Author: Guest Author

Houseplants can help you turn a synthetic-feeling space into one that blends beautifully with your natural surroundings. But while plants are a wonderful design option, some can also pose a threat to your pets. Here’s a quick look at some dangerous — and some not-so-dangerous — houseplants.

 

Aloe Vera

Ingesting aloe vera can make your cat or dog very sick. Vomiting, depression, diarrhea and tremors are all common symptoms of animals who have consumed aloe vera.

If you’re going to keep an aloe vera plant in your home, make sure to hang it out of reach of pets. A lack of interest in food and a change in the color of your pet’s urine are signs of aloe vera poisoning.

 

Azalea

Azaleas are beautiful plants that fit in with many different styles of décor. But they can also pose a serious threat to your pet’s health. Azaleas are poisonous to cats, dogs and horses. Depression, weakness, colic and a slow heart rate are common symptoms of azalea consumption among animals. If too much is eaten, animals can even slip into a coma and die.

Place azaleas in hanging planters outdoors and be sure to keep them off the floor inside your home. It’s a good idea to fence off your gardens if you include azaleas in your home’s landscaping designs.

 

Baby’s Breath

Baby’s breath is a common flower in planned arrangements and small home gardens. But baby’s breath can be toxic to your pets. Signs of ingestion are vomiting, nausea and diarrhea. It’s best to leave baby’s breath to the florist instead of growing it at home.

 

African Violet

Sometimes known as the cape marigold, the African violet is a bold, bright plant that can boost your home’s visual appeal. Best of all, African violets are non-toxic to cats and dogs, making them an ideal choice for animal lovers.

While you probably don’t want your pets eating your African violets, you can rest assured that nothing more than an upset stomach will occur if they nibble on a flower or two.

Bamboo

Bamboo is a house plant that’s easy to maintain and gives your home a modern look. Additionally, you won’t have to worry about serious health problems if your dog takes a bite. Bamboo is non-toxic to both cats and dogs.

 

Basil

Many homeowners like to grow basil in their kitchens, dining rooms or porches. Unlike other household plants, basil is non-toxic and doesn’t pose a threat to your pet’s health. Still, it’s a good idea to keep it on tables, windowsills or in other out-of-reach places.

 

 

Conclusion

Finding the right plants for your pet-friendly home isn’t hard. But as a pet owner, it’s your job to do the research before you bring anything new into your home. Ask the pros at your local nursery which plants are pet-safe and which aren’t.

 

Written contribution by Andrea Davis, Home Advisor.

 

While you’re busy reveling in the joy of the season and the warm embrace of family and friends, your pets could be getting into trouble. Holiday festivities can inadvertently have a negative impact on your pets and their health. Here are five tips to help you keep your pets safe this holiday season:

 

Tip #1 – Decorate with Care

One of the most enjoyable parts of the holiday season is putting up all of the decorations around the house. Holiday decorations can sometimes be unsafe for your pets. Here are few important things to consider when decorating:

• Anchor Your Tree: Cats are notorious Christmas tree climbers. If your tree isn’t anchored properly, it could fall over and injure your cat — not to mention make a big mess.
• Avoid Tinsel: Tinsel gives your tree extra sparkle, but it can also pose a serious health risk to dogs and cats. When consumed, tinsel can result in stomach conditions that will require an emergency visit to the vet clinic.
• Hang Up Lights: Keep an eye on any lights you hang around the home to ensure they are out of reach. Pets sometimes chew and claw at cords, which can result in electric shock.

 

Tip #2 – Avoid Feeding From the Table

Avoid feeding your four-legged friends a special treat from the table — as tempting as it may be. Foods with chocolate, nuts and alcohol can be poisonous. Encourage your guests not to feed your dogs and cats from the table as well.

 

Tip #3 – Keep Candles Out of Reach

Most dogs are driven by their noses, which can make the smell of fresh-burning candles worth investigating. Keep candles out of reach of your dogs, or other curious pets, to avoid painful accidents and potential fires.

 

Tip #4 – Collect Wrappings, Tape and Ribbons

Place a trash bag close by during gift unwrapping to keep harmful materials away from your pets. Ribbons, wrapping paper and tape are a common source of intestinal blockage for animals.

 

Tip #5 – Keep Your Pets Calm During Fireworks

The holiday season isn’t over until the New Year. It’s important to have a plan to keep your pet calm if your community or neighbors like to celebrate with fireworks. If necessary, make a nest for your dogs and cats in an unused room or the basement. Insulating your pet from the noise can reduce stress and panic.

 

Conclusion

Follow these few tips and both you and your pets will have a happy holiday season.

 

Written contribution by Andrea Davis, Home Advisor.

 

 

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It was a picture-perfect Thanksgiving in Thomasville, Pennsylvania.  A patchwork of red, orange and gold leaves blanketed the ground while a smattering of green still clung to the branches above.  The house was filled with idle chatter while all anxiously awaited the Holiday Meal.  Suddenly Brutus, a 90 lbs. Rottweiler, entered the room with an unsteady gait.  Unable to breathe and making a ghastly assortment of noises, the dog was in grave distress while the humans nearby froze in a panic.  Fortunately for Brutus, Animal Communicator Terri Steuben was on the scene and could sense the true emergency at hand.  She quickly hugged the large dog around his abdomen and gave a quick thrust.  Nothing happened, so Terri tried again, and this time a chunk of dog food literally flew out of Brutus’ mouth and across the floor.  The grateful Rottie, whose breathing returned to normal, began licking Terri’s face if to say a great big canine “thank you,” while Terri herself breathed an enormous sigh of relief. 

Accidents occur suddenly and without warning, so knowing what to do during those first few moments can truly make a difference.  In an emergency, the best thing you can do for your pet is to be prepared, stay calm and make quick decisions.  If your dog is destructive with toys, gobbles his food like Brutus or consumes everything in sight, you must maintain supervision and pet-proof your home.  Dog Grandma, Milly Urbanski of Shadow Hills, California attests that, “My human kids had to put a child-proof lock on the refrigerator to keep their yellow Labrador Retriever safe.  I was dog-sitting one morning, and the minute my daughter and her husband left for work, the mischievous pooch ran to the fridge, grabbed the bottom corner and flung the door open hoping to enjoy a buffet.”

Anything in reach and smaller than your pet’s mouth is fair game including paper clips, thumbtacks, rubber bands, buttons and staples.  To be a responsible pet parent, you must get down on all fours and look at your house and yard from your pet’s point of view.  What do you see?  Cords of all kinds (telephone, electrical, drapery and blinds) can strangle or electrocute your dog; enticing smells can lure him where he doesn’t belong and small objects on the floor can poison, choke or create blockages in your pet’s stomach.

 

IF YOUR DOG IS CHOKING

Initially, give him a few moments to perform a cough which may expel the object, but if it does not…a careful sweep of the mouth with your fingers to dislodge the object is recommended.  Always look at what you’re doing though– don’t blindly reach into your pet’s mouth or you could push the object further down, tear throat tissue or even get bitten.  If your attempt is not successful, try one of these techniques:

 

1.  Doggie Heimlich-like Manuever – For large to medium-sized canines, stand behind your dog and place your arms around his waist keeping his head lower than his stomach.  Close your hands together to make a fist and place your fist just behind the last rib in the soft part of the tummy. Compress the abdomen by pulling up in a quick and rapid manner similar to the technique commonly performed on humans.  Since our pet’s ribs are more flexible than ours, sometimes this method doesn’t create enough pressure to expel the object, so you may then try…

 

2.  Chest Thrusts — Place your hands flat on each side of your pet’s chest and squeeze inward, pushing with your shoulders and elbows to squeeze the lungs.  After two thrusts, give the animal a moment to cough and/or look in his mouth to see if the object is now reachable.  If not, repeat.

 

Techniques like these are best learned in a Pet First-Aid & CPR Class where you can gain the confidence and skill to perform them properly.  Visit www.sunnydogink.com for a class near you.

 

For 16 years Denise Fleck’s Sunny-dog Ink motto has been “Helping people to help their pets,” and she has…teaching more than 12,000 pet lovers animal life-saving skills and millions more on national television segments, yet better pet parenting is still a secret in many communities.  In the Spring of 2017, in her role as Pet Safety Crusader™, Denise will journey across the Southern U.S.  to “Be the one who makes a difference” by helping large numbers of people help their pets in one concerted effort!  Pet First Aid classes, Pet Disaster Preparedness training and readings of her children’s books will be part of the fun as she travels 10,000 miles to 18 cities — from California to Florida, north to Virginia, across to Tennessee, down to Arkansas and back across the Southwest.  Super hero sponsors are needed to be the ‘wheels beneath her RV.’ Learn more about this epic adventure, Denise’s line of Pet First-Aid Kits, books and instructional posters at www.sunnydogink.com

 

 

 

 

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Inviting a pet sitter into your home while you’re traveling is not only convenient, but it’s also conducive to your pet’s comfort as well. Having a pet sitter means you don’t have to board your dog in an unfamiliar location. Even so, it’s important to prepare your setting for your pet sitter so the individual will have everything he or she needs in order to care for your dog effectively. The following tips will help you ready your home so you can leave it behind while enjoying peace of mind on your travels.

 

Dog Proof Your Home

When preparing for a dog sitter, be sure to walk through your home to ensure that everything is in place and that areas or objects that are problematic for your dog are made off limits. Dog-proofing your house is essential so that the time with a dog sitter goes as smoothly as possible. Be sure that cabinetry is secured, closets are shut and medications or detergents are out of reach.

 

Schedule a Meeting

If your dog has never met the sitter before, it’s helpful to set up a visit so they can interact together. Your dog is apt to become nervous if a stranger shows up to take charge out of the blue. A meeting can help your dog and sitter become comfortable together. The meeting is also a good time to explain any special instructions or answer any questions your sitter may have about your pet or your home. You can also use this time to talk about your pet’s personality or and behaviors.

 

Go over Your Dog’s Normal Schedule

Dogs tend to do best when they’re able to adhere to their typical schedule. Let your pet sitter know when your dog generally goes for walks or plays in the backyard. Make sure your sitter knows when to feed your dog and how much to feed them. Don’t forget to go over special rules too. For instance, if your dog isn’t allowed on the furniture, make sure to let your sitter know.

 

Write Down Instructions

It’s helpful for your sitter to have written instructions about everything from setting your home’s alarm to administering any medications your dog may need. If possible, type out this information so that’s it’s easy to read and perfectly clear. Your sitter may also need instructions for other things like how to prepare your dog’s food, where you store food and toys and where you typically walk your dog.

 

Keep Dog Supplies Accessible

Before leaving, it’s helpful to leave any items your sitter might need to care for your pet in one convenient place. You can fill a bin with everything from your dog’s hair brush to its toys. Be sure that your dog can’t access this bin to munch its treats or eat its food.

 

Emergency Information

Ideally, your pet sitter will never need to contact you or an emergency veterinarian, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Make sure that you leave contact information for yourself including your hotel and cell phone number. You should also leave contact information for your dog’s regular veterinarian as well as the nearest emergency vet. Make sure that your sitter knows where you keep your leash and pet carrier in case of an emergency.

 

Conclusion

When you’ve adequately prepared your home for your dog sitter, you can enjoy a more relaxing vacation or travel experience. Also, there’s a good chance your sitter and dog will become good friends as they get to know each other. By preparing your home, you can set the stage for the friendship to develop. You can also better ensure that your pet has everything it needs when you’re away.

 

Written contribution by Andrea Davis, Home Advisor.

 

Things that go bump in the night shouldn’t include your pets, so follow a few simple tips to make sure Howl-o-ween won’t be scary or dangerous for canines or felines!

 

PREVENT A HOUDINI ACT by knowing where your pets are at all times. Walk them before dark and do not, I repeat do not take them Trick or Treating. Many dogs get scared by the shrieks of ghosts & goblins on the streets or coming to their doors and dart in the path of cars. Hoods, masks and capes change the shape of the human figure and can be intimidating to our canine pals, just like uniforms and caps on postal workers and city service people who visit our homes do.  Keep pets in a quiet back room, a quiet space to call their own, or…if you are answering the door for candy-seeking goblins and have a well-socialized dog, keep him on leash safety at your side to greet the doorbell ringers.  Should you be spending the evening out at a ghoulish event for humans, have a friend or professional pet sitter stay with skiddish pets in the event “boos” and other scary sounds might catch a feline or canine ear.

 

AVOID THE KISS OF DEATH by keeping paws and claws off deadly candy.  Wrappers (believe it or not, pets don’t take off the cellophane or foil coverings) can cause intestinal blockages while chocolate can prove fatal to dogs, cats and ferrets. One ounce of milk chocolate per your pet’s body weight can be deadly, and there is no specific anti-dote for chocolate toxicity, so keep your furry kids out of harm’s way and learn pet first aid just in case the worst happens!

 

If you’re considering making creepy treats for a holiday party adorned with grapes or raisins masquerading as “eyeballs,” take precautions so that your pets do not ingest them.  Both grapes and raisins have been known to cause renal failure in our pets, whether they consume grapes over many years or get a handful at once.  Keep plastic toothpicks that adorn festive cupcakes or are used in hors d’oeuvres out of reach as well.

 

ELECTRIFYING THINGS such as electric cords used for motorized moans, groans and other décor should be taped down so that pets won’t trip or become entangled in the.  Do not allow puppies, kittens or any pet with a chewing habit in rooms with plugged in wires.  Do your doggone best to keep candles, such as the one haunting the family jack o’ lantern, out of paws and claws reach or consider using a battery operated candle instead – just make sure that too will not be consumed.  As for fake spider webs and spray string…these are also dangerous to our pets if caught on their coats or consumed.  Their ingredients can burn, choke or poison our best friends.

 

IF YOUR PET LOOKS MISERABLE…HE PROBABLY IS! 

Unless Fluff y or Fido is truly comfortable in a costume, their own furry birthday suit might be a better choice. A festive bandana on your dog could fit the bill. Pets aren’t used to wearing elastic and definitely don’t like masks covering their eyes or nose, while others seem to tolerate “dress up” very well. Just in that case make sure the costume doesn’t have beads, sequins or strings which they may chew off and consume, and never, ever leave your pet unattended in a costume!

 

EVIL LURKS IN THE NIGHT, and some people, taking advantage of the anonymity of costumes, partake in malicious pranks targeting black cats, dogs and other animals. Please bring all pets, even those who regularly sleep under the stars, in on Halloween night and several days before and after for safety sake.  If you see anything suspicious regarding the treatment of an animal, immediately call your local animal control or police department, and check to see if your city has its own animal cruelty task force.

 

Finally, realize that September and October can still be very HOT in some locales, so be sure to provide plenty of shade and water for pets.  Never leave them unattended in a parked car and be certain that kennels, pet carriers and even rooms in your house are cool with good ventilation for your pets.

 

 

For 16 years Denise Fleck’s Sunny-dog Ink motto has been “Helping people to help their pets,” and she has…teaching more than 10,000 pet lovers animal life-saving skills and millions more on national television segments, yet better pet parenting is still a secret in many communities.  In the Spring of 2017, in her role as Pet Safety Crusader™, Denise will journey across the Southern U.S. to “Be the one who makes a difference” by helping large numbers of people help their pets in one concerted effort!  Pet First Aid classes, Pet Disaster Preparedness training and readings of her children’s books will be part of the fun as she travels 10,000 miles to 18 cities — from California to Florida, north to Virginia, across to Tennessee, down to Arkansas and back across the Southwest.  Super hero sponsors are needed to be the ‘wheels beneath her RV.’ Learn more about this epic adventure, Denise’s line of Pet First-Aid Kits, books and instructional posters at www.sunnydogink.com

 

 

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How much do you love your dog? If you treat your pet like family, you’re probably willing to go the extra mile. This includes adding more toys, dog beds and amenities just for your furry friend. If you really love your dog, you might consider renovating parts of your home to suit the needs of your pet. Check out these easy renovations that your pup is sure to love:

 

#1 Custom Cabinets

Keeping dog food out of reach can be difficult at times. If you put it in the garage, ants could get into it. If you keep it in the laundry room, your dog could gain access to it. Instead, think about a custom cabinet in your kitchen for the food. You can either insert the bag fully or get a plastic container to hold it.

 

#2 Drawers for Doggy Dishes

If you want to have a special space for food and water, you can install pull-out drawers just for your dog. Consider installing them in your kitchen or mudroom. That way it’s easier to keep the mess in one spot rather than all over your floor.

 

#3 Under-Stair Safe Space

If you aren’t using your under-stair closet, consider transforming the space into a safe haven for your dog. A closed-off space to keep your dog’s bed, dishes and toys will keep messes in one area and give your pet a private area of his own.

 

#4 Extra Amenities

If you really want to spoil your dog, consider options like heated flooring, a dog-bed nook or a separate shower area. The best part about these amenities is that they don’t just benefit your dog. Heated flooring in the living room will help keep you and your family — including your dog — toasty during cold weather. A shower/bath space will help you keep fur out of your shower and bathtub and a dog bed nook will keep toys and other pup-related messes in one area.

 

#5 Doggy bedroom

If you are a serious dog parent, you might consider dedicating a room to your dog. Laundry rooms or mudrooms are good candidates for a dog room. Add a crate, dog bed, toys and food and water dishes to the room to keep your dog happy. It’s important that the space you dedicate to your dog is easy to clean. Always avoid converting a carpeted room into a space for your dog.

 

Conclusion

Loving your dog sometimes means going the extra mile for their comfort. While you may not want to redo your entire house to suit your dog, even small gestures like a new dog bed will go a long way.

 

Written contribution by Andrea Davis, Home Advisor.

Dogs are magical beings with four paws.

RedandHowling: Musings on Dogs, Cats & Other Bundles of Love.

 

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A sudden change of schedule can lead to stress in your dog or cat and can cause behavioral problems. Extra attention and/or a new friend may be the solution.

After a summer of playing ball, swimming, catching fireflies and getting lots of attention from his favorite boy or girl, your dog or cat may not be himself when the kids dash off on the first day of the new school year. The sudden disruption to his schedule and special time may cause your pet to eat too much, not want to eat at all or start eating strange objects such as plants, dirt, toys or clothing. This can result in vomiting, diarrhea and skin problems to name a few. Now is the time to give your four-legged family member some extra attention and to bone-up on your Pet First-Aid skills because no matter how hard you try…life happens and you can’t keep any of your family members in a plastic bubble!

 

Back-to-School Tips

Keeping a few things in mind may help the animals in your household adjust and stay safe:

1. When the school bell rings, don’t let your pet go back to school too. A lonely pet may want to tag along. Keep your pet confined when children leave for school, and if you drive, don’t take the pets with you. Animals learn quickly and may find their own way to school later on resulting in them becoming lost or injured. For severe separation anxiety, place the t-shirt your child slept in the night before in your pet’s bed — as long as he doesn’t rip it to shreds, it will make him feel like his boy or girl is there with him.

2. Now that mom or dad may be experiencing a little “empty nesting,” it’s a great time to spend extra quality time with the family pet. Embark on an exercise and training program for your dog. A tired dog is a good dog who will wait patiently for his “kids” to come home from school.  This is prime time to teach or refresh doggie obedience and kitty manners by getting involved in an exercise and training program – yes, cats too can learn new tricks!

3. Love and attention is a bow wow wonderful thing, but when training is done for the day and you need a little time to yourself, you won’t want Fido or Fluffy acting like a velcro pet, sticking to your side every second of the day.  Interest dogs in interactive toys to entertain themselves.  Toys filled with treats, tennis ball launchers and chicken scented bubble machines are just a few novelties on the market.   For cats there are electronic mice, bungee cord and laser light toys.  Just know your pet and supervise him.  Don’t believe labels claiming products are indestructible!

4. If your cat is seeming bored with the kids away…consider adopting a second cat to keep him company. They will play and exercise together and you will have saved a life.

Dogs and cats are part of the family too, so make sure you focus extra attention on them when their world has suddenly turned upside down.

 

For 16 years Denise Fleck’s Sunny-dog Ink motto has been “Helping people to help their pets,” and she has…teaching more than 10,000 pet lovers animal life-saving skills and millions more on national television segments, yet better pet parenting is still a secret in many communities.  In the Spring of 2017, in her role as Pet Safety Crusader™, Denise will journey across the Southern U.S. to “Be the one who makes a difference” by helping large numbers of people help their pets in one concerted effort!  Pet First Aid classes, Pet Disaster Preparedness training and readings of her children’s books will be part of the fun as she travels 10,000 miles to 18 cities — from California to Florida, north to Virginia, across to Tennessee, down to Arkansas and back across the Southwest.  Super hero sponsors are needed to be the ‘wheels beneath her RV.’ Learn more about this epic adventure, Denise’s line of Pet First-Aid Kits, books and instructional posters at www.sunnydogink.com

 

Moving can be a stressful event for the entire family, including your household pets. To reduce the drama and chaos often involved in a move, you can employ the following tips to help minimize your pets’ discomfort. Whether you’re moving to a new town or across the country, the following tips will help you keep your pets comfortable as they adjust to the changes to come.

 

#1 Talk to Your Vet

If you’re moving long distance, it’s a smart idea to visit the veterinarian for a checkup. If your pet is especially nervous when it comes to change or finds long-distance drives to be particularly traumatic, you might ask your vet to prescribe a sedative. Additionally, your vet may also be able to recommend another vet in your new location.

 

#2 Keep Pets Away from the Action

Even the most docile and obedient pets can become unhinged during the action of a move. It’s not uncommon for cats and dogs to run off if given the chance during the confusion of a move. To prevent your pet from feeling anxious or scared with the entrance of local movers, you should ideally keep your pets contained in crates or in a quiet room that’s already been cleared. Be sure your pet has food and water. If your pet is a dog, you can take it for a walk or two during moving breaks. Some people have found that allowing pets to stay with a friend during the move also helps prevent drama.

 

#3 Move Household before Pets

If possible, try to prepare your new household before introducing your pet. That way, it will recognize some familiar features. While some pets may find that exploring a new home is exciting, others may feel nervous or apprehensive about settling in. You can help your pet acclimate to its new abode by setting up a special area with food, water and a bed. Along those same lines, you should make sure your new home is properly pet-proofed to avoid early injuries while you settle in.

 

#4 Transport Pets in Your Vehicle

It’s not a good idea to transport your pets in a moving van or vehicle. Not only can ventilation be poor, but boxes or household items could inadvertently fall on your pet’s crate or carrier. It’s best to transport your pets in the safety of your own vehicle. If you are traveling a long distance, make sure to bring along plenty of food, water and treats for your pet. You might even want to take along a few toys.

 

#5 ID Your Pets

Before moving day, you should update your pets’ identification tags. Include your pet’s name and your current cell phone number on the tag. In case your pet wanders from home and gets lost — at either location — a current tag will ensure that it is returned to you quickly. You should also have your pet chipped as an added safety measure.

 

#6 Find Pet-Friendly Lodgings

Finally, if your move requires an overnight stay, be sure to make arrangements to stay at a pet-friendly hotel. Have plenty of pet supplies to ensure that your pet has all it needs while on the road.

 

Conclusion

By following these tips, you can make your pet more comfortable during a tumultuous time. Moving may not be pleasurable, but you can reduce the drama by following the advice outlined here.

 

Written contribution by Andrea Davis, Home Advisor.