Tips & Newsletters
As both a professional pet sitter, and a dog owner, we know how important it is to understand how pets react in many different situations, which is why we feel it is extremely important to continue your pet-ucation. Click on the links below to read my current monthly newsletters and other helpful tips.2011
December 2011
Laws You Should KnowSummary of provisions of the San Diego County Code (SDCC) that reflect the basic responsibilities of animal ownership. Read more ...
November 2011
Talkin’ Turkey and Pet SafetyHolidays can be extremely fun for humans, but are often a dreadful experience for pets. The culprits of the top Thanksgiving pet emergencies involve guests and food. Pet Sitters International (PSI) offers pet owners four tips to ensure everyone remains thankful this year. Read more ...
September 2011
CatsFAQ. Read more ...
August 2011
What to do when you see a pet in a car on a hot day!In San Diego, if you see a pet in distress in a vehicle, dial 911 or find the nearest police officer, firefighter, paramedic, sheriff or animal control officer. Read more ...
July 2011
What to do about HairballsFor most pet owners, hairballs and cats are a disgusting fact of life. The telltale retch, the unfortunate stinky mass in the middle of the carpet- we are familiar with many of the signs. Hairballs are not only a nuisance, but can be a serious health threat to your cat. Read more ...
June 2011
Six Tips for a Pet-Safe SummerThe last days of May signal the unofficial start of summer for folks, young and old, across the country. But with these carefree months of no homework and summer Fridays comes an increased risk for illness or injury for our furry pals. Read more ...
May 2011
FleasFleas can enter the home in many ways, even if your pet is not or only rarely allowed outside. They can hop in from your yard, hitch a ride on you, or even be left over from previous inhabitants (larvae can remain dormant for long periods of time under a variety of conditions). Since fleas can be carriers for worms and diseases, keeping your pet flea-free helps to keep it healthy. In addition, many pets and people are allergic to flea-bites. Read more ...
April 2011
Caring for Your Kitten - 10 Do's and Don'tsNothing beats kitten fun. But more goes into proper care than plopping food in a bowl and setting up a litter box. Before you adopt, review these 10 do's and don'ts to ensure your kitten love lasts a lifetime. Read more ...
March 2011
55 Dog Behavior FactsDogs are social and are concerned with what we think, thus dog behaviors can be reinforced with praise. Read more ...
February 2011
Fun Facts About PetsDomesticated pets are complex creatures. Have you ever wondered why they do some of the things they do? Read more ...
January 2011
Harmful Pet Treats: Foods Every Owner Should AvoidA table scrap here, a little taste there Ñ when indulging our pets, the temptation to slip them tiny treats of our food can be strong. Read more ...
2010
November 2010
UTI Cat - Home TreatmentUTI-Free - Homeopathic remedy relieves frequent urination, bladder discomfort, and urine leakage to improve bladder and urinary tract health. Read more ...
October 2010
Truth about Cats & DogsFact: Dog Kisses Can Make You Sick. Think dogs' mouths are cleaner than humans? Think again. Veterinarians say dogs' chops are teeming with germs like salmonella, campylobacter, and cryptosporidium. Read more ...
September 2010
How to Keep Ants Out of Pet FoodWhen ants invade your pet's food, the pet may refuse to eat. Find out how to correct this problem and prevent it in the future. The key is to create a 'chemical safe' barrier which the ants will not cross and yet will not be harmful to your pets, wild birds or any other animals you wish to feed. Read more ...
August 2010
Does my pets have Ringworms?Ringworm is a misnomer in that the organism causing the infection is not a worm at all; it's a fungus. Pet owners can catch ringworm from their animal friends-their dogs, cats, horses, cattle, etc. Read more ...
July 2010
July 4th Fireworks Are No Blast For PetsReturning home from a holiday celebration, Sharon Moore and her family discovered feces on their living room floor. Read more ...
June 2010
Cat Training 101Some people think that cats and training just don't go together, but training your cat really can be fun and rewarding. First thing to understand is that cats do not respond the way that dogs do. Cats are not as eager to please their owners, they want to please themselves. Read more ...
May 2010
Walking Your CatWhile there is some concern that giving your cat a taste of the great outdoors will turn him into a demanding puss who sits by the door meowing incessantly to go out, many feline experts believe that the greater danger lies in providing a living environment for the cat that is unchanging and unstimulating -- just plain boring. Read more ...
April 2010
Pet Earthquake Preparation TipsIt is vital that your pet be properly identified. This is especially important in time of an earthquake or other natural disaster when pets become frightened and run away. Read more ...
March 2010
Oops... Missed the Litter BoxNot long ago a friend told me two of her cats were not using the litter box consistently. They used the hall carpet or a spot near the litter box instead for their bathroom chores. This is not just a minor annoyance that will correct itself if you ignore it. In fact, it's pretty difficult to ignore either the mess or the odor of misplaced deposits. Inappropriate elimination actually tops the list of reasons why people give up their cats to animal shelters. Read more ...
February 2010
Feline Leukemia VirusFeline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus, a family of viruses which has many members that infect cats and cause disease and death in cats around the world. Another well-known feline retrovirus is the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV). FeLV and FIV can be found together in the same cat. Read more ...
January 2010
Rabies in CatsRabies is one of the most well known of all the viruses. Fortunately, through active vaccination and eradication programs, there were only 3 reported cases of human rabies in the United States in 2006, although 45,000 people were exposed and required post-exposure vaccination and antibody injections. Read more ...
2009
December 2009
Pet Hospice - Caring Until the EndCaring for a dying companion animal at home requires veterinary assistance and other types of support. The help that's needed is slowly becoming available. Read more ...
November 2009
Taking a Bite Out of Canine ArthritisOsteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease (DJD), is a progressive, debilitating disorder characterized by a loss of cartilage and the death of cartilage-producing cells. DJD can occur in any joint, but is most often found in the hip. It can lead to permanent loss of function. Read more ...
October 2009
Caring for your Senior DogMaybe you adopted an older dog, maybe you've had him or her since puppy days. Either way, keeping him healthy and happy for as long as possible is what we all strive toward. Read more ...
September 2009
Declawing CatsThe American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the ASPCA's Bergh Memorial Hospital encourage owners to seek alternatives to declawing their cats. If you are thinking about having your pet declawed, please take a moment to consider the following information. Read more ...
August 2009
Can Children Catch Worms from Cats and Dogs?It is possible for humans and especially children to become infected with worms from cats and dogs. It is important to teach your children to wash their hands before eating. Equally important is to regularly treat your pets for worms. Read more ...
July 2009
Pools Are Perilous for PetsEvery pet owner with a swimming pool knows that whether they want their animal in the water or not, their pet will probably end up in the pool at some point, often involuntarily! Read more ...
May 2009
10 Questions I'm Most Asked about Dogs in HeatRead more ...
April 2009
Dangers of Cocoa MulchRead more ...
March 2009
Share the Love: Adopt a Disabled PetPets with a Physical or Medical Disability Can Be Difficult to Place for Adoption but Are Worth it. Read more ...
February 2009
How to Prevent Escapes...and What To Do If Your Dog Gets AwayDespite their love for their families, most dogs -- given the right opportunity -- can't wait to escape. Why not? There are all kinds of exciting things that induce a dog to bolt, if only for an adventure or the thought of a good chase of the deliveryman, the neighbor's cat or a passing squirrel. An open door is an invitation throughout the life of the dog. Read more ...
January 2009
Canine Vomiting and DiarrheaVomiting is usually caused by inflammation of the stomach (gastritis), and often happens when dogs eat grass or spoiled food. Read more ...
2008
December 2008
Keep an eye out during winter holidaysWith the fall and winter holidays come many new faces, guests and dog sitters. Each time guests enter your home pets are exposed to new levels of stress, both positive and negative. Read more ...
November 2008
How to Brush Your Dogs TeethDental disease is the most common disease in our canine companions. It is also one of the most preventable and treatable diseases. Fortunately, we can reduce or even prevent dental disease by feeding a crunchy diet, appropriate chew treats and toys and daily tooth brushing. Read more ...
October 2008
Bubble Gum is Toxic to DogsCertain kinds of bubble gum that contain a product called "xylitol" can cause serious problems when ingested by your dog. Xylitol is a 5-carbon sugar alcohol that looks and tastes like sugar. Many products on the market, including sugar-free candy, gums, breath fresheners, toothpastes, sunblock, and other nutritional supplements contain xylitol. Read more ...
September 2008
Heat Stroke in Dogs and CatsCongratulations, you're expecting a baby! If your family already includes a pet, you'll need to help that first "baby" adjust to the new one you'll soon bring home. Read more ...
August 2008
Hiking and Backpacking with your DogAny dog can carry 1/3 of his body weight. There is also a book available: A Guide to Backpacking with your Dog, by Charlene LaBelle that is very good. Read more ...
July 2008
Heat Stroke in Dogs and CatsHeat stroke is a major concern for pet owners. Humans and animals respond differently when they get too hot. Read more ...
April 2008
Estate Planning for your PetsShould anything happen to you, who should get custody of your pets? Everyone who has pets should have a plan for their pet, or what's known in California as a Statutory Pet Trust. Read more ...
March 2008
About Pet RabbitsRabbits are growing in popularity as house pets. Social as well as active and playful, they have the potential to be wonderful pets for the prepared owner. Read more ...
February 2008
Snake CareSnakes need the same basic things as any animal: proper food, clean drinking water, a secure shelter, attention to any medical problems, and the right temperature range. Get these set up, and your snake should live a healthy, happy life. Read more ...
January 2008
Protecting your Dog from Heartworm DiseaseYou hear about it from your Vet and see the commercials on television, but what exactly is heartworm and how can you protect your family pet? Read more ...
2007
December 2007
Keep your Pet Protected from PoisonsIf you fear that you dog could have been poisoned or may have eaten something harmful to him, you should call your Veterinarian immediately to find out what to do. Read more ...
November 2007
Pets and Disaster: Be PreparedOur pets enrich our lives in more ways than we can count. In turn, they depend on us for their safety and well-being. Here's how you can be prepared to protect your pets when disaster strikes. Read more ...
October 2007
Destructive Behavior: DiggingDigging behavior in dogs can have many motivations. Some breeds, such as the Northern breeds (Huskies, Malamutes) dig cooling holes and lie in them. Read more ...
September 2007
Aggression: Sibling RivalryDogs are social animals whose evolutionary history makes them willing and able to live in groups. Group living enabled wolves to work together to obtain food, raise their young and defend their territory. Read more ...
August 2007
Addison's DiseaseThe correct medical term for this disease is Hypoadrenocorticism. This term means that there is diminished or lowered hormone production from the outer part or cortex of the adrenal gland. Read more ...
July 2007
Keeping Pets Safe on July 4thTo protect the pets you are caring for on the Fourth of July, take these precautions: Read more ...
June 2007
What is the Canine Good Citizen Program?AKC's Canine Good Citizen certification program is designed to reward dogs who have good manners at home and in the community. The Canine Good Citizen Program is a two-part program that stresses responsible pet ownership for owners and basic good manners for dogs. All dogs who pass the CGC test receive a certificate from the American Kennel Club and they are automatically recorded in the AKC's Canine Good Citizen Archive. Read more ...
May 2007
Changing Your Dog's DietWith all the dangers and risks of feeding your dog a mass-produced, popular brand of dog food Ð what is a dog owner to do? The answer is simple: you have to change your dog's diet to a healthy dog food. Read more ...
April 2007
Dog Food Grading ScaleHow to grade your dog's food. Read more ...
March 2007
Training Your Dog to Come When CalledOne of the most common training problems owners have with their dogs is that the dog will not come when called. Training a dog to come when called is often referred to as a &qupt;recall." It is ironic that owners go to great lengths to train their dog NOT to come when called, and then complain about it. Read more ...
February 2007
How to Handle A Barking DogBarking is a perfectly natural canine behavior. Birds sing; frogs croak; and a dog barks, whines and howls. If you have a dog, you better expect some barking, whining or howling. It is unrealistic and unfair to think you can train your dog to stop barking altogether. However, Read more ...
January 2007
Litter Box Training Your Cat or KittenThe most common reason a cat stops using its litter box is because the litter box is dirty - from the cat's viewpoint, not yours. Cats often react to any type of stress by suddenly urinating or defecating outside the litter box. Read more ...
2006
December 2006
What Children Learn with and from PetsThose of us who had pets as children probably remember the unconditional love we received, the pleasures of animal companionship, and the lessons in caring for another creature. Most likely, we gained far more from our pets than we realize even now. Read more ...
November 2006
Excessive Meowing: When Your Cat Talks Too MuchFluffy meows when she's hungry, when she wants attention, when she smells foodÉand sometimes for reasons unknown to us. Her meowing may be conversational, or it may be annoying. Especially when we're trying to fall asleep at night. Read more ...
October 2006
Put Safety before Festive FunPumpkins, tombstones, skeletons and witches mean that Halloween is close at hand. If you survive that, it's on to the next in a string of holidays; Thanksgiving, Chanukah, Christmas and New Year's. Whether you embrace the festivities, or run screaming from an army of relatives who invade your peaceful home, remember that the holidays pose special risks to your dog. Read more ...
August 2006
Canine WormsDogs are victims of several internal parasites frequently referred to as worms. The most common are the roundworms that infest most puppies at some time in their young lives and tapeworms that can be a big problem when flea infestations are high.
July 2006
Help Your Pet have a stress-free moveNo matter how frazzled you feel, moving is generally more difficult for your furry friends. Here's how to help them make the transition with ease.
June 2006
Heartworm Disease in DogsHeartworm disease is caused by a parasite called Dirofilaria immitis, which lives in the right side of the heart and the adjacent blood vessels. Its presence in these blood vessels causes cardiovascular weakness, compromised lung incapacity, and eventual death.
May 2006
Heartworm Disease in CatsHeartworm disease, caused by Dirofilaria immitis, a parasitic worm that gains entry into cats via mosquito bites, can be potentially fatal to your cat. The article discusses how this disease affect cats and how it can treated.
April 2006
Don't give up on your pets!Millions of cats and dogs are euthanized every year in thousands of animal welfare shelters, rescue homes and pounds.
March 2006
Giving Your Dog AspirinIf your dog has chronic pain or inflammation, common aspirin can often be used to give your pet some relief. Since aspirin can cause some stomach problems, care should be used. (continue...)
February 2006
Poisonous House and Outdoor PlantsA compiled list of poisonous house and outdoor plants that may be lurking in your area and harmful to your pups. As pretty as they may appear, be on the alert and check the list.
January 2006
10 New Year's Resolutions for Pet OwnersNow that the new year is well under way and you have your own resolutions either under control or long-forgotten, it may be time to set some goals for your pet.
2005
December 2005
Safe Chew Toys for Your DogChewing is a natural behavior for dogs. All dogs investigate the world with their mouths, especially during puppyhood. Providing safe things to chew is an important part of keeping your dog healthy. Find out how to choose the best ones!
November 2005
Five Games That Will Delight Your DogYou can make your dog's heart leap even higher by taking along a ball, a Frisbee, or even a hula hoop. Here are a few activities you can play that will benefit the body and spirit (yours and his).
October 2005
When Your Cat Gets the "Midnight Crazies"The "midnight crazies" is a popular name for a cat's behavior when she plays and roughhouses in short spurts in the middle of the night. What motivates a cat to such boisterous and disruptive behavior?
September 2005
Why do dogs eat grassDogs are not known for being fussy eaters. Put it in your dog's path and he'll gobble it up, whether it be table scraps, garbage ... or grass. We're not sure why your pup likes grass, although there have been many theories offered.
August 2005
Bad Breath in Dogs & CatsTooth and gum problems are the most common medical conditions seen in pets. Find out how bad breath in dogs and cat can go hand in hand with other health problems.
July 2005
Allergies in PetsVeterinary practitioners recognize allergic diseases in companion animals and are often asked to give advice to people with allergies to pets. Many people with minor allergies to pets want hypoallergenic dogs. Is there really such a thing?
June 2005
Diabetes in DogsDiabetes can affect both cats, dogs and humans. It can be a debilitating disease if left untreated, managing it can be a challenge! Learn about diabetes in dogs and how they can be treated.
May 2005
Dealing With Aggressive Behavior in Your CatCat owners report that biting is the second most common behavioral problem in cats -second only to inappropriate urination. Find out why they are aggressive and how to deal with such aggressiveness.
April 2005
Caring for Your Elderly CatGood nutrition and modern medicine are allowing cats to live longer and longer. What specific problems can be seen as your cat gets older and how can they be treated.
March 2005
Care of Hypothyroid DogA sluggish thyroid gland or hypothyroidism is the commonest endocrine gland disease of dogs. Learn how they can be diagnosed and treated.
February 2005
How Often Should My Dog Receive Vaccinations?What Vaccinations and how often does he need them ?
January 2005
Treating Cushing's DiseaseCushing's syndrome is a disease with very distinct clinical signs in your pet. It is also called hyperadrenocorticism. Two small glands, the adrenal glands, that lay just ahead of your dog?s kidneys are responsible for this problem. When these glands over-produce the hormones, cortisones, hyperadrenocorticism results.
2004
December 2004
What To Do When Your Dog Is Aggressive With Your ChildrenCounseling owners of biting and aggressive dogs is one of the hardest tasks that veterinarians face. This problem generally becomes apparent when the dog first reaches sexual maturity at 8-10 months of age. What can you do about it.
November 2004
Ear Problems in Dogs and How to Treat ThemOne of the most frequent problems veterinarians see in their practices are inflammations and infections of the ear. How to find and treat them.
October 2004
Canine Heartworm DiseaseCanine heartworms affect dogs throughout the world. These worms scientific name is Dirofilaria immitus They are common in the hearts and major heart blood vesicles in pet and stray dogs in all 50 American States.
September 2004
Why is My Pet Tearing Up the House!Perfect pets, like perfect people are hard to find. Separation anxiety (SA) is a pet's exaggerated fear over separation from its owners. It is a modern, industrial age, disease.
August 2004
Choosing a Good Pet FoodChoosing a pet food from among the cans, bags, and boxes stacked on store shelves can be a daunting experience. Which formulation of food is best? Is my dog old enough for "adult formula"? Does my cat really need "premium"? Will Fido be healthier on "natural" food and will Fluffy fully appreciate "gourmet"?
July 2004
Is your Dog Overweight?In the United States, pets and their owners have one thing in common: too much food and too little exercise. Many pet owners don't monitor their pets' weight and succumb too often to animals that beg and whimper for more.
June 2004
Adopt a Shelter Cat MonthSummer is here, time to play and have fun in the sun-and it's also time to celebrate Adopt a Shelter Cat Month with the ASPCA!
May 2004
Puppy love -- it's better than you thinkIt's well known that pets, especially dogs, offer their owners many health benefits. Now scientists say dogs may help us even more than onceÊthought.
April 2004
Dog Safety Tips for ParentsReduce the chances of children in your care being bitten or injured by a dog if you teach them some basic safety tips.
March 2004
Top 10 Reasons not to Travel with your PetsToday's loving pet owners want to share all of life's experiences with their four-legged family members. What better way to spend your vacation than on the road with your pets? Think again.
