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Tips to Care for Your Sick Pets While You are Away

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Tips to Care for Your Sick Pets While You are Away

As a pet parent, it can be very stressful when your beloved dog is under the weather. Whether you took your precious pup swimming at the local lake over the weekend and she had so much fun frolicking on the rocks that her pads are sore, or your dog got into the cat food and is experiencing some tummy trouble, it’s hard to see your normally energetic dogs feeling yucky.

Even though your fur baby is not seriously ill and you know he’ll bounce back in a day or two, you’d still like to stay home from work to provide non-stop TLC. Unfortunately, you have to leave your dog home alone for awhile. Here’s how to make the best of it.

Keep an Eye on your Pet

It can be hard to concentrate on work projects when you are worried about Fluffy. To help put your mind at ease, invest in a home security camera that will keep an electronic eye on your pet. Lorex Technology sells a variety of video surveillance systems that allow you to view what’s going on at home while you are gone. The wireless system features a free app you can use to see the live stream. This way you’ll know exactly what your pet is up to.

Set out Extra Water Bowls

As Natural Dog Health Remedies says, dogs that are feeling sick may refuse food for a couple of days. While you will still want to call your vet and report this behavior, in most cases this is a normal response to illness and will resolve itself. You should still be sure that your dog has access to plenty of clean water. Before leaving for work, fill a few extra bowls and place them around the house and near your fur baby’s pet bed. This way, she won’t have to walk too far and she’ll have plenty of fluids if she’s been dehydrated.

Put out Puppy Pads and Newspaper

If your dog got into something he shouldn’t have and is recovering from the runs or other tummy distress, it will probably be hard for him to hold it while you are away. Close as many doors in your home as possible to limit his access to carpets and beds, and place puppy pads and plenty of newspaper on the floors. This way, if he has an accident while you are gone, it won’t be too messy to clean up.

Hire a Babysitter

If you can’t make a quick trip home at lunch to check on your four-legged friend, consider hiring a home health services company that can come in and tend to your dog. Google “in-home pet care” and your city to find a local company that can help. For example, Pet Pros offers home health care services to pets who are recovering at home from an injury or illness. You can also ask a trusted friend or neighbor to come in once or twice during the day to check on your dog and give him some extra TLC.

September 12, 2015 |

3 Ways to Keep Your Senior Dog Safe Around the Pool

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3 Ways to Keep Your Senior Dog Safe Around the Pool

Aging takes a toll on dogs just like it does with humans. From a loss in vision to painful arthritis, our four-legged friends experience aging in a way that’s similar to our own experience. As a dog owner, you can make life a little simpler, safer and more comfortable for an aging pet during the summer by taking precautions around the family pool.

Pool Fences

As dogs begin to age, it’s not uncommon for our furry friends to lose their eyesight. Sometimes pet owners may notice that their dog has cloudy eyes. This condition is called sclerosis. Other conditions like cataracts and glaucoma are also common in older and aging dogs.

Although his eyesight may be fading, he may still enjoy lounging outside near the pool. To keep your pet safe, consider installing a pool fence to make sure that he’s not at risk of falling in due to his lack of eyesight. Having a fence installed will keep him from wandering into the deep, avoiding any potential pool-related accidents.

Doggie Steps

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), describes canine arthritis as a degenerative joint disease that causes both inflammation and pain in a dog’s joints. Dogs who have this condition may walk stiffly, limp or compensate by using other limbs, be hesitant to jump or run stairs, suffer flexibility loss and they may experience pain when certain joints are touched. There are many ways pet owners can help relieve the symptoms and pain associated with arthritis including using soft doggie bedding, playing gently, using a raised food and water bowl and having a portable ramp nearby for car rides.

Additionally, a pet step can be added to the family pool to help your aging dog get in and out of the water safely and comfortably. It works just like a ramp for the car, and many styles are portable and lightweight. Pool accessories retailer In The Swim offers a pet step that is suitable for vehicle loading, too. The pet step also comes with an anti-slip finish, to make sure your pet doesn’t slip or fall while walking up or down the ramp.

Canine Life Jackets

For dogs, with age comes weight gain. This can be a symptom of hyperthyroidism which can lead to obesity. According to Pet Care Rx, obesity can lead to bone and joint problems like hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis in addition to weakening cardiovascular health, which makes it harder for pets to exercise. This condition can put a heavy strain on your dog’s body.

Using a doggie life jacket can help dogs who have gained weight in their older years exercise with ease in the family pool. A life jacket, like the K-9 Float Coats available from Ruffwear, can make exercise more enjoyable and safer, without taxing your dog’s body. Many styles come equipped with a sturdy handle to help remove your pet from the water. If you do notice that your pet is getting tired treading the water, remove him from the pool immediately. Canine life jackets are also great for healthy dogs, and should be used when boating, kayaking or spending time near the ocean.

August 4, 2015 |
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