Benefits of using a Professional In-Home Pet Sitter
There are many benefits to using an in-home professional pet sitter, for both pets and pet parents. Whether you are away for the day or for a week-long trip, you should always consider who you are allowing to care for your pets.
Benefits to the pets include:
Staying in their home in their secure environment with familiar sights, smells, and sounds.
Following their daily routines, diets, and exercise.
Having an abundance of love and personal attention.
Having someone responsible in case of an emergency and eliminating any trauma from traveling or unfamiliar environments.
Keeping them healthy from any unwanted illness or parasites exposed by other animals.
Benefits to the pet parent include:
Knowing that your pet is in loving and caring hands and having the confidence that a professional can deal with any unexpected issues.
Eliminating any trauma from transporting your pet and having to leave them.
Not having to impose on family or friends, and knowing your home is secure with someone going in and out through the day.
Here at PetMinders NJ, we have personally seen all these benefits keep pets and owners happy throughout the years. Everyone has unique needs and expectations, but safety and love are always a priority. As more and more people are traveling or returning to work, the need for animal care is growing.
If you don’t currently use a professional pet sitter, this may be the time to start your search for one. Even if you are still working from home or don’t have a trip planned, being prepared and having someone that both you and your pet are comfortable with is important. It is beneficial to give your pet time to adjust to a new caretaker before your routine starts to change.
Pets can suffer from stress and separation anxiety just as people do. Many people that have gotten new pets during the pandemic have been home with them most of the time. As people go back to work or even take vacations, it is becoming more common that these animals are attached to their owners and have a tough time coping with the changes. Having a trusted professional pet sitter that can come check on your fur-baby during the day (as frequently as you request) can alleviate the stress some of these pets suffer and prevent destructive behavior.
Finding the right pet sitting service with professionals is paramount. You want a service that is insured, local, with a well-trained staff. This can take some time, so you should start your search now. By doing this, you are also supporting a local small business owner!
PetMinders NJ is a Warren Township based small business. We have been serving Warren and surrounding communities (10-mile radius of Warren) for about 30 years. We put the safety and well-being of your pet first. We want your pet to feel comfortable with us, as well as you. Remember, finding the right service for you can take a little time, so if you are interested, please call us today for a free consultation.
908-755-PETS (7387)
Springtime Pet Hazards
Spring has arrived! With the winter months and colder temperatures behind us, many people are ready to enjoy all that springtime has to offer. While this is a great time of year to enjoy cleaning, plants, and being outdoors, we must remember key safety tips to keep our pets safe.
Easter treats and decorations can be easily forgotten as a hazard to pets. All pet owners know the risk of their pet ingesting chocolate, but it remains the top poison in the US. The ingredient Xylitol, which is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol that is dangerous to pets, is a sweetener used in many human foods like candies and chewing gum. This is why it is important to keep all your sweets out of reach. Other common hazardous items would be things like fake grass, wrappers and plastic eggs which can cause gastrointestinal obstructions.
When many of us think of Springtime, we think of plants! The trees start to bloom, and flowers start to grow, it is an exciting time to get started on a garden. Whether you have plants indoors or outdoors, make sure you are aware of what can harm your pets. Azaleas, daffodils, and tulips are common plants that are poisonous to dogs and cats. There are many others, so do some research before bringing any plants home. Wild mushrooms that come up in the spring can also be problematic if your pup decides to snack on them.
Other plant-related hazards that you will come across all around your neighborhood are fertilizers, insecticides, and herbicides. They are commonly used to keep lawns healthy and green and should be avoided when walking your pet. With more time spent outdoors, remember to speak with your veterinarian about proper flea and tick prevention, and what the best plan is for you and your pup.
A common downside to spring for both humans and pets alike, is allergies! Your pets can have allergies to plants, pollen, and dust just like us. You may notice itching, sniffling, or sneezing. No need to be alarmed but do reach out to your veterinarian for treatment.
Springtime also means spring cleaning! Make sure you keep any cleaning products out of reach of your pets, try to use pet-friendly products, and keep your pets away from the area while cleaning until substances are dry. This also includes home projects where materials such as paint, nails, insulation, power tool, etc., can cause physical harm to your pets. They should be kept away or have a designated safe space for your pet during projects.
While there are many hazards and things to be careful of during these Spring months, there are just as many things to look forward to and to do with your pets. Enjoy the sunshine and getting exercise with your pups. Going for walks and hikes is a wonderful time to bond. Opening windows and letting in the fresh air for those pets inside makes everyone feel good. Being aware of the hazards will help keep everyone safe and healthy, and ready for more time together!
Dog Gone
We have all heard a story about a pet getting loose, and hope for a happy outcome and that it never happens to us. The fact is it happens a lot. It seems like every day there is a post on social media about a dog roaming the streets. It is a problem that as animal lovers, we take seriously. Whether someone accidentally leaves a door open, or a gate not being closed properly after a delivery or a visit from the landscape contractor, there are many opportunities for an animal to escape. This could be avoided if we take the necessary precautions and are aware of the tools that could keep everyone safe.
With the summer months upon us, we will have friends and family coming and going from our homes. Which also means more opportunities for an escape. Summer also means 4th of July, which means fireworks. It causes most animals’ distress and feel the need to flee. Take care to keep your pet in an interior room. Sometimes playing music or television can offset the sounds. You can always talk to your veterinarian about medications which can calm them as well, if the situation is dire for your dog or cat.
Working with a dog trainer can help keep your dog safe, by them knowing commands to stay with you or to come when called. If you have someone else caring for your pet, it is important to know they can be trusted with your pet and know how to handle them as well. If possible, having a fenced yard is a great area that is safe for your pet to play. If you use an electric fence, make sure you do the proper training to ensure your dog stays inside the perimeter. So many times, I have seen dogs run through the border because of another dog, or simply being excited or scared. Once they run out it can be difficult to get them back in, or people are unaware because they are unsupervised.
Even with all the efforts to ensure your pet is safe from running away, it is best to have things in place in case they do. Proper ID tags should be worn with updated information. There are several technologies nowadays that can give tracking locations at all times attached right on their collars. Microchipping is extremely easy to do at your vet and it is important to keep that information up to date online so you can be contacted. Only 15% of dogs and 2% of cats that are in shelters without ID are reunited with their owners. Something so simple could mean all the difference.
Each year 10 million pets are lost in the United States. That is a heart-breaking number to even try and understand. We are lucky to live in a community of great people that are ready to help when someone shares their pet has gone missing. Be safe, keep your pets happy and safe at home, and have a wonderful summer!
Over the years I’ve had many conversations with people about pet insurance, and a common thing I hear is no one seems to know if it’s worth it or if it’s right for them. Here are some common myths about pet insurance.
I don’t need pet insurance. You might think you are saving money by not paying for pet insurance, but this can be a devastating mistake. Did you know obstruction surgery can cost anywhere between $2,000-$10,000? It will depend on where you live, size of pet, and how much damage is done. If you’re prepared to pay that much that’s great, but many are not. It can be life-altering having to decide how to pay for the care or to let your pet go. This is where pet insurance can really take a financial burden off your back.
I will just choose the cheapest plan. Don’t assume all insurance plans will be the same, or that the cheapest one will be the best choice. You need to do what is financially right for your family, but knowing what kind of coverage you will receive is just as important. Most plans require you to pay the bill with your veterinarian, then you submit your claim for reimbursement. Make sure you have a plan in place for that. The cheaper the plan, the less return you will see.
Pet insurance will cover everything. This is not the case. It is important to do your own research on what will be covered with any insurance plans you look into. Don’t just believe what you read on the internet. Many of the top plans cover 80% of the bill while you pay the other 20%. Cheaper plans might only cover 50%. You will also have a yearly deductible that can vary between plans, and things like pre-existing conditions that wouldn’t be covered. This is one reason it’s important to get pet insurance early on, because once your pets been diagnosed with something, you won’t be able to get insurance that will cover any related costs.
Pet insurance is an investment. Pet insurance is much like any other insurance you might have such as homeowners’ insurance or car insurance. It is not something you should expect to see a return in, but the peace of mind in case something serious happens. If you are lucky, you will be paying for insurance for years and never have to use it. In the event that you do, you will survive the financial hit
Of course, if you have any questions, it is always good to speak with your veterinarian, and asking friends and neighbors for recommendations is a great source. Just before you make any commitments make sure you are fully aware of what you are getting so you don’t get surprises later. I personally have seen the benefits of being prepared with pet insurance with an unexpected hospital trip for my dog when he passed away. Knowing I had financial help during such a challenging time really took a burden off the grieving process.
Do your best to research, have a plan in place and keep your pets healthy and safe!
With the holidays fast approaching, of course we want to share the joy with our pets! From family gatherings to all the delicious meals that will come, not all foods are safe for dogs to eat. Being aware of what they can have can save you a trip to the emergency vet. Remember feeding your dog table food here and there also increases their calorie intake, which can quickly cause unhealthy weight! Sticking to healthy snacks like vegetables helps keep the calories down and they still love it. Here is a list of some things that are safe for dogs to eat:
- Carrots, cucumbers, green beans
- Cooked sweet potato (without added ingredients)
- Pumpkin puree
- Bananas, apples, unsweetened cranberries
Then you might wonder what foods you should avoid. Here is a list of some things that should NOT be given to your dog:
- Dairy products, eggnog
- garlic, onion, chives
- Ham or bacon
- Nutmeg, nuts, raisins, grapes
- Salt or sugar
- Turkey bones
Now your pet can join the celebration and have some healthy snack options. Always be sure that visiting guests are aware of what they can or can’t give to your pet. Another option that is starting to trend is local pet bakeries offering holiday feasts for pets! They are cute and have healthy ingredients. Great for your own pets or for gift giving. If you would like to make your own pet holiday treats, here is a quick easy recipe for peanut butter biscuits! Remember dogs can have allergies too, so always check ingredients and know what your dog can have.
Ingredients:
2 ½ Cups whole wheat flour
1 Large egg
1 Cup peanut butter
1 Cup water
2 Tbsp honey
- Preheat oven to 350°, line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine flour and egg. Add the peanut butter, water, and honey, and stir until you have a stiff dough. It will be firm and sticky.
- On a floured surface, roll out dough to about ½ inch thick. Use whatever fun cookie cutter shapes you like!
- Bake for 18-20 minutes and let cool. If cutting small cookies time may be less.
Happy Holidays!
Many people have now heard about a new disease going around, CIRDC, or canine infectious respiratory disease complex. It is a syndrome of diseases that can be caused by several bacterial and viral pathogens. It is very contagious, symptoms are typically mild, but for some it can become severe. This can be a concern when large numbers of dogs are together such as an animal shelter, boarding facilities, day-care facilities and dog parks.
Symptoms to look out for would be a cough, discharge of the eyes/nose, and sneezing. They can appear mildly, so it is best to reach out to your vet if you suspect anything. It isn’t uncommon for your dog to eat and have normal energy levels. Incubation periods can range from a few days up to 2 weeks. Symptoms of coughing/sneezing can last as long as 8 weeks. This is why it is important to keep potentially sick pets away from others. Many boarding/day-care facilities have new precautions in place so make sure to follow the guidelines. Dogs with flat faces and short snouts, like pugs and bulldogs, are already predisposed to have respiratory illnesses. There are CIRDC associated bacteria/viruses that can infect cats as well.
PetMinders has always taken these types of cases seriously and even being in-home caregivers, if we come across a client that has a contagious sick pet, we will deny services. The risk of humans transferring disease between pets is low, but we don’t want to take any chances for our client’s pets or even our own pets.
If your pet does become sick, there is no need to panic. It should be taken seriously, but you shouldn’t overly worry. Your vet will be able to determine if any supportive care or medications are needed. It will all depend on your specific pet and their history, symptoms etc. If you see severe signs like loss of appetite or weakness, you should contact the vet immediately, or go to an emergency animal hospital. The best way to prevent your pet from getting CIRDC would be to limit time exposed to other dogs and keep them up to date on all their vaccines. The latest released report shows 16 states in the US that have cases. Luckily New Jersey isn’t on that list, but surrounding states like Pennsylvania, Maryland and Rhode Island are. We should all be cautious as it can arrive and spread before we even know it’s here. If you would like to find more information on this disease the National Library of Medicine is a great resource. Be safe, love your pets, and we hope all your families have a happy new year!
