27
Aug 2019
Does your dog do this? If your dog sounds like he’s trying to do an impression of a goose, there’s no need to rush to the vet or Google how to perform CPR on your dog; He’s just reverse sneezing! This also goes by the lengthy medical terms mechanosensitive aspiration reflex, inspiratory paroxysmal respiration, or pharyngeal gag reflex. Episodes of reverse sneezing can last from a few seconds to a minute or two. As soon as it passes, the dog’s breathing returns to normal and he behaves as if nothing happened. For......
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12
Aug 2019
Long gone are the days when dogs ate only scraps from our dinner tables, but who hasn’t sneaked a tasty morsel of “people food” to their dog from time to time? Dogs do not have a magic instinct that keeps them from eating things that won’t agree with them. Though treats from your table may be tempting to your pup, there are several common foods that can actually be harmful. By no means an exhaustive list, the items below should stay on your plate and not in your dog’s bowl. Xylitol......
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04
Aug 2019
Many dogs get kennel cough during their lives, and though the hacking, raspy cough may sound serious, the condition itself rarely is. In fact, it usually clears up without needing treatment. The main symptom of kennel cough is a harsh, hacking cough. Like so… Apart from the cough, your dog should otherwise be unaffected and still have a good appetite and normal energy levels. Kennel cough is a respiratory infection in dogs caused by any of a host of bacteria or viruses. Because it is not caused by one specific pathogen, there......
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07
Jul 2019
Foxtails and grass seed awns are designed to do one thing: burrow. This is how the grass spreads as the seed slowly works its way deeper and deeper into soil. Unfortunately for our canine companions, this mechanism works just as well on your dog’s skin as it does on dirt. Due to the unique shape of this seed, it’s always moving forward — never backward. As a seed burrows into your dog’s skin, it has the potential to cause an abscess or other injury. The most common areas for your dog......
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18
Dec 2017
A doctor’s appointment can bring out just about anyone’s anxious side. If shots, cold exam tables, and being poked and prodded are enough to stress you out, consider how they make your pet feel. It’s no wonder pets become skittish at the sight of the vet’s office. Fortunately, you can try a few basic steps to help ease your pet’s vet-related stress. Here’s where to start. 1. Stay calm Animals are highly intuitive, and because your pets look to you for safety and security, your mood can affect their disposition more than......
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29
Aug 2017
While they’re pretty to look at, often smell good, and can serve several functional purposes for humans, many household plants can prove toxic for curious canine and feline grazers. In no particular order, let’s review six of the most common poisonous suspects, and learn why it’s safest to keep these out of your house or garden (or limit and monitor your pet’s outdoor access). Azaleas: Also known as Rosebay or Rhododendron, this springtime bloom causes vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and even cardiac failure in dogs and cats, often even if a small portion......
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31
May 2017
Allergy season is in full swing, and many of us have been suffering the consequences, from runny noses and sneezing to watery eyes and itching. However, your human friends and family members are not the only ones that can be affected by these seasonal issues — our beloved pets can also experience uncomfortable allergy symptoms. For this reason, it’s important for owners to educate themselves about the telltale signs of pet allergies, as well as potential treatments. Stay tuned into your furry friends’ behavior and help them thrive through the season! Pet......
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15
Nov 2016
We know our clients consider their pets an important part of the family. When you care so deeply for your pets, it’s natural to want to make sure they are happy and healthy. When the sun is shining, it’s easier and far more desirable to spend loads of time outdoors with walking and playing with our dog friends — but what happens in fall or winter when it’s too cold and dreary to be outside for long? Just like you, your dog needs to follow a regular exercise regimen to stay healthy......
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22
Aug 2016
Our beloved furry friends only grow more endearing as they reach their golden years. But it can be heartbreaking to watch senior pets experience aging symptoms such as vision or hearing loss. The good news is, with a combination of the below techniques, pet parents have the power to boost any blind or deaf pet’s quality of life! Safety-proof your home You’ve likely already completed phase one of pet-proofing your home just before and after you first brought home your bundle of joy. Senior dogs and cats require special consideration as they......
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18
Jul 2016
When it comes to your pet’s laundry list of needs and preferences, you know every detail by heart — and when you leave your dog or cat in a new sitter’s hands, you’ll want to arm them with the same knowledge. Lucky for Sarah’s Pet Care clients, our state-of-the-art software, powered by Precise Petcare, streamlines this process. Does your dog or cat have any food allergies? What kinds of treats are Fido’s favorite? At the same time you register, schedule or pay for our services, you also have the opportunity to provide......
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15
Apr 2016
One of the common questions we get from pet owners is how much exercise is right for their dog. Honestly, it can be hard to answer! Exercise needs are based on a blend of factors, including breed, age, temperament, size, and health. And even with these factors taken into consideration, no two dogs are the same – just like people. Athletic breeds like herders or hunting dogs might need as much three runs day, while breeds like pugs will overheat and have trouble breathing if they’re pushed too hard. One thing that’s......
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09
Mar 2016
As we discussed in our last blog post, bloat is one of the most life-endangering and sadly common threats to the health of your dog. During bloat – also known as Gastric Dilation-Volvulus (GDV) – the stomach swells, often rotating 90° to 360°, trapping any food or liquid inside and slowing or stopping blood flow. Bloat can kill a dog in a matter of hours, and it’s crucial that every pet owner knows what to do if they detect signs of this deadly condition. Go to the Vet Immediately If your dog......
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27
Feb 2016
Many dog owners aren’t aware of one of the most common and dangerous threats to a dog’s health: bloat. Also known as “stomach torsion,” or Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), bloat is the second leading killer of dogs, after cancer. As such, it’s imperative that you know how to help prevent bloat in your dog, and how to detect bloat if it should occur. What is Bloat? Bloat begins when a dog’s stomach fills with air or any combination of air, fluid, food, or foam, causing the stomach to swell (also known as dilation).......
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12
Jan 2016
Most people know how they should feed themselves. A healthy human diet is balanced, low in “bad” fats, sufficient in “good” fats, high in protein, and sourced from natural ingredients. Less nutritious treats are ok every once in a while—and even an important aspect of your quality of life—but should be consumed in moderation. Many pet owners don’t apply the same logic to their pet’s diet as they do to their own, causing inadvertent harm. An astonishing 90 percent of the aliments affecting domestic cats and dogs may be related to their......
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28
Dec 2015
When deciding upon a caregiver for your dog, the selection process should be as thorough and careful as choosing a babysitter for your child. Not only should your dog walker be experienced and reliable, but attitudes and beliefs regarding pets and their care are equally important. For instance, Sarah’s Pet Care believes that dogs respond best to positive reinforcement and rewards-based training and care. These methods have proven far more effective and long-lasting, with fewer negative repercussions, than those based in fear or aggression. In fact, when caring for dogs in small......
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26
Sep 2015
Microchipping of Animals FAQ Microchipping of Animals: Information Check the Chip Day Q: What is a microchip? A: A microchip is a small, electronic chip enclosed in a glass cylinder that is about the same size as a grain of rice. The microchip itself does not have a battery—it is activated by a scanner that is passed over the area, and the radiowaves put out by the scanner activate the chip. The chip transmits the identification number to the scanner, which displays the number on the screen. The microchip itself is also......
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27
Jun 2015
By Barbara Elisse Najar July 9, 2012 Summer is here, and we’ve shed our coats. Dogs and cats don’t have that luxury, but their fur, which keeps them warm in winter, also protects them in the summer by preventing them from taking on too much heat. It’s a fine system until it gets too hot, at which point it can be overwhelmed, with potentially dire consequences.Dogs and cats are homeotherms, meaning they maintain a fairly constant body temperature of 101 to 102 degrees, according to James H. Jones, an expert in comparative animal exercise......
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04
May 2015
Cats may prefer to use their eyes rather than follow their nose when it comes to finding the location of food, according to new research by leading animal behaviourists. Felines have a tremendous sense of smell and vision, but the new study by researchers at the University of Lincoln, UK, has for the first time investigated which sense they prefer to use under test conditions — and suggested sight may be more important than smell. A group of six cats were placed in a maze which had ‘decision’ points — and the......
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05
Apr 2015
Is YOUR pet rabbit happy? Mammals may be stressed by their hutch-mates and a lack of exercise, study claims Study by the University of Bristol shows rabbits needs are not always met Researchers surveyed 1,254 pet rabbit owners in England Found pets have irregular access to exercise at the wrong time of day While 60 per cent lived on their own, limiting their opportunity to be sociable, a quarter put up with unsuitable, feisty hutch-mates Just over 12 per cent had dental or eye problems, seen in previous studies Just under 60......
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07
Feb 2015
Marley, a Springer Spaniel, was always licking and chewing at her feet. Her owner, Lin, didn’t know what to do about it, but she knew it was driving her 3-year-old dog crazy (not to mention turning Marley’s snow-white feet dark burgundy). Lin decided to take her suffering spaniel to her veterinarian for some answers.Lin had guessed Marley chewed at her feet because they itched so much. Was Marley having a reaction to something she stepped in? Did she have bug bites? What Lin didn’t know until she saw her veterinarian was......
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