Guardian Pet Sitters® announces a new program to benefit rescue groups and shelters. Guardian Pet Sitters® is aware that many rescue groups and shelters are struggling with the amount of animals that are now in their system.  Sharon Jones, owner of Guardian Pet Sitters® said “In this economy we realize that the rescue groups and shelters are overwhelmed with the dogs, cats, birds, rabbits and other various pets. The need is great and, as with the other charities, the funds are down. “Guardian Pet Sitters® will partner with rescue groups or shelters by offering $10.00 to the rescue group for every referral that books one of our many services. Guardian Pet Sitters® will also give the newly adopted pet’s family $10.00 off service.  This is a win-win situation with the pets being the biggest winner! We not only help the rescue with financial needs but we reward the pet owner for adopting from rescue.

Guardian Pet Sitters® offers a variety of services to benefit the pets and the pet owner. Services provided for the busy pet owner are: mid-days, dog walks, convalescent care and geriatric care. Guardian Pet Sitters® also provides services for vacation or business travel consisting of 1-4 visit a day or overnights.

Guardian Pet Sitters® provides services in the following Texas cities: Addison, Allen, Carrollton, Dallas, Frisco, Garland, Little Elm, Mesquite, McKinney, Murphy, Plano, Richardson, Sachse, The Colony and Wylie.

Contact Guardian Pet Sitters® at 972-625-5272 or info@guardianpetsitters.com to get your rescue group or shelter signed up for our program.

Recently my dog Chrissie started having accidents in the house. Before I scolded her or changed something in our routine I got her checked at the veterinarian’s office. Sure enough she has a bladder infection. Good reminder when your pet’s behavior changes always rule out a medical problem before proceeding.

Cats make it easy for us as they will use a litter box when needed. However, litter box maintenance is imperative to keep them going to the litter box and keep them healthy. In my 18 years of providing pet sitting for many kitties I have found several mistakes that cat owners who adore their cats make. 

• Did you know that a cat’s sense of smell is 14 times greater than a humans?

So that means a regular cleaning schedule is important. 

• Cleaning a litter box is more than scooping the box.
• Scooping the litter box at least daily is a must.
• Litter should be totally changed on a regular basis. 
• The litter box washed with soap and water on a monthly basis.  Litter boxes should be disinfected with 1-10 part bleach solution and rinsed thoroughly when needed.
•  The number of cats you have  dictates how many boxes are needed. My recommendation is at least one litter box per cat. Ideally, each cat should have access to two litter boxes in their environment.
• How much litter you put in the box is important. You don’t need to fill the entire litter box.  It is recommended that you keep around two inches of litter in the box.

Selecting a litter box

• There are many different styles to choose from. Some are open and then some are enclosed. Remember not all cats like the enclosed box.
• The size of your cat(s) will determine the size of the litter box.  
• The height of the box could be a key factor if you have a geriatric cat. As they age they might not be able to get in and out easily. 

Placement of the Litter box is important!

• If you live in a multi-level house there should be a litter box on each level.
• The litter box should be easy to get to but out of a high traffic area

If you cat’s litter box use changes you can almost always trace it to a dislike in the environment, a medical problem or some sort of stress. Do not yell or punish the cat. 

Cat’s do not like change! 

Don’t change the litter box location or litter as cat’s like routine. 

Winter is here and our pets depend upon us to think about their safety. Cats and dogs should be kept indoors or in safe areas that have protection from the elements and temperature. 

Cats especially when left outdoors can get injured or killed if they crawl up into the hood of cars to sleep. If you park your car on the street you might want to bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give a cat a chance to escape.

Have you ever thought about your dog getting lost in a snow or ice storm? Dogs can lose their scent because of the snow and ice and easily become lost.  More dogs are lost during the winter than any other season.

Wipe off your dog’s legs and stomach when they come in from the sleet, ice or snow. While licking their paws your dog can ingest antifreeze, salt or other dangerous chemicals. The paw pads could also bleed if they get snow or ice encrusted. 

We hear often about not leaving an animal in a car in the summer as the car heats up. In the winter the opposite can happen and the car becomes like a refrigerator and the pet can freeze to death. Do not leave your pet in the car.

If your dog spends a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities you should increase his food and keep his fur in tip-top shape.

Be careful with any coolant or antifreeze! Clean up any spills and if you suspect that your pet has come in contact get the pet to your veterinarian or the nearest emergency veterinary clinic.

Your pet will appreciate on the coldest of days having a sweater if they have short hair. And a cozy warm cat or dog bed, blanket or pillow would be perfect to help them when it is cold outside.

Young, old, or sick all pets are vulnerable to the heat.

It is harder for pets to get rid of body heat than it is for humans. Humans can sweat but our furry critters get rid of body heat through breathing and panting. The summer heat can cause the circulatory and respiratory systems to work harder, resulting in heat stress.

A pet overheating can cause heatstroke, irreparable brain damage or even death.

Some signs of heatstroke are:

• Pet seems listless
• Eyes are glazy
• Labored panting or breathing
• Pet’s body is hot to the touch

Normal body temperature for dogs and cats is 101.5 to 102.2 Fahrenheit. A pet will become very sick if his or her temperature rises above 103 and death can occur at 106 and higher.

If you suspect your pet has heatstroke, make every effort to cool the pet down quickly. Immerse your pet in cold water or wrap your pet in wet cold towels. Apply ice packs to the head and neck.

CONTACT YOUR VETERINARIAN IMMEDIATELY!

Do not leave pets in a car! Even with the windows down, the temperature inside will rise to a dangerous level.

Outside pets should have adequate shade and water.

Have a child’s shallow swimming pool so your dog can cool off.

Keep your pet brushed. By brushing your pet, you will keep hair free from tangles and mats which will help maintain a lower body temperature.

Avoid hot places such as garages or other unventilated enclosures.

Summer coats protect from sunburn or provide insulation from the heat. Talk to your veterinarian before you clip your pet’s coat.

Walking or outdoor exercising your pet should be done early morning or late evening.

MOST PETS ARE MOST COMFORTABLE IN TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED HOMES