight. He had a bacterial infection and was put on anti-biotics and fluids. The Vet thanked me for bringing him in! You see, as a professional pet sitter I look for symptoms that are not normal. I look at their bowel movements, their activity level, if the pets are eating and drinking and the way the coat looks and so on. I have taken a Pet CPR class, worked for a Veterinarian and have knowledge of certain behaviors of dogs and cats. My pets are my family, if anything does not look right, I address it right away. When pets are staying with me, or I go to a Clients home, I pay attention to all of these factors.♥♥
♥Flea bite hypersensitivity and flea allergic dermatitis is the most common skin disease in pets. And although the allergies usually develop when dogs are young (less than one and up to five years of age), flea allergies can begin at any age. It is the saliva from the flea is actually believed to be the cause of the allergy or sensitivity.
The flea life cycle includes the adult flea, egg, larva and pupa. Adult fleas do bite, but cannot survive long if they are not on the dog. Once the adult flea lays its eggs on the host it will fall off, leaving the eggs to mutate through the rest of their life cycles. This generational process continues on the host pet until the flea population has been eradicated entirely.
The condition described in this medical article can affect both dogs and cats. If you would like to learn more about how flea bite hypersensitivity and flea allergic dermatitis affect cats, visit Pet MD for more info.
Separation anxiety in dogs commonly results in destructive or otherwise inappropriate behavior when an owner leaves the pet or is not in close proximity to it. Behaviors that may be seen include vocalization, destroying objects, digging, or even depression. However, these behaviors may also be due to other conditions or environmental cues. Therefore, it is important for the behaviorist or veterinarian to obtain the dog’s history before attributing separation anxiety as the primary or sole cause of the behavior.
SYMPTOMS AND TYPES
Separation anxiety causes some pets to be extremely destructive while their owners are away. Typically, separation anxiety occurs during the first hour of the owner leaving. They may also vocalize, attempt to follow the owner, or defecate or urinate in the house. Some dogs will stop eating, act depressed, hide, whine, or pant. These dogs will usually behave in an excessively excited manner when the owner returns home.
DIAGNOSTICS
Other behavioral conditions may mimic separation anxiety, so it is important to analyze the symptoms and history of the dog. There may be underlying medical issues, so seeing a veterinarian is an important step. Also, young animals may have other reasons for similar behaviors. For example, teething kittens may need appropriate things to chew on or may not be fully house trained and may not truly be experiencing separation anxiety. Visit ASPCA for more info.
What Is Spaying and Neutering? Spaying and neutering are surgical procedures performed by veterinarians that render dogs incapable of breeding by removing their reproductive organs. When a female dog is spayed (also called an ovariohysterectomy), the ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus are removed. Neutering commonly refers to the castration of males and the complete removal of their testicles.
What Are the Health Benefits of Spaying and Neutering?
Spayed dogs are less likely to develop breast cancer and will not be at risk for ovarian or uterine tumors. Neutered male dogs will not get testicular cancer and they will have a decreased chance of developing prostate enlargement. By neutering male dogs, you lessen their desire to roam, thus decreasing their risk for injury and transmission of infectious disease.
Why Should I Spay or Neuter My Dog?
In addition to the many health benefits, spaying or neutering your dog ensures that he or she won’t contribute to the pet overpopulation problem. Even an unsterilized dog who lives primarily indoors may escape or break away from a leash on a walk and could mate and produce puppies. Each year, millions of homeless dogs are euthanized or end up in shelters simply due to a lack of good homes.
What Are Some Behavioral Issues Associated with Dogs Who Aren’t Spayed or Neutered?
Both male and female dogs will show general behavior signs such as howling, barking and urine marking. There is also a strong need to roam and find a mate, often leading to fighting.
When Is the Best Time to Spay or Neuter My Dog?
It is generally considered safe for puppies as young as eight weeks of age to be spayed or neutered. In animal shelters, surgery is often performed at this age so that puppies can be sterilized prior to adoption. In an effort to avoid the start of urine marking in male dogs and eliminate the chance of pregnancy, it’s advisable to schedule the surgery before your dog reaches six months of age. It’s possible to spay a female dog while she’s in heat, but not always recommended since she may be susceptible to increased blood loss. Though older dogs can be good candidates for sterilization surgery, your vet can best determine if the procedure can safely be performed. Please check with your veterinarian about the best time to spay or neuter your pet.
What Happens When My Dog Is Spayed or Neutered? Will He or She Act Differently?
After sterilization, your dog may be less likely to exhibit certain behaviors, but his or her personality will not change. Spayed and neutered dogs may be predisposed to weight gain, but proper body condition can be maintained with appropriate diet and exercise. Your vet can help you choose a proper diet for your dog.
How Do I Prepare My Pet for Surgery?
Your veterinary clinic will provide pre-surgical advice for you to follow. In general, you should avoid giving your dog any food after midnight the night before surgery. A puppy, however, needs adequate nutrition, and your veterinarian may advise that food not be withheld. Water should generally not be withheld from any canine patient prior to sterilization surgery.
What Is the Recovery Process for Recently Spayed or Neutered Dogs?
Your veterinarian can provide post-operative instructions for you to follow. Although your dog may experience some discomfort after surgery, your vet can take various measures to control pain. Depending on the procedure performed, medication for pain may be sent home with your dog. Here are tips for a safe and comfortable recovery:
Provide your dog with a quiet place to recover indoors and away from other animals.
Prevent your dog from running and jumping for the first few days following surgery.
Discourage your dog from licking the incision site, which may cause infection, by distracting your pet with treats or by using an Elizabethan collar.
Avoid bathing your dog for at least ten days after surgery.
Check the incision site daily to confirm proper healing.
If you notice any redness, swelling or discharge at the surgery site, or if the incision is open, please contact your vet. Also call your vet if your dog is lethargic, has a decreased appetite, is vomiting or has diarrhea following surgery. Reported by ASPCA website.
Common examples of human medications that can be potentially lethal to pets, even in small doses, include:
Pain killers
Cold medicines
Anti-cancer drugs
Antidepressants
Vitamins
Diet Pills
Foods Dogs should completely avoid, told by the ASPCA website.
Alcoholic beverages
Avocado
Chocolate (all forms)
Coffee (all forms)
Fatty foods
Macadamia nuts
Moldy or spoiled foods
Onions, onion powder
Raisins and grapes
Salt
Yeast dough
Garlic
Products sweetened with xylitol
Warm Weather Hazards:
Animal toxins—toads, insects, spiders, snakes and scorpions
Flea bite hypersensitivity and flea allergic dermatitis is the most common skin disease in pets. And although the allergies usually develop when dogs are young (less than one and up to five years of age), flea allergies can begin at any age. It is the saliva from the flea is actually believed to be the cause of the allergy or sensitivity.
Bonham TX Pet Sitter 