Pet Sitter

Top 3 Reasons to Hire a Professional Pet Sitter

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Now that you’ve planned your spring vacation, you have all the vacation requests lined up, the kids have updated passports and you are dreaming of what beach you’re going to be engaging in some recuperation, it’s time to think about your beloved furry pet. There are many different options available for pet care and hiring a pet sitter to come into your home to take care of your dog is one of them. Here are a few factors to consider that make a pet sitter the best choice for your pets care.

Introvert or Social Butterfly

Some dogs just love to be around other dogs. They have been well socialized and would love nothing more than a 10-day non-stop play date. Other dogs, not so much. They are antisocial for varying reasons. Perhaps your dog is a recent rescue and has had past experiences with being with other dogs. Or possible your dog is a little older, and that puppy play is just too overwhelming. Then there’s those dogs that kind of forget they are dogs and turn their nose up at these four-legged creatures that like to go around sniffing each other.

If your dog is on the quieter side, or antisocial for any of the reasons above, having a pet sitter come into your home is a better option. They aren’t forced to engage in the rough play all day with the others and can enjoy their peace and quiet while still being taken care of.

Health Concerns

Some dogs have more specific health conditions or concerns that make having a pet sitter the best fit for care. If your dog takes regular medication, or is on a very specific diet, a pet sitter will be able to accommodate these needs more, as they are providing more personalized care. In addition, a pet sitter is a great choice for an elderly dog who needs a quieter pace. Lastly, if your dog is (like some of us humans) more prone to picking up illnesses such as kennel cough, they will not be exposed to other infected dogs if they remain in their own home therefore keeping them healthier.

Home Security

Depending on your housing situation, and how long you are gone for, having a pet sitter can serve many purposes. Having someone in and out of your home while you’re away, can serve as a deterrent for a potential burglary. In addition, perhaps you also have a little goldfish and hamster that needs enough food and water to get them through until your return. Expensive house plants that may need a dribble of water mid-week? Depending on your contract, having a pet sitter that is also able to take care of these tasks will keep your home running smoothly until your return.

Other Considerations

If you’ve decided a pet sitter is the best option for your pet care needs, it is important to decipher the difference between a professional pet sitter and a friend or someone you find after doing a quick “in search of” post on Facebook. Keep in mind that while your vacation is likely already breaking the bank, going for the most cost-effective pet sitter may not be the best choice. Depending on whether your dog has additional concerns, hiring a professional with pet first aid, and a background in animal training and behaviour will be a crucial factor to consider.

Pet City Canada is pleased to offer professional Pet Sitting Services. Contact us for more details!

Keep Dog Healthy in Winter Months

5 Great Ways to Keep Your Dog Active and Healthy During the Winter Months

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If you’re like most people, leaving the comforts of your warm home to venture outside during the colder days of winter takes motivation! Dogs like most people feel good once they return from a long walk outdoors. Exercise during the winter months is just as important for your canine companion as it is during the spring and summer. Here are a few great ways to help keep your dog healthy and happy during the colder days of winter.

Schedule Outdoor WalksDog Healthy

Dogs as well as their owners are creatures of habit. Your dog will become conditioned to anticipating his/her outdoor walk if it happens around the same time each day. Set out a time that works best for your lifestyle. If your dog is home all day on its own, maybe schedule your walk as soon as you get home. Your pet will be ready to burn off energy, while you can unwind from your workday.

Take Part in Locally Sponsored Doggy Daycares and Activities

Check your area for dog walking parks, doggy daycares, dog walkers, and other animal activities. Canine agility classes are a great way to meet other dog owners and their dogs while gaining discipline and exercise for your dog! Many communities have hydrotherapy and swimming pools for dogs.

Dog Swimming Pools

Monitor Your Dogs Weight During Winter

If your dog becomes too inactive during the winter months it’s advisable to talk with your Veterinarian. You may have to modify the amount of food your dog eats or find indoor activities for your pet. Did you know there are treadmills on the market that are designed specifically for dogs?

Invest in a Pet Coat and Booties

Pet coats aren’t only used to keep short haired dogs warm on colder winter days; they are great for keeping long haired dogs much drier in the rain and snow. Once your dog is used to wearing booties, you’ll reap the benefits of protecting paws, cleaner floors, and limiting paw injury.

Clean Paws After Every Walk

Chemicals and toxic runoff will be on roadways, paths, and grasses; toxins are dependent on the season. During the winter months road salt and de-icing chemicals as well as anti-freeze will pose a threat to your dog. The soft pads of their paws will absorb these substances from outside surfaces.

Dog Healthy

Wash your dog’s paws with warm soapy water and pat dry after every outing to prevent your dog from ingesting any toxic residue. Make sure the household cleaners you use are pet safe products as well!

If you are unable to walk outside during the winter months, you may consider hiring a dog walker or doggy daycare. Call Pet City Canada to ask about our services and rates!

Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks: How to Socialize an Anti-Social Dog

Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks: How to Socialize an Anti-Social Dog

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If owning an anti-social dog leaves you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or frustrated, you’re in good company! Dogs are usually outgoing, social, and inquisitive beings, but how do you deal with a dog that is fearful of new situations, or just simply unwilling to interact with others?

Believe it or not, training your anti-social dog starts with how YOU react to your pet! Here are a few pointers to help assist you in training an anti-social dog.

 

You Can Teach an Old Dog New Tricks!

Anti-Social Dog

Of course, the younger your dog is the easier it is to break bad habits; but you can teach an old dog new tricks!

Dogs are more receptive to training lessons between 3 and 12 weeks of age but with the right tools, you can be successful with training older dogs too.

Teaching any dog requires patience, practice, and consistency. Your commands need to be direct and simple. Once your pooch has mastered your first commands slowly increase your training. It is easier to train your dog if he/she listens well and comes to you when called. Continually practice all the commands you wish your pet to follow and give plenty of praise.

The secret to success is always being prepared with lots of treats.

 

Use a Leash or Harness Until Your Dog Becomes Social

Leash Your Dog

Have your dog on a leash or harness until you are confident that he/she will follow your commands; this gives you the control to remove your dog quickly if any threatening or aggressive situations happen.

If your dog feels uncomfortable remove him/her quickly to a quiet area until there are no further signs of distress. Back away a few feet and give praise if you sense and your dog is anxious about an approaching another dog or person.

If you think your dog will nip or bite others, try using a muzzle until your dog shows no further signs of aggression.

 

Keep Your Voice and Body Language Neutral and Direct

Most of us tend to become loud and frantic if our dog tears off baring teeth and barking. Now isn’t the time to scream and charge after Fido. Keeping yourself calm and composed will defuse a stressful encounter.

Dogs pick up on our fears and anxieties and will respond accordingly. Speak kindly and gently when giving commands but firmly enough so your dog knows you are in control.

Don’t yank your dog back harshly by the leash; this only startles and frightens your dog. Hold the leash firmly and talk gently.

 

Expose Your Dog Gradually to New Situations

Dog Walking

Don’t take your dog out walking once and expect him to master socialization. It takes time and short periods of exposure to new situations to help your dog become comfortable.

If your dog is nervous and shy, don’t force her to interact with other dogs until you see signs of readiness. You may decide to expose your dog slowly by walking outside the fence of a dog park for a few days first before taking your dog inside the enclosure.

Keep outings short to begin with and increase the duration of each trip when your dog is ready. You may have a dog that simply doesn’t like being with too many dogs at one time. Your dog will be the best one to let you know what it’s comfortable with.

Perhaps try socializing your dog with other dogs you are familiar with to start.

 

 

Dog Walking Groups or Doggie Day Care Can Keep Your Dog Socialized

Dog WalkingDogs are usually social, pack animals and learn from watching other animals in the group. Exposure is crucial in keeping your dog healthy and social.

Dogs need and thrive on healthy interactions from other animals and people, therefore, dog walking groups and doggie day care can provide this exposure.

Dog walkers and doggie daycare staff are trained with animal interactions and understand canine behaviours; this encourages a safe environment for socialization.

If everything you tried still doesn’t work and your dog remains stubborn and anti-social, you may want to consider dog training classes. Ask a professional dog grooming salon or your Veterinarian for reputable courses or local trainers.

Contact us at Pet City Canada for further information regarding our awesome Doggie Daycare. We’d love to help socialize your pet with new canine friends in our indoor and outdoor spaces. Once you’re registered, you can even book online!

Top Reasons Your Dog Eats Long Grass and Throws It Up!

Top Reasons Your Dog Eats Grass [and Throws It Up!]

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Ever found your dog eating a buffet of long green grass, only later to find out he threw it all up? It seems very peculiar when a dog eats grass even though their food dish is full! As a pet owner you may be concerned that your dog is sick, hungry, or stressed. Rest assured that eating grass is considered a normal behaviour for dogs, however, it could mean your dog is self-medicating for a larger issue. You simply have to know your dog’s moods, habits, and health to be the expert with this situation.

Here are some common reasons dog’s eat grass:

Relieve Stomach and Digestion Pain

Top Reasons Your Dog Eats Long Grass and Throws It Up!Studies showthat less than 25% of dogs’ vomit after digesting grass. A review of published studies can’t conclude a one single reason as to why dogs ‘graze on grass’. So what brings on this canine behaviour? Some research suggests that a dog may have stomach upset, gas, and/or bloating, therefore eats grass to induce vomiting, and then feels better afterwards.

Other studies suggest this is how dogs’ self-regulate to treat intestinal worms or to increase digestion. It is said that dogs lack the gastric enzymes to break down grass fibres, however, they use the long strands to induce vomiting when their stomach is upset. One study reported that when a dog has motion sickness, it eats grass and vomits to alleviate symptoms of stomach upset as soon as it gets out of the vehicle!

Lack of Nutrients

A few studies have shown that a dog may be lacking chlorophyll or need a high fibre diet if they are regularly consuming grass. Long before dogs became domesticated they foraged for food; eating grasses, berries, fruits, and vegetables. So when our four legged friends eat grass today we shouldn’t be overly concerned unless you observe other health conditions and concerns. If you are worried about the quality of grass your canine friend may be ingesting, you can create a pet friendly grass plot in your yard!Top Reasons Your Dog Eats Long Grass and Throws It Up!

Just for Fun

Some dogs just find it fun or relaxing to graze grass. This is especially common for puppies who are looking for entertainment.

If your dog is always munching on the lawn you should consult a Veterinarian to rule out any medical or behavioural issues. With the use of herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers on outdoor gardens and lawns, you must be careful where your dog decides to chew their greens. Check with your local nursery or Animal Poison Control Center to familiarize yourself with toxic plants and grasses that grow in your yard or local parks.

Top Reasons Your Dog Eats Long Grass and Throws It Up!Wether your canine eats grass and vomits or not, she should be on a Veterinarian approved nutritional diet plus a regular parasite control program. If you are unable spend time with your dog outdoors or unfamiliar with the area, please contact Pet City Canada for professional dog walking services to keep your dog safe and healthy in local parks.