Have you ever planned an exciting trip to get away from it all only to be faced with the dilemma of what do I do with the Dog/Cat? The difficulty of leaving your pets behind during a family vacation or weekend getaway is one of the number one reasons people decide not to travel. The pet parent guilt of leaving your fur baby behind can be tough to overcome. Knowing your pet care options before going away will help you to make the right choice for you and your pet(s). Choosing the right pet care option is the key to peace of mind while on vacation!
Before you start the search for pet care there are a few questions you want to answer for yourself and your pet.
Where will my pet be most comfortable?
How much care does my pet need daily? (consider feedings, medications, puppy needs, etc.)
Does my dog/cat get along with strangers (human and animal)?
What is my budget for pet care?
What will give me the most peace of mind while I am away?
PET CARE OPTIONS
Professional Pet Sitting
Hiring a professional pet sitter is an excellent way to maintain peace of mind for both you and your pet during your time away. Pet sitting is the most customizable option for your pet! Does your pet feel most comfortable at home? This option allows your pet to remain in their familiar surroundings 24/7 while you are away enjoying yourself. A pet sitter is also a great choice for keeping your pets’ schedule as normal as possible for them. From feeding times to walks/let outs you can customize a timely schedule with the pet sitter and their visits each day. A pet sitter generally holds several pet safety certifications (particularly true of established pet care businesses), adding to your peace of mind. They will keep you up to date with personalized notes or text messages and of course provide lots of love for your fur babies while you are away. Pet sitting can double as a “home watch”. Many pet sitters will bring in your mail and newspapers and even water your plants, making your home appear “lived in” during your time away. BONUS!
In-Home Boarding
Boarding your pet in a pet sitters’ home is a wonderful option if you are not comfortable with letting someone new into your home or if you pet is protective of the home, i.e. does not allow strangers into the home. This can also be a less expensive option compared to hiring a pet sitter to come to your home multiple times a day. In-home boarding keeps your pet under the watchful care of an experienced pet sitter around the clock. In many cases, your pet will be socialized with other pets in a monitored and safe environment. In-home boarding also means your pet is never left alone overnight. When looking to book in-home boarding be sure to ask how much time the pet sitter generally spends away from the home or how much time they anticipate your pet will be crated or left alone in the home. Answers will vary depending on the pet sitter so to make the best choice for your pet it is a good idea to ask.
Kennels/Boarding Facilities
A standard option for around-the-clock pet care is a boarding facility. If you prefer to board your pet at a facility make sure it is reputable: read reviews, and ask your fellow pet parents for recommendations. Confirm that the facility holds the required boarding certifications, i.e. PCSA certified. Be sure to ask about the qualifications of the care-takers as well as detailed information on the daily schedule for pets under their care. It is important to note that boarding facilities often do not have staff on location after a certain time of day. Refer to the questions you answered above to determine if a boarding facility is a good fit for your pet. Find qualified boarding facilities at the International Boarding & Pet Services Association
Friend/Neighbor
Does your best friend LOVE playing with your cat, or maybe your neighbor has a teen dying to walk your dog? Consider asking them to pop over for feedings and playtime/walks. Having an established relationship with the person coming into your home can be comforting for both you and your pet. This is a great option if your pet has difficulty with new people or if you need someone to pop over on short notice. If they have pets themselves offer to return the favor next time they plan a trip. An important thing to remember when using a friend or neighbor is that life happens and there is always the possibility that something “comes up” last minute making them unavailable. Be sure to have a backup plan just in case.
Take them with you
What greater peace of mind than to have your fur baby right alongside you while you are away? If your pet is comfortable in new places, enjoys car rides (for road trip travels), or offers comfort to you as a pet owner they could be an excellent travel companion. There are many pet friendly travel options out there. From Airbnbs to restaurants and shopping, pets are becoming widely accepted in both public and private places across the country and the world. If your pet has a hard time being away from you or with new people, bringing them along will be your best option. Searching sites such as bringfido.com will give you detailed information on recreation, businesses, lodging and more that welcome our furry friends! Even if your pet does well boarding or with visits by a pet sitter/neighbor you may want to consider researching your destination for pet friendly options. After all, what is a family vacay without the family pet? Download our Free Guide to Traveling with Pets for all you need to know when you travel with your pets.
From hiring a pet sitter to in-home or traditional boarding to traveling with your pet, you have many options for pet care when you vacation. You know your pet best – think about which option will be the best fit for them and for you and go with that! Whichever form of pet care you choose, always do your due diligence. This means reading reviews, researching the business/person/facility, checking their history of pet care and certifications. It is your right and responsibility as a pet owner to gather as much information as you can before you trust someone with your precious fur baby.
Want to give traveling with your pet a try? Download our free Guide to Traveling with Pets for all the tips and tricks of traveling with your furry family members.
Is there anything worse than finding a tick behind Fluffy’s ear? Or that moment when you see a flea jump from Bruno’s tail right onto the living room rug? YUCK! Keeping our pets flea and tick free is part of our duty as a pet parent but it is not always as simple as year-round treatment. These 6 tips will keep your dog and cat flea- and tick-free both indoors and out all year long.
Why are Fleas and Ticks bad?
Besides being just plain yucky, fleas and ticks are parasites that may cause serious harm and discomfort to our precious fur babies. They transmit dangerous diseases such as Lyme disease, Dog Ehrlichiosis and let us not forget…the Bubonic Plague (Flea transmitted disease). These sneaky parasites are out to get our furry friends, but with a few simple steps your pet and your home will remain flea- and tick-free!
6 tips to prevent flea and ticks
Year-round treatment
A monthly pill or collar to prevent fleas and ticks for your dog and cat is a must year-round. No matter what region you live, continuing treatment through the winter is extremely important. These parasites survive temperatures as low as freezing (30 degrees). The unpredictable weather these days makes remaining diligent with your pet’s treatment more important than ever. All it takes is a few winter days in the 30’s for fleas and ticks to be right back to their pesky ways. No bones about it, continue your pet’s treatment 365 days a year.
Throw out old preventatives
If you have old flea and tick treatments from previous years or other pets it can be tempting to use them on your current pet. However, most treatments have specific expiration dates and become ineffective over time. These parasites evolve and often become immune to older products. Always check with your Vet for the most effective brands/products available to you. In addition, be sure to use pet specific products, canine products for dogs and feline products for cats. Swapping one for the other can cause serious harm to your pet.
Keep backyard clean
Our own backyard is the number 1 place pets contract fleas and ticks. Keeping the grass, trees and shrubs trimmed will keep your yard from looking too appealing to fleas and ticks. A regular mowing and grooming will continually disrupt the possibility for these sneaky parasites to make their home in your yard.
Clean home regularly
Flea eggs can stay alive all year long in your home, even through the cold months. Once eggs are laid, they can multiply as quickly as 100 per DAY! A thorough routine cleaning will keep your home flea free. There are a few things you do not want to miss during your cleaning that specifically target removing/keeping fleas at bay.
Washing pet and human bedding in hot water
Cleaning curtains, couches and other fabric materials that are a playground for fleas
Dispose of vacuum bag/empty canister (outside) after EVERY use. Flea eggs can continue to hatch and multiply even after being vacuumed.
Spray/clean carpeted areas frequently
Do regular tick checks
Looking for more peace of mind when it comes to wondering if Fido has a tick? Do a regular tick check yourself. Start this when your dog is just a puppy or your cat is a kitten to get them used to the unique full body search that an older pet may otherwise not be comfortable with. Regular baths will also help to prevent fleas and ticks. Bath time is also a fantastic time to do a flea/tick check.
Regular Vet checkups
Checking in with the professionals will ensure you have your pet on the best preventative plan possible. They will check the efficiency of your current program and make sure your pet remains on the safe track for being parasite free! A thorough checkup provides the utmost peace of mind for a pet parent, which is priceless. Do not delay, schedule a checkup with your pet’s veterinarian today.
Keeping your dog and cat flea and tick free makes for a happier, healthier pet. When your pet is armed with an effective year-round treatment with a nicely manicured yard to play in, a clean bed to rest their head, smelling fresh from routine baths, and gets a gold star from their vet check fleas and ticks don’t stand a chance! These 6 tips will have your pet saying THANK YOU again and again.
Do you have a best kept secret for preventing fleas and ticks in your pet(s)? Share with us in the comments!
Just Around the Corner offers daily Dog Walking and Cat Sitting in Plymouth, MA. To learn more about how Just Around the Corner can help, check out our Services Page. You can also Contact Us for more information. Be sure to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram!
Hydration is a crucial part of keeping your pet healthy, especially during these hot summer months. Hydrating your pet is so essential the US has declared the month of July National Pet Hydration Month. Did you know that your dog should drink 1 ounce of water per day for every pound of body weight? For large breed dogs that means a lot more water than the recommended 64 oz for humans every day.
Why do pets need more water than humans? It may come as a surprise, but dogs and cats are made up of 80% water, as opposed to the human 55-60%. This means it is 20-25% more likely for a pet to become dehydrated. How do I know if my dog/cat is drinking enough water? We understand it is not always easy to know exactly how much water intake your pet has had each day. Here are some important symptoms of dehydration to look out for.
Loss of appetite
Reduced energy levels
Lethargy
Heavy panting
Sunken eyes
Dry mouth/gums
Loss of skin elasticity
If your pet experiences any of these symptoms try to entice them with a fresh bowl of water. Whenever possible monitor your pet’s water intake. In addition to watching for these symptoms, performing the skin elasticity test is a great way to detect if your pet is experiencing dehydration. If the symptoms persist/worsen you will want to give your veterinarian a call as medical attention may be needed.
Tips to keep your pet hydrated
Providing fresh water for your pet daily may sound like a no-brainer, but there are a few tricks that will ensure your pet stays hydrated even through the hot and dry season.
Keep water bowls clean
Your pet may not seem to mind day old water but a freshly clean bowl with fresh water is ALWAYS more enticing than a slimy, lukewarm dish. Cleaning your pet’s dish daily will also keep the harmful, biofilm at bay!
Use more than one water dish
Increase opportunities for your pet to drink water by placing a few water dishes throughout your home as well as in several outdoor areas. This will help to up their water intake exponentially.
Frozen Treats
Offer your pet frozen treats, such as ice cubes, frozen broth, or pet-healthy smoothies. These refreshing, fun treats keep your pet coming back for hydration again and again.
Get a drinking fountain
While some dogs or cats may not mind standing water, others are far more interested in drinking from a bubbling fountain. Can you blame them? Drinking fountains often also filter the water which removes tastes and odors that may prevent your pet from drinking up.
Add water to your pet’s food
This is an especially good idea for older pets. Start with a small amount of water until they feel comfortable with the change. You can safely add water to any type of pet food from kibble to canned food. It is a great way to up their hydration without them feeling like they are being forced to drink, drink, drink.
As always, our goal as pet parents is to have the happiest and healthiest pets possible. Knowing the signs of dehydration and tips for how to keep your pet hydrated will keep your fur baby living their best life all summer long. Just remember, every time you reach for a drink of water for yourself, think of your pet. Or, maybe keeping your pet hydrated will help you to stay hydrated too!
Click here to get a downloadable infographic reminder for Pet Hydration.
How are you keeping your pet hydrated this summer? Share your tips and tricks in the comments!
Just Around the Corner offers daily Dog Walking and Pet Sitting in Plymouth, MA. To learn more about how Just Around the Corner can help, check out our Services Page. You can also Contact Us for more information. Be sure to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram!
We know you have many, many options for dog walkers. Knowing what questions to ask and when to ask them is the key to finding the perfect Dog Walker. Detailed questions allow you to match your dog with a walker that meets your needs and gives you peace of mind. That’s really what hiring a Dog Walker is all about, right? Knowing your dog is in the most capable hands possible for their needs on every single walk.
TIME SAVER: Are you a busy bee and don’t have time to read this, probably why you need a walker in the first place? Skip the read and download our FREE Dog Walker Question Guide to get started on your search for the best Dog Walker for you, today!
Before reaching out to your potential Dog Walker
Even before picking up the phone to inquire there are a few things you should know. From pricing to scheduling almost no Walker/Dog Walking company operates exactly the same. Your perfect match is out there, you just need a good understanding of what your needs are. Before you call answer these questions for yourself:
What is your budget?
What type of services does your dog need? Maybe Fido isn’t a huge fan of other dogs and needs a short solo stroll with only the Dog Walker. Does Lilly have so much energy anything less than an hour long group hike won’t do the trick? Get specific.
Are you looking to have the same Dog Walker every visit or would you prefer Shadow to have the flexibility of having backup Dog Walkers?
How much flexibility do you need with your schedule? Do you anticipate needing to cancel last minute frequently with the way your schedule works? Would a cancellation fee be a deal breaker?
Is your dog anxious around new people/other dogs?
Has your dog ever been home alone when someone they don’t know comes into the house? How does that go?
Answering these questions will put you in a great place to start your search for your perfect Dog Walker.
Inquiring about Dog Walking
Before you commit to a meet and greet there are questions to ask that will let you know pretty immediately if a Dog Walker has the expertise and credentials that you prefer. It is important to have a solid idea of what your expectations are going into a phone inquiry. Every pet owner is different and staying in tune with what works for you and your dog will give you a clear understanding when/if someone isn’t a good fit.
What services do you offer?
What are your prices?
How long have you been in business?
How many Dog Walkers work with you? If you are solo, is this your full-time job?
Are you local?
What areas/regions do you cover?
Do you have a Meet and Greet with all of your clients?
Can you supply 3 references or online reviews?
Keep in mind that the answers to these questions are only right/wrong based on your preferences. Some people may prefer to see a 10 year history of being in the business and 3 pages of references. Other owners and dogs may be totally comfortable with a part-time college student looking to earn some extra cash. Different strokes for different folks. Again, knowing what is right for you and your dog is the most effective way to sort through a list of local Dog Walkers.
Meet and Greet with your new Dog Walker
The greatest benefit of a Meet and Greet is being able to see how your dog responds to the person coming into your home. The way your dog and the walker react to each other may tell you all you need to know. Once everyone has met and things are going smoothly these questions will take it to the next level.
Are you Pet First Aid and Pet CPR certified?
How do you ensure the safety of the dogs you walk and those around them?
What would you do if a dog got off his/her leash?
Where will my personal information be stored?
What is the procedure in the event of an emergency with my dog?
What is the key policy? Giving someone access to your home and your pet is a privilege and should not be taken lightly.
During a meet and greet you want to make sure the physical aspects of your dog with the Dog Walker are cohesive. If they are unable to harness/leash your dog without the dog running to hide or baring teeth you may need to consider a few “trial visits”. If you just didn’t get a good vibe keep looking. There can be any number of reasons your dog doesn’t mesh with this particular Dog Walker.
The Dog Walk
Hiring a dog walker means trusting another person with your precious fur baby. You deserve peace of mind while you are away, knowing that your pup is in the most capable hands possible. Ask specific questions regarding the walk itself. The questions below will give you a better understanding of how each visit should/will look day in and day out.
Are you able to feed and water my dog during your visit?
Where will you walk my dog?
Will they be in a vehicle? If so, how do you ensure their safety?
How do you handle unruly behavior among dogs?
What would you do if my dog got off his/her leash?
Do you provide daily updates of how my dog is doing and what they did on their walk?
What supplies do you keep with you on the walk?
How can I (the Dog Owner) contact you (the Dog Walker)?
Asking the right questions is the key to finding the perfect Dog Walker. Don’t miss a single one! We have compiled an exhaustive list of questions for you (BEYOND the ones listed above) all in one place! Get your FREE downloadable Dog Walker Question Guide today!
See something missing? Let us know! Comment below with any Questions you have found to be helpful when in your search of the perfect Dog Walker.
Considering adopting a cat? There are many things to consider before bringing a furry feline into your home. Making it a smooth transition for the cat from the shelter to your home will set the tone for your future life together. This guide breaks down exactly what to consider before adopting. Already know adopting is definitely for you? Look no further, here we share the best ways to integrate a cat into your home!
Before you adopt
Evaluate your lifestyle
Before adopting a cat consider your lifestyle. Of course a precious fluffy kitty seems idyllic, but you must be honest with yourself to be sure you are ready for a lifetime commitment to a cat. What does it mean to evaluate my lifestyle you ask? Start with asking yourself these simple questions.
Do I spend a lot of time away?
Do I have other pets? If so, do they get along with other animals?
Are there children in the home?
Does anyone in the home have cat allergies?
Am I able to take on the financial impact of owning a cat?
Answering these questions honestly will let you know if you are ready to move on to the next step!
Understand the commitment you are making
Adoption is for life. It is crucial to understand that in making the choice to adopt a cat into your home has a furrever impact on the cat. Being shuffled back and forth between homes and shelters is extremely taxing on an animal. Pets feel stress the same way humans do and being moved around multiple times leaves a lasting impact on an animal. Always remember Adoption is for Life.
Do your research
Research the shelter you are adopting from. While most town/city shelters are reputable it doesn’t hurt to do a quick Google search for reviews and other information such as background and mission when it comes to pet adoptions. The more you know, the better equipped you will be when making this life changing decision. We suggest Adoption of a shelter cat rather than purchasing a cat from a breeder because every year over a million cats end up in shelters in need of a loving forever home. Be part of the solution.
Know the best fit for you
Know the type of personality you are looking for in a cat. If you work long hours adopting a more independent cat might be the way to go. Are you the laid back snuggling type? Consider a cat who will be easy going and enjoys affection. Cats have personalities just like people! Decide what characteristics will be the best fit for your life and find the cat that suits you. This will ensure a long lasting and enjoyable relationship for everyone.
Bringing your cat home
Choose a Vet
Plan ahead by choosing a vet that you know and trust. If you have never owned a cat ask your cat owning friends who they use. It is a good idea to get multiple recommendations and compare. Of course you can always do a good ol’ Google search and research Veterinarians in your area, read reviews, and make an educated decision on where to take your fur baby. Once you get the health records from your shelter it is a good idea to book your cat’s first check up ahead of time. Many vets are extremely busy these days and it will be one less thing to think about after you bring your kitty home.
Cat Proof your home
Cats are curious, agile and smart so get ready! Become aware of the things that can pose as a potential danger to your cat. It may take a little bit to get used to but once you are aware of the items to keep an eye out for it will become habitual. Some things to look out for:
human food left out on the counter
small choke hazard items such as paper clips or tacks
electrical cords they may be playing with or chewing on.
Keep a close eye out for what they are playing with in the first month and arrange items in your home accordingly.
Stock up on supplies
You might be surprised by how many items your cat will need to feel comfortable and confident in their new home. Stock up on essentials such as food and litter, as well as treats, toys, and grooming items. Download our “Cat Supply Checklist” for a full list of items you will need as a new cat mom or dad.
Give love, patience and space
Last but certainly not least, LOVE, PATIENCE, and SPACE are three keystones for a happy, healthy, cat/cat owner life. Your cat may take several weeks to fully adjust to their new environment. Exercising patience as they learn the “house rules” e.g using the litter box, not jumping on the counter, not chewing your shoes, will encourage them to behave appropriately. They may also need “alone time” in a designated space such as their sleeping quarters. It is important to allow them time to explore independently in their new home as it will build their confidence in their new environment and in you as their pet parent. Always remember Love, Patience, & Space.
Adopting a cat is a beautiful thing! Using this simple guide will ensure you and your new fur baby will have a long, happy, well-adjusted life together.
HAPPY ADOPTING!
Have a cat adoption story? We would love to hear it! Share with us in the comments.
You may have heard or read on social media last year that we sadly lost Bentley, a five-month-old member of our Just Around the Corner family, after he ate a toxic mushroom in his parents’ yard. This is a very difficult posting, but we want to let people know how dangerous mushrooms in your yard can be. There are just no words to express how deeply sad we are and how we wish we could make his mom and dad feel better.
Bentley was playing in his yard, as all puppies do. Everything in the mouth!!!!! He grabbed a mushroom in the yard and swallowed it before his dad could get it away. By the next day, he became very ill. He spent over a week in ICU at CCVS and, sadly, passed away soon after…
PLEASE…PLEASE…PLEASE always check your yard for mushrooms and remove them before letting your babies out. We send our deepest thoughts and prayers to Bentley’s mom and dad.
Despite the nearly year-round (except wintertime) occurrence of mushroom poisoning in most of North America, it is probably underestimated, so it’s wise for all of us to be vigilant. Don’t let yet another tragedy happen to you. “When in doubt, pull it out!”
We had an overwhelming response to this posting on Facebook, and requests for more information. Therefore, we have done our research, and the result is the following blog post:
Types of toxic mushrooms and symptoms of mushroom poisoning
Clinical signs of poisoning depend on the species of mushroom, the type of toxin in the mushroom, and the pet’s susceptibility.
Amanita, the most dangerous type, is attractive to dogs, particularly A. phalloides (death cap or death angel), A. muscaria (fly agaric), and A. pantherina (panther cap), probably because of the fishy odor. The ingestion of A. phalloides and other genera, including Galerina and Lepiota (false parasol), results in a series of phases: gastroenteritis, false recovery, and liver failure. Muscimol and ibotenic acid, the psychoactive toxins in toadstools (A. muscaria andA. pantherina), cause visual distortion and extreme sedation, among many signs.
Inocybe and Clitocybe produce muscarinic effects known as SLUD—salivation, lacrimation (excessive tear production), urination, and diarrhea.
Gyromitra spp. (false morels) generally cause vomiting and diarrhea. Most cases are mild, but seizures have been reported on rare occasions.
Hallucinogenic mushrooms such as Psilocybe(magic mushrooms, blue legs, or liberty caps), Panaeolus, Copelandia, Gymnopilus, Pluteus, and Conocybe cause disorientation, visual hallucinations, imaginary biting, hypertension, hyperthermia, seizures, and tremors, to name a few.
ASPCA provides more detailed information on the types of toxic mushrooms, mechanisms of toxicity, and treatment methods.
How to prevent mushroom poisoning
Keep an eye on your pets while taking them on a walk. Steer clear of areas where mushrooms grow.
Don’t take chances. Check your yard for mushrooms and remove them. It is difficult or even near impossible, even for mycologists (fungus experts), to distinguish toxic mushrooms from the nontoxic varieties. Adding to the complexity are the varying colors, shapes, and levels of toxicity in many species.
What to do after mushroom consumption
Although 99 percent of mushrooms are low-toxin or nontoxic, always assume that all mushrooms are potentially dangerous. Collect a sample of the mushroom, vomitus, or feces to bring with you to the animal clinic. Use a paper towel, waxed paper, or a paper bag for the mushroom. Do not use plastic material. Refrigerate the sample until you are ready to have it examined.
Take your pet to the vet for decontamination, in which vomiting is induced to remove the mushroom. In cases of actual poisoning, activated charcoal is administered to flush remaining toxins, followed by supportive care.
Contact the North American Mycological Association (NAMA) to identify and document the suspected mushroom. NAMA has a directory of identifiers across North America. There is also a listing for identifiers in Massachusetts.
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