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Association of Pet Professionals

Author: Pet Pros

  • Halloween is coming! Are you Boo-Pared?

    Halloween is coming! Are you Boo-Pared?

     

    As Halloween approaches and you prepare for the thrill of trick-or-treat, be mindful of a dog or cat’s reaction to the hubris. Dogs and cats may be frightened by costumes. If you are pet sitting on Halloween, be careful about donning personal costumes and while walking among the parade of dressed-up revelers.

    Other Halloween Safety Precautions should include:

    Keep Candy Out of Nose Reach

    While it’s a scream for trick-or-treaters to fill their buckets with confections, consumption of chocolate (and potentially xylitol) is toxic to dogs and cats. Wrapped candy, if eaten, is another hazard and possible intestinal obstruction.

    Costumes for Dogs and Cats   

    how to be a pet sitter

    If you like to dress your dogs for Halloween, choose a costume that allows plenty of breathing room. Avoid costume adornments that can be chewed off, choked on or swallowed. A reflective costume is also a good idea.

    Decorations

    Keep a watchful eye on candles burning inside pumpkins. Curious noses might get burned if they get too close, or worse, knock them over and start a fire. Best practice is to buy the LED-or battery style candles to minimize risk yet still have a glowing effect.

    Keep Pets Safe and Indoors

    Keep dogs and cats inside and preferably in a quiet room, away from the front door. The sound of the doorbell ringing will promote barking and the pack instinct to protect the family from strangers…especially if they are dressed in weird costumes and making strange (spooky) noises! Make sure all dogs in your care have a collar and I.D. tag with current information; especially if they aren’t micro-chipped. Some dogs will be sufficiently scared and attempt to escape or slip out the door during the commotion.

    Bringing Fido Along

    If you take a dog with you while trick-or-treating, stay on the sidewalks or driveways to avoid what might jump out at them at the door. Many homeowners like to dress in costume and spook the kids when the door is opened. Those sincere intentions may not be well received by a dog.

    Professional pet sitters are always focused on pet safety. Make it a Happy & Safe Howl-aween!

     photo attributions: dog in ghost costume by Matt Hill on pexels and dog in witch costume from private client, owner of “Roxy”

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Potty Training a Puppy

    Potty Training a Puppy

    The word “puppy” has no clear origin yet likely to have come from the French word poupee meaning “doll” or “toy.”  Poupee is pronounced “poo-pay.” And there’s hidden meaning there! Most puppy owners are poo-payed at the end of the day, chasing their young charges around constantly, especially during early house-training months.

    House training a puppy takes determination and vigilance. Most puppies will achieve consistent outdoor performance by 6 months, yet some may take up to a year.

     

    First and foremost is to keep the puppy confined. A crate, playpen, or divided area (preferably with tiled floors) is easier for housekeeping because accidents will happen. Lean into that and do NOT punish the pup! If you have missed the classic signs of circling and sniffing the carpet, gasp loudly and exhale with an “ah ah ah”! which may cause a muscle contraction in your puppy long enough to get them outside quickly.

    Young puppies have no control over their bladder muscles. A good rule of thumb for the time a puppy can hold their water is their age +1. So, a 2-month-old puppy = 2 + 1 or 3 hours. In the early months, every 1-2 hours is best. Getting out 10-15 minutes after each meal is necessary.

    Maintaining consistency with lots of praise and treats will help both of you as the puppy matures and you catch a few more Z’s in the ensuing months. Using the same area for potty breaks helps. You can also use a soiled piece of cloth (anything with its urine smell on it) to show your pup where to mark his spot. Be sure to throw a party after every potty, employing lots of praise with clapping hands and a happy voice.

    If your puppy is food motivated, high-value treats dispensed immediately after elimination is another way to reward a successful potty moment.

    Decide what your “cue” word is going to be every time you take your puppy out. “Go potty” is the most common. It is hard to find a cute, sexy way to describe it, yet anything goes provided it is used every time and is different from other commands you will be teaching your young dog.

    If you live in a high-rise community or challenged by inclement weather, you may consider pee pad training. This is often tricky, as you are providing two different options for your pup.  Ideally, you want them to hold it until you can get them outside.

    If you follow strict and consistent potty protocols, you will find that your time and dedication will pay off quickly and with big dividends!

    Hugs,

    Your Pet Pros @ AoPP

    House training a puppy for pet sitters

    photo attributions: Winking puppy by Dominka Roseclay on pexels. com

    (featured image of 3 Golden puppies purchased on istock.com)

  • How to Greet a Fearful or Shy Dog

    How to Greet a Fearful or Shy Dog

     

    Many dogs are fearful when meeting strangers for the first time. You will encounter dogs that are reluctant to approach you, yet as a professional pet sitter it’s helpful to know how to best manage your introduction with a skittish dog.

    Kathrine Breeden is the owner and operator of Be Kind to Dogs, a force-free dog training business in Phoenix, Arizona. Kathrine is a professional dog trainer and specializes in force-free dog obedience training with tips and tools that all professional pet sitters can adopt.

    Kathrine is also a behavioral consultant and member of the No Shock Collar coalition. Her philosophy is that Force Free & Positive Training results in a dog that follows an owner because it wants to, rather than following out of fear. We wholly support force-free training and do not promote punitive training methods that include shock, prong, or choke collars.

    The “Treat and Retreat” method is an effective practice when first meeting a client’s dog who is already fearful of humans. It’s important to start off with high-value treats. After conferring with your client regarding potential GI issues or food allergies, consider cooked, skinless, and cubed chicken for the best results.

    The premise behind this method is tossing treats at the dog you are meeting with NO eye contact, NO talk, and NO touch. Wait for him/her to gobble the food and look to you for more.  Keep tossing the food, while keeping quiet, until the dog is comfortable approaching you for more, getting closer and closer each time.

    We have found this method to be extremely effective when building a bond with reluctant and fearful dogs. Of course, most dogs will love you when you provide a yummy treat for them!  It’s those that typically have had bad experiences in their past that require a little more finesse and patience to warm up to humans and you, their soon-to-be-loved pet sitter.

    A copy of Katherine’s hand-out is included below.

    force-free training methods
    To contact Katherine Breeden for more information about force-free training methods visit her website: https://www.bekindtodogs.com

    The above guidance is an excerpt from our 15-page outline “Pet Sitter Basics for Dog and Cat Care” available to members only. We’re here to help you achieve new heights in your pet sitting journey! Join NOW so we can grow together http://app.comeback2.host/join-us/

    Hugs from your Pet Pros @ AoPP

     

     

  • How to Engage dogs with Scent Games

    How to Engage dogs with Scent Games

    Bulldog sniffing a flower

    One of our previous blogs shares the science behind the extraordinary scent powers of a dog. Read “How Stress affects Dogs and Cats regarding their extraordinary sense of smell (they can smell our stress among other things!) How Stress affects Dogs & Cats – Association of Pet Professionals

    While puppies are nearly blind at birth, their sense of smell is fully developed.  The part of the brain that analyzes scent is 40 times bigger in a dog’s brain than ours. To fully engage and entertain dogs you are pet sitting, try these simple and inexpensive games and activities.

    (1). Treasure Hunt:  Hide treats throughout the house!

    • Start with 1 or 2 in plain sight (when she’s not looking). Call her and say, “FIND IT”.
    • After she gobbles those, say ‘GOOD FIND IT” and repeat the process in less obvious places.
    • Get creative with a food dispensing object (Kong) or smear cheese on a rubber toy you can hide (best on a non-carpeted surface).
    • To play scent games outside, hide frozen cubes of meat broth. Repeat the command “FIND IT” and praise with “GOOD FIND IT” when she discovers the treat.

    (2). Shell Game: Start with 4 sturdy coffee-cup sized containers.

    While she’s watching, place a treat underneath one cup then move it back and forth. Say “FIND IT”. When she sniffs the cup, lift it up and say, “GOOD FIND IT”. This is easy with only one cup, right? To intensive the game, add another cup, then another, repeating the process (like a magician moving the cups back and forth). Make sure you say, “GOOD FIND IT” and reveal the treat underneath when she sniffs the right cup.

    (3). Hide ‘N Seek: YOU are the treat!

    When she’s in another room, sneak off and hide somewhere. If you have an active dog, she will come looking for you. When you “sense” her sniffing for you, reveal yourself with “GOOD FIND IT” and provide a treat as praise.

    (4). Muffin Tin Game: This is very popular and requires a simple muffle tin, treats and balls.

    Place treats at the bottom of each cup hole. Put a ball on top to cover the treats (tennis balls work great). Your dog will have to move the ball to get to the treat.  This not only helps them practice their scent work, but also exercises their problem-solving skills and mental stimulation needs.

    (5). Box Search: This is a great way to reuse those Amazon delivery boxes!

    When she’s out of the room, place several empty boxes on the floor and fill most of them (not all) with treats. Bring her into the room and encourage the hunt with FIND IT!  Praise her for each “find”. Put the boxes away when all the treats are gone to signal the game is over.

    Get creative and have fun practicing scent work with dogs in your care.  Be sure to share these pet sitting experiences and the dog’s performance with your clients.  They will love you for it (and may try these games in their home!)

    Hugs from your Pet Pro Team @ Aopp

    Join us for more tips & tools to achieve new heights in your pet sitting business! http://app.comeback2.host/join-us/

     

     

  • Essential Client Questions to Ensure Tailored Pet-Sitting Care

    Essential Client Questions to Ensure Tailored Pet-Sitting Care

    All pets need a professional pet sitter

    In today’s digital age, texting has become a predominant mode of communication.

     

    However, it often lacks the depth and richness of real conversation. In real conversations, there is less room for misinterpretation or misunderstanding. In order to build trust and rapport with new clients, meaningful dialogue by phone will help establish your authenticity with your prospective clients. Knowing what questions to ask before you commit are included below.

    People love to talk about their pets! Keep your tone and dialogue enthusiastic as you dive into the initial questions including style of service needed, the client’s location and if you are available for the service dates needed.

    Does the client live in your service area and are you able to help them? If you only offer dog walks and cat visits and the client needs in-home pet boarding, refer them to another trusted pet sitter.

    It’s helpful to know the client’s travel itinerary, including time of day they are leaving and returning home. Knowing those details will help you with scheduling. We know too well that the art of juggling multiple clients requires creative scheduling!

    Taking a deeper dive into specific pet details will be the crux of your conversation as all animals are individually unique. A dog’s breed, age, size, general disposition and health should be explored in greater depth.

    Does your furry guest require medications or insulin injections, frequent potty breaks or meals during the day, outdoor exercise or suffer from separation anxiety? Ask about the owner’s past experiences when hiring pet sitters, which will help gauge their expectations of you.

    If caring for a cat, are they prone to hide upon your arrival or will they want to cuddle and purr with you? Ask leading questions to get a feel for the pet’s personality. More extensive care may also determine how much you charge for special pet needs that require more time to fulfill. Do not hesitate to decline business if you feel the situation is beyond your capabilities or will put you at risk!

    Other sample questions include:

    • Can you tell me about your pet’s daily routine? (Feeding times, exercise schedule, etc.)
    • Does your pet have any specific dietary restrictions or allergies?
    • Are there any medications or special instructions I should be aware of?
    • How does your pet behave around strangers or other animals?
    • Are there any particular behaviors or quirks I should know about your pet?
    • Who is your family veterinarian?
    • Do you have a preferred veterinarian in case of emergencies? PET PRO TIP: Create a list of Emergency Clinics in your area.
    • Are there any areas of your home that are off-limits to the pet sitter or specific instructions regarding house access?
    • How does your pet typically react to being left alone for extended periods?
    • How would you like updates on your pet’s wellbeing while you’re away? (Note: this can include photos, texts, and videos and should always include daily check-ins).
    • Is there anything else you’d like me to know about your pet or your expectations for their care?

    Your Value Proposition:

     

    When discussing your services, include value-added “extras” you offer. This might include fetching mail, or packages left at the front door, watering indoor plants or taking the garbage in/out. You may want to charge a little more for these helpful household chores even if you are only in the client’s home briefly to walk their pup or refresh food and water.

    Sometimes, doing these little extras without being asked or offered at no charge, will help curry a stronger client relationship.

    Provide excellent customer service by being responsive to inquiries, professional in your communications and reliable in your pet care services.  Happy clients are more likely to recommend you to others and become repeat customers.

    Stay updated on industry trends, attend pet care workshops or on-line training and certification programs, and continually improve your skills is fundamental to providing the best possible care for your client’s pets.

    The Association of Pet Professionals offers these skill-building resources for our members. Become a member today! Only $10/month to join and tap into the well of knowledge we have waiting for you @ http://app.comeback2.host/join-us/

    Keep doing YOU and always strive to do your best as the professional pet sitter you are! We’re here to help you grow your pet sitting business. 🙂

    Hugs from your AoPP Pet Pro Team

  • Moving with Pets

    Moving with Pets

    Whether moving across town or out of state, it is an exhausting proceMoving with dogs and catsss for any family, including the furry children. Dogs and cats are creatures of habit and thrive on predictable routines. The frenzied activity of a household relocation can cause as much stress for them as their owners, yet manageable with some extra planning. Pet sitters can help their clients by sharing these tips and offering special (off-site) pet care for clients moving locally. Pet Pro Tip: partner with local real estate agents to let them know you offer pet care services for their clients on the move.

    Before any move, researching local ordinances and homeowner’s association by-laws that may restrict certain dog breeds OR the number of household pets allowed is critical.  For multi-pet families, it’s important to know in advance what to expect before signing the housing or rental contract! Discriminatory breed bans are particularly prevalent when it comes to “bully breeds” with an unfair bias against Pit bulls. Breed stereotypes can affect homeowner’s insurance rates, rental property availability or restrictions against ownership.

    If moving cross country, pet owners should consider climate changes that might require additional pet protocols for flea, tick, heartworm and Leptospirosis treatment. Leptospirosis is more common in warm climates and those areas with high annual rainfall. Many dog owners living in desert climates enlist professional snake-training for their dogs as an added precaution.

    Maintain Pet Routines with Focus on Safety

     

    It’s important to maintain a pet’s daily routines as much as possible, especially during the packing process.  All those boxes and disappearing items will be unsettling for them.  Leave their pet beds, bowls and toys for last and make sure they are the first items to be unpacked. Cats love cardboard boxes, which is a bonus for cat owners.  Let the cat play with an empty box or two, and perhaps add a special treat inside to make those boxes extra fun for them.

    If a dog or cat is not used to a carrier, a slow introduction is necessary. Leave the crate/carrier out with the door open. Add a favorite toy or treat inside so they can explore it slowly and on their terms. You can also serve their meals inside the crate, moving the food further back each time.

    Moving day can be quite traumatic for both owner and pet. The commotion of movers may prompt a “fight or flight” response, and an open front door is not only likely, but an invitation for a dog or cat to escape. As an added precaution, create a safe, quiet and secure room for them. For highly anxious dogs or cats, calming aids, supplements or medications may be needed. This should be discussed with the family veterinarian.

    Find A Local Veterinarian upon arrival!

     

    Once settled, pet owners need to find a local Veterinarian and emergency 24/7 vet facility near their new home.   Tips to finding a good vet include word of mouth, neighbors, rescue groups and breed-specific organizations. Searching on Yelp and Google can also be helpful. Ask about care costs and if a payment plan is available. A pet insurance plan should also be considered as part of a pet’s wellness program, for all life stages. Keeping vaccination records in an organized file to share with the new vet is always a good practice, yet often overlooked and easily lost in a move.

    A family move brings many new and different changes that can be both exciting and daunting at the same time. Some pets may take a detour on potty or crate training when in a new place, as they adjust.

    Getting them used to the new house, neighborhood, environmental scenery and noises can be viewed as an adventure if not an invitation to get back to basics with dog training and using high value treats as rewards during acclimation. Positive reinforcement with calming tones and praise will help pets adjust during the move and after settling into new digs.

    Hugs,

    Your Pet Pros @ AoPP

     

     

  • The Yin and Yang of Spay & Neuter

    The Yin and Yang of Spay & Neuter

         As a professional pet sitter, it’s important to understand spay and neuter issues to assess potential complications for your pet sitting business.  If you are boarding dogs in your home or pet sitting a young dog still intact, details to consider are included in this blog. Nature at its finest…are you prepared?

    Of course, the decision to spay or neuter a pet is entirely up to the owner. Opinions are mixed as to the ideal age to spay or neuter a dog.  Rescue groups and animal shelters spay and neuter as quickly as possible to avoid unwanted litters.  Some veterinarians, most breeders and individual owners may lean toward delaying these procedures past the first 6 months of age to avoid potential health risks later.

         Risks include joint disorders (hip or elbow dysplasia) and various cancers, such as lymphoma, mast cell tumor and osteosarcoma.

         Spaying or neutering within the first 6 months of age delays the closure of growth plates that control bone development.  Subsequently, the longer the wait period the more likely optimal growth in height and conformation will occur.

    However, on the other side of this debate (for female dogs) may increase the risk of “pyometra”, a dreadful uterus infection and mammary cancer. For intact males, there is potentially added risk of testicular cancer.

    X-rays will show when growth plates are fully closed, which is a helpful tool to determine when it’s best to schedule surgery.

    Timing of surgery may also be influenced by breed.

    According to researchers at the University of California, Davis some dog breeds have a higher risk of developing certain cancers and joint diseases if neutered or spayed within the first year.

    They analyzed 15 years of data from thousands of dogs examined yearly. The results are extremely mixed, based on their professional review of 35 different dog breeds.

    In many cases these potential health concerns were not necessarily affected by the dog’s age at neutering, but more likely due to body size. Fundamentally, smaller dogs are less prone to joint disorders as they mature as early as six to nine months of age, whereas bigger breeds take longer.

    Interestingly enough, it was discovered that Great Danes and Irish Wolfhounds, despite their “largesse”, did not show an increased risk when neutered at various ages. Who would’ve thunk?

    Benjamin Hart, distinguished professor emeritus at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine states: “There is a huge disparity among different breeds…there is no “one size fits all” when it comes to health risks and the age at which a dog is neutered. Some breeds developed problems, others didn’t. Some may have developed joint disorders but not cancer or the other way around.”

    NOTE: Diet and nutrition were not factors of this study’s assessment, yet certainly begs to be considered when studying the incidence of cancer in our companion animals.

    Sexually-driven Behaviors of Intact Male Dogs

          Male dogs tend to reach sexual maturity between the ages of five and twelve months old. During this timeframe, you can expect hormonally-driven undesirable behaviors to unveil:

     

    • Increased frustration released by digging, scratching, and chewing.
    • Restlessness and inability to settle down.
    • Flight impulses including fence jumping and door dashing.
    • Barking, lunging, growling, snapping, biting and fighting with other male dogs.
    • Lack of cooperation and noncompliant behavior.
    • Excessive pulling and dragging during walking; intense sniffing and licking female urine.
    • Extra interest in the genital area and excessive grooming.
    • Exhibiting sexual arousal when petted or given attention.
    • Mounting people, animals and/or objects (or thin air).
    • Excessive urine marking, both indoors and outdoors.
    • Frustrated, excessive barking.

    Due to these problematic behaviors, commercial facilities will deny entrance to an intact male past the age of 6 months…and pet sitters should strongly consider the added complications as well!

    Boarding a female dog that isn’t spayed and likely to come into heat on your watch is a risk most pet sitters should avoid.

    For pet owners who plan to travel without their pets during this “wait” period, its best to secure pet accommodations well in advance or delay travel until the deed is done. For professional pet sitters, it’s essential to consider waiting to provide service until these potential complications have passed.

    Hugs from your Pet Pro Team @ AoPP!

    photograph credit: Taylor Sondgeroth on Unsplash

    Resources for this article:

    https://www.ucdavis.edu/news/when-should-you-neuter-your-dog-avoid-health-risks

    https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fvets.2020.00388/full

    https://dogdiscoveries.com/behavior/behaviors-of-intact-male-dogs

    https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/vets-corner/neutering-spaying-right-age-dog/

     

     

     

     

  • Easter is a Bunnanza for Rabbit Acquistions

    Easter is a Bunnanza for Rabbit Acquistions

     

    Because bunnies are oh-so-cute, they are often given as gifts at Easter. Sadly, shelter workers report they are the most returned pet after Easter.
    Those cute and cuddly baby bunnies sexually mature at 4 months and adolescent behavior follows: biting, spraying, and not wanting to be held.

    Rabbits need to be spayed or neutered and as they get older, want to be held and carried less. They are most active at dawn and dusk, so prefer to sleep during the day.  This shortens the window of companionship time together.

    Bunnies are susceptible to various illnesses, bacterial infections (signs: runny eyes, nose, increased sneezing, wheezing), and even bladder stones (straining, bloody urine, crying while in litter box). The last is the most serious and requires immediate surgery.

    A rabbit needs to be kept indoors. The cage bottom needs to be covered with thick newspaper, sea grass mats, or cushy straw to prevent hock sores.

    The House Rabbit Society offers beyond-fuzzy advice for prospective bunny owners:

    • A rabbit as an Easter gift is not a good idea – chocolate bunnies are best!
    • Never buy a rabbit (adopt instead!)
    • Do your homework first to learn about rabbits as pets.
    • When you’re ready for an 8–12-year commitment, adopt from a local rescue/shelter.

    Rabbits are wonderful companions, but they’re not for everyone. If you want to learn more about caring for a rabbit, visit their website: https://rabbit.org. Fostering a rabbit first is a great way to experience life with a rabbit before making a permanent commitment.

    How many rabbits have you encountered and cared for in your pet sitting profession? Reply below or send an email to share your “bunny” experiences @ info@app.comeback2.host or http://app.comeback2.host/contact-us/

    Hoppy Easter and hugs from your Pet Pro Team @ AoPP!

    We believe that rabbits are intelligent and social beings. House Rabbit Society, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is the nation’s largest rabbit welfare group. Their aim is to improve the lives of domestic rabbits through education, awareness, and rescue.

     

     

  • Pet Sitter Care Tips for Senior Dogs

    Pet Sitter Care Tips for Senior Dogs

    If a dog is rounding the corner at 6 years of age, they may now be considered a senior (depending on the breed).

    VCA, with over 750 hospitals and 4700+ Primary Care Veterinarians explains it this way:

    • “Pets age at a faster rate than people. It is a popular misconception that one calendar year equates to seven years in a dog’s life. In actual fact, in one calendar year a dog may age the equivalent of four to fifteen years in a human’s life. The reason for this dramatic difference is that puppies reach maturity very quickly and are essentially adolescents or young adults by a year of age – thus they are considered to be the equivalent of a 15-year-old by their first birthday. During the second year, the rate of aging slows down a little so that the average dog is considered to be the equivalent of a 24–25-year-old by their second birthday. After that, the rate of aging is estimated to be 4-5 dog years per calendar year, depending on the size and breed. Large breed dogs age relatively more quickly than small breed dogs. By the time your dog reaches its 6th birthday, it will be either middle-aged (if a small or medium breed dog) or geriatric (if a large breed dog).”

    Veterinary well exams once per year, if not semi-annually for seniors is highly recommended. A well exam is more comprehensive than a typical visit. Sadly, this is often overlooked by pet parents.

    A wellness examination is a complete physical assessment with diagnostic testing that may include blood work, x-rays, urinalysis, and checking a stool sample for parasites. Special equipment is used to listen to heart and lungs, examine ears and eyes and check vital signs. Blood tests may include a complete blood cell count and chemistry panels to test for possible anemia, infection or organ disease. Blood chemistry tests are critical to evaluate how a dog’s body organs are functioning. Early detection of an underlying condition will add years to a dog’s life.

    Caring for senior dogs

    It’s important to carefully monitor a senior dog’s health, keep him active and mentally stimulated, and institute appropriate dietary adjustments as he ages. Many senior dog conditions can be mitigated by simple dietary changes, including joint supplements. A pet insurance plan should also be considered as part of a pet’s wellness program, for all of their life stages. A senior well exam is more important than maintaining vaccinations.

    Some vaccinations may be unnecessary for a senior dog. Recommend that your clients talk to their veterinarian about the necessity of Parvo/Distemper shots past the age of 10. Many holistic practitioners believe a dog is sufficiently immune to the risk of Parvo/Distemper so may not be necessary later in life.

    Additionally, after the age of 2, these same vaccinations can be administered every 3 years (vs. annually). Consider the suggestion from the American Veterinary Medical Association:

    “Many vaccinations provide adequate immunity when administered every few years, while others require more frequent schedules to                        maintain an acceptable level of immunity that will continually protect your pet”.

    An example of more frequent and optional vaccinations might include Bordetella and/or Leptospirosis. For active dogs that frequent dog parks or doggie daycares, Bordetella is necessary. For those who may be exposed to wetlands, forests, soggy golf courses or anywhere a disease-carrying animal might infect water sources, Leptospirosis is recommended. These 2 vaccinations are considered “lifestyle” vaccinations and specific to a dog’s exposure to other dogs and unique terrain.

    Dogs with suppressed immune systems or existing health conditions require case-by-case consideration, wherein some or all vaccinations could be more harmful than beneficial.

    Early diagnosis of potential health conditions will make the difference in adding years to a dog’s life. It’s easy to miss the subtle signs of “senioritis” until symptoms present which sometimes require an unplanned, emergency vet visit. Dogs are very good at masking their pain. If you notice unusual vocalization, excessive panting, atypical pacing, disorientation, body tremors, lethargy or inability to get comfortable or rest peacefully, that dog is telling you something. If the vocalization becomes a pronounced and extended howl, we’re talking serious pain now.

    Decreased eyesight and hearing is a natural aging condition for many dogs, along with newly developed lumps and bumps that are most likely benign; yet should be analyzed by a vet.

    Compromised mobility is common in seniors. If a dog isn’t climbing the stairs, walking as far, has trouble getting up or down or slips on slick floor surfaces, anti-inflammatories and/or joint supplements can help, if not adding a few rugs and soft pet beds on hard-floor surfaces to help their navigation and comfort.

    CBD for pets is also gaining popularity in providing relief for older dogs with stiff joints, periodic lameness, inflammation and arthritis. CBD is also being used as an alternative supplement for pets with pain and anxiety.

    Exercise is still important for a senior dog, however moderated for his ability. This helps maintain a healthy body weight as overweight dogs suffer from a number of health problems. It’s much easier walking a senior dog than an exuberant puppy still in the leash-training stage!

    PET PRO TIP: You want to develop a meaningful relationship with local vets. They are not only a dog’s “other partner” they are great referral sources for your business. Share these “senior dog care” tips with your clients to reinforce your professionalism and thoughtfulness.

    Hugs,

    Senior dog care for pet sitters

    Your Pet Pro Team @ AoPP

     

  • Why do Dogs Hump?

    Why do Dogs Hump?

    Note: this article is for pet owners and pet sitters to better understand what causes a dog to perform the “humpty-do” dance.

    Humping or “mounting” is a common behavior and not exclusive to intact or stud males only. Neutered males and females may also “go for it”.

    Obviously, in the case of a female dog in heat, any male dog will traverse hill and dale to start that party. Unless you are a professional breeder, you must keep your female dog in lock down to avoid an unwanted litter. Intact males are especially prone to fervent (sexual) humping.

    There Are Many Reasons Why Dogs Hump Each Other And, In Some Cases, Hump Humans and Inanimate Objects.

    Normal play behavior between two dogs might include some humping.  Provided it does not continue indefinitely, nor seem to bother the “receiver,” it is o.k. to let the dogs work it out between themselves. There is a dominance issue involved that often alternates between who is on top. However, some dogs will not react well to being humped, so best to be prepared to intervene if the situation escalates.

    Dogs may use this action to relieve stress or frustration. Rather than become horrified, owners (and pet sitters) should evaluate what might be causing their dog’s anxiety. Are they getting enough exercise? Are they socially frustrated, experiencing disruption to routine or do they lack proper socialization?

    Some dogs get overly excited when around other dogs or visitors come to your home. This stimulating event might result in hyper arousal. Leash your dog before introductions are made and be sure to praise and reward them once they have settled down.

    In the case of humping pillows, blankets or toys, it simply feels good. Provided you have ruled out any underlying medical conditions, no harm- no foul if only an occasional release. Persistent humping of objects may mean a compulsive disorder that requires behavioral analysis and treatment.

    When humans are the object of desire, it’s best to walk away to dissuade the behavior or distract the dog with another activity. dogs will hump pillows when aroused

    If your humper is in overdrive when playing with other dogs, you might need to separate him for a little quiet time to quell the excitement. Do not punish your dog, yet gently with soft voice tones, ease him away for a cool down before reengaging in play time.

    Make sure your dog is getting plenty of exercise, outdoor release, and mental stimulation. Your dog may benefit by private or group training classes. This includes specialized training to modify behavior, controlled socialization, agility and/or general obedience. Good Canine Citizen classes are a wonderful choice for owners wanting a stronger and balanced bond with their dogs.

    Have you had any experiences with humpers? How did you handle it? Share your stories with us!

    For more info on this topic, read this article from petMD: https://www.petmd.com/dog/behavior/why-do-dogs-hump

    Hugs,

    Tori

    Photo attribution of dog on dog from Google images by blogspot.com. Thank you fellow bloggers!

    Pillow shown actually sold and available (including other choices) on http://cafepress.com