Pet Care

Allergies, hot spots, dermatitis, mange….just a few irritating issues that can affect your pet’s skin.  Some more serious than the others, but all can cause your pet to  scratch uncontrollably, itch everywhere and just be miserable.

Pets can have allergic reactions to many different stimuli.  The hard part is figuring out the cause and the corresponding solution.  Anytime you see something on your pet that concerns you or you are unsure of,  contact us for advise or go to the vet…better to be safe than sorry.  Feel free to text or email us pictures as well.

Most skin issues will not be life threatening (except in very young or very old pets), but you always want to err on the side of caution when it comes to your furry family members.   Visible skin irritations and rashes may appear suddenly or progressively get worse over a period of time.  What you need to know is how to handle these issues but first you need to have an understanding of what it is.

(more…)

We may not want to lock our pets away in a separate room or a crate, and we don’t necessarily have to, when we have options.  Training all year long is recommended so your pets are used to strangers and children.  You can work with a trainer, or self educate by reading dog training blogs and books.  Plus I am always here to answer any questions you may have.  During the festivities though, be sure your pets have a safe, quiet place to escape to when they need to.  If your pet is an escape artist and tends to dart out the door, then definitely put them in a separate room until all your guests have arrived or the trick-or-treating is done.

If your dog is overly excited when new people visit and tend to jump, and working with a trainer is not an option, then the best solution is to separate them until the excitement of everyone arriving is over.  Another option to calm excited or anxious pets is to give them some Rescue Remedy or Pet Calm, which calms your pets naturally with chamomile, lavender, and other calming herbs.  The Thundershirt is also a great, new pressure wrap that applies a gentle, constant pressure on a dog’s torso. The Thundershirt is like a constant, calming hug for your dog!

Inviting guests over prior to the party to introduce them to your pets properly would help with the anxiety as well.  This will help teach your dog how to introduce themselves to newcomers and to learn not to jump and get overly excited.  Also, provide plenty of socialization by bringing your dogs to the dog park and taking them for walks.  This gets them used to being around other people, children and other dogs.