Pets tell us:

1. Midday pet sitter visits—or better yet, walks—mean that I don’t have to hold it in all doggone day long. What human can do that?
2. I find comfort in the familiar sights, smells, and sounds of my own home. I might look tough, but other kennel dogs and people I don’t know scare the bejeezus out of me.
3. Travel overstimulates me, and dragging me into unfamiliar environments is traumatizing.
4. My sitter makes it easy for me to keep to my personal diet and exercise routine.
5. I love the one-on-one observation, pampering, love, and attention my sitter gives me while my owner is away. (That’s not cheating, is it? Wait! Is it?)
6. My sitter knows me and how to administer my medical treatments.
7. I can relax knowing I haven’t been abandoned.
8. My sitter doesn’t cage me because I like to be free, but he puts my sister in her crate because that’s where she’s most comfortable.
9. I am not exposed to other animals’ diseases and parasites like at the kennel.
10. My sitter is way nicer than the sadistic neighborhood kid who kept yells at me when no one is watching.

Pet owners tell us:

1. I love knowing that my dog is in caring, loving, and professional hands.
2. If an unexpected situation or emergency comes up, I know my pet sitter can deal with it.
3. Getting my pets into their crates, securing the crates, and driving to the kennel is such a hassle! Now we don’t need to take them anywhere.
4. I hate having to ask my friends, family, or neighbors to watch my pets—I always feel like I’m imposing on them.
5. The house is more secure with someone checking in daily, rotating lights and blinds. Sometimes we ask our pet sitter to stay overnight for extra security (and comfort for our dog).
6. Our pet sitter does so much more than just pet chores. He brings in the mail, waters the plants, and feeds the fish while we travel.
7. I can actually relax knowing someone responsible is around in case of emergency.

Both groups agree that most pet sitters are busy and hard-working professionals who become part of the family. They appreciate being able to count on a trusted, professional caregiver who provides individualized, loving attention to their pets and home. It makes everyone happy.

The post Professional Pet Sitters a Big Hit with Pets and Pet Owners appeared first on Canine Companion and Concierge.

But this would be a bad choice, because the sooner you can clean up skunk spray from your dog after a stinky meet and greet, the better the results. As my friend Rhonda is fond of pointing out, the time immediately following a spray is not the time to be surfing the web for a recipe that might or might not work, rifling through your home and garage in a panic looking for everything you need, or making a trip to the all-night store.

After her dog Ukiah (pictured below) was sprayed late one evening and she found herself in that situation, Rhonda took matters into her own hands and created Skunk Kit (www.skunkkit.com). Only $29.99 plus taxes and shipping, the Skunk Kit contains everything you need to clean up your dog in an easy-to-store bucket. Each kit includes a poncho and rubber gloves to protect your hands and clothes, ingredients for the cleaning solution, a squirt bottle to mix the solution, eye wash (in case your dog’s eyes were sprayed), and instructions. Rhonda also offers several pointers on her website: www.skunkkit.com

One thing—and it’s a big thing—you need to have a Skunk Kit handy before your dog gets sprayed. I already ordered and received mine in the mail within a few days of spotting the first skunk of the season crossing the street in my neighborhood. Don’t be caught in a stinky situation without one for your dog!

Ukiah

The post Finally! A Skunk Kit that Contains Everything You Need appeared first on Canine Companion and Concierge.

So, which type of crate should you purchase? There are three main types sold today: wire, soft-sided fabric, and solid plastic. Which one is best for you and your pet really depends on several factors.

Wire mesh crates are good for:

• Pets that are happier when they can see what’s going on around them
• Use in hot and humid climates, since they allow plenty of ventilation
• Owners who need a collapsible crate

Solid plastic crates are good for:

• Pets that relax better when they can’t see what’s going on around them
• Transporting multiple pets that might get into fights if they can see each other
• Dogs that are heavy chewers (wire mesh is hard on the canine teeth)
• Owners who will use the crates for air travel, since most airlines require the use of solid plastic crates

Solid fabric crates are ideal for:

• Dogs that need to be able to see all around them to stay calm
• Calm dogs that aren’t overly aggressive or hyperactive
• Pets that prefer to chill in a dark crate with no distractions
• Owners who require a lightweight crate

While traveling, all crates must be secured into place to avoid the crate with your pet inside from becoming a dangerous, projectile object during a collision. Even when a crate is restrained, pets might still be injured when they make sudden contact with the walls of the crate. Injuries could be internal, and not immediately apparent. Be sure to seek the advice of your veterinarian if your pet is ever involved in an accident.

The post Pet Crates and Kennels – Which One Is Best for My Pet? appeared first on Canine Companion and Concierge.

Driving with a pet on your lap creates an unsafe condition for you, your pet, and those around you.

Pet Hazards While Driving

Restraining devices do more than just keep pets from being thrown in an accident. Restrained pets can’t lick the driver’s ear, get stuck under the brake pedal, or the knock gear shift out of drive and into neutral. Secured pets allow drivers to focus on the road and keep both hands on the steering wheel. This problem is much bigger than most people probably think. The following list contains the top seven unsafe driving behaviors pet owners engage in while driving, according to a 2011 survey conducted by AAA.

• 52% pet their pets
• 23% use their hands or arms to restrain their dog while abruptly applying the brakes
• 19% use their hands or arms to keep their dog from climbing into the front seat
• 18% reach into the back seat to interact with their dog
• 17% hold their dog or allow it to sit in their lap
• 13% give their dog food or treats
• 3% take photos of their dog

Restraining devices also help after an accident. Restrained pets cannot leave the vehicle without assistance, so frightened pets can’t jump out and bite emergency responders, escape the vehicle, dart into traffic, and potentially get injured, cause another accident, or run away. Total strangers will feel safer helping if pets are secure and not loose and potentially threatening.

Crates and Kennels

Crates are considered one of the safest devices for transporting pets for many reasons. The right-sized crate provides freedom of movement, so your pet can stand, turn, and lie down. They are easier to clean and sanitize than your vehicle, so using a crate can make removing hair, drool, dirt, and mud—not to mention a sick kitten or puppy’s vomit or diarrhea—easier. Crated pets are also unable to get into fights.

Caution: When positioning a crate in your vehicle, choose an area that will not crumple in the event of an accident. The crate must also be secured to avoid becoming a projectile.

Car Harnesses / Pet Safety Belts

Pet car harnesses are seat belts that connect into your vehicle using a universal seat belt clip. Their adjustable strap is designed to allow your pet to sit, lie down, or stand comfortably.

Some travel harnesses can be used with leashes. Look for brands that feature:

• A short tether
• Wide, padded, strong straps
• Quick-release buckles

Cons: Harnesses are not ideal for dogs that like to chew through straps, and even the best ones can fit a little awkwardly.

Car Seats

Car seats that are designed as dog beds that elevate dogs so they can see out the window are not restraining devices, so they won’t protect you or your pet in the event of an accident. Be sure to look for ones that have straps for the dog and attach to a seat belt.

Warning: Do not hook a seat belt or strap to a neck collar, as the dog can choke in an accident.

Car Barriers

Car barriers are our least-favorite restraining device. While they keep dogs from distracting you, they often come apart or don’t keep the dog safe in a crash. They belong in a category called “better than nothing,” but we consider them “not nearly as good as a harness or crate” for protecting your pets.

AnimalLimo

Some pets, and some pet owners, are resistant to the use of crate and kennels, so we use a combination of pet crates, kennels, and harnesses in our AnimalLimo when taking pets to and from the veterinarian, groomer, or dog park. We keep them clean and disinfected for our VIP passengers.

The post Pet Restraints for Your Vehicle – Which Work Best? appeared first on Canine Companion and Concierge.

We realize many pet owners have too much to do already, so we encourage East Bay pet owners who need assistance getting their pets to the vet can contact Johnny for assistance.

Does My Pet Need Vaccinations?

Let’s not even dignify that question with a response other than a resounding: “Yes!” “How often does my pet need vaccinations?” is really the question. And it’s a good question. The answer has changed over the years due to advances in science and vaccine technology combined with a growing body of information about infectious diseases. Don’t try to figure this out on your own; vaccinations are one of the most important topics you should discuss with your vet.

Rabies is one of the most well-known viruses, but thanks to vaccinations, only three cases of rabies in cats and dogs were reported in California in 2014.

Dog Vaccines

The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) vaccine guidelines rate the following vaccines as “core” (indispensable) vaccines for all dogs in the United States:

Rabies

Rabies is a severe, and often fatal, viral polioencephalitis that targets the gray matter of the dog’s brain and the dog’s central nervous system (CNS). The primary way the rabies virus is transmitted to dogs in the United States is through a bite from a disease carrier, like a fox, raccoon, skunk, or bat.

More information about reducing the risk of rabies and the importance of vaccines is available at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. Click on the following text: Preventing Canine Rabies.

Canine Distemper

Distemper is a contagious disease that can cause spinal cord damage and may present as eye inflammation, nasal discharge, and convulsive seizures. Treatment is often ineffective.

Canine Parvovirus

Parvovirus, or parvo, is a highly contagious viral gastroenteritis marked by depression, loss of appetite, severe vomiting, and diarrhea containing blood. Parvo can be fatal, and death can come quick.

Canine Adenovirus-2 (Hepatitis)

Hepatitis can cause sudden death in puppies. Adult dogs typically experience weakness, fever, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and bleeding.

Optional Vaccines

Many veterinarians consider the following vaccines “optional,” meaning that certain dogs stand a greater chance of benefiting from the vaccine, based upon their environment and risk of exposure.

Bordetella (Kennel Cough/Canine Cough Vaccine)

Canine cough is a complex disease caused by bacterium and a virus. Affected dogs might exhibit a hacking cough for several weeks. Canine cough can severely affect the health of puppies and older dogs.

Lyme Disease (Borrelia Burgdorferi Vaccine)

Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness caused by a spirochete (bacteria) species of the Borrelia burgdorferi group, which can cause recurrent lameness in dogs due to inflammation of the joints. It might also cause loss of appetite and depression.

Leptospirosis

Canine leptospirosis is caused by an order of bacteria called spirochetes: slender, spirally undulating bacteria that are spread in the urine—mainly through rats, pigs, raccoons, cattle, skunks, and opossums. The bacteria make their way into water source where they can remain dormant for up to six months before entering a dog’s system through a break in the skin or when the dog drinks contaminated water.

If they appear at all, signs typically appear four to 12 days after exposure as fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, lethargy, depression, muscle pain, and perhaps diarrhea or blood in the urine. In severe cases, the whites of the dog’s eyes turn yellow (jaundice), indicating hepatitis with destruction of liver cells.

Canine Coronavirus

Canine coronavirus is a virus that causes a highly contagious intestinal disease in dogs. In adult dogs, the majority of infections will be asymptomatic or show up as a single instance of vomiting and a few days of explosive yellow-green or orange diarrhea. Anorexia and depression are more common than fever, and some infected dogs might experience mild respiratory distress. Puppies may exhibit protracted diarrhea and dehydration, and are most at risk of developing serious complications, including death.

Parainfluenza

Canine parainfluenza virus (CPIV) is a highly contagious respiratory virus and one of the most common pathogens of infectious tracheobronchitis, also known as canine cough. Symptoms might include coughing (dry or moist), low-grade fever, nasal discharge, lack of energy, and loss of appetite. Although respiratory distress can resemble canine influenza, the viruses are unrelated and require different vaccines for protection.

Don’t put your dog at risk for these diseases! We realize many Bay Area pet owners face numerous career, family, social, and other obligations, and we are here to help you get your pets to the vet and back safely and in a clean vehicle. Please contact Johnny for more information and assistance about our AnimalLimo.

AnimalLimo provides safe and clean transportation of pets to the veterinarian, groomers, or any other pet engagement.

The post Don’t Miss Your Dog’s Vet Appointment— Vaccinations Save Lives appeared first on Canine Companion and Concierge.