Don't Waste A Good Dog

One of the things that I find to be common among the dogs that I care for is lack of exercise.

There are so many breeds, both large and small, that are working dogs. As a matter of fact 70% of all dogs owned in America have a working dog heritage. These dogs have been blended into our culture to become pets and that is the way we treat them but, they they are so much more.

Imagine owning a beautiful shiny Corvette. There it is, in all of its glory, sitting in your garage ready to get out there and perform. But wait! You would rather wash and wax it than take it out and let it do what it was built to do, perform. Would you just put your new Corvette up on blocks in your garage for all the world to see? I think not. So, why treat your dog that way?

I have to laugh because as I am writing this I am listening to loud snores coming from my Vizsla who is sleeping in the next room. But seriously, it is so important that your pet, working or non-working, get out and run, socialize and do what dogs are supposed to do. If you own a dog that comes from a working breed lineage it is your responsibility to help him or her have a happier, healthier life. Don't stick your dog in a closet and let boredom eat away at what could be an exciting life.

Here is a prime example of how a chewer was transformed into a performer.

Meet Hunter, a rescue dog on the job in Haiti.

Hunter, a certified and trained Search and Rescue Dog, is a red and white border collie that was born on a horse farm on New Year's Eve in 2002. Although both his parents were black and white borders, he inherited his coloring from his grandfather, who was also red and white. As a puppy, Hunter lived with Patricia Baldwin, who loved him dearly in spite of his tendency to chew anything and everything in sight. Patricia would take Hunter to a dog park to give him additional exercise. When he grew larger, Hunter followed his ancestral instincts and began herding the other dogs at the park, showing them that he was "Chief Canine-in-Charge."

Unfortunately, Patricia had to find a new home for Hunter when he was seven months old.

More on how Hunter became a rescue dog http://www.searchdogfoundation.org/zcom/newsletter/ScrapDetail.do?compid=98&newsid=29

Thanks to Debi Martin for her contirbution to this awesome story.

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What's Best for Your Dog

In reading the latest in "what's best for your dog," I have found that there are three leading brands that my clients and readers use. All are manufactured with the best in wholesome ingredients. What brands do you use and what has been the result as far as weight, coat and general health?

Email me and let me know or respond below with a comment. Check out the free sitting offer by referral on the home page, austincitypaws.com.

Love those pets and have a great week,
Gerry

Better Health for Your Cat

I am still amazed at the number of cat owners who tend not to have annual check-ups for their cats. This is crucial to the health of your pet. As I mentioned in my last blog, there are many diseases that can be contracted and especially by those pets that roam outside.

Feline Leukemia Virus
Is your cat at risk? The virus is spread among cats through infected saliva and urine and kittens can contract FeLV from their mother. Cats that go outdoors are more likely to be infected because they can come in contact with other cats or urine from territorial marking.

Keeping your cat indoors significantly reduces exposure to FeLV. If you do allow your cat outdoors, make sure it receives the FeLV vaccine, which boosts its immune system. Kittens receive a series of vaccinations and yearly boosters thought their adult life. It is also important to test any new cats or kittens for FeLV infection before introducing them to your household. Cats that go outdoors should be tested yearly.

Here is what to look for. Veterinarians often suspect FeLV infection in sick cats with incomplete vaccination histories and kittens that don't gain weight and have recurring infections. The signs often mimic other diseases, such as feline AIDS, and may include a combination of the following symptoms;

Weakness, lethargy or depression
Vomiting
Decrease or no appetite
Coughing
Weight loss
Ocular (eye) abnormalities
Fever
Anemia
Swollen lymph nodes
Dental disease

It is recommended that cats be tested for FeLV infection annually and that you call or take you pet to a vet whenever you suspect any health problem.

I hope you will take the time to visit our website at austincitypaws.com and take advantage of our pet referral plan. It is pretty cool. You can get free in-home pet services for a week when a friend books visits.

Also check out “Dukes Dog Duty Service.”

The Freezing Weather and Your Dog
What did you do with your outdoor pet when they weren't trained to be indoors? I would love to hear back from you on that subject. Just add a comment below or email me.

Have a Yappy Week,
Gerry

Why It's Safer For Your Cat to Stay Indoors

During the holiday season I found myself with a large number of clients that had cats. With that being said I set out to learn more about the welfare and health of cats with owners that keep them indoors.

First and most important, cats that live indoors have a much longer life span than those that are free roamers. Some cat owners feel it is cruel to deprive their kitty from the adventure that awaits them in the great outdoors.

Indoor only cats run a lower risk of being exposed to toxins, such as antifreeze and rat poison and they aren't victims of pranks.

The cats we never hear from again... I can't tell you the number of times my clients
call with the sad news that their kitty just up and vanished. Makes you wonder, doesn't it? A loyal pet that you have had for years doesn't come home one day. It is sad but it is a fact. Nine out of ten times the cat has become a victim to the outdoor environment.

Here in Austin, and the Texas Hill Country that surrounds us, we recognize that cats that live in areas that are adjacent to wilderness are more likely to be attacked by a predator while those that live in the city stand a higher risk of being hit by a car. According to a study done for HSUS in 2001, two out of three veterinarians suggested that their clients keep their cats indoors. The primary concerns about letting cats outside were the dangers from vehicles (65%) and the possibility of catching diseases (56%).

I love the cats I sit for. They are always excited to see me when I come go visit and feed them. I know you love your pets and want to protect them from harm and keep them in good health.

In coming weeks I will be adding more information on how you can create a healthy and
safe (not boring) environment for your Kitty.

If I can be of help or you need a sitter please call me or visit the website www.austincitypaws.com .

Happy New Year and love that kitty.