Picture
This is my kitty Aislinn and she is one of many reasons why I became certified an an instructor of Pet Tech Pet CPR classes.  The course offers a lot of information on day-to-day care in additional to the CPR and after I took the class I had a list of things I wanted to change in my own life that I had never thought about before.  Here is my list:
  • Cats do not need to have grain in their diets.  Our cat Aislinn has allergies so I have done a bunch of nutrition research and am changing her to a grain-free starch-free food to see if it helps with her allergies and overall health.


 
 
Picture
There are lots of ways that people choose a new family dog.  Some may search the newspaper for advertisements from breeders who are selling new puppies; others find breeders via listings on the internet, while still more may simply purchase a puppy from a local pet store.  Perhaps the best method, however, in terms of being helpful to society in general is to adopt a dog from a local animal shelter.

Adopting a dog brings a new friend into your life and it also helps to reduce the number of unwanted and homeless dogs in your area.  Unless the shelter is a “no kill” facility (and these are sadly few and far between), it will also save a dog’s life.  Animal lovers everywhere champion the adoption of dogs from shelters as opposed to any other method of bringing home a new pet for this reason alone, but there are other reasons to choose the adoption option.


 
 
Picture
I have not finished this book but I had to recommend it to everyone right away.  Anyone who has an older dog or has a dog approaching old age, read this book today!  The faculty of Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University have done a wonderful job gathering basic information on everything you need to know about your aging dog and have presented it in a straightforward, easy to understand way.  There are clear explanations of which situations are an emergency and what behaviors should be watched for.  They begin with a breakdown of what is considered "old" for dogs and the general aging process.  We have one copy available to borrow from our Library, or go buy yours today!

 
 
Picture
There are many requirements that a pet owner must meet before traveling by air with a dog.  While specific regulations will vary by airline, most airlines work with the same general rules when it comes to flying dogs.

Food and Water

Do not worry about feeding and watering your dog while on the plane.  A dog can travel for 10 hours without food or water and will be much less uncomfortable than having to hold it during a flight.  Consider reducing food before the flight as well and walk your dog before the flight to encourage them to go to the bathroom.  Some airlines to require bowls be attached to the kennel and food be taped to the kennel in case it is needed.

 
 
Picture
_If you are thinking about traveling for the holidays this year, now is the time to plan for your pets!  Here are a few things to remember:

_
  1. _If you still need a pet sitter, now is the time!  Sitters are quickly filling their holiday spots so you want to set something up before it is too late.  If you do not have a regular sitter now, is the time to set up interviews to find a sitter that works well for your household.
  2. Be sure to leave plenty of food and regular supplies for your pets.  Get these early so you are not having to go shopping the night before you leave.
  3. Leave detailed instructions for your pet care provider, the more detail the better!  If you did not sign a vet release form already then be sure to check with your vet and see if they have a form they prefer.  (All Sidehill clients fill out one of these.)
  4. Try to spend some extra time with your pets before you leave.  I know you are busy planning for the holidays, but they will miss you when you are gone and will be confused by the holiday commotion.
  5. Be sure to have plenty of toys and treats for your pet to chew while you are gone.  Special treats such as stuffed Kongs will help distract them if they are bored.  
Above all, enjoy the holidays and your pets when you return.  With a good pet sitter they will enjoy their special attention when you are gone and will be happy to see you when you return!

Do you have any tips for other pet owners?  Feel free to add your ideas!




 

Sidehill Sitters - Professional Pet Sitting - Bonded and Insured - (970) 980-1325