Pet Sitting Care by Nanette Gordon
Cat Sitting Service
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Boca Raton Pet Sitter Nanette Gordon: Posted on Tuesday, October 11, 2011 9:07 AM
 Halloween Pet Safety: 5 tips to ensure pets stay safe and comfortable at Halloween
1. Think things through before putting
your pet in a Halloween costume. Unless your dog or cat is extremely
receptive to this kind of thing, you could be causing discomfort and
stress. If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume doesn’t
obstruct your pet’s vision and isn't uncomfortable or unsafe.
2.
Know when to say “No!” This isn’t news to anyone, but dogs and cats
will beg for treats. But please remember that Halloween goodies are for
the humans not pets. Most pet guardians know that chocolate is
poisonous to pets, but candies made with the sugar substitute Xylitol
are also dangerous. Candy wrappers can also pose a problem. Be sure to
keep candy and candy wrappers out of paw’s reach. 3. Your
pets might not be the party animals in your family. If you’re having a
party, put your pets in a room where they won't be disturbed. Be sure to
check on them and reassure them that everything is all right. They may
not be prepared to take part in the Halloween fun, but they don’t want
to be isolated and ignored, either. Also don’t give alcoholic beverages
to dogs, cats, birds or any other animals. Keep a watchful eye on party
guests. Some may think it's funny to give an animal alcohol, but it can
result in serious illness and even death.
4. Don’t let
your pets become escape artists. Be extra careful that cats or dogs
don't dart outside through an open door. Once a pet is out the door, its
familiar neighborhood can become unfamiliar and scary territory on
Halloween. House and yard decorations, Trick-or-Treaters and increased
traffic can panic an escaped pet. A panicked pet may run too far from
home to find its way back. 5. (Fire) safety first. Pets
don’t understand that small fires are inside of pumpkin Jack-O-Lanterns. Dogs,
particularly enthusiastic tail-waggers, can easily knock over a pumpkin
and cause a fire. Curious cats and kittens also run the risk of getting burned.
Place Jack-O-Lanterns where they can’t be knocked over by swinging tails
or prying paws.
As a professional pet sitter in Boca Raton, Florida, I get to visit the homes of pet guardians and see the potential hazards of sliding glass doors, broken yard fences and even dangerous plants that can be hazardous to pets so I am always able to advise my customers about precautions to keep their pets safe. Holidays like Halloween that feature chocolate and other candies can be especially dangerous so when I am house sitting for dogs and cats I look around for any candy that might be on display or even in trash cans that the pets can get to and place them out of reach or in the refrigerator. Make holidays fun for everyone - and safe! Happy Halloween, the beginning of the winter holiday season of parties and decorations.
About the Author: Nanette Gordon is a professional, licensed, bonded and insured pet sitter, dog walker and house watching specialist in Boca Raton, Florida. She has been providing her personal care taking services since 2002. Visit her website for more details: http://nanettegordon.com
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Pet Sitter Nanette Gordon, Boca Raton, FL: Posted on Thursday, August 18, 2011 11:35 AM
 Dealing With Finicky Cats
Finickiness
is one of the most famous of all feline traits. According to many
behaviorists, however, it's a learned behavior and not an inborn one.
Cats will happily eat the same food twice a day for their entire lives, provided it's nutritionally complete and tastes good enough.
Indulging in your cat's finicky eating
habits will only make them worse
Surprisingly, a lot of feline finickiness is taught to cats by their
owners. Thinking the cat will get bored with a single flavor or brand,
owners stock up on a variety of foods, trying different ones with each
meal to determine a pet's favorites. If a cat walks away from a
particular brand or flavor and the owner immediately opens another can,
box, or bag, the cat quickly learns that finickiness pays.
As a professional pet sitter in east Boca Raton, Florida, I take care of many house cats when their guardians go away so I get to observe their eating habits and also the many varieties of cat food on the market chosen by my clients.
If
you feel you must vary the flavors in your cat's diet, adopt the
old-fashioned approach of, "Eat what's put in front of you. If you don't
like it, you don't have to eat it -- but that's all there's going to be
until the next meal." Unless a cat eats absolutely nothing for a couple
of meals running, there's no danger to her health if she has a few lean
meals now and then.
Try the 20-minutes-and-up method
If you find yourself opening six cans at every meal and following your
cat around the house, trying to coax her to have a nibble, you've got a
serious finickiness problem going. At the next meal, put down a food you
know the cat has eaten before. Wait 20 minutes, and then pick up the
food and do not give any other food, snacks, or treats until the next
meal. Repeat the process at that meal and every subsequent meal.
Be
prepared for an all-out tantrum by your cat -- loud meowing, attempts
to steal food, being an incredible pest, the works. Be strong and don't
cheat to try to appease her. This method has a remarkable success rate.
Many owners see improvement after three days, although some cats may
persevere for several weeks.
When to Call the Vet
If
a previously good eater suddenly becomes finicky or finickiness
persists despite the 20-minutes-and-up method, your cat may have a
physical problem and need veterinary care. Any cat who quits eating
completely or has a loss of appetite accompanied by other symptoms of
illness should be seen by the veterinarian right away.
About the Author: Nanette
Gordon is a professional pet sitter for her pitting service company "All
the Best Pet Sitting" in east Boca Raton. She serves her local
areas of the city of Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Highland Beach,
coastal Delray
Beach and Lighthouse Point. She is a cat and dog sitter, dog walker and
provides her services for many other domestic pets. |
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Pet Sitter Nanette Gordon, Boca Raton: Posted on Friday, August 05, 2011 10:43 AM
Senior Dogs & Cats: The Signs
Since I am a professional pet sitting service provider and pet care specialist in east Boca Raton, I take care of many senior pets, including dogs, cats, birds and rabbits. It is important for me to be aware of the special care they require due to their age and I also like to help my clients understand their pets better.
Being aware of the normal
aging changes for your senior pet will help you identify when there is a
medical problem that should be addressed.
What is "old age" for dogs?
The old classic "one human year equals seven dog years" is an easy way
to calculate and relate to your dog's age, but isn't the most accurate.
Large breed dogs (i.e. Great Danes) are considered a senior at 6 or 7
years of age, whereas small breeds (i.e. toy poodle), aren't considered a
senior until their teen years. I have seen more than one poodle in the
18 to 20 year range. There are studies to suggest that certain breeds
are more long-lived than others, too.
As a general rule of thumb, a dog who is 7 years or older should be
considered middle to senior aged, and a consultation with your vet is in
order to determine the best health care maintenance program for your
dog as s/he ages. For smaller breed dogs, your vet (in consultation with
you) may elect to wait a couple of years before doing any geriatric
monitoring.
What things should I expect as my dog ages?
Each dog, like each human, is different. Here are some general things to watch for as a pet ages.  - Slowing down - You may notice that you dog slows down some
with aging. This isn't always the case, but look for subtle changes in
how s/he gets up, lays down, and uses stairs. Is there any hesitation or
stiffness? Does a change in the weather (rainy, cold) make it worse?
Arthritis is common in dogs as they age, particularly large
breeds. Arthritis can occur in any joint, most commonly the legs, neck
and back (spine). There are many different medications available to help
ease the discomfort of arthritis -- see your vet if you notice any
signs of slowing down in your dog. Another potential cause of slowing
down is hypothyroidism , an endocrine disorder common in dogs. This condition is easily diagnosed and treated with proper veterinary care.
- Graying around the face, muzzle - One of my dogs went
prematurely gray at two years of age, but most dogs commonly show a bit
of gray starting at middle age (5-6 years).
- Reduced hearing - Is your dog hard to wake up after
sleeping or does s/he become startled easily if you approach from
behind? Hearing loss or deafness may be a reason for this. There isn't a
lot that can be done for age-related hearing loss, but a vet exam
should be done first to rule out other medical problems, such as an
infection, growth, or foreign body in the ear.
If your dog does experience hearing loss, take care to protect
him/her from hazards, such as cars and kids that s/he may not hear (or
see). Dogs do learn and adapt well using hand signals to come, stay,
sit, and so on. It is a good idea to "cross train" your dog early in
life to recognize basic hand signals.
- Cloudy or "bluish" eyes - As they age, dog's eyes often
show a bluish transparent "haze" in the pupil area. This is a normal
effect of aging, and the medical term for this is lenticular sclerosis.
Vision does not appear to be affected. This is NOT the same as
cataracts. Cataracts
are white and opaque. Vision can be affected by cataracts, and your vet
needs to be consulted (see "when is it time to see the vet?" below).
- Muscle atrophy - Mild loss of muscle mass, especially
the hind legs, may be seen with old age. Some muscle atrophy, notably on
the head and the belly muscles, can be significant. Be sure to have your vet check this out if any muscle loss is noted.
 Now About Cats
As a general
rule of thumb, a cat who is 10 years or older should be considered middle
to senior aged, and a consultation with your vet is in order to determine
the best health care maintenance program for your cat as s/he ages.
What things
should I expect as my cat ages? Each cat, like each human, is different. Here are some general things
to watch for as a cat ages.
Slowing
down - Admittedly, this can be hard to discern for many cats!
You know your cat best - do you notice any of the following: - sleeping
more than usual?
- Not
wanting to climb the cat condo as much?
- Any
difficulty grooming the "hard to reach" areas?
- Difficulty
going up or down the stairs, jumping up or down off of favorite perches?
Reduced
hearing - Cats can experience hearing loss. The loss may be barely
noticeable, or, as in the case of some cats, the hearing loss can be
total. Always have your vet examine your cat's ears if there is question
of hearing loss -- to rule out parasites, infection, growths in the
canal, or other medical problems that could interfere with normal hearing.
Cloudy
or "bluish" eyes - Like dogs, cat's eyes often show a
bluish transparent "haze" in the pupil area. This is a normal
effect of aging, and the medical term for this is lenticular sclerosis. Vision does not appear to be affected. This is NOT the same as cataracts.
 Cataracts - are
white and opaque. Vision can be affected by cataracts, and your vet
needs to be consulted (see "when is it time to see the vet?" below).
Thinning
of the iris - - Also known as iris atrophy, some cats eyes,
particularly those lighter in color, may appear to be "moth-eaten"
as they age. This does not appear to affect vision, but some cats may
become more light sensitive. Increased pigmentation in the iris may
indicate a risk for malignant iris melanoma and should be checked by your vet.
Muscle
atrophy - Mild loss of muscle mass, especially the hind legs, may
be seen with old age. If your cat is having trouble walking, see your
veterinarian. Some cats with Diabetes Mellitus can have nerve problems and become "dropped in the hocks" and have trouble walking, see your vet if your cat is having trouble standing or walking.
As a pet sitter, I care for many senior cats and dogs so I recognize the above conditions and act accordingly while they are in my care and recommend to their guardians that veterinary care is necessary. I also like to help my clients with their questions about how to change behavior around senior pets, change exercise routines and generally be more gentle with our senior pet family members.
About the Author: Nanette
Gordon is a professional pet sitter, dog walker and house watcher in Boca Raton, Florida since 2002. She provides her personal, exclusive and qualified services for a localized area to ensure the best care possible. Visit her website for more details: http://nanettegordon.com
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Pet Sitter Nanette Gordon, Boca Raton, FL: Posted on Thursday, July 14, 2011 11:08 AM
 How To Live with Pets and Allergies
As a professional pet sitter, I spend a great deal of time going into people's homes to care for their companion pets and even I have mild allergies to the dander of dogs and cats and maybe even other animals. But I don't let it get me down. I take a daily antihistamine OTB medication and this helps me manage the itchy eyes and runny nose I sometimes get. The following writing will help pet lovers prepare their homes more effectively to manage sinus and upper respiratory allergies that affect many.
Animal lovers don't need to get rid of their pets to conquer their pet allergies. For people sensitive to pet dander, regular home cleanings can dramatically reduce their allergy symptoms.
Nearly ten million people choose to live with pets, even though they
have allergies to them, according to the American Academy of Allergy
Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI).
What Causes of Pet Allergies?
Pet allergies are caused by the protein found in animal dander
(dead skin cells), saliva or urine. These lightweight proteins float
through the air and, when inhaled by people who are sensitive to them,
trigger cold-like reactions such as sniffling, sneezing and watery eyes.
Cat dander, in particular, is a notorious allergy trigger because it is so lightweight and sticky.
Helpful Pet Allergy Solutions
But most pet allergy sufferers don't need to pack their bags to get relief from their allergy symptoms.
Experts say it's possible to co-exist with pets by making indoor living
spaces as clean and allergy friendly as possible. Here are some helpful
hints to relieve your pet allergies:  - Pet Allergy Tip #1 Replace carpeting (which can
collect pollens, mold spores and other outdoor allergens) with hardwood
or other solid surface flooring for easy clean-up of pet hair. Clean
floors daily to keep them as fur-free as possible. Less fur on the floor
means fewer allergens in your home.
- Pet Allergy Tip #2 Vacuum furniture, curtains and
carpets weekly. Use a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Arresting)
filter in your vacuum to prevent dander from escaping back into the
room. Try the Dyson DC17 Absolute Animal vacuum with HEPA filtration for
cleaner expelled air.
- Pet Allergy Tip #3 Hire a professional to clean
your furnace's ductwork to remove dust and allergens build-ups. And
regularly replace furnace filters with high quality ones designed to
keep pet dander from re-entering living spaces.
- Pet Allergy Tip #4 Don't allow pets on upholstered
furniture. If that's not possible, cover chairs and sofas with washable
slipcovers or spray them with Febreze Allergen Reducer to keep pet dander from becoming airborne.
- Pet Allergy Tip #5 Run an electrostatic or HEPA air cleaner.
Pet Allergy Tip #6 Keep pets out of the allergic
person's bedroom, say allergists, because dander collects on pillows and
leads to worsened symptoms at night and in the morning. For extra
protection, encase mattresses and pillows with special covers to block allergens.
Other environmental tactics to combat allergens include regularly brushing pets outside and bathing them weekly with formulated to neutralize dander.
By following these simple steps to control allergens in your home,
you'll be able to reduce your allergy symptoms without having to give up
your furry friend.
About the Author: Nanette
Gordon is a professional pet sitter, dog walker and house watcher for her Boca Raton based company Nanette L. Gordon Enterprises Inc. since 2002. She provides her personal services and is licensed, bonded and insured. Visit her website for more details: http://nanettegordon.com
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Pet Sitter Nanette Gordon: Posted on Monday, June 27, 2011 12:29 PM
Aromatherapy for Animals and PetsMuch
like aromatherapy can provide emotional and physical benefits for
humans, aromatherapy can provide similar benefits to our beloved
pets and animal friends. It, however, is important to recognize
that animals are much different than humans. That is among the
reasons why medical doctors don't also act as veterinarians and
vice versa. (I'm simplifying, but you get the idea).
The same essential oils and blends
that we use on ourselves are not always safe to use on our dogs,
cats, birds, horses or other pets. Cats, for instance, are especially
sensitive to essential oils. Many oils, most particularly
tea tree, are said to be quite toxic to cats.
Limited information and research
is available regarding the safe use of essential oils and aromatherapy
with animals. Like veterinary medicine, animal aromatherapy can
and should be considered its own field -cats, dogs, birds, horses
and other pets differ extensively. Be careful how you use essential oils with and around your dog and cat. When diffusing or blending
with essential oils, ensure that there is adequate ventilation
and keep the cats in another area so that its inhalation of the essential
oils is kept at a bare minimum.
In 2002, Kristen Leigh Bell
published the text Holistic
Aromatherapy for Animals. Kristen Leigh Bell
is the most recognized expert in the safe utilization of aromatherapy
with animals, and her book is the resource that I have the
most confidence in when researching safe practices for animals.
For more information, visit AromaWeb's detailed book description
for Holistic Aromatherapy
for Animals.
Boca Raton Pet Sitter Nanette Gordon, nanettegordon.com
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