Now that the weather is heating up, be sure to keep fresh water available for your pets. If you're going on an extended walk during the heat, consider buying a pet watering bottle that has an attached bowl on it for ease of use. REMEMBER, if you need water, your pet will need it as well.
Chris and Ray
Christine's Pets
703-626-3829
[DOGS]
Now that flea and tick season is upon us, talk to your vet about effective treatments.
When walking your dogs, stay out of the tall grass. After a walk, run your fingers over your ENTIRE pet and remove any ticks that you find. If you don't know how to remove embedded ticks, check YouTube for instructions.
Also, don't forget to check yourself for ticks after a walk!
Chris and Ray
Christine's Pets
703-626-3829
When walking your dogs, stay out of the tall grass. After a walk, run your fingers over your ENTIRE pet and remove any ticks that you find. If you don't know how to remove embedded ticks, check YouTube for instructions.
Also, don't forget to check yourself for ticks after a walk!
Chris and Ray
Christine's Pets
703-626-3829
[DOGS] BEWARE OF POISON IVY
When we walk our dogs, we like them to be able to sniff in and around grassy areas. It's a joy to see their noses seek out all of those yummy smells that we (fortunately?) aren't able to smell.
We're already aware of the dangers of mosquitoes and ticks that potentially carry horrendous diseases. What we may not be immediately aware of is the danger of Poison Ivy oils that are being deposited on our dogs' furs as they brush against Poison Ivy plants.
And guess where those oils end up when we lovingly stroke our dogs after a walk? We can then spread them to other parts of our bodies when we scratch ourselves.
Our walkers have a supply of baby wipes handy that they use freely (with latex gloves on their hands) whenever Poison Ivy contanimation is expected.
That's not a bad technique to get into if you're alergic to this vile weed.
If you don't know what Poison Ivy looks like (or Poison Summac, for that matter), consult an internet source ... Google it and find a picture for easy reference. Poison Ivy has its tell-tale three leaves, that once identified, will always stick in your mind.
FYI, a non-poisonous plant, the Virginia Creeper, looks just like Poison Ivy with the exception that it has five leaves instead of three.
Chris and Ray
Christine's Pets
703-626-3829
We're already aware of the dangers of mosquitoes and ticks that potentially carry horrendous diseases. What we may not be immediately aware of is the danger of Poison Ivy oils that are being deposited on our dogs' furs as they brush against Poison Ivy plants.
And guess where those oils end up when we lovingly stroke our dogs after a walk? We can then spread them to other parts of our bodies when we scratch ourselves.
Our walkers have a supply of baby wipes handy that they use freely (with latex gloves on their hands) whenever Poison Ivy contanimation is expected.
That's not a bad technique to get into if you're alergic to this vile weed.
If you don't know what Poison Ivy looks like (or Poison Summac, for that matter), consult an internet source ... Google it and find a picture for easy reference. Poison Ivy has its tell-tale three leaves, that once identified, will always stick in your mind.
FYI, a non-poisonous plant, the Virginia Creeper, looks just like Poison Ivy with the exception that it has five leaves instead of three.
Chris and Ray
Christine's Pets
703-626-3829
[DOGS] PROTECT YOUR DOGS' PAWS IN WINTER
Many of us purchase coats for our dogs in order to keep them warmer during our winter walks.
There's one other precaution that we should take, however, especially after salt has been spread on our sidewalks and roads after a snow storm.
That salt can easily get caught between your dogs' toes and irritate the skin, causing cracks and bleeding.
A quick fix for this problem is to use baby wipes to clean off the paws. Make sure to buy baby wipes that are dampened with baby oil and not alcohol; the alcohol will only exasperate any skin problems that will have already occurred.
Chris and Ray
Christine's Pets
703-626-3829
That salt can easily get caught between your dogs' toes and irritate the skin, causing cracks and bleeding.
A quick fix for this problem is to use baby wipes to clean off the paws. Make sure to buy baby wipes that are dampened with baby oil and not alcohol; the alcohol will only exasperate any skin problems that will have already occurred.
Chris and Ray
Christine's Pets
703-626-3829
[DOGS] BEWARE OF THE SUMMER HEAT AND HUMIDITY
Our business tends to pick up whenever inclement weather threatens. Understandably, just as there is an aversion to getting out of doors on freezing mornings to let one's dog do its business, so it is uncomfortable to do the same thing in the Washington, DC heat and humidity of summer.
Sometimes I think that professional dog walkers are the saving grace for dogs of less-than-aware owners who don't realize that dogs suffer as much as we do, if not more, on these hot days. Unlike people, dogs don't have sweat glands that aid in cooling them down. Their cooling mechanism consists primarily of panting which I don't think is as efficient in cooling a body as sweating.
Additionally, black or just dark-furred dogs also attract more sunlight than lighter-furred dogs, and this makes everything so much worse. Just think about wearing a black shirt versus a white one on a summer day. The difference in comfort is very noticeable, and so it is with dogs.
Therefore, if you're going to walk a dog in this heat, be sensible. Stay off any blacktop or concrete as much as possible. They trap heat which can and will burn your dogs' paws. Whenever possible, let your pets walk on grass.
Also, try to stay out of the sun as much as possible. Seek shady trees whenever possible, and limit your walks to a sensible amount of time that is commensurate with the temperature and humidity of the day. Back home, have plenty of water available and freshen the water bowl often.
Finally, and I can't stress this enough. DO NOT LOCK YOUR DOG IN THE CAR, even for only the "few minutes" that you're going to be away in the store or wherever you have to go. Leaving the windows cracked does very little to keep the temperature down to safe levels for your pet. In such an enclosed area, the temperature can rise very quickly and kill your dog. It's happened before; don't let this happen to you. In such instances it will be better to leave your dog at home, even if it has to be crated for the duration of your absence.
Chris and Ray
Christine's
Pets
703-626-3829
Keep your pets safe during these holidays.
Keep your pets safe during this holidays. PLEASE read the enclosed information about what people foods can be dangerous to your pets, courtesy of WebMD (references cited). You might be surprised to see some of these foods on the list.
Here are some of the foods that are dangerous to your dog(s) and cat(s):
Reference: WebMD:
http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/ss/slideshow-foods-your-dog-should-never-eat
http://pets.webmd.com/cats/ss/slideshow-foods-your-cat-should-never-eat
* Avocado: No matter how good you think the guacamole is, you shouldn't give it to your dog. Avocados contain a substance called persin. It's harmless for humans who aren't allergic. But large amounts might be toxic to dogs. If you happen to be growing avocados at home, keep your dog away from the plants. Persin is in the leaves, seed, and bark, as well as in the fruit.
* Alcohol: Beer, liquor, wine, foods containing alcohol -- none of it's good for your dog. That's because alcohol has the same effect on a dog's liver and brain that it has on humans. But it takes far less to do its damage. Just a little can cause vomiting, diarrhea, central nervous system depression, problems with coordination, difficulty breathing, coma, even death. And the smaller the dog, the greater the effect.
* Onions and garlic: Onions and garlic in all forms -- powdered, raw, cooked, or dehydrated -- can destroy a dog's red blood cells, leading to anemia. That can happen even with the onion powder found in some baby food. An occasional small dose is probably OK. But just eating a large quantity once or eating smaller amounts regularly can cause poisoning. Symptoms of anemia include weakness, vomiting, little interest in food, dullness, and breathlessness.
* Coffee, Tea and other liquids with Caffeine: Caffeine in large enough quantities can be fatal for a dog. And, there is no antidote. Symptoms of caffeine poisoning include restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors, fits, and bleeding. In addition to tea and coffee - including beans and grounds -- caffeine can be found in cocoa, chocolate, colas, and stimulant drinks such as Red Bull. It's also in some cold medicines and pain killers.
* Grapes and Raisins: Grapes and raisins have often been used as treats for dogs. But it's not a good idea. Although it isn't clear why, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. And just a small amount can make a dog ill. Repeated vomiting is an early sign. Within a day, the dog will become lethargic and depressed. The best prevention is to keep grapes and raisins off counters and other places your dog can reach.
* Milk and other Dairy Products: On a hot day, it may be tempting to share your ice cream cone with your dog. But if your dog could, it would thank you for not doing so. Milk and milk-based products can cause diarrhea and other digestive upset as well as set up food allergies (which often manifest as itchiness).
* Macadamia Nuts: Dogs should not eat macadamia nuts or foods containing macadamia nuts because they can be fatal. As few as six raw or roasted macadamia nuts can make a dog ill. Symptoms of poisoning include muscle tremors, weakness or paralysis of the hindquarters, vomiting, elevated body temperature, and rapid heart rate. Eating chocolate with the nuts will make symptoms worse, possibly leading to death.
* Candy and Gum: Candy, gum, toothpaste, baked goods, and some diet foods are sweetened with xylitol. Xylitol can cause an increase in the insulin circulating through your dog's body. That can cause your dog's blood sugar to drop and can also cause liver failure. Initial symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of coordination. Eventually, the dog may have seizures. Liver failure can occur within just a few days.
* Chocolate: Most people know that chocolate is bad for dogs. The toxic agent in chocolate is theobromine. It's in all kinds of chocolate, even white chocolate. The most dangerous kinds, though, are dark chocolate, chocolate mulch, and unsweetened baking chocolate. Eating chocolate, even just licking the icing bowl, can cause a dog to vomit, have diarrhea, and be excessively thirsty. It can also cause abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, and death.
* Fat Trimmings and Bones: Table scraps often contain meat fat that a human didn't eat and bones. Both are dangerous for dogs. Fat trimmed from meat, both cooked and uncooked, can cause pancreatitis in dogs. And, although it seems natural to give a dog a bone, a dog can choke on it. Bones can also splinter and cause an obstruction or lacerations of your dog's digestive system. It's best to just forget about the doggie bag.
* Persimmons, Peaches, and Plums: The problem with these fruits is the seeds or pits. The seeds from persimmons can cause inflammation of the small intestine in dogs. They can also cause intestinal obstruction. Obstruction is also a possibility if a dog eats the pit from a peach or plum. Plus, peach and plum pits contain cyanide, which is poisonous to both humans and dogs. The difference is humans know not to eat them. Dogs don't.
* Raw Eggs: There are two problems with giving your dog raw eggs. The first is the possibility of food poisoning from bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli. The second is that an enzyme in raw eggs interferes with the absorption of a particular B vitamin. This can cause skin problems as well as problems with your dog's coat if raw eggs are fed for a long time.
* Raw Meat and Fish: Raw meat and raw fish, like raw eggs, can contain bacteria that causes food poisoning. In addition, certain kinds of fish such as salmon, trout, shad, or sturgeon can contain a parasite that causes "fish disease" or "salmon poisoning disease." If not treated, the disease can be fatal within two weeks. The first signs of illness are vomiting, fever, and big lymph nodes. Thoroughly cooking the fish will kill the parasite and protect your dog.
* Salt: It's not a good idea to share salty foods like chips or pretzels with your dog. Eating too much salt can cause excessive thirst and urination and lead to sodium ion poisoning. Symptoms of too much salt include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, and seizures. It may even cause death.
* Sugary Foods and Drinks: Too much sugar can do the same thing to dogs that it does to humans. It can lead to obesity, dental problems, and possibly the onset of diabetes.
* Yeast Dough: Before it's baked, bread dough needs to rise. And, that's exactly what it would do in your dog's stomach if your dog ate it. As it swells inside, the dough can stretch the dog's abdomen and cause severe pain. In addition, when the yeast ferments the dough to make it rise, it produces alcohol that can lead to alcohol poisoning.
* Your Medicine: Reaction to a drug commonly prescribed for humans is the most common cause of poisoning in dogs. Just as you would do for your children, keep all medicines out of your dog's reach. And, never give your dog any over-the-counter medicine unless told to do so by your vet. Ingredients such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen are common in pain relievers and cold medicine. And, they can be deadly for your dog.
* Kitchen Pantry: No PetsAllowed. Many other items commonly found on kitchen shelves can harm your pets. For instance, baking powder and baking soda are both highly toxic. So are nutmeg and other spices. Keeping food items high enough to be out of your pet's reach and keeping pantry doors closed will help protect your pet from serious food-related illness.
CATS
* Tuna: Cats can be addicted to tuna, whether it's packed for cats or for humans. Some tuna now and then probably won't hurt. But a steady diet of tuna prepared for humans can lead to malnutrition because it won't have all the nutrients a cat needs. And, too much tuna can cause mercury poisoning. Remember the saying, "Honest as a cat when the meat's out of reach." Your cat will see an open can of tuna next to the sink as a dinner invitation.
If I still have your attention, please note that if you need special dog walking and/or pet sitting services over the Thanksgiving and the year-end holidays, please let us know ASAP. Our available slots tend to fill up quickly. Send us an email; we'll reserve time for you.
Chris and Ray
Christine's Pets
703-626-3829
Here are some of the foods that are dangerous to your dog(s) and cat(s):
Reference: WebMD:
http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/ss/slideshow-foods-your-dog-should-never-eat
http://pets.webmd.com/cats/ss/slideshow-foods-your-cat-should-never-eat
* Avocado: No matter how good you think the guacamole is, you shouldn't give it to your dog. Avocados contain a substance called persin. It's harmless for humans who aren't allergic. But large amounts might be toxic to dogs. If you happen to be growing avocados at home, keep your dog away from the plants. Persin is in the leaves, seed, and bark, as well as in the fruit.
* Alcohol: Beer, liquor, wine, foods containing alcohol -- none of it's good for your dog. That's because alcohol has the same effect on a dog's liver and brain that it has on humans. But it takes far less to do its damage. Just a little can cause vomiting, diarrhea, central nervous system depression, problems with coordination, difficulty breathing, coma, even death. And the smaller the dog, the greater the effect.
* Onions and garlic: Onions and garlic in all forms -- powdered, raw, cooked, or dehydrated -- can destroy a dog's red blood cells, leading to anemia. That can happen even with the onion powder found in some baby food. An occasional small dose is probably OK. But just eating a large quantity once or eating smaller amounts regularly can cause poisoning. Symptoms of anemia include weakness, vomiting, little interest in food, dullness, and breathlessness.
* Coffee, Tea and other liquids with Caffeine: Caffeine in large enough quantities can be fatal for a dog. And, there is no antidote. Symptoms of caffeine poisoning include restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, muscle tremors, fits, and bleeding. In addition to tea and coffee - including beans and grounds -- caffeine can be found in cocoa, chocolate, colas, and stimulant drinks such as Red Bull. It's also in some cold medicines and pain killers.
* Grapes and Raisins: Grapes and raisins have often been used as treats for dogs. But it's not a good idea. Although it isn't clear why, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. And just a small amount can make a dog ill. Repeated vomiting is an early sign. Within a day, the dog will become lethargic and depressed. The best prevention is to keep grapes and raisins off counters and other places your dog can reach.
* Milk and other Dairy Products: On a hot day, it may be tempting to share your ice cream cone with your dog. But if your dog could, it would thank you for not doing so. Milk and milk-based products can cause diarrhea and other digestive upset as well as set up food allergies (which often manifest as itchiness).
* Macadamia Nuts: Dogs should not eat macadamia nuts or foods containing macadamia nuts because they can be fatal. As few as six raw or roasted macadamia nuts can make a dog ill. Symptoms of poisoning include muscle tremors, weakness or paralysis of the hindquarters, vomiting, elevated body temperature, and rapid heart rate. Eating chocolate with the nuts will make symptoms worse, possibly leading to death.
* Candy and Gum: Candy, gum, toothpaste, baked goods, and some diet foods are sweetened with xylitol. Xylitol can cause an increase in the insulin circulating through your dog's body. That can cause your dog's blood sugar to drop and can also cause liver failure. Initial symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of coordination. Eventually, the dog may have seizures. Liver failure can occur within just a few days.
* Chocolate: Most people know that chocolate is bad for dogs. The toxic agent in chocolate is theobromine. It's in all kinds of chocolate, even white chocolate. The most dangerous kinds, though, are dark chocolate, chocolate mulch, and unsweetened baking chocolate. Eating chocolate, even just licking the icing bowl, can cause a dog to vomit, have diarrhea, and be excessively thirsty. It can also cause abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, and death.
* Fat Trimmings and Bones: Table scraps often contain meat fat that a human didn't eat and bones. Both are dangerous for dogs. Fat trimmed from meat, both cooked and uncooked, can cause pancreatitis in dogs. And, although it seems natural to give a dog a bone, a dog can choke on it. Bones can also splinter and cause an obstruction or lacerations of your dog's digestive system. It's best to just forget about the doggie bag.
* Persimmons, Peaches, and Plums: The problem with these fruits is the seeds or pits. The seeds from persimmons can cause inflammation of the small intestine in dogs. They can also cause intestinal obstruction. Obstruction is also a possibility if a dog eats the pit from a peach or plum. Plus, peach and plum pits contain cyanide, which is poisonous to both humans and dogs. The difference is humans know not to eat them. Dogs don't.
* Raw Eggs: There are two problems with giving your dog raw eggs. The first is the possibility of food poisoning from bacteria like Salmonella or E. coli. The second is that an enzyme in raw eggs interferes with the absorption of a particular B vitamin. This can cause skin problems as well as problems with your dog's coat if raw eggs are fed for a long time.
* Raw Meat and Fish: Raw meat and raw fish, like raw eggs, can contain bacteria that causes food poisoning. In addition, certain kinds of fish such as salmon, trout, shad, or sturgeon can contain a parasite that causes "fish disease" or "salmon poisoning disease." If not treated, the disease can be fatal within two weeks. The first signs of illness are vomiting, fever, and big lymph nodes. Thoroughly cooking the fish will kill the parasite and protect your dog.
* Salt: It's not a good idea to share salty foods like chips or pretzels with your dog. Eating too much salt can cause excessive thirst and urination and lead to sodium ion poisoning. Symptoms of too much salt include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, and seizures. It may even cause death.
* Sugary Foods and Drinks: Too much sugar can do the same thing to dogs that it does to humans. It can lead to obesity, dental problems, and possibly the onset of diabetes.
* Yeast Dough: Before it's baked, bread dough needs to rise. And, that's exactly what it would do in your dog's stomach if your dog ate it. As it swells inside, the dough can stretch the dog's abdomen and cause severe pain. In addition, when the yeast ferments the dough to make it rise, it produces alcohol that can lead to alcohol poisoning.
* Your Medicine: Reaction to a drug commonly prescribed for humans is the most common cause of poisoning in dogs. Just as you would do for your children, keep all medicines out of your dog's reach. And, never give your dog any over-the-counter medicine unless told to do so by your vet. Ingredients such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen are common in pain relievers and cold medicine. And, they can be deadly for your dog.
* Kitchen Pantry: No PetsAllowed. Many other items commonly found on kitchen shelves can harm your pets. For instance, baking powder and baking soda are both highly toxic. So are nutmeg and other spices. Keeping food items high enough to be out of your pet's reach and keeping pantry doors closed will help protect your pet from serious food-related illness.
CATS
* Tuna: Cats can be addicted to tuna, whether it's packed for cats or for humans. Some tuna now and then probably won't hurt. But a steady diet of tuna prepared for humans can lead to malnutrition because it won't have all the nutrients a cat needs. And, too much tuna can cause mercury poisoning. Remember the saying, "Honest as a cat when the meat's out of reach." Your cat will see an open can of tuna next to the sink as a dinner invitation.
If I still have your attention, please note that if you need special dog walking and/or pet sitting services over the Thanksgiving and the year-end holidays, please let us know ASAP. Our available slots tend to fill up quickly. Send us an email; we'll reserve time for you.
Chris and Ray
Christine's Pets
703-626-3829
[DOGS] Self Defense When You're Walking Your Dog(s)
As professional dog walkers, Chris and I have run across most situations that dog walkers can encounter.
One particularly distressing situation is when other dogs are allowed to run off their leashes and run towards us and our dogs. Nothing good can come out of that, especially when we have a Husky, Akida or some other no-nonsense dog at the end of our leash.
A ham radio friend told me of a new legal defensive weapon that the elderly have adopted in New York city, namely a can of Wasp Pesticide Spray.
Wasp Pesticide Sprays are manufactured to spray a stream of potent spray a good 30 feet (presumably to allow the sprayer plenty of distance and time to get away without getting stung). This works marvelously at stopping a charging dog in its tracks. Oh how I'd like to spray the humans who insist on letting their dogs run free in areas that are frequented by other, on-the-leash dogs.
In any case, I bougt a couple of cans and tried them out in our back yard. And yes, they spray a strong stream a good, long distance.
I hope not to have to use it on any dogs, but I've been told that the Wasp Pesticide Spray works as well or better than pepper spray.
Ray
Christine's Pets
703-626-3829
One particularly distressing situation is when other dogs are allowed to run off their leashes and run towards us and our dogs. Nothing good can come out of that, especially when we have a Husky, Akida or some other no-nonsense dog at the end of our leash.
A ham radio friend told me of a new legal defensive weapon that the elderly have adopted in New York city, namely a can of Wasp Pesticide Spray.
Wasp Pesticide Sprays are manufactured to spray a stream of potent spray a good 30 feet (presumably to allow the sprayer plenty of distance and time to get away without getting stung). This works marvelously at stopping a charging dog in its tracks. Oh how I'd like to spray the humans who insist on letting their dogs run free in areas that are frequented by other, on-the-leash dogs.
In any case, I bougt a couple of cans and tried them out in our back yard. And yes, they spray a strong stream a good, long distance.
I hope not to have to use it on any dogs, but I've been told that the Wasp Pesticide Spray works as well or better than pepper spray.
Ray
Christine's Pets
703-626-3829
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