How to Have a Happy and Healthy Pet

Looking for ideas on how to keep your pet healthy and happy? Check out this article from the ASPCA: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/furry-friends-need-fun-too-how-keep-your-pet-happy-and-active 

Need a hand in managing their care while you're away? Message us here or call / text us at 317.643.1005!

It's Fall!

Happy Fall!

Fall breaks and vacations are around the corner. Have you made plans for your pets' care while you're gone?

Message us here or call / text us at 317.643.1005 to schedule your appointments!

2/6/2014

Hate walking your dog(s) in the frigid temps? We can help! Be it daily, weekly, or only when you aren't feeling up to braving Old Man Winter...we are here to help!

Call us at 317.643.1005 to discuss your options.

2/2/2014

Another snowy Sunday morning. Purr-fect for warm snuggles with your fuzzy friends!

Can't be there to cuddle? We can! Call us at 317.643.1005 to discuss your options.

12/13/2013

Pet costumes at Christmas and other holidays are one of the latest fads. Who can resist dressing up a pet in those cute little Santa suits or reindeer antlers?  Before you decide to make Fido into Rudolph, consider the following guidelines.

Choose costumes that are appropriate for your pet's size, build and temperament. For example, a pug may need a costume that's small, but with a roomy chest and shoulder area. A bulldog needs a costume large enough for the neck, but not so large that the dog trips on it. Some breeds can be "thin-skinned" and ticklish, and may never get used to costumes. Follow the same rules for Cats.

If your pet has never worn clothing or a costume, start with a hat or bandana.

Put the costume on your pet for a few minutes a day and build up the amount of time your pet tolerates it.

Assure that costumes do not limit your dog's field of vision.

Never leave a pet unattended in a costume.

Avoid costumes with small pieces such as beads that can be swallowed.

Make sure that the costume fabric will not overheat your dog.

Assure that elastic bands do not become uncomfortable. Even a mildly snug elastic band may be uncomfortable after an extended wear (over 30 minutes).

Monitor your dog frequently for signs of physical discomfort, such as moving or walking in a stiff or unusual posture, reluctance to walk, or pawing/biting.

Watch for behavioral signs that a pet is becoming stressed by the costume, such as increased agitation or defensiveness.

If your pet shows any of these signs...Take off the costume immediately.

12/12/2013

Stress

Holidays can bring stress to all of us, and pets are no exception. When routines are disrupted and new activities occur, your pet may be the first to notice.  Never fear, we're here to help! If you're going to be gone for extended periods of time, we can pop in and check on Fido and Fluffy to ensure they haven't gotten into something they shouldn't have as well as ensure that they get the food, water, and exercise they need!

While you're home, follow these tips to make the holidays more relaxing for everyone, including your companion animals.

• Shy animals can get stressed with the hustle and bustle of holiday guests, so provide a quiet room where your pets can escape the hustle and bustle. Provide plenty of food and water and let your pet catch up on some Zs.
  
• Holiday guests may not know your pets' routines. If your guests smoke, make sure they are careful with their cigarettes. Also, let them know in advance whether they are allowed to give treats to your animals.
  
• As your holiday visitors come and go, there will be many escape opportunities for your pets. Make sure that your pets always wear identification tags, have permanent identification (microchipping), and be sure to watch the door!
  
• Always keep your veterinarian’s number handy, along with the number of the animal poison control center, in case of emergency.

12/11/2013

Safe Ways to Celebrate and Make the Holidays Special for You and Your Pet

Provide your pet some extra love and attention to let them know they’re not forgotten during busy holiday times.

• Take your dog for an extra walk or add some extra snuggle time -- it’ll help your pet relieve some of that holiday stress (call us to help with this task!)
  
• Keep a supply of pet treats handy and reach for one before you’re tempted to toss your pet that little bite of “people” food.
  
• Let your pet get into the gift-giving spirit by making a donation (e.g., food, litter, toys) to your local shelter in his name.
  
• Perhaps your dog would like a new bed, or your cat a new scratching post. Birds love mirrors or other fun items for the cage. Get creative!

Whichever treat or special activity you choose, you’ll be enhancing the bond you share -- and your pet will love it!

12/10/2013

Holidays bring special cards, gifts decorated with ribbons, tinsel or yarn, and special decorations like Christmas trees. Unfortunately, animals appreciate these items, as well -- and many of them can cause serious damage.

Christmas trees

• Anchor trees securely. Climbing cats and dogs with wagging tails can knock over your tree.
• Hang breakable, glass ornaments well out of reach. The small glass and metal fastenings can be stepped on or even swallowed by your pet.
• Keep tinsel, ribbons and garland out of pets’ reach, especially cats that are intrigued by them. These can become lodged in their intestines, cause obstructions and lead to surgery or death.
• Clean up pine needles frequently. They can be toxic when eaten by your pet.
• Prevent your pet from drinking water in the tree stand if you have added preservative chemicals. These can be poisonous to pets. Also, stagnant water can contain bacteria, which may lead to vomiting and diarrhea if ingested.

  

Holiday house plants

Although they add a warm touch, many plants can harm your pets. Keep these potentially dangerous bloomers well out of reach.

• Lilies can be deadly to cats, and many types can cause cats to have kidney failure.
• Poinsettias, although not as toxic as people often think, can upset your pet's digestive system.
• Mistletoe, especially the berries, is highly toxic, can cause stomach upset and has the potential to cause fatal heart problems.
• Holly can cause vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and lethargy.
• Certain types of ivy, such as English ivy, can also cause severe harm.
• Amaryllis can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
• Hibiscus can cause diarrhea.

Lights, candles and fragrance

• Keep lights and extension cords safely secured or covered to deter chewing, which can lead to electric shock or even electrocution. Better yet, invest in pet-proof extension cords, or spray with products such as Bitter Apple or Chew Stop.
• Candles can be fragrant and enticing to pets. But they can be a fire hazard if knocked over by an exuberant pet, and the fumes can be harmful to birds.
• Liquid potpourri and sachets, popular during the holidays, can be very dangerous. Exposure can cause skin or oral damage to your pet and may cause illness or death.

12/9/2013

With cold and dry air comes health challenges for us all, but is your pet's dry skin caused by the chill in the air or is it a more serious condition? Read on to find out!

Common causes of pet dandruff

Dandruff or scaly skin may simply be caused by dry, poorly hydrated skin.  This is common as most pets eat dry kibble which is very low in moisture and don't drink enough water every day—leading to constant mild dehydration.  The skin is very sensitive to dehydration and will readily become dry and flaky in appearance.  When pets develop medical problems (such as allergies, infections and diabetes), the skin is often the first to indicate a change in general health by becoming roughened and dry.  If your pet develops dry skin or a poor haircoat, consider the following possibilities and talk to your veterinarian.

Dry skin or lusterless coats may indicate a deficiency or an improper balance of essential fatty acids in the diet.  Pet foods are notoriously low in certain beneficial fatty acids.  Fatty acids are relatively fragile and prone to break-down by overcooking or improper storage of dry food.  Pets on fat-restricted (weight loss) diets may be at increased risk for deficiency.

Dry or irritated skin may be an adverse reaction to foods containing artificial dyes, additives and preservatives.  True food allergy to specific ingredients can also cause dry flaky skin. 

Flea allergy, ringworm, mites, mange, yeast and bacterial skin infections (yes, even in indoor pets!) will often cause itchiness, skin redness and possibly hair loss along with dry scaly skin.

Seborrhea is a skin condition that causes a greasy, oily or dry coat with very scaly skin.

Hormonal or endocrine problems (such as hyper- or hypothyroidism, cushings syndrome and diabetes), immune problems (such as lupus) and skin cancer (such as cutaneous lymphoma) are much more serious causes of skin flakiness and most often associated with other complaints of illness.   

There are many causes of skin flakiness and various tests may need to be performed for an accurate diagnosis.  Most often a skin scrape with microscopic examination at your veterinarian's office is the first step.  Occasionally hair or dandruff culture, allergy testing, skin biopsy and/or blood tests will need to be performed.

Natural Remedies for dandruff

If your pet is suffering from simply dry dehydrated skin, bathing and dietary recommendations can often resolve the problem quite readily.

Bathing—Choose only detergent-free shampoo which contain natural botanical oils and extracts that nourish the skin and coat instead of stripping the skin of its essential oils.  Some pets (notably cats!) are not thrilled with bathing and spray-on conditioners can work wonders for dry skin.

Diet—A natural high-quality pet food is recommended to avoid adverse reactions that may be associated with foods containing meat meals, preservatives and other artificial poor quality ingredients.  Canned food should be included as part of a healthy pet diet.  Pets are similar to people in that they rarely drink enough water and live in a state of mild dehydration.  Canned food provides vital water supplementation and is excellent for organ (including skin!) hydration.

Supplements—Fatty acid supplements are crucial in all pets with skin conditions.  Fatty acids help eliminate inflammation within irritated skin and help improve skin moisture and suppleness, regardless of the underlying problem.  Many people are familiar with the omega 3 fatty acids, commonly referred to as fish oils.  There are other beneficial anti-inflammatory fatty acids, therefore, I prefer a broader fatty acid supplement such as Halo Dream Coat.  Its combination of six cold-pressed virgin oils (including fish oil) achieves an ideal ratio of anti-inflammatory fatty acids and is a perfect complement to a natural diet.

Depending on your pet's specific diagnosis, your veterinarian may recommend additional therapies but these natural remedies for dry skin will complement most treatment plans.    

12/6/2013

Our first snow has finally fallen!

Do you hate to walk your pup in the winter? We can help! Rain, snow, sleet, or hail, we'll be there to care for your pets.

Call today to schedule your complimentary consultation! 317.643.1005

Cold Weather Tips for Pets

The winter season of bitter cold and numbing wetness will soon be upon us.  Here are some extra precautions you can take during the winter months that will make sure your four-footed family members stay safe and warm.

Keep pets indoors and warm

 

Don't leave dogs or cats outdoors when the temperature drops. Most dogs, and all cats, are safer indoors, except when taken out for exercise. No matter what the temperature, wind chill can threaten a pet's life. Regardless of the season, shorthaired, very young, or old dogs and all cats should never be left outside without supervision. Short-coated dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater during walks.

The best way to keep your pets safe (and happy) is to keep them with you.

Take precautions if your dog spends a lot of time outside

 

A dog or cat is happiest and healthiest when kept indoors. If for some reason your dog is outdoors much of the day, he or she must be protected by a dry, draft-free shelter that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold in his/her body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The house should be turned to face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.

Help feral and stray cats get warm

 

If there are ferals or strays in your neighborhood, remember that they need protection from the elements. It's easy to give them shelter.

Give your pets plenty of water

 

Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely check your pet's water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls rather than metal; when the temperature is low, your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to metal.

Be careful with cats, wildlife, and cars

 

Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife, who may crawl up under the hood. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on your car's hood to scare them away before starting your engine.

Protect paws from salt

 

The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet's feet. Wipe all paws with a damp towel or baby wipes when coming back indoors before your pet licks them and irritates his/her mouth.

Avoid antifreeze poisoning

 

Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that may attract animals and children. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze (and all household chemicals) out of reach. Better yet, use antifreeze-coolant made with propylene glycol; if swallowed in small amounts, it will not hurt pets, wildlife, or your family. Read more about pets and antifreeze

The best tip of all: keep your pets with you

 

Probably the best prescription for winter's woes is to keep your dog or cat inside with you and your family. The happiest dogs are those who are taken out frequently for walks and exercise, but kept inside the rest of the time.

Dogs and cats are social animals who crave human companionship. Your animal companions deserve to live indoors with you and your family.

During the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, many pets are left home alone.  Why not have someone from Happy at Home Pet Sitting pop in and check on them during long absences?  Call today to discuss your options!  317.643.1005

12/3/2013

The holiday season has arrived! Trees are being decorated, cookies are being baked, and school concerts are upon us.

Does your pet need some TLC while you're out and about with all of the hustle and bustle?

Call today to discuss your options!
317.643.1005

11/21/2013

Are you traveling to visit friends and family for the upcoming holidays? Will Fluffy and Fido be tagging along with you or would they rather stay home?

If so, call today to discuss your options for their in-home care!  317.643.1005

11/8/13

‘Tis the season for friends, family, and holiday feasts—but also for possible distress for our animal companions. Pets won’t be so thankful if they munch on undercooked turkey or a pet-unfriendly floral arrangement, or if they stumble upon an unattended alcoholic drink.

Check out the following tips from Happy at Home for a fulfilling Thanksgiving that your pets can enjoy, too!

Talkin’ Turkey
If you decide to feed your pet a little nibble of turkey, make sure it’s boneless and well-cooked. Don't offer her raw or undercooked turkey, which may contain salmonella bacteria.

Sage Advice
Sage can make your Thanksgiving stuffing taste delish, but it and many other herbs contain essential oils and resins that can cause gastrointestinal upset and central nervous system depression to pets if eaten in large quantities. Cats are especially sensitive to the effects of certain essential oils. If you want to be super-safe, keep all herbs away from your pets mouths.

No Bread Dough
Don't spoil your pet’s holiday by giving him raw bread dough. According to ASPCA experts, when raw bread dough is ingested, an animal's body heat causes the dough to rise in his stomach. As it expands, the pet may experience vomiting, severe abdominal pain and bloating, which could become a life-threatening emergency, requiring surgery.

Don't Let Them Eat Cake
If you’re baking up Thanksgiving cakes, be sure your pets keep their noses out of the batter, especially if it includes raw eggs—they could contain salmonella bacteria that may lead to food poisoning.

Too Much of a Good Thing
A few small boneless pieces of cooked turkey, a taste of mashed potato or even a lick of pumpkin pie shouldn’t pose a problem. However, don't allow your pets to overindulge, as they could wind up with a case of stomach upset, diarrhea or even worse—an inflammatory condition of the pancreas known as pancreatitis. In fact, it’s best to keep pets on their regular diets during the holidays. A good rule of thumb is to keep “human” foods to 10% of your pet’s daily intake.

A Feast Fit for a Kong
While the humans are chowing down, give your cat and dog their own little feast. Offer them Nylabones or made-for-pet chew bones. Or stuff their usual dinner—perhaps with a few added tidbits of turkey, vegetables (try sweet potato or green beans) and dribbles of gravy—inside a Kong toy. They’ll be happily occupied for awhile, working hard to extract their dinner from the toy.

Keep it Routine

As always, an easy way to keep your pet happy and healthy throughout the holiday season is to keep her on her normal routine.  If you are planning to travel, even if it’s just for the day, we at Happy at Home can certainly pop in to check on her and ensure that she gets the same love and attention that she would if you were home.  Call today to discuss your options!

11/7/13

Every pet parent is concerned with their pet's health and well being.  We want to feed the highest quality food our budgets will allow and we want to ensure that their health will not be jepoardized by a recall of food or treats.  The most common question is where to find that information. 

Here is a great resource to find information regarding pet food quality and recommendations:  www.petfoodadvisor.com

And this is a fantastic resource for up-to-date information on food and treat recalls:  https://www.avma.org/news/issues/recalls-alerts/pages/pet-food-safety-recalls-alerts.aspx

11/6/13

Do you have a busy schedule? Looking for an extra hand managing your pet's care?

Call today to discuss your options! Don't forget, we also help manage chickens!

317.643.1005

11/5/13

There's a nip in the air, we've already seen a dusting of snow, and great times with family and friends are just around the corner.  Don't forget Fido and Fluffy in your holiday plans!

If you can't take them with you, call Allison today to discuss your options!

317.643.1005

10/14/2013

Urban farming is becoming quite popular, and with good reason! Not only can you monitor what is or isn't going onto and into your food, but it tends to be much more cost-effective.

One downside that pops up is what to do with your chickens when you go out of town for business or on a vacation.

Never fear! Happy at Home Pet Sitting has expanded our offerings to now include urban chicken care!

Call Allison today at 317.643.1005 to discuss all of the details and options!

Rainy Days and Mondays

Like the post office, no matter the weather...be it rain, snow, sleet, or hail, we will be at your home to care for your pets on time as promised.

Call us today! 317.643.1005

Now on YELP!

We are happy to announce that we can now be found on Yelp!

http://www.yelp.com/biz/happy-at-home-pet-sitting-indianapolis

Please take a moment to hop over and check us out!