Your Pet and Pain - The Danger of Obesity

As they grow older, dogs and cats are at risk of becoming overweight or obese. I have written about this before but after calling on a couple of cat owners, I am becoming more and more aware of this health issue. Keep in mind that we can do something about our weight but our pets will eat as much as we want to feed them. We can over-do it because we feel that food is an expression of love.

IT IS NOT.

The wrong foods can cause complications even allergic reactions in pets.

Older pets, not unlike their owners, usually have a decrease in activity and their diet is not adjusted accordingly. Senior formula diets are fundamental for older pets because such diets are usually lower in protein and fat and higher in fiber and vitamins, which is beneficial in limiting the workload on the aging liver and
kidneys.

Work with your vet to make sure that your senior pet has a good diet and address their particular nutritional and health needs.

There is a world of information out there on the internet so do some research, keep your pets healthy and active and reduce your vet bills by half.

They love us and depend on us to make the right decision. Remember, have your vet evaluate your pets condition annually and get your pet on a good work out/walk and run program. Red Bud, Town Lake or any of the leash free parks are a good outing for a run.

Remember: No Holiday Snacks from the table and NO Chocolate for the pups!

Words to the wise.

From "The Duke"

Evidence-Based Look at Holistic Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Susan Wynn, who studies and has found an evidence-based approach to finding the right holistic modality for your dog or cat, has brought the idea of this kind of treatment to the forefront.

A couple of websites mentioned by Dr. Wynn that might be useful in your research are:

Veterinary Partner website www.veterinarypartner.com

American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association website, www.ahvma.org

Check out Dr. Wynn's information at Georgia Veterinary Specialist, susanwynn.com

Read her blog at vetnutrition.blogspot.com

Shopping Locally & Using Local Services Saves Local Jobs

"Shop local businesses to save local jobs!" It has become a common phrase during these tough economic times. Did you know that by using local service providers, you can not only save local jobs - benefiting the Central Texas economy - but also receive special care and attention to detail that you may not receive with a larger, national chain providing the same type of services?

It is important to know who is taking care of your pets and, equally as important, your home. We are a locally owned, family business and pride ourselves in giving personal service. For the comfort of your pet and your own peace of mind, you get the same sitter every time for every visit. We are not a national franchise. Training someone then having them leave after a short time is very common in the pet sitting industry since most people use the job as part-time employment or just lack the passion and patience to remain dedicated. Most local businesses, including Austin City Paws, are family owned and operated. Our team includes the owner, Gerry Harmon, and his sons - each dedicated to serving you and your pets with consistent excellence.

There are a lot of wonderful people that own their own services in Central Texas. Many of us work together to provide referrals to one another, keeping it local where we can to build our economy and reduce unemployment. Most of the Austin sitters and walkers have a history of impeccable service. At Austin City Paws, we know that we cannot afford to lose sight of what makes our business successful - our clients and their referrals.

The pet services industry is a fast growing business. A pet franchise will accept as much business as they can get because their client base has to be big enough and the volume large enough to make a profit. That is not our goal. We are locally owned and know that it is a word of mouth business. We only accept what we can serve with excellence and do not compromise or short-change clients due to an overly booked schedule.

As you look for a long-term pet sitter or walker, you should always request an interview with the business owner. Here are a few great questions to ask in an interview.

1. How long have you been in the pet sitting business?
2. What is your experience with animals that may have emotional or health issues?
3. Are you certified in any particular area of pet care such as Emergency First Aid and Pet CPR and if so can you tell me your experiences?
4. For piece of mind, do you mind if I call you while I am away?
5. Will you call me if you suspect there may be a problem?
6. Can I count on you if I am delayed and can't get home at the time I had predicted?

Don't feel bad about asking any questions that may be of concern to you. Each client has different needs and each pet has a different personality. Austin City Paws looks forward to serving you and your pet.

P.S.
Don't forget to visit www.austincitypaws.com and sign up to win FREE pet sitting!

Austin City Paws

I bet you didn't know that your dog can count... Hmmmmmm! if you don't believe it.. go to

www.austincitypaws.com . You see.... you probably have already experienced your dogs skill at keeping count...

By the way there is an awesome event taking place at the Domain. Dogtoberfest. Lots of cool stuff for dogs lovers and some great costumes with super prizes. Check it out at www.austincitypaws.com

Is your dog ready for the new arrival ?

Getting your dog ready for the new baby

Now I’m all for getting a baby instead of a puppy but there are a few things you should know. Dogs and babies can be a natural mix, I mean, you should see my spaniel push my newborn in her baby swing when she’s crying, but you do need to do a bit of work pre baby if you want things to go smoothly.

To give you an idea of what some of these future parents have asked for in the past year

Having the dog not bolt out the door as soon as it is opened (helpful when the UPS driver comes to deliver all those baby gifts),
teaching dogs not to jump when strangers come in the house,

All manner of walking related activities for parents with full hands (strollers, diaper bags, hats, coats, booties……).

These things above are pretty specific to any individual situation but, you may ask, What are the absolutely necessary things you need your pup to do once the baby arrives? Well, here are my picks in order of importance according to a dog trainer.

Necessary commands with a new baby in the house:

Down-stay– and I mean down and stay there until I say it’s ok to get up, not just put your belly on the ground for three seconds then hop up and jump around.

Walk on a loose leash– an ABSOLUTE imperative when you are trying to walk around with a baby in your arms and get the dog a tiny bit of far to infrequent exercise. To a dog trainer this means NO PULLING YOU EVER.

Heel– walking right next to you and staying there. Do you have any idea how annoying it is to try to walk a dog in combination with a stroller if the dog won’t stay right beside you? You’re going to be walking that baby all the time anyway, wouldn’t it be great if you could exercise the dog while you’re doing it? I mean Fido is going to be suffering from lack of attention anyway when the baby gets here so do yourself and the dog a favor and get this one worked out.

Sit when you stop moving– Just sit there once you stop moving. Trust me, you’re going to be fussing with the stroller, baby, neighbors, mailbox, pacifiers, hats……and everything else and you don’t need your dog pulling you over backwards to run over and sniff that pile of deer poo in the next yard while your cleaning off the pacifier after it hits the sidewalk for the fourth third time in twenty minutes.

To me these are the bare minimum toolbox of dog commands you’re going to need if you are expecting a baby. And I mean bare minimum. This will keep you sane and probably save your dog from lots of yelling.

Now for the hard part. Don’t wait until you are eight months along before you start working on this stuff. Dogs need lots of practice and repetition before they master commands, so if you know a little one’s coming make the commitment to get your dog in shape BEFORE arrival. After that baby gets here you just aren’t going to have the bandwidth to deal with training a dog so do it now! Trust me, I’ve got a new little one in my house and if my dog’s weren’t reliable with their commands things would be total CHAOS.

www.austincitypaws.com Austin's Premier in-home pet sitting and dog walking service.

I bet you didn't know!

Did you know that American pet owners spent over 42 billion dollars on their pets in 2008.

At Austin City Paws we have a great page dedicated to the best pet stores in Austin Texas.

Check it out. You will find us at www.austincitypaws.com .

Do you have any funny pet stories. I would love to hear about them. My dog can eat a whole

box of greenes by himself. Ouch! what a tummy ache.

Awesome Start to the Holiday Season

I can't believe that the holiday are almost here. I visited my friends at Dog Boy Ranch this morning and their boarding schedule has been book solid since January. Hey that is a great reason for you to log on www.austincitypaws.com and sign up for your holiday in-home pet sitting or dog walking. Pet sitting and dog walks are far better for your pet. In-home pet sitting is a growing preference because not all dogs enjoy a new environment. The change can cause some

emotional issues. Not all pet boarding facilities are doggy heaven. Some dogs do just fine while others feel very lonely. It can be scary for some pets.

give our website a visit and check out our in-home pet sitting. The neat thing is there are not trips to the vet before your vacation so there are not kennel cough issues or other costly items you may incur before you even board your pup. Then there is the time spent taking the pet to the kennel and rushing home, just when you get off of the plane or drive into town, to make it to the kennel before it closes. Your pet stays in a known environment and receives loving are and play time a couple of times per a or more and the cost in time and money is very competitive.

www.austincitypaws.com.

Check back often as we will give you some super ideas for your and your pet for the up coming holidays.

Gerry