If possible, introduce your dog to the new neighborhood before the move, but in our case…it was on the other side of the U.S. of A!  Once we did get there though, we drove our best buddy to our new house, let him sniff around and took on-leash walks to check the sights, sounds and smells of his new ‘hood.

Day of the Move

We stayed at a relative’s home nearby until we purchased a home leaving most everything in storage after our road trip, so when we moved in…it was us and a few bags and boxes, and our furry child came right along. We then brought a carload from the storage system daily, so the chaos was kept to a minimum. If you have a real ‘moving day’ however, it might be helpful to have your pooch stay with a friend, go to doggy day care or other such option to not be underfoot and also to lessen the chance of escape with doors left open as furniture comes in.  Once you bring your pet to the house though, make sure his things are in place (crate, beds, cat tree, feeding bowls, etc.) including blankets from his old home that you have NOT laundered!  Yes, the ones with the comforting smells of home still on them!

Reestablish Good Habits Right Away

It’s likely some things will change in the new place, especially if you’ve switched time zones, but jump right into the new schedule like nothing happened. Still go for that 7 a.m. walk on-leash in your new location, even if feels like 4 a.m. to you and your dog.  Dogs are creatures of habit and routine, so keep consistent with walks, feeding time & location, grooming and playtime.  Your calm and confidence will keep your dog happy, and creating familiarity with important resources such as food, water, and bedding is vital.  Remember to be a good new neighbor, picking up after your pet and not letting him roam.  It’s for his safety too.

Initially, we secured Haiku in our master bed & bath suite when we left him home alone for short periods of time.  It allowed him to get used to his surroundings and made us sure we were dog-proofed.  For dogs comfortable in crates, their own personal den is always a good option.  After a few weeks’ time, once he knew his way around, we allowed our buddy the run of the main floor when we’d go out and continue to do so.

Do realize that it is not uncommon for pets to get freaked out while getting used to their new surroundings.  Your dog or cat may hide or worse, dart for an open door, so besides providing excellent supervision, immediately, update ID tags and microchip info.

Pay a visit to your new veterinarian for a check-up and to get your pet on file within a week of arrival.  If stress has caused any physical symptoms, you can nip them in the bud. This will also give you the opportunity to ask questions regarding the area, learn about dangerous indigenous plants and wildlife and feel good knowing your best friend has a new 2^nd best friend!

Pay attention and notice new behaviors as well as favorite spots your pet starts gravitating towards.  You can then make those spots more inviting (if appropriate) and also know where to look when you can’t find your best buddy.

Consider attaching bells near the door to teach your dog to communicate his need to go out. It’s fun way for him to get your attention.

The best thing however, you can do for your dog when you are moving to a new home is provide quality time with his favorite human…YOU!

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Can you build a backyard fence for your dog?

My Homeowner’s Association required a written proposal with estimates, pictures and schematic of where a backyard enclosure would go within their already stringent parameters.  I wanted everything to go smoothly so that my pooch could enjoy his new plot of land along with us, so I put together a bang-up presentation and was told it was the best they ever saw!  We got approval and are enjoying outdoor time together, but some things to consider are height (not just for your pet but can other animals jump into your fence), visibility from a major roadway or can you camouflage your pet with shrubbery for privacy and safety, will the fence be shared by another dog or can other’s approach and fence fight?  Always one more thing to consider.

Seek out dog-friendly locations
What did you and your pet enjoy doing together in your former neighborhood?  Hikes, doggie day care, visiting the local coffee shop where a barista would provide him a water bowl and treat?  Look for similar options in your new location, ask neighbors, find an app.

Create a New Health & Safety Team

In addition to your veterinarian, your pet needs other 2^nd best friends (you are always number 1).  Get recommendations from neighbors, your vet, the local animal shelter for groomers, trainers and even day care, but don’t forget to find a professional pet sitter!  One who is trained in pet first-aid and is more than just someone who loves pets, someone who truly knows how to care for them, knows what to do in an emergency and asks you all the important questions.  I found one in Christina Walker, Top Dog Pet Sitter.  A great place to start looking is www.GetARealPetSitter.com.

Stay alert to your pet and notice if, in spite of trying to make a smooth transition, he is truly not himself.  Give it a little time, but if he’s not bouncing back after his initial veterinary check-up, bring him in again just to be sure it is not something physical.

I’m pleased to say that my best buddy LOVES his walks, checking his p-mail and sniffing where the locals have paw printed before him.  Exploring our community has really made me take time to be in the moment with him while appreciating the beauty and change of seasons our new environment has to offer.  He has low windows in almost every room, which we never leave open unsupervised, but in his golden years, we are grateful for them as he lays, chin on sill, enjoying his views.  I think the screened porch is his favorite!  The pure joy we see in our dog fills our hearts.  While our journey always continues, the move is complete!

For a stress-free move with pets, consider using a pet checklist to help you stay organized and ensure their safety and happiness.

Please catch my VLOG on this topic:

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For 20 years Denise Fleck’s Sunny-dog Ink motto has been “Helping people to help their pets,” and she has…teaching more than 31,000 pet lovers animal life-saving skills and millions more on “The Doctors,” CNN, “Kirstie Alley’s Big Life,” Animal Planet and other TV shows.  Denise is a frequent conference speaker, developed a line of pet first aid kits and now offers classes online.  

Note:  The articles on this page are copyrighted.  Please do not reprint or use portions for any purpose without written permission from the author.  Request permission for usage by sending an email explaining how you’d like to use the materials and what parts specifically.  Thank you in advance!

The post On the Move with Your Best Friend: Settling into Your New Home Sweet Home appeared first on Pet Safety Crusader.

When you have a pet, you want to give them the best life possible. Some pets need extra care, so research is essential before adding one to your family. For dog owners, VECA Sydney offers tips to help you keep your furry friend healthy, happy, and well-cared for. To help you with this, we are going to zero in on the canine species and discuss how you can take care of your dog’s health. If you have a dog or are thinking about getting one, these tips might help you out. 

Provide a Safe Living Environment

One of the best ways that you can take care of your dog’s health is by making sure you provide a safe living environment for him. Dogs are curious animals and they will investigate just about anything with their mouths, so if you leave dangerous or harmful items lying around, you could impact your dog’s health. To provide a safe living environment, you should keep harmful items and substances out of paws reach, keeping floors clean and providing fresh bedding. 

Choose the Right Treats

You will want to train your dog, making sure he has good manners, and one of the easiest and most positive reinforcements is to use treats. Dogs love treats and there are many different options to choose from however, some are not as good for your dog’s health as others. If you want to reward your dog with treats, a healthy choice is natural dog treats from Wild Thought. These treats are not only good for your dog’s health but, they are also tasty for your furry friend. 

Regular Vet Check-ups 

Another step in taking care of your dog’s health is making sure you take regular trips to the vet. Sometimes it can be hard to tell if there is a problem with your dog and issues can go undetected, so regular check-ups allow your veterinarian to spot problems early so that best practices to treat and/or prevent can be implemented.   

Keep Teeth Clean 

Dogs use their mouths like hands, and as a result, your pooch will need your help in keeping his teeth clean to prevent gum disease. Doggie toothpaste and toothbrushes are available, but move slowly and get your pet accustomed to them so that it can be fun for you both.  In addition to proper dental hygiene, certain veterinary approved dental chews can assist in removing plaque before it becomes tartar and leads to decay.  Ask your vet what is best for your dog.

Practical Toys 

There are times you will want your dog to be able to entertain himself, especially when he must be at home alone, so it is important to invest in safe toys for your dog. There are lots of toys that you can buy for your dog, but you’ll want to purchase ones that are practical, that he will actual play with and play with safely.  It’s important to observe and understand how destructive your pooch might be with toys because if he rips, tears and breaks them, the pieces torn loose can become a choking hazard or abdominal obstruction!    

Keep This in Mind 

If you share your life with a dog or any pet, it is your responsibility to must make sure that their health and safety is a top priority!  By doing so, you will be doing your best for your best friend and may be lucky enough to have him by your side for a long time to come.  

The post How You Can Take Care of Your Dog’s Health appeared first on Pet Safety Crusader.

One late summer morning, two Scottish Fold kittens were playfully exploring their fenced yard when Rudy caught Abigail off guard and bounded at her from behind the rose bushes.  As Abby took a tumble landing dazed and confused, a bee buzzed passed her.  The twosome, quickly distracted by this new found fun, attempted to play a game of pounce with the tiny flying creature.  Fun did ensue for a few moments, but it then turned nasty as the bee planted his stinger right onto the tip of Rudy’s nose!  The kitten pawed furiously at his face, and as it began to swell, Rudy started looking more like a bulldog than a fluffy kitty!

Insect Stings

Cats generally paw at and remove an insect’s stinger when bitten, but should you see one through her fur coat (or on her nose, lip, paw or elsewhere), scrape it away with a credit card, popsicle stick or similar stiff object.   Pulling the stinger with fingers or tweezers could rupture the poison sac allowing the toxin to enter your pet’s body.  Administer 1 mg Benadryl per pound of your cat’s body weight (usually comes in 25mg tablets so a smaller half will suffice for most kitties) and apply a cold pack (a bag of frozen peas works well) to any swelling.  Remove it every 3-5 minutes to prevent frost bite. Should severe swelling or any breathing difficulties develop, get to your veterinarian at once.  If anaphylactic shock occurs (a severe allergic reaction), her tongue may swell making rescue breathing difficult, so don’t delay!  Homeopathic Tip:  Meliffica, also known as Honey Bee, can aid the body to reduce burning or stinging pain.  A dose is considered to be 3-5 pellets crushed or liquefied with 6c being given every 4-6 hours.

About Pet First-Aid

Have you ever gotten out of bed just to step on a squishy fur ball, discovered ticks on your gorgeous long-haired cat or couldn’t yell quick enough when she leaped for the hot stove?  Bandaging, removing parasites and treating upset tummies are basic Pet First-Aid skills every pet lover should possess.  Don’t wait until tragedy strikes before you learn animal life-saving skills.  According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), 25% more pets could be saved if their humans attempt even one first aid technique prior to getting them to veterinary care.  Knowing what to do at the time of the injury can make a difference — lower body temperature, prevent blood loss, alleviating choking, induce vomiting in poisoning incidents or perform rescue breathing and CPR.

The Sunny-dog Ink  CAT FIRST-AID & CPCR Certificate Course is now available!   The Pet Safety Crusader will take you through a self-guided tour of learning to help a cat in need BEFORE veterinary care is available.  Veterinarians are the experts, but most of us are not lucky enough to have one velcroed to our hip 24/7.  Even if you live with 5 people in your home, odds are that when the cat stops breathing or cuts her paw…you will be home alone and it will be after veterinary hours.  To be a pro-active cat parent or pet professional, you MUST know how to rescue Fluffy or make her feel better BEFORE professional medical care is available.  What happens in those first few moments after the onset of injury or illness, can truly make a difference in your best friend’s recovery.

By Knowing Pet First Aid, YOU can:

• Lower your cat’s body temperature to prevent brain damage or death.
• Minimize blood loss and prevent infection by properly bandaging a wound. Knowing where the critical arterial pressure points are on kitty can be a life saver!
• Alleviate choking with the kitty Heimlich-like maneuver.
• Expel poison from your pet’s system by properly inducing vomiting.
• Be the pump your pet’s heart can’t be, moving life-giving blood and oxygen throughout her body, until you can get her to professional medical help.

Pet First-Aid is by no means a replacement for veterinary care, and CPR (now Cardio Pulmonary Cerebral Resuscitation) is not a cure, but both can make a difference in the life of your feline friend.

In addition to first-aid skills for bleeding, burns, choking, drowning, heatstroke/frostbite, high rise syndrome, insect stings, poisoning, seizures, splinting and cardiopulmonary arrest, some of the topics covered in this course include:

1. Down on all fours and Up on counter tops and shelving

Look at life from your cat’s perspective.  What appears as a neatly kept room from a 5’ 6” to 6’ 2” viewpoint is a completely different scenario 7” off the floor.  If it’s in claws reach, it’s fair game for even the most obedient cat.  Cleaners and fertilizers not absorbed through paw pads will be ingested when kitty grooms, so read labels on products you use to clean counter tops, floors and use in the yard (you may track indoors on shoes even if your cat never ventures outdoors), choosing only pet friendly chemicals.  Add to that the fact that felines jump and climb, so counter tops, books shelves and other high areas where they perch must be danger-free zones and secured so that they can not topple when kitty leaps!

2.  Head-to-Tail check

Look your cat over from head-to-tail every week feeling for lumps and bumps. Notice if her skin his dry, her coat dull or shiny, if there is evidence of parasites (flea dirt or the actual critters), ticks (Do you know the dangers of cytauxzoonosis?), burrs or foxtails.  Anything you find early (especially a lump) may prevent a nightmare from occurring, so bring it to your veterinarian’s attention at onset.  Know your cat’s baseline vitals and pay attention to what she looks like when she stands/sits/jumps and how often she uses her litter box. The more quickly you spot something ‘not quite right,’ the better chance of fixing it.  Never miss annual vet exams as each calendar year brings changes.

3. Pet First-Aid Kit

Just like a carpenter or plumber, pet owners must have the right tool for the job.  So that you are prepared to bandage a wound, pull a tick or soothe an upset tummy, at the very least, have the following items on hand in an easily accessible place:

• 3% Hydrogen Peroxide to induce vomiting
• Eye Wash (saline or purified water)
• 2″ X 2″ Gauze Squares and Gauze Roll
• Triangular bandage to make ring pad or secure kitty to back board
• Adhesive Tape of Self-adhering Bandage
• Cold Pack
• Antibiotic Ointment
• Needle-less Syringe or Eye Dropper
• Digital Thermometer (cats normally run 100.4°-102.5° F)
• Styptic Powder to stop bleeding toe nails
• Scissors & Tweezers
• Antihistamine & Antacid Tablets
• Pumpkin fiber
• Leash to create a figure 8 harness to restrain kitty as well as a muzzle
• Towel or Blanket to wrap kitty
• Phone Numbers/Addresses of your Veterinarian & Animal ER
• Cat First-Aid Handbook

4. Animal ER

Drive there before you need to, so that you know where to enter, what services are offered and how they accept payment.  Don’t just program the number into your cell. When you have an ill or injured cat, you want to know which side of the street it is on and where the closest entrance is.

5. Quality Time Daily

Cats are part of the family!  That’s why we bring them into our hearts and homes, so unplug from electronics and don’t mindlessly pet Fluffy while you’re reading a book. Animals live in the moment, so be present for them!

Click here to learn more about the Cat First-Aid & CPCR Course https://www.petsafetycrusader.com/shop/classes/cat-first-aid-cpcr-webinar/

and WATCH MY VLOG ON THIS TOPIC HERE https://youtu.be/WywQAAO5Tq0

For 20 years Denise Fleck’s Sunny-dog Ink motto has been “Helping people to help their pets,” and she has…teaching more than 15,000 pet lovers animal life-saving skills and millions more on “The Doctors,” CNN, “Kirstie Alley’s Big Life,” Animal Planet and other TV shows.  Denise is a frequent conference speaker, developed a line of pet first aid kits and now offers classes online.  

Note:  The articles on this page are copyrighted.  Please do not reprint or use portions for any purpose without written permission from the author.  Request permission for usage by sending an email explaining how you’d like to use the materials and what parts specifically.  Thank you in advance!

The post CAT FIRST-AID CERTIFICATE CLASS NOW AVAILABLE appeared first on Pet Safety Crusader.

With the ceremonial lighting of candle #7 on the doggie bone or kitty fish birthday cake, it is generally assumed your best friend has emBARKed on his golden years.  Giant breeds enter seniorhood around 6 while smaller dog breeds and cats closer to 9.  Though often premature to consider your best pal a senior citizen, it’s a great time to make changes that can ensure a continuing quality of life. Decreased activity and loss of muscle tone can result in constipation, arthritis, degenerative joint disease and cognitive dysfunction, so…get those paws moving, but always speak with your veterinarian before starting any new regimen to be sure it is the best course of action for your pet.

Exercise helps maintain healthy body weight – Just as in humans, excess weight in senior dogs may bring about serious health conditions such as diabetes, congestive heart failure and liver issues.  Exercise also aids in proper digestion and nutrient absorption which are important to overall health.  The best exercise for a cat is adopting a second cat (and we talk all about that in the course mentioned at the end of this article)!

Exercise helps delay the onset of osteoarthritis – We all need our joints to work smoothly and efficiently to get us where we want to go.  Moderate exercise can keep movement fluid, slow deterioration and minimize pain.

Exercise helps maintain mental health – Well-oxygenated blood flow to tissues does a body good, and exercise also removes toxins.  Activity keeps nutrients like glucose at optimum levels in the brain and like every other organ in the body…the brain requires good nutrition to function properly.

What’s a dog parent to do?

• First, talk to your veterinarian to determine what exercises will be most beneficial and which to avoid. Ask if apoequorin might help with Cognitive Function so that your best friend will remain “in the moment” with you.
• If at any time, your dog gets tired, coughs or has problems breathing, stop and call your vet. You know your dog better than anyone else and know when he is not acting normal.  By detecting and treating a problem early, you may save your best friend’s life.
• Remain patient with your older dog and never get frustrated by time needed to acquire a new skill or perform a task. Enjoy each moment together.

What not to do

• Do not let your senior canine exercise for long periods of time or under hot or humid conditions. Most dogs wish to please their owner and will risk their own health to do so.
• Do not force your senior to exercise. If he looks tired or unwilling, call a time-out. Limping, stiffness, lameness, tenderness in limbs and spinal areas are all reason to seek veterinary advice.
• Don’t over-treat during training as older dogs add weight more quickly and lose pounds more slowly due to changes in their metabolism.

According to a team of researchers at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna, “Walking uphill may improve the flexibility of affected joints, particularly of the hip, while walking over low obstacles may improve the bending of the joints in the front and rear limbs.”

While a study in the American Journal of Veterinary Research cautions, “Dogs who have undergone surgery to the tibia, should avoid walking over obstacles which could potentially strain the tendon that joins the knee to the shin.”  Choosing the right exercise makes it beneficial as well as fun.  Learn what is best for Fido’s sake!

Low impact walking and swimming are great ways to increase mobility.  Short 10-15 minute sessions allow your dog to adjust to the routine without becoming tired.  Aqua-therapy might be just the key!  The combination of water resistance and free-joint movement allows senior dogs to enjoy exercise with no harsh impact on their bodies, and many really love stretching their legs in the pool – supervised of course!

If your dog does not love to swim, choose another activity.  Gentle walks during the cooler part of the day can be ideal.  Build upon your dog’s existing strengths and interests.  One canine will be excellent at fetch and release, another might prefer tug-of-war.  “My healthiest senior dogs were flyball veterans,” says KimToepfer of Fresno Dog Training.  “They continued to play well into their teens but with lower jump heights and an emphasis on fun rather than speed.  The combination of mental and physical stimulation made for a great workout.”
As in any training or exercise program, pay attention to your dog and note if he is enjoying it.  Break the activity into small achievable steps and reinforce the skill while encouraging progress.

Consistency is vital for dogs that have lost an important communication tool such as sight or hearing.  Use consistent commands or hand signals and be patient if your dog struggles to accommodate his new limitations.

Refresher courses on basic obedience keep an older mind sharp.  Take your senior through his “sits,” “stays” and “comes.”  Toss in something he never learned before whether it’s that silly “keep the biscuit on your nose” trick or guessing which cup the kibble is under.  Old dogs can learn new tricks.  Be patient and keep it fun.

Nose work can be great for older dogs since it doesn’t require physical stamina and can be enjoyed even by those losing their sight; It’s a great way to keep the body busy and the mind active without over exerting.  And agility isn’t out of the question.  Just slow down the speed and limit or leave out the jumps all together.

Whatever you do, do it together and cherish those golden years!

I am waggin’ my tail over the debut of my SENIOR PET CARE CERTIFICATE COURSE!  Three-hours of online learning take you on a journey through the autumn and winter years of your pet’s life, showing you the importance of tuning in, letting you know what signs to look for, sharing with you the various ailments and different modalities that could you increase your dog or cat’s quality of life allowing you to continue making PURRfectly wondeRUFFul memories together.  Not required, but it is suggested you also get  “The Autumn & Winter of Your Pet:  Makes Those Senior Years Golden” – ebook FREE with purchase of print version!  Scores of 80% and higher on the 36 question multiple choice/True-False exam that follows will receive a Certificate of Completion.  Sign up now to make the most of the later years you’ll spend with your furry best friend!

WATCH MY VIDEO VLOG ON THIS TOPIC AT https://youtu.be/rjrZXpFS4eU

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Denise Fleck is an award winning author and freelance writer.  After extensive training, practice, more training and more practice, she developed her own Pet First-Aid & CPR curriculum and has been teaching animal life-saving skills for close to 20 years with many success stories to share.  Additionally she developed a 5 month long Animal Care course for high school students in conjunction with the Burbank Unified School District and Animal Shelter.  She has demonstrated animal life-saving skills on CBS –TV’s “The Doctors,” Animal Planet’s “Pit Boss,” “Kirstie Alley’s Big Life” and countless other shows. To complement her teachings, Denise created a line of Pet First-Aid Kits, posters and books for children teaching animal respect and care!  Visit www.PetSafetyCrusader.com or call (818) 951-7962.

Note:  The articles on this page are copyrighted.  Please do not reprint or use portions for any purpose without written permission from the author.  Request permission for usage by sending an email explaining how you’d like to use the materials and what parts specifically.  Thank you in advance!

The post You Can Teach an Old Dog (or Cat) New Tricks and Should! appeared first on Pet Safety Crusader.