A Kenneling Alternative

Jennifer Houghton

How Well Do We Know Your Pets?

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January 19th is Get To Know Your Customers Day. We feel pretty confident that we know your pets pretty well, but we always want to learn more.

Let’s talk about how we get to know the Floofins in your household. 

First, we alway do a meet and greet before taking on new clients. We get all of the information on your home, your pet’s schedule, the feeding preferences, etc. It’s important to us that we make your absence feel less stressful to your pet by keeping them in their routine.

We also spend regular time with them. If you are a midday walk client, we know the pace your pet likes to take and are able to notice when they speed up or slow down or even when something is askew. 

As a client, I have had my Floofins staff member note any small lumps or bumps and any odd behavior (like that time Ginger insisted she take her water buffalo horn on her walk). It’s helpful and informative.

But did you know that you can always contact us with additional information above and beyond what is in your profile? We always document information there for consistency between staff and the office. But, you can always reach out to us with feedback about our service and staff. We encourage communication. 

Finally, if you are satisfied with the service you receive, consider leaving a Google Review, Yelp Review, or a Facebook Review. Those words of praise and affirmation make a huge difference when potential clients are researching pet care companies. We note it and appreciate it.

So, tell us more about you, our customers. And if you want, let others know how you feel about us. We believe in hearing our customers, so always let us know how we’re doing. 

Could You Spot Diabetes In Your Pet?

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Did you know that your pet could develop diabetes? If not, don’t beat yourself up. Most people are not aware that this disease could afflict their pets. 

According to Merrick Animal Health:

“Diabetes affects anywhere between 1 in 100 to 1 in 500 dogs and cats. The number of dogs diagnosed with the condition has tripled during the past 30 years. Risk factors that may contribute to the development of diabetes include age (middle-aged to older dogs and cats are more susceptible), genetics, breed and obesity.”

So, what should you look for? What are the signs?

  • Lethargy
  • Increased thirst
  • Frequent urination

There are a number of resources available for you if you think your pet may be exhibiting signs of diabetes. You can download a handy checklist; you can download a pet diabetes handbook; or a pet sitter checklist. 

If you think you might have a diabetic pet on your hands, take this quick quiz and make an appointment with your veterinarian right away. 

The Facts On Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day

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No one likes to think about cancer, especially for our pets. But, early detection can save lives. That’s why we want to talk about the facts of canine lymphoma.

November 7th is Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day. You may be wondering what that is and how to detect it in your pet.

According to Canada Pet Care, lymphoma is a common cancer that derives its name from the white blood cells the cancer attacks. It is so common that according to AKC Canine Health Foundation, 1 in 15 dogs will be impacted in their life time.

Symptoms you should be on the lookout for include:

  • Loss of Weight
  • Swelling in the Area of Lymph Nodes
  • Loss of Interest in Doing the Physical Activities
  • Being Extensively Lethargic

Canada Pet Care has identified the four major types of lymphoma:

  • Multicentric Lymphoma: This is the most common type affecting the dogs. This kind of cancer is not painful but it enlarges the lymph nodes of neck, armpits, and groin areas causing redness all over the areas surrounding.
  • Extranodal Lymphoma: This is rarest of all. It happens away from the common nodal and can develop near eyes, skin, lungs or even nervous system.
  • Alimentary Lymphoma: This causes the effect on intestines and results in vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
  • Mediastinal Lymphoma: This is rare and it affects the organs in chest.

Remember that like people, early detection can make all the difference in implementing effective and potentially successful interventions. While the cause isn’t fully known, it tends to impact larger breed dogs more so than small breeds. 

Just another reason why careful observation of your pet’s normal behavior and regular medical visits are an important role in keeping your pet healthy. 

I Wanna Be A Pirate For Halloween!

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Halloween is a time of candy and fall weather. It’s also the time when we get to dress our pets up in costumes they may (or may not) want to be in.
 
Who doesn’t love all of the videos and pictures of pets in hilarious and adorable costumes? And while your pet may be into it, there’s some reporting from NPR that outlines things you might want to consider before dressing your pet up.
 
If your pet is one that is used to being handled and dressed in clothes, Halloween costumes are probably not going to be pushing the limits of their comfort. But, if your pet isn’t really one to tolerate being clothed, adding a costume to the mix may create discomfort, or under certain circumstances, injury.
 
According to a survey NPR cited, “more than three-quarters of owners plan to put their pet in a costume this year, and more than half plan to take their dog out trick-or-treating.” That’s a high proportion of pets wearing costumes and being exposed to human candies, like chocolate, that might be fatal.

What To Look For

Not sure about how your pet feels about that adorable costume? Check their mannerisms and body language.
Rena Carlson, president-elect of the American Veterinary Medical Association, recommends that you look for specific signs. For example, “Are they panting, pacing or restless? Do they have a soft face? Are their lips nice [and] soft, or are they grimacing a little bit? What are their ears doing? Are their ears back? Can you see the whites of their eyes when you normally cannot? All of those are signs of stress.”
Consider less restrictive costumes like using a tag to match Scooby Doo or other small adjustments that the dog won’t mind. And remember that for some dogs, the extra attention because of the costume is a completely worthwhile trade-off.
 
Whatever you opt to do, keep in mind how your pet responds and react accordingly. For those of you with costume friendly pets, please share your photos.

October Is Adopt A Shelter Dog Month

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While I believe that every month is Adopt A Shelter Dog month, apparently the month of October is its official celebration. You might also hear it referred to as Adopt A Dog Month.
 
There are numerous ways to celebrate the month, but let’s take some ideas from the Humane Society of Charlotte. They have 5 great ways to celebrate, but I’m sure that we can come up with even more!
  • Mental health. Many of us were finding our limits tested during the lockdowns of the pandemic. If you didn’t bring a pandemic puppy into your home, you could open up your home to a pet and reap the benefits of stress reduction and see both your pet and your blood pressure decrease just by petting them! It’s true.
  • Exercise. Walking a dog can get you outside more often. It also gets you moving and that is not only good for your weight, but your emotional health as well. And a dog that gets plenty of walk and sniff time is a healthy family member.
  • Dog people. It is a thing! You’ll meet people on your walks with their pets and could very well strike up a new friendship. Another benefit of adoption.
  • Unconditional love. No question, the adage that a dog is the only thing that loves you more than itself is true. And that kind of love will change your world. Doubt it? Try it out and see.
  • Saving lives. Without a doubt, bringing a pet into your home not only saves that pet’s life, but opens up slots for other dogs that might not survive in some shelters. While many have moved to a no-kill philosophy, that isn’t the case for all facilities.
With all the benefits of having a canine companion, we encourage you to consider your local rescue or shelter when picking out a new pet. The experience will be life-altering for all involved. What other ways can you think of that celebrates pet adoption?