We can’t live without water. But our waters can often be dangerous to us and our pets. A Florida television channel reported last week about the deaths of two men who had contracted a rare flesh destroying bacteria found in salt water. Six others were reported to have been stricken with the same bacteria. Whether the condition was contracted directly from the water, or from oysters or fish from those waters, is still not clear.

There have been no reports of dogs being stricken by the same bacterial infection. The incident, however, got me to thinking about the many ways that water can harbor danger to our pets. This post will explore a few.


Jellyfish
Jellyfish washed onto the shore are a very common finding for beach combers and their beach combing dogs. The tentacles of these creatures have organs that release a stinging toxin whose potency varies with the different species of jelly fish. Even dried out tentacles in the sand or mixed in seaweed can still release the toxin.

Dogs that come in contact with the tentacles or bite them can have a mild to serious local allergic reaction, or a more serious anaphylactic reaction resulting in shock. That is exactly what happened to 2-year-old pit bull named Diamond after she bit the tentacles of the most toxic of jellyfish, the Portuguese Man O’ War. After several days in intensive care, including transfusions, Diamond survived and is back to her old self. Many dogs are not that fortunate. If your dog has been stung by jellyfish tentacles, even one of the less toxic species, remove the tentacles without touching them directly with your bare hands and immediately seek veterinary care.

Blue-Green Algae
Warm weather can promote massive growth of blue-green algae in standing bodies of fresh or brackish (the slightly salty waters of lagoons, estuaries, and ponds near the ocean) waters. The musty or foul smell of the algae is often attractive to dogs. It can cause skin rashes for dogs swimming in the algae infested water. Dogs should be thoroughly washed as soon as possible. For dogs that drink algae contamintaed water, toxins in the algae can affect the kidneys, liver, intestines, and nervous system. Initial symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and difficulty walking. Immediate veterinary care is also advised in these cases.

Parasites and Bacteria
Standing areas of fresh water like small lakes, ponds, and even puddles can host various parasites and bacteria. Giardia and Cryptosporidium are the most common parasites. These parasites cause gastrointestinal distress resulting in vomiting and diarrhea. Most dogs recover quickly from the infection, but puppies and older dogs with compromised immune systems can be severely affected and need medications and diet modification in order to recover.

Leptospirosis can also be found in small bodies of water that have been contaminated by rodents and other small animal that urinate in the water. Although not as common as water-borne parasites, the bacteria is much more dangerous to dogs that drink the contaminated water. Leptospirosis causes kidney damage that can lead to kidney and liver failure. Infected dogs may be lethargic and vomit. With early diagnosis and treatment, dogs do not suffer long-term kidney or liver problems. Vaccines are available to prevent the disease but they are somewhat controversial due to their tendency to cause allergic reactions and because of the vaccination frequency needed to effectively prevent the disease.

Salt Water Poisoning
Dogs love to frolic in the ocean, but salt water is toxic to humans and dogs if they drink too much. Ocean soaked tennis balls or other absorbent fetch toys contain enough salt to cause problems for the dogs that are fetching them. Mild ingestion of salt water can cause “beach diarrhea.” The excess salt (or hypernatremia) in the intestines draws water from the blood into the intestines, causing the diarrhea. The diarrhea can sometimes contain blood and mucous. If your dog drinks large amounts of salt water, hypernatremia can lead to vomiting, dehydration, incoordination, seizures, and require veterinary care.

Avoid salt poisoning by taking a break every 15 minutes away from the water to offer fresh water to the dog. If your dog won’t drink willingly, use a bottle with a sports cap and squirt fresh water into the mouth.

Water activity is great for dogs and the exercise far outweighs the risks, but it is important to be mindful of the risks in the water you dog so dearly loves.

Source: Pet MD / Dr. Ken Tudor

Is your pet shy or a social butterfly? Many experts say that they key to having a well-behaved dog or cat is socialization — here's how to get started.

Veterinarians can tell if an animal has been socialized the moment they walk into an exam room.

“Some animals come bounding up and are happy to see me and everyone in the waiting room,” says Bonnie V. Beaver, DVM, professor in the department of small animal clinical sciences at Texas A&M University in College Station, and past president of the American Veterinary Medical Association. “Others hide behind their owner and don’t want to come out. Life is stressful for them.”

And socialization helps make the difference. When puppies and kittens are introduced to a variety of people, other animals, and environments during the first several weeks of life, they tend to do better, and have less stress and fewer problems later on.

Think about everything your pet will be exposed to during life: different people, animals, places, situations, cars, noises, and smells. When they’re puppies or kittens, they take new experiences with stride. But as they get older they quickly start to become nervous and scared when confronted with something or someone new.

Why Socialize Your Pet?

Animals are preprogrammed to become fearful of people and things that aren’t part of their everyday life so they react appropriately when they are in danger. But you can introduce a new dog or new cat to a variety of situations when it’s very young so it doesn’t live its life afraid of straying from its neighborhood or meeting new people.

When you do, your pet will be more laid back and can enjoy life. Pets are also safer once they’re socialized because they’re less likely to react in a fearful or aggressive way when they’re faced with something new.

How To Socialize Your Pet

The key to socializing dogs and cats is to start very young and to introduce your new dog or new cat to as many different things as you can. Here’s what to do:

• Start at a few weeks of age. Puppies and kittens need to be socialized before they are16 weeks old. “We have a tendency to isolate them at that time and expect that at a year we’ll get them used to cars and different environments,” Dr. Beaver says. The ideal time for this kind of pet training is between 3 and 12 weeks of age. The window of opportunity to socialize your pet usually closes around 18 weeks. For kittens it may be even younger, Beaver says. 
  Unfortunately, when you adopt an adult dog you’ve missed the opportunity to socialize. But even adult dogs can get used to individuals they see on a regular basis, Beaver says.
• Set goals. Think about who and what a puppy will be around when it gets older and make a long list the things your pet needs to be socialized to. That means children, adults, men, women, crying babies, people of different nationalities, crowds, people wearing hats, and people not wearing hats, Beaver says. The wider the variety of people you can expose your puppy or kitten to, the better.
• Include different environments. Have your puppy walk on grass, concrete, through buildings like pet stores, on busy streets, quiet streets, areas with other animals — and near cars, trucks, buses, and trains. You can even take your dog for rides in the car through different areas of town, through fast-food drive-thrus, and through car washes. This is also the time to get your dog used to be handled during grooming.

Check out this checklist of things to expose your dog to.

Kittens can also be socialized by having people come to your house or by bringing your kitten to other people’s houses, although it’s better to visit someone who doesn’t already have a cat.

Socialization Tips

When you’re ready to begin socializing your dog or cat, keep in mind these tips for success:

• Do it daily. Ideally, you should try to socialize your pet every day during the first 16 weeks. When strangers approach, let them pet your dog.
• Get them used to carriers. If you want your kitten to grow into a cat who doesn’t mind going to the vet, leave its carrier out for playtime. Carry the kitten from one side of the house to the other and give your cat treats in the carrier, Beaver says.
• Reward your pet. Make your puppy or kitten feel good about new things by praising it during socialization and giving it small treats (break up a normal size treat into small pieces so your pet doesn’t get too many calories).
• Give it about 75 minutes. Puppies and kittens are constantly learning; they become socialized to new things within 75 minutes of being exposed to them, Beaver says.
• Be gentle. It’s important to keep a close eye on your pet’s reaction to new things. Don’t force it if a situation seems too overwhelming and scary for your pet. Your pet may need to be exposed to that particular thing more gradually.
• Go to kindergarten. If your dog hasn’t received all of its vaccinations, consider signing up for puppy socialization classes at an animal hospital, Beaver says. It’s a safe environment for your dog to be in because it will be surrounded by well-vaccinated dogs, she says. The classes are designed to introduce your pet to a variety of sights and sounds and can even help with obedience training.
• Go for pet training. You can socialize your pet on your own, but if you need help outside of a puppy kindergarten class, consider hiring a pet trainer.

Socializing dogs and cats this way ensures that they’re better adjusted as adults and may be easier to train because they’re less distracted by fear, Beaver says.

Source: Everyday Health /  Marie Suszynski 

Reigning in Your Teething Puppy Menace
Puppy teething can be a difficult time for both you and your puppy. However, there are certain things you can do to alleviate the issue and protect your household from puppy accident like this.

What is Puppy Teething?
Contrary to what many may believe, puppies don't teeth like human babies. Yes, puppies do lose their baby, or deciduous, teeth at an early age (usually around 3-9 months old). However, the act of destructive chewing (sometimes referred to as puppy teething) is often due to behavioral issues which need to be nipped in the bud early.

1. Designate Teeth-Free Zones
Don't tempt your puppy with scrumptious shoes and flavorful furniture. Block your puppy's access to areas that have been especially troublesome. Afterward, work with a dog trainer on resolving the puppy teething issue at hand.

2. Use Dog Chew Toys
Introducing your puppy to age-appropriate dog chew toys early can also save your precious household items. Chew toys designated for puppies are a little smaller and softer than the adult toys because puppy teeth are more prone to fracture. However, they still should be durable enough to handle aggressive mouthing. In fact, monitor your puppy during playtime and remove any destroyed chew toys immediately to prevent accidents from occurring.

3. Incorporate Healthy Eating
Caring for a teething puppy also means caring for the puppy's teeth. Ensure your new dog is getting a properly balanced diet, including vitamins and minerals such as calcium, so that his or her new adult, or permanent, teeth can develop normally. Having two teeth crowded into a space meant for one can cause discomfort and possibly initiate some destructive tendencies in your pup.

A Life of Furry Luxury
Have you always dreamed of vacationing with your pet? You're not alone. More than three-quarters of traveling pet owners would take Fido or Fifi on every vacation if they could, according to an AAA press release. Unfortunately, more than half of those survey takers reported difficulty finding pet-friendly accommodations. Don't despair, though. They are out there. From luxurious to economic, here are the best pet-friendly hotel chains in America.

1. Kimpton Hotels
The first full-service hotel company to welcome pets, Kimpton Hotels has over 50 one-of-a-kind properties in major urban and resort destinations across the United States. Not only is each and every location pet-friendly with amenities like pet beds and complimentary nightly wine receptions where pets are welcome, but families with pets are never charged an extra fee or deposit. Additionally, any size, weight, shape, or breed of pet is accepted — feathery and scaly ones, too! 

2. Loews Hotel
The "Loews Loves Pets" program is an amenities smorgasbord for pet-loving vacationers, including a welcomes package with a pet bowl, dog tag, and treats as well as special services like dog walking, pet sitting, and doggie spa treatments. Loews has even partnered with Banfield Pet Hospital to offer furry guests a complimentary examination and a 15% discount on services during their stay. Hotel guests pay a daily $25/pet fee.

3. Hilton
Even though Hilton hotels are known the world over, you may be unaware of their pet-friendly policies. Over 300 properties are "pet ready" with bowls, placemats, and travel totes filled with organic treats, bio-degradable waste bags, and a travel-sized bottle of deodorizing disinfectant. Fees and policies may vary, so call ahead before booking a room. 

4. La Quinta Inns & Suites
La Quinta has over 700 pet-friendly locations from coast to coast. Cats and dogs up to 50 pounds are allowed in guest rooms with no fees or deposits required. However, you must be present or your pet must be crated when rooms are freshened up by the housekeepers.

5. Extended Stay America
With over 680 pet-friendly properties and 5 brands to choose from, ExtendedStay Hotels offers plenty of options for you and your pet to find the perfect hotel. There is a limit of up to two pets per room as well as a $25/day pet fee and a non-refundable cleaning fee (not to exceed $150/pet). Contact the hotel directly to ask more about specific weight, size and breed restrictions.

Your puppy is brand new and you want to protect him. The best thing you can do is to feed him or her a healthy, balanced diet to help promote your puppy's immune system.  With that said, you can’t protect your baby pooch from everything. Here are six common illnesses he could catch in his first year of life.


1. PARVOVIRUS (PARVO)

This highly contagious virus attacks puppies aged between 12 weeks and up to 3 years. Transmitted through bodily secretions, parvovirus is easily passed on, though most dogs are vaccinated against it starting at six to eight weeks, then again every three weeks until they are four months old (or until your veterinarian recommends).

Symptoms: Parvo in dogs starts with a fever, and at this point puppies are probably very contagious (to other dogs, not humans). After a few days, they will experience vomiting and bloody diarrhea and become dehydrated and weak.

Treatment: Vaccinate against parvovirus! If you haven’t, hospitalization is the best route, where your puppy will be given IV fluids and sometimes antibiotics to prevent sepsis, which can be fatal.

Recovery time: Three to seven days. Puppies with parvo are usually hospitalized for three to four days then go home with medications.

2. DISTEMPER

The vaccination against distemper is quite effective. The first vaccination takes place at six to eight weeks, and again after 9 weeks, and when puppies have had one or two vaccines they are immune. Consult your veterinarian for the best course of action for your dog concerning the distemper vaccine.

Symptoms: This can really be an ugly disease. It shows in two ways: Initially distemper in dogs typically appears as an upper respiratory disease with sneezing and eye discharge. Then it can develop into pneumonia or can lead to neurological problems such as a fatal encephalopathy (brain damage).

Distemper in dogs is frequently misdiagnosed because owners think their puppy has a "cold" so by the time we see them they have tons of discharge from their nose and eyes and have high fever. They are also depressed.

Treatment: Seek medical attention for distemper in dogs. This usually involves inpatient supportive care.

Recovery time: It can take weeks to recover from canine distemper and pets usually go home from the hospital with respiratory medications.

The bad news about canine distemper is if your puppy survives it, the disease can lie dormant and break out again when she’s older. At that point she has an even worse prognosis because the disease can lead to neurological problems such as seizures.


3. KENNEL COUGH

Bacteria or parainfluenza viruses, both of which are airborne, cause kennel cough in dogs — also known as infectious tracheobronchitis. The disease name is a misnomer because animals that aren’t in kennels can —and do — contract it. Puppies can be vaccinated against kennel cough starting at six to eight weeks, and then every six to 12 months after that, though the vaccine doesn’t necessarily protect against the disease, but does lead to milder symptoms.

Symptoms: Kennel cough starts with lethargy, decreased appetite and fever, then puppies develop a deep, often productive, cough. If untreated, kennel cough can lead to pneumonia.

Treatment: If you note any unusual coughing from your puppy it’s best to get him checked out to make sure he’s not developing pneumonia.

Recovery time: Kennel cough usually runs its course in 10 to 14 days.

4. ADENOVIRUS

Adenovirus in dogs causes hepatitis, but it’s rarely seen these days because of the efficacy of vaccines. Often the adenovirus vaccine is given with the canine distemper vaccine, though you may want to ask your veterinarian.

Symptoms: It’s really difficult to know if your dog has adenovirus, but it typically starts with gastrointestinal problems like vomiting and diarrhea and can develop into jaundice.

Treatment: Inpatient fluid therapy and nutritional support may be required. Your doctor will prescribe antibiotics and/or fluid reducers as necessary.

5. LEPTOSPIROSIS

This bacterial disease can affect the kidneys and the liver and is transmitted through contaminated water and infected urine. Your puppy can be vaccinated against leptospirosis at 10 to 12 weeks, then again at 13 to 15 weeks. Be aware that not all clinics vaccinate for leptospirosis, so ask your veterinarian if it's appropriate for your puppy.

Symptoms: Symptoms of leptospirosis are flu-like: Vomiting and/or fever and/or lethargy.

Treatment: Antibiotics

Recovery time: Depending on the severity of the infection, an antibiotic course can last four weeks or more.

6. VOMITING (AND DIARRHEA)

If your puppy’s suffering from either of these nasties, the first thing to rule out is intestinal parasites. If these are not the cause vomiting/diarrhea, your pooch has probably just eaten or licked something he shouldn’t have. Nine times out of 10 what they’ve consumed comes back out again. Other causes could be one of the diseases listed above.

Treatment: Continue to offer water, and provide food if your puppy asks for it but that’s less essential than keeping them hydrated. After 12 hours (vomiting) or 24 hours (diarrhea), take your dog to your veterinarian if he’s not getting better. Your veterinarian can provide you with a therapeutic bland diet to help your puppy feel better.

Recovery time: Your puppy should recover from vomiting or diarrhea that is not related to a parasite within 12 to 24 hours.

For better or for worse, the holidays often bring new pets into our households.Your addition may have been well-planned and thoughtfully implemented, which is always the recommended course. However, many new pets end up in our homes either as gifts or as our own impulsive purchases or adoptions.

While most veterinarians never recommend giving a pet as an unexpected (i.e., surprise) gift, it happens. And when it does, it often places a pet into a household where it may not be all that welcome. As a result, that pet often ends up surrendered to a shelter or rescue shortly after the holidays conclude.

Impulsive purchases are a bit different but the result is often the same. When the addition of a pet is unplanned, new pet owners may find themselves in a position where they are financially or physically unable to care for the new pet. Or they may simply have second thoughts about having the pet in the household.

Whatever the reason, the period immediately following the holidays unfortunately finds a lot of puppies, kittens, dogs, cats, and other pets being surrendered to shelters and rescues. For some shelters and rescues, this happens less frequently than for others. Shelters and rescues that screen adopters carefully and prohibit the adoption of a pet as a gift for someone else are probably less likely to see as many returns. However, not all shelters have the luxury of being so discerning.

What happens when a pet is returned to a shelter or surrendered to a rescue after the holidays? That animal, which may have already had time to begin to bond with its new family, is now placed back into a cage. He certainly does not understand what he did to deserve to be abandoned again. He does not understand that his "new people" did not plan adequately for him or never wanted him to begin with. For that animal, the situation becomes stressful, depressing, and frightening.

Can these animals be re-homed a second time? Yes, many of them will adjust to another home, which hopefully will be better prepared for the arrival of the new pet. Some of these animals may still need training, especially in the case of young or adolescent puppies, which may not have received adequate house training guidance and/or socialization in their previous, short-lived home. But they can still make good pets for someone willing to take the time.

Many of these pets will become loving and loyal companions. That is assuming, though, that a new home can be located. Unfortunately, that is often easier said than done, and too many pets end up meeting an unpleasant end when there are no new homes for them.

What is the moral of the story? If you did not adopt a pet this holiday season, hopefully you already know that the holidays are perhaps not the best time of year to adopt a new pet and, likewise, hopefully you will never make the mistake of adopting a pet you are not prepared to care for.

If you did adopt a pet, for yourself or for someone else, and now find yourself in a position where surrendering that pet is inevitable, accept that you made a serious mistake in judgment. Learn from that mistake and vow never to repeat it. After all, it is not really you that suffers for this transgression. It is the pet that pays the ultimate price!

With Christmas Puppies heading to homes in he next few weeks, here are some important Puppy Tips:

1. Puppy Food
Puppy foods have higher levels of protein, fat, calcium, phosphorous, sodium, and chloride, in comparison to adult foods, to support a young dog’s rapid growth and development. Consult your veterinarian to determine which diet is best for your puppy. Large breed puppies, for example, can develop painful bone conditions when they are allowed to eat foods with a high calcium to phosphorus ratio due to excessive rapid growth. 

2. Dog Toys
Puppies love to chew. Protect your shoes, purses and furniture by keeping an adequate supply of dog chew toys to use as replacement therapy. Remember, your new puppy doesn't know any better. So when you catch him with something inappropriate, firmly say no, take it away, and replace it with a dog chew toy.

3. Dog Crate
Every puppy needs a place to rest their tired paws. Why not buy a dog crate that can serve as transport and potty training tool, too? Be sure the crate is appropriate for your puppy's size (preferably a bit larger) and buy a soft crate pad to add extra comfort.

4. Grooming Supplies
Dog grooming supplies are a necessity to keep your puppy clean and healthy. At a minimum, your grooming kit should include a comb, toothbrush, nail clipper and dog shampoo. Brushing your puppy's coat regularly will help it keep it shiny and healthy, while brushing his or her teeth will not only keep "doggy breath" at bay but also help prevent oral health issues such as periodontal disease.

5. Veterinarian
No puppy should be without a veterinarian. He or she is a wealth of knowledge and will help you care for the puppy for many years to come. A veterinarian can also assist you in making important decisions on vaccination schedules, sterilization, and diet based on the individual needs of your puppy. Ask friends and family for a few potential prospects. Then, once you find a veterinarian you trust, visit him or her regularly (at least once a year). 

Many pet owners are hiding something – and that includes me! A recent survey states that nearly 80% of pet owners admit to masking pet stains in their homes due to ineffective and costly stain remedies. I have to admit that even I move furniture, cover rugs and couch pillows, hide dog toys and spray air freshener before my guests arrive.

The Woolite Carpet & Upholstery survey reveals the lengths people go to mask their pet’s stains. They found that 33% flip cushions, 23% rearrange furniture, 23% cover furniture, 20% entertain guests and visitors in other parts of the home and 8% dim the lights. In addition to these techniques, 63% of pet owners say they have given up on cleaning the stains altogether and have instead replaced the items their pets’ messes have ruined, with 40 percent spending more than $100 in the past year.

I’m constantly cleaning up after a house full of active boys and a circus of furry pets. While I adore my Beagle mutt mixes and my Tortoiseshell and Tabby cats, I don’t always love their messes, especially when they leave unsightly stains and strong odors. We have carpet upstairs and hardwood floors downstairs. I can’t tell you how many times my kids declare, “Mom, Monkey threw up another hairball in my room!” Or while watching TV I hear them say, “Gross! Snoopy is on the couch with muddy paws.” I’m living proof that five sweet animals do indeed lounge, play and mess up my home.

Here are a few key tips that will help you keep your home clean while minimizing the bacteria on soft surfaces.

Choose washable and synthetic fabrics for your seating and bedding areas
Denim, leather, micro-fiber or nylon are super easy to clean and pet hair tends to wipe off easily.  

Weekly pet washing with pet shampoo
I know it can be a pain and time consuming, but washing your pet can minimize dirt and bacteria from their coats. If you have an outdoor cat you can wet-wipe him with a warm washcloth. For your pooch, you can do it the old fashioned way with a tub outdoors or with the hose if it’s warm out.

Give your pup or kitty her own blankie that matches your home and bedroom décor
All our bedrooms have nice micro-fleece blankets in bold colors at the end of all our beds. When guests visit they can’t tell that the perfectly folded blanket draped fashionably across the bed is actually Bailey, the kitten’s blanket! Once a week I toss it in the washer on the hot/sanitize setting to keep it fresh and clean.

Have a No-Shoes-Rule in the house
We can’t blame the entire mess on the kids and pets now can we? Our shoes carry in pollen, dirt and bacteria as well. Having a no-shoe household greatly decreases indoor allergies and cuts down on some of the mess that shoes bring in.  

Use a handheld vacuum or one with a hose attachment
The hardest areas to clean are the nooks and crannies in the couch corners and between the stair steps.  A good handheld vacuum or a one with a long hose is great for getting the hidden particles that you can’t see. Most of the time I find a cat nail that’s been shed or Lego brick in those areas! Nonetheless it’s gross and all the soft surfaces need to be vacuumed frequently.

Use Pet Stain & Odor Remover that also sanitizes
I need an effective cleaner that does it all since Monkey is the senior cat in our home and often leaves a vomit-filled hairball for us weekly. I’ll do most anything to keep her healthy, keep my house clean and kill bacteria. I not only want to get rid of pet stains and odors, but also want to kill the bacteria from carpets and soft surfaces that my kids and pets sleep and play on. With the new Woolite Advanced Pet Stain & Odor Remover + Sanitize, it takes one minute to sanitize soft surfaces, like upholstery, pet beds, cushions, etc. and one hour to sanitize carpeted† surfaces, like nylon & polyester.

No more excuses! Your home doesn’t need to be a bacteria haven. With a little bit more effort, the right pet-friendly fabrics, and with a lot of love, you too can keep a clean home. 

Before setting off on that island getaway or action-packed tour, there’s still one big question that all pet parents must consider before saying bon voyage: Who’ll watch your pets?

As the pet population and spending continues to grow, dog owners have more options for vacation care than ever. According to the American Pet Products Association, U.S. pet industry spending reached around $51 billion in 2011. The number of insured pet-sitter business is already at 10K nationally, and from 2010 to 2020 the number of animal care and service workers is expected to grow by 23%. So if your go-to move is usually traditional kennel boarding, it may be time to consider another option — in-home boarding.

WHAT IS IN-HOME PET BOARDING?In-home boarding works like this: Pet owners search for a registered home nearby, namely through national website services catering to this need. It’s 24-hour care in the hands of trusted professional for an affordable rate.

Most in-home boarding sites are free to browse, and they perform background checks on canine hosts to ensure they are qualified to watch your dog. When a pet owner finds a sitter or host that’s a match, they work with the service to connect with sitter and ensure that the potential dog watcher is a good fit for Fido, based on location, personality and daily routine. Payment is worked out through the service, and the pet parent brings the pooch over to the host’s house before they leave for vacation.

In-home pet boarding services offer dogs individual attention, regular walks, trips to the park, and the opportunity to socialize with other dogs in the household. They can also keep up with your pet’s regular routine — including eating schedules, bathroom breaks, grooming necessities, and daily exercise requirements — so your pooch has less anxiety while you’re away. If your pup isn’t the easiest to handle, you can even opt for in-home pet boarding with a professional trainer!

A number of national websites, such as DogVacay.com and Sleepover Rover, are culling perfect environments for pet owners to search for in-home pet sitters. DogVacay.com, founded by Aaron Hirschhorn and his wife, was born after the two experienced firsthand the stresses of finding trustworthy sitters at affordable rates for their two dogs. “DogVacay’s sitters offer in-home care, and most charge less than $25 per night,” says co-founder and CEO Hirschhorn. Kennels, he notes, can be anywhere from $35-$70 per night, depending on location.

While price is certainly a consideration, how your dog will be cared for while you’re away is paramount. One DogVacay online reviewer (out of thousands of satisfied customers), Ethan C., said that his dogs “...who usually hate boarding of any kind (and make us feel horribly guilty about leaving them) came back exhausted from their play and walks, and looked at us as though we'd taken them away from a romping good time.”

Hirschhorn adds that DogVacay isn’t just about connecting owners and sitters, but also ensuring quality through pet sitter reference checks, reviews, phone interviews, online training, and insurance policies (for both pet sitters and pooches). “During the pet owners’ time away, we also provide them with a daily email updates that include a picture of their dog,” says Hirschhorn. The in-home dog boarding service also provides a no cost, no obligation meet and greet for the pet and potential sitter to see if it will be a good fit.

QUESTIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS ABOUT IN-HOME BOARDING PET SITTERS
When deciding upon the in-home boarding spot right for your dog, Hirschhorn says some of the most important considerations are getting a feel for the environment and a sense of how your dog and the sitter get along. Keep these questions and consideration in mind when meeting with any potential pet sitter:

1. Is the pet sitter’s home clean and safe? Before you head out to tropical paradise, head over to the facility that you’re considering to confirm your pet will be placed in a pet friendly, secure home.

2. Are the pet-watchers/homeowners responsible and reliable? The same way that you would consider whether or not a family member or friend could do the job of watching your pet, do your due diligence on the in-home boarding homeowners. Read other customer reviews, and ask specific questions about their pet experience and daily routine.

3. Are there other pets in the house? If so, how many, and what types? If your dog loves to play with other dogs, consider whether this household is home to small pets or large dogs which may frighten your pet. Also consider if there are any other animals, such as cats, present in the household.

4. What’s the daily routine? If your pooch needs his pill at a certain time of day, or likes to go on long walks in the morning, be sure that the in-home boarding care will be accommodating. Consider feeding, medication, physical needs and hygienic needs (baths or teeth-brushing) when you ask about the schedule.

5. Provide full disclosure. In addition to interviewing the in-home dog sitter, providing an out-of-town contact number and asking about the nearest animal hospital, it’s a pet parent’s job to be open and transparent about a pet’s needs, says Hirschhorn. Share as much info about your pet’s personality, needs and medical history as possible to ensure your pet has a fabulous time on his vacation!

Ear Infections are one of the most common canine and feline health problems, but that doesn’t mean that veterinarians and owners are all that good at treating them. We all have to share the blame in this regard.

Owners often want a quick (and inexpensive) fix, and doctors can be unwilling to put in the time necessary to thoroughly explain the complexities behind many ear infections. To help remedy this situation, here are a few tips for treating ear infections in dogs and cats.

1. Ear infections typically develop as a result of another problem.

In most cases, a pet’s ear infection should be viewed as a symptom of another, underlying condition. Allergies to ingredients in the pet’s food and/or environmental triggers like pollen, molds, and dust mites are most common, but anatomical abnormalities, masses, or foreign material within the ear, chronically damp ears, and hormonal disorders are also possible.

2. Ear mites are rarely to blame, except in kittens.

Almost every case of ear mites that I’ve diagnosed has been in a kitten. Puppies can also get ear mites, but if you have an adult dog or cat that has not been in contact with kittens or puppies with ear mites, the chances that he or she has mites is very small. Bacterial and/or yeast infections are much more likely.

3. Clean the ears properly.

Getting the “gunk” out of a pet’s ears is an essential part of treatment. In severe cases, a veterinarian may need to sedate the dog or cat to thoroughly flush out the ears down to the level of the ear drum. Examining the ear drum after cleaning is important because infections that involve structures behind the ear drum require more aggressive treatment and certain topical medications can cause deafness when used on pets with ruptured ear drums.

At home, owners should completely fill the ear canal until it overflows with the cleaner prescribed by a veterinarian, fold the pinna (ear flap) over the canal, gently massage until a “squishy” noise is heard, and then stand back and let the dog or cat shake his or her head vigorously. The centrifugal forces generated by head shaking will bring deeper material to the surface where it can be wiped away. Do not dig down into the pet’s ear canal with cotton swabs or other objects as this will simply push the material deeper and possibly lead to a rupture of the ear drum.

4. The longer an ear infection goes without treatment, the harder it is to get rid of.

Chronic ear infections can lead to permanent alterations in the anatomy of a dog or cat’s ears, making future infections more likely and more difficult to treat. Consult with a veterinarian quickly when a pet develops the typical signs of an ear infection: head shaking, scratching at the ears, and/or discharge and a foul odor from the ears.

5. Ear infections will keep coming back unless the underlying problem is dealt with.

Healthy adult pets with “normal” ear anatomy almost never get ear infections. It is reasonable to treat the first infection that a dog or cat gets as a random event, but if the infection returns or fails to promptly resolve with appropriate therapy, a search for the underlying cause should commence.