Professional Pet Sitting in YOUR home, when you just can't be there!
The "Dog Days of Summer" are HOT for your pets, too! Take EXTRA special care of them during this weather.
Here are tips to help them stay cool and comfy!
NEVER leave your pet in a vehicle when it's hotter than about 70 degrees Fahrenheit outside. Studies confirm: if it's 80 degrees outside, it's 120 degrees inside a car. Cracking the window just isn't enough. Don't leave windows wide open because your pets can jump out,
or be stolen! Leave your pet at home on hot days.
Make sure there's PLENTY of water inside and outside.
We recommend TWO bowls outside, and set them in the shade, so the water doesn't get too hot to drink. This way, if one gets knocked over, there's a second bowl available. Make sure indoor bowls are always filled with fresh, cool water.
Make sure your pets have plenty of outdoor shaded areas, like from trees, tarps, building overhangs.
Garages get HOT! Make sure there's lots of ventilation and keep the air circulating with a fan.
On extra hot days, check on your pet OFTEN. Come home at lunch, ask a neighbor to check in on them, or call a professional pet sitter.
Walk your dogs only in the early morning hours or very late in the evening. The pavement is HOT on their paws and the dogs can over exert themselves. Slow your pace a bit and stop to smell the roses!
Feed them lighter meals; lighter food and less food. Allow time for their food to digest before exercising or playing with them. Do not feed them ice cream. Most dogs and cats don't digest ice cream well. Feed them foods they're used to. This is not the time to start them on new food or treats.
Make sure they're drinking their water and eating. They may eat less, and that's okay for a few days, but do make sure they're still drinking their water.
Don't shave their hair or fur! You can certainly take them to a professional groomer for a bath and trim, but their hair and fur acts as insulation for them. A cool bath would be refreshing for them.
Water play is great, but make sure they take time to rest, just like your kids do.
If they don't cool down, or are panting hard for longer than usual, they appear dizzy, dazed or "out of it," CALL your vet immediately. Your vet may still want to see your pet, but they may be able to assess things first over the phone and save time.
If it's TOO HOT for you, it's TOO HOT for your pets!
1. Make sure all of your pets have a microchip. Keep the microchip information accurate, with your current phone number and address.
2. Make sure your pets are always wearing their collar and tags, and make sure all information, especially your phone number is current.
3. Spay or neuter your pets. If you're a breeder, breed responsibly to avoid unnecessary litters.
4. Make sure your pets are up-to-date on their rabies vaccine. The rabies vaccine is for everyone's safety: your pet, all people and YOU as a homeowner! There are different beliefs and thoughts on frequency for some of the other vaccines, so always discuss this with your vet.
5. Teach your children (and adults for that matter) to respect your animals. Teach them to never hit or kick them, pull their ears, whiskers or tail, or ride them like a horse. Kids are too heavy to ride on the back of a dog.
6. Don't yell, scream, curse at, or belittle your animals. They have feelings too and we must build their confidence, not destroy it.
7. Budget in an annual vet visit for your pets. Choose a vet that fits your budget, working hours, location. Ask other pet owners who they use and recommend. Find a vet who talks with your pet, just as much as they talk with you! This is a true pet lover.
8. Choose high quality pet foods that are free of dyes and colors, preservatives and additives. Just like with humans, poor quality food can affect their health and quality of life.
9. Take the time to train your pets on the basic commands and house rules, or if you don't have the time or knowledge, hire a professional trainer. How can you expect an animal to behave if you haven't taught it right from wrong? They need to learn acceptable (and unacceptable) social skills, just as our kids do.
10. Protect your pets from excessive hot or cold weather, rain, lightning and fireworks.
1. If your dog barks at strangers in your neighborhood, don't be so quick to yell at them to stop! Your dog is alerting you to something "different" and unusual to them, and by barking, they're telling you to check it out.
Once you've checked it out, call them back to you by saying "Come" or "Come Girl" and don't refer to them by their name. Strangers don't need to hear your pet's name, so they can befriend them later!
2. Please keep an eye on your pets. If you peruse craigslist, you'll see that more and more animals are being stolen, especially purebred dogs. Guard them, as they guard you!
