Pets make the holidays bright!

For us pet lovers there are many ways to celebrate our favorite furry beings during the holidays. 

 

Whether it’s a new toy, a cute pet costume, or a healthy treat for them to enjoy, no doubt about it, shopping for pet gifts is fun!  Here are a few of our favorite ideas based on what we see works everyday with our clients' sweeties.

 

 

·         Kong Cozie Plush Squeaky Toys

·         BazooK-9 Tennis Ball Launcher

·         Interactive Treat Balls

·         Healthy dog treats

·         Feather Toys

·         Catit Design Senses Play Circuit

·         Kong Crisscross Rolling Cat Toy

·         Healthy cat treats

 

Pass along the daily joy you receive from your sweet pet to friends or family during the holidays. With so many left homeless every year, choosing a companion from a rescue organization benefits in many ways. Try your local shelter or check out petfinders.com where you can often find just the right pet rescued not too far from where you live. 

Give the gift of Peace of Mind

Kelly's Pet Sitting offers gift certificates so you can give your pet owner friends the peace of mind that their sweet babes will be well taken care of whenever they need to be away. 

 

Kelly’s Pet Sitting offers daily pet sit visits, mid-day dog walking, and overnight pet sitting.  We’ll also take care of your plants, mail, and trash.  Let us make your time away from home worry-free.

 

 

Let's face it; it’s becoming a trend that our pets are developing very human-like issues.  Or maybe we just didn't think to notice before.  A generation ago, you never heard about pets getting cancer, and certainly not having the emotional and psychological issues that are becoming so common and often treated medicinally these days.

 

But pet depression and anxiety are real.  These sweet beings thrive on love and attention.  So it makes sense that they might succumb to the same negative psychological reactions we humans do when encountering stressful situations.  Research shows that leaving them alone for extended periods of time creates true anxiety in our pets.  Let’s take a look: 

Cats abhor change.  They crave a stable environment where they feel safe and loved.  You are a big part of that stability and when you’re away, that is a significant change for them.  Boarding is not often an effective solution since cats are territorial.  They experience stress because not only are you gone but now they are in an unfamiliar environment with the sights, smells, and sounds of other animals to boot. 

We know that dogs are pack animals and crave companionship.  Regardless of how emotionally healthy you believe your dog to be, he is likely to experience some level of separation anxiety in your absence. While boarding can provide some needed social interaction, there is the risk of aggressive situations and in most cases; your dog is left caged and alone at night in an unfamiliar place.

We care about our pets as if they are family.   We want them to be happy.  But life happens and you need to be away from them sometimes.

At Kelly’s Pet Sitting, it’s important to us that your pet is cared for both physically and emotionally while you’re away.  We come to your home where they are safe and comfortable, and we spend quality time with them. We recommend at least one visit daily for cats and two to three visits daily for dogs.  Our visits are never less than 30 minutes and we offer 45 and 60 minute visits as well.  We also offer overnights for your pet to get the maximum amount of loving and attention.

Let us relieve the inevitable guilt of leaving your pets.  We treat them like they are our own.

 

I came across this wonderful article, written by Katie Finlay, and wanted to share it with my blog post readers.  In our pet sitting business, we encounter many anxious dogs (and cats).  It is our job to do what we can to make them comfortable and relaxed while in our care.  If you have an anxious dog, there are things you can do to help put him at ease.  If you find something that works for your dog, then we can continue to utilize your methods while we are caring for your pets.

 

When it comes to anxiety and dogs, we often don’t know the direct cause. Just like people, some dogs suffer from anxiety disorders. Unlike people, dogs can’t really go to talk therapy or try many different medications. Since we often don’t know what causes the anxiety, however irrational it may seem, we sometimes have to get creative when it comes to helping our dogs find relief. Whether your dog is afraid of fireworks, has separation anxiety, or is just a general Nervous Nellie, there are some ways you can try to combat your pup’s inner demons.

 

There are many different calming treats and chews on the market and they all use natural ingredients to help promote overall comfort and well-being in our dogs. Some are given as little treats for your pup to enjoy during a time of stress, such as a thunderstorm or during fireworks, and others are more long-lasting chews to help keep your dog’s mind occupied while you’re away or during scary events as well. Some treats and chews are filled with essential oils to combine aromatherapy and a dog’s natural stress-relieving chewing behavior.

Crates are often controversial but are actually one of the best things you can offer your dog if done the right way. If your dog is taught to love and be comfortable in their crates, you might even find they go inside on their own without you asking – especially during times of stress. Crates are like dens for our dogs inside our own homes. They offer a place for your dog to feel safe and secure and when locked, they also ensure that our dogs don’t injure themselves trying to escape the house. Dogs with separation anxiety often chew and ingest very dangerous items, not to mention cause serious damage to homes, and crating is a safe way to keep them confined to limit both your home renovation and veterinary bills.

Aromatherapy is a great way to decrease anxiety in many dogs. There are several different options when it comes to this method. There are scents that plug into your walls that emit calming pheromones and aromas, and there are sprays and balms you can use around the house and on your dog. Find aromas and essential oils that are specifically tailored to dogs, because many human ones are too strong and sometimes toxic to our pets. But the right amount used the correct way can make all the difference in the anxious dog.

 

Dogs are social animals. Just like people, they often feel better by receiving physical contact from those they love. Comforting your dog during times of stress will often make them feel better, especially if they are frightened during a veterinary visit or a thunderstorm. Sometimes just being near our dogs is all they need to feel safe and secure, so it’s important not to leave your dog alone during an event you know will make them anxious.

 

As many people suffering from anxiety disorders will tell you, exercise often helps alleviate anxiety and stress. Although it’s not a cure, exercise does improve the general mood of both dogs and people and offers a way to focus our minds and bodies on something other than our anxieties. Running and playing are great ways to reduce stress and often help improve the lives of very anxious dogs overall. Exercise is essential for a healthy body and a healthy mind, and an anxious dog needs it more than you may realize.

 

Besides the 5 ideas listed above, we have found that pets seem to be comforted by leaving TV or radio on for them when you are gone.  Another thing you can do is to leave an article of clothing you have worn in their favorite sleeping spot so they have your smell close by.  For dogs that react to fireworks, they may be helped by closing all curtains/blinds and leaving TV, radio or a fan on.  Of course, having someone there with them would be best. 

 

When you hire Kelly’s Pet Sitting to care for your pets, we take the time to bond with them and comfort them while you are away. We come to your home, where your pets are most comfortable, provide food and fresh water, play with them, brush them, walk your dog, etc.  Besides cats and dogs, we also care for other small pets such as birds, fish, rabbits, small caged pets, and chickens.  In addition to daily visits, we also offer overnights to give your pets extra attention and home security.  Give us a call today to schedule your complimentary “meet and greet” at your home.  Kelly’s Pet Sitting, Medford, OR  541-601-7461

 

This is a comprehensive pet first aid list complied by Dr. Becker that I want to share with my pet sitting friends. As a professional pet sitter, I have had pet first aid training and also carry a well-stocked pet first aid kit in my car.  At every visit, the sitters at Kelly's Pet Sitting will assess you furry friend's health and we are prepared for emergencies if they should arise. 

If you’re like most people, having a first aid kit handy is not something you’re terribly concerned about -- until you really need one. And a first aid kit for four-legged family members may be the furthest thing from your mind.

But when faced with an emergency involving a beloved family pet, many people literally cannot think straight. And the more dire the situation, the less able they are to be effective. That’s why having a pet first aid kit prepared and easily accessible for emergencies is an excellent idea. It can take some of the guesswork and wheel spinning out of the equation, while also providing tools that can help you help your pet.

And what you might not realize is that a pet first aid kit is a snap to put together, and you never know -- it might just help you save the life of your precious companion one day.

It’s a good idea to keep the contents of your pet’s first aid kit in a clear plastic container so that one quick glance will tell you you’ve found what you’re looking for. A very inexpensive solution is a good-sized plastic zipper bag big enough to hold the supplies listed below, including a bath size cotton towel.

The first thing you’ll need for your kit is an emergency telephone list with the following information:

·         The phone number and address of your pet’s veterinarian.

·         The phone number and address (and directions, if necessary) to the closest emergency animal hospital.

·         The phone number of your local animal ambulance or transportation service, if one is available.

·         The Animal Poison Control hotline at 1-888-426-4435.

You can either tape the list to the outside of the kit, or place it inside, positioned where you can read it without even having to open the kit.

A muzzle the right size for your pet. It may seem cruel to place a muzzle on a sick or injured pet, but it’s important to protect the humans handling and caring for the animal. The most docile, gentle pets in the world can become snappish out of fear or due to pain.

A collar or harness and leash.

A pair of tweezers for splinter or tick removal.

A nail trimmer or clipper.

A pair of blunt-tipped scissors to trim hair away from a wound, or to clip out foreign material caught in your pet’s fur.

Pre-soaked povidone iodine (Betadine) pads to clean out cuts, wounds or abrasions, and bottled water. The wound should be flushed with water after using the pre-soaked pads.

Saline solution. Regular human contact lens saline drops can be used to flush out dirt, sand or other irritants from your pet’s eye. It can also be used to flush away debris from a cut or scrape.

Triple antibiotic ointment to apply to a wound after it has been cleaned with povidone iodine and flushed with water.

Sterile water-soluble lubricating jelly. You can apply water-soluble lubricating jelly around your pet’s eyes if you need to use soap or povidone iodine to clean a wound close to the eyes.

Sterile non-stick pads to cover a wound before bandaging.

Bandage material, either elastic bandages or gauze to hold a non-stick pad in place over a wound.

Hydrogen peroxide 3% to induce vomiting, but only if your vet or the Animal Poison Control hotline instructs you to do so. Always call your vet or the hotline if you believe your dog or cat may have ingested a toxic substance. Hydrogen peroxide should not be used to clean a wound, as it is known to actually slow the healing process.

A clean cotton towel that can serve multiple purposes, from a pressure bandage, to a blanket, to a sling to lift a larger pet that isn’t able to walk.

A flashlight. Sometimes a bright light source can help you more readily identify that thorn in your pet’s paw or the tiny tick in between her toes.

·         Cotton balls and swabs

·         Ear cleanser

·         Benadryl for hypersensitivity reactions

·         Bach Rescue Remedy for stress

·         Homeopathic Aconitum for shock

·         Styptic/clotting powder to stop bleeding from broken toenails

·         A thermometer

If you’d prefer not to make your own kit, you can also buy a ready-made pet first aid kit.

I would like to share this article written by Dr. Karen Becker because being prepared in a pet poisining emergency can mean the difference between life and death for your pet. At Kelly's Pet Sitting in Medford, Oregon, our sitters are aware of the signs of poisoning and know what to do.  Having a professional pet sitter care for your pets gives you an added benefit because we are knowledgable about emergency pet situations and can get your pet to the veterinarian immediately, if needed. 

In 2013, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) processed nearly 180,000 cases of pets potentially exposed to toxic substances. The APCC has compiled a list of five important tips for handling a pet poisoning emergency in your own household.

 

Quick Tips for Dealing with a Pet Poisoning Emergency

1.     Be Ready
Before you ever need them, make sure your veterinarian’s phone number, the number of the closest emergency veterinary hospital, and the number for a pet poison center are saved in your phone. The APCC number is 888-426-4435; the Pet Poison Hotline is 800-213-6680.And remember that you may be able to provide important, even life-saving initial treatment at home if you have a pet first aid kit ready and easily accessible in an emergency.

 

2.     Keep Your Cool
Maintaining your composure when faced with a pet emergency can be hard to do, but it’s really important if you want to insure your furry family member gets the help he needs. If you stay calm, you’ll be better able to provide first aid, as well as vital information to the people treating your pet.

 

3.     Evaluate Your Pet’s Condition
It’s important to make a clear-eyed observation of your pet’s condition. Is she behaving abnormally? Is she bleeding? Is she having trouble breathing? Is she having convulsions or seizures? Is she unresponsive? If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, your pet needs immediate medical attention. Call your vet or the nearest emergency animal hospital and alert them that you’re on your way.

 

4.     Be Prepared to Answer Questions
What is the toxic substance you know or suspect your pet ingested? Either pack up the substance itself (this is ideal), or write down the exact name of the product or medication. You’ll also want to write down the strength (typically in milligrams) of the drug, the concentration of active ingredients in herbicides or pesticides and the EPA registration number, and any other information you think might help the veterinarian who will be treating your pet. When did the poisoning happen? Did you catch your pet actually ingesting the substance? Has your pet vomited? If so, did she vomit up any of the poison or packaging?

 

5.     Be Proactive
If you know or suspect your pet has ingested a poison, don’t wait for symptoms before seeking help. Time is of the essence in preventing the poison from being absorbed by your pet’s body. The faster you are able to treat your furry companion at home (with guidance from your vet or a pet poison hotline), or get her to a veterinarian, the better her chances for survival and a full recovery. By Dr. Karen Becker

 

 

This is Part 1 in a 2 part series of symptoms that dog and/or cat owners should not ignore, and should seek veterinary attention right away. They are not in order of importance, as they are all important.

 

In these tough economic times, pet owners are looking for ways to save money on their pets. Unfortunately, this also leads people to delay seeking medical care because they’re uncertain if a visit to the vet is absolutely necessary. Most people know if a pet has collapsed, had a seizure, is bleeding, bloated, unable to walk, or has been injured they should see their veterinarian quickly.  But what about other, more subtle symptoms? When should you absolutely, positively take your pet to the veterinarian?  

We all want our pets to be healthy and well, but there are times in every pet parent’s life when one of our beloved pets may have an illness, injury, or medical condition necessitating a trip to their veterinarian.  I had the pleasure of speaking to Dr. Dwight Sinner of Siskiyou Veterinary Hospital in Medford, Oregon. *For more information, see bottom of blog*.   Dr. Sinner was kind enough to list the following symptoms in your dog or cat that pet parents should NEVER ignore and should contact their veterinarian right away.

 

 

Vomiting and/or diarrhea   Diarrhea:  A single bout of diarrhea is generally not a concern in dogs, but if it persists for more than a day, it can lead to dehydration, or it may indicate an underlying health issue and should be checked out by your veterinarian.  Bring your dog to the vet if his diarrhea continues for more than a day, or if you observe lethargy, vomiting, fever, dark-colored or bloody stools, straining to defecate, decreased appetite or unexplained weight loss.  Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice your puppy has diarrhea, as it can be an important indicator of serious diseases in young dogs.  There are many causes of diarrhea in dogs.  Some of them include: change in diet or food intolerance, ingestion of spoiled food, poisonous substances or toxic plant material, ingestion of an object.  Diarrhea can also be due to an allergic reaction, bacterial or viral infection, internal parasites, inflammatory bowel disease, kidney or liver disease, cancer or tumors of the digestive tract, colitis or gastroenteritis.  Stress can also cause diarrhea so having your pet sitter monitor your dog for diarrhea is very important since being away from you can cause stress.  Vomiting:  An occasional, isolated bout of vomiting may not be of concern. However, frequent or chronic vomiting can be a sign of a more serious condition such as colitis, intestinal obstruction or parvovirus.  If your dog’s vomiting is not an isolated incident, please bring him to the vet right away for a complete exam and diagnostic testing. Any of the following symptoms along with the vomiting would indicate contacting your vet right away: diarrhea, dehydration, lethargy, blood in vomit, weight loss, change in appetite , increase or decrease in thirst or urination.  Your professional pet sitter at Kelly’s Pet Sitting will monitor your dog’s food and water intake, bowel and bladder habits and keep you and your veterinarian informed of any change in habits.

 

Seizures or convulsions Seizures can look like a twitch or uncontrollable shaking and can last from less than a minute to several minutes.  Some of the causes of seizures are: epilepsy, eating poison, liver or kidney disease, low or high blood sugar, strokes, or other conditions.  When the seizure stops they usually appear confused and unsteady.  Call your veterinarian right away to have him evaluated.  Some dogs may need to take medication to help control the seizures.  Your professional pet sitter will be able to administer medication while you are away and to notice any seizures and let you and your veterinarian know what transpired. 

 

Blood in urine or stool  If you notice your cat litter box has any blood in urine or stool, or if you notice blood in urine or stool of your dog, contact your veterinarian right away. There are many illnesses that may be causing this and it is best to get your pet evaluated and treated as soon as possible.  Your Professional Pet Sitter monitors your pet’s stools for any sign of illness.

 

Not eating for 1-2 days Because loss of appetite in dogs or cats can indicate illness, it is important to seek veterinary care if you notice changes in your pet’s eating habits, especially if your dog usually gobbles up their food & suddenly does not eat.  We have noticed in our pet sitting service that some pets may not eat the first day or possibly, the second day their owners are away.  We also know of various methods that may help your pet to eat.  At Kelly’s Pet Sitting, we ask if your pet normally nibbles or gobbles their food so we can maintain records of how your pet is eating.  That way, we can keep you informed and seek veterinary care if needed. We send daily updates to let you know how your pet is doing for your peace of mind.

 

Inability or painful urination and defecation There are many causes of inability or painful urination or defecation.  The treatment might be as simple as feeding a high fiber diet, giving plenty of water and laxatives as prescribed by your vet.  But it could be something more serious.  Get to know your pet’s normal pee & poop schedules so you can determine what is normal for your pet.  When you hire Kelly’s Pet Sitting to care for your pets, we always monitor your pet’s elimination and look for any signs of abnormality so we can alert the pet parent and take your pet to your veterinarian if indicated.

 

Unexpected weight loss or weight gain If you are feeding a regular, healthy diet to your pet that is appropriate to their breed, activity level, and size and suddenly your pet has an unexpected weight loss or gain, it is imperative that you take your pet for an exam with your veterinarian.  There are many causes for this ranging from thyroid disorders to diabetes, and many others. Your vet will let you know what diet and/or meds your pet may need in order to maintain their weight and health.

 

Increases in water drinking or urination or accidents in the house If you notice your pet drinking more water than is normal for them, or suddenly having accidents in the house with a house-trained dog, this can signal a lot of potential problems. For cats that are suddenly urinating outside of their litter box, this could be a symptom of a urinary tract infection, or other problem.  Excessive water intake and urination could be a sign of diabetes, kidney disease or other problem in your pet.  Please have your pet evaluated by your veterinarian, who will provide treatment. 

 

Weakness or collapse  In hot weather, heat stroke is a definite possibility. Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of water if it is hot outdoors.  And keep them in a shady place out of the sun and be careful not to over-exercise them in the heat.  Keep them indoors when it is extremely hot.  Be especially careful with brachycephalic dogs (dogs with short noses) such as pugs, boxers, or any dog with a short snout, etc.) as they cannot breathe as easily as other dogs. If your dog should show signs of weakness or collapse, contact your veterinarian immediately.

 

Red or painful eyes and/or loss of vision Examine your dog and cat eyes and lids for signs of redness, discharge, cloudiness or change in eye color.  Be sure to protect your dog’s eyes from shampoo during bathing and please drive with your dog’s head inside of the vehicle, as debris or insects, as well as the wind drying out their eyes, can cause injury. If you notice your pet bumping into things, have your veterinarian do an exam.  They may have cataracts or other eye problems affecting their vision.

 

Tumors or lumps  You may be snuggled up with your canine buddy, and all of a sudden, you notice a lump. Before you freak out that it may be cancer, realize that most lumps are fatty tumors, and are more common in older pets.  Often these are benign, meaning not cancerous.  Fewer than half of lumps and bumps you find on a dog are malignant, or cancerous.  Still, it is best to let your vet evaluate the lump to determine if it is nothing to worry about or something that needs to be further evaluated.

 

*Dr. Dwight Sinner graduated from the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine in Pullman, WA in 1982.  He has owned Siskiyou Veterinary Hospital since 1984.  He has special interests in dog and cat surgery, dental procedures, and knee stabilization procedures.  Siskiyou Veterinary Hospital is open Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM, and Saturdays, 8:00 AM – Noon and 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.  After hour emergencies are referred to the Southern Oregon Veterinary Specialty Center at (541) 282-7711.  In his spare time, he enjoys time with his family, bicycling, hiking, and volunteering at his church.

DISCLAIMER: Of course, this list cannot explain every symptom that could indicate an emergent situation, so if in doubt, ALWAYS call your vet if you have concerns. 

At Kelly’s Pet Sitting in Medford, Oregon we have every client fill out a Veterinary Authorization listing the name and contact information for their vet, as well as names and descriptions of their pets.  All of our pet sitters are experienced in what symptoms to look for in your pets while in our care and to contact you and/or your veterinarian for advice and/or treatment.  We also have the number of the Emergency Vet in Medford should your veterinarian not be able to see your pet after hours

Southern Oregon Veterinary Specialty Center 541-282-7711.  Pet Poison Number (1-888-426-4435 or 1-800-548-2423.  Sources: pet.webmd.com, dogtime.com

 

 

How to Bring a Scared Cat Out of Hiding

I was recently reminded of how much patience this requires while on a Kelly's Pet Sitting visit. The female cat in question ("Hen") was ill and didn't have a cat or dog companion, so it was of the utmost importance that I get her out from under the bed and make friends with her. 
 
In my experience, there's always something that will catch a cat's attention and bring them toward you. Usually this response is instilled over time by the pet's parents. I've trained my own cats to come to the sound of a fork being tapped on the edge of a small glass dish I use to feed them canned cat food. No matter where they are (indoors or outdoors), they come running to the ringing of that dish.   
 
Other cats are crazy for a certain toy, such as feathers on the end of a piece of string, and flicking the feathers near their location will bring them leaping out. Playing hide & seek with your hand under a pillow or magazine can also bring out the hunting instinct in cats. As the cat moves toward your hand, pull the pillow or magazine back little by little, until the cat is out of his hiding place. You'll want to back up as well, so the cat doesn't feel cornered when he sees you. Speaking softly and offering a treat or a head scratch may encourage him to stay with you and not go back into hiding.  
 

Some cats love to be scratched, so the sound of your finger nails raking across the carpet or on your own pant leg will be more than they can resist. If they have a favorite comb or brush, making a scratching noise with that will often get their attention too. Always move slowly when working with a cat that doesn't know you. Fast movements or loud noises will often drive them back into hiding. 
 
In Hen's case, it was the noise made by shaking her bag of treats - a common motivator for many cats. Once she poked her head out from under the bed, I made a line of treats that brought her closer & closer to my location. I spoke to her softly and gave her a good scratch when she was near. Soon, she followed me into the kitchen, went to the sliding door to watch birds, and even let me brush her fur. I repeated the treat trick each time I visited Hen and she always came out to partake & get a little extra attention.  

Like people, cats are individuals with various life histories, so it's up to us to discover what they can't live without. Once you do, you'll be on your way to a permanent place in that cat's heart. >^..^<

                                                     Beth Berghofer, Pet Sitter
                                                     Kelly's Pet Sitting

Note From Kelly, Owner of Kelly's Pet Sitting:

We are often told before we begin a cat sitting job that "you'll probably never see the cat" from the pet parent.  Our sitters have extensive experience caring for cats and kittens. It is our greatest joy when we are able to coax your kitty out for play and loving.  If you want a cat sitter with a big heart for your precious kitties, be sure and give us a call for your pet sitting needs!

 

With the holidays here and all those yummy treats being passed around, does your dog or cat look at you with pleading eyes?  I know mine do, but we try to limit human food for our pets.  So, I thought it would be fun to share some dog and cat treat recipes you can make at home.  That way you can spoil your pets a little too.  With all of the pet food and treat recalls happening, it’s hard to know which brand of treats you can trust!  The four-legged members of your family will be so happy you took the time to show you care by providing them with wholesome treats.  Moderation is important.  Please remember:  These are treats and should not be substituted for the main course.  Use in moderation – Do not exceed 1/10 of your dog’s diet.  Caution: If your dog has known food allergies or is on a restricted diet, consult your veterinarian before preparing and serving any of these recipes.  So without further ado, let’s “dig” right in!

 

CINNABONE – The perfect bone for the dog with a sweet tooth!

2 TBS Honey                                       1/2 cup Milk                                   1/2 tsp Cinnamon                                 1/2 cup Wheat Germ

2 TBS Molasses                                    1/2 cup Brewer’s Yeast*

2 TBS Vegetable Oil                            *look in health food section

1-1/2 cup Whole Wheat Flour

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a large bowl, mix together honey, molasses, oil, milk and cinnamon.  Gradually add flour, yeast, and wheat germ.  Roll dough to 1/4" thickness and use cookie cutter to cut into shapes.  Bake at 350 degrees on an ungreased cookie sheet for 20 minutes or until bottoms are brown.  Depending on size of cookie cutter, makes 1 to 1-1/2 dozen.

 

P-NUT BUTTER/BANANA COOKIES - Your Pup will not be able to resist!

1/2 cup Peanut Butter                   1/2 cup Wheat Germ

1/2 cup Mashed Banana               1-1/2 cups Whole Wheat Flour

1 large Egg

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Combine peanut butter, banana and egg in a large bowl.  Stir well.  Gradually add wheat germ and whole wheat flour.  Roll out dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut with cookie cutter.  Bake on ungreased cookie sheet at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.  Makes about 1 dozen.

 

PUMPKIN DOG BISCUITS – Perfect for the Holidays!

 2 Eggs                                                    1/4 tsp Sea Salt

1/2 cup Canned Pumpkin             2-1/2 cups Brown Rice Flour *

2 TBS Dry Milk Powder                   1 tsp Dried Parsley (optional)

 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In large bowl, whisk together eggs and pumpkin to smooth.  Stir in dry milk, salt, and dried parsley.  Add brown rice flour gradually with spatula or hands to form a stiff, dry dough.  Turn out onto lightly floured surface and if dough is still rough, briefly knead and press to combine.  Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness and cut with cookie cutter into shapes.  Place on ungreased cookie sheet at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.  Turn biscuits over, then bake an addition 20 minutes. 

·         Brown rice flour gives the biscuits crunch and promoters better dog digestion.  Some dogs have allergies and do not tolerate wheat.

 

 

CHICKEN JERKY – You won’t have to worry about China Products!

Slice chicken strips into long thin strips. (TIP: Chicken that is partially frozen slices much easier)  Place on greased cookie sheet (I use PAM spray).  Bake 3+ hours at 180 degrees.  Let cool and store in plastic bags.  Can be frozen for later.

 

KITTY TUNA DREAMS – Your kitty will love these treats!

 

1/2 tsp Vegetable oil, or more as needed. 2 eggs, beaten

1 cup canned tuna in oil                                                 1 tsp Brewer’s Yeast (optional)

2 cups bread crumbs

NOTE:  Recipe directions are for serving size of 72 (double batch)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Lightly grease baking sheet with vegetable oil.  Drain tuna and reserve oil;  add enough vegetable oil to make 1/4 cup total.  Combine tuna, reserved oil, bread crumbs, eggs, and Brewer’s Yeast in a bowl.  Drop 1/4 teaspoon of tuna mixture 1 inch apart on baking sheet.  Bake about 10 minutes.  Cool biscuits and store covered in the refrigerator. 

Kelly’s Pet Sitting in Medford, OR is open 365 days a year – That’s right!  We care for your pets during the holidays so you can travel and enjoy your out of town family.  We do appreciate advance notice for holidays, as we do get fully booked at those times.  Go to our website for more information: www.kellyspetsitting.net.  You can contact us at: [email protected] or call: 541-601-7461.

Here is a link to “Bake A Bone Dog Treat Maker” on Amazon

 

Link to Dog Treat Recipe Books on Amazon

 

 

Surprisingly, cats are popular choices for pets, even more so than dogs, probably because of their independent, low-maintenance nature. However, for the uninitiated, cat care isn't exactly easy-peasy as cats have special needs, thanks to their quirky personality. Whether you're a first-time pet owner or a longtime pet parent bringing a kitty home for the first time, here are tips to make the transition much smoother for you and your feline friend.

 

Cats are particularly territorial creatures that crave stability and familiarity. Unknown surroundings are unsettling to them, so it's important to give them space and time to adjust to their new environment. This is where you get to play kitty real estate/home improvement expert!

 

Place essentials such as litter box, scratching post, adequate fresh water and quality food, eating and drinking bowls, and toys in a private, quiet room specifically assigned to your cat. Rooms with doors and tunnels are good places for cats to feel safe. You can use cat beds or cat carriers as their cozy cubbyholes.

 

Cats love to get high (other than their love of catnip!), so get a cat tree for their perching, observation, and resting station. It's also a great escape route should they need to get away for safety.

 

For maximum feline enjoyment, catification is the way to go. Who says that interior designing is only for humans?

 

Ensure that your home is cat-proofed. Cats are too curious for their own good. They get into places and situations that can either hurt or kill them. Keep electrical cords, blind cords, harmful chemicals or substances, poisonous plants, and fragile items out of their reach. Keep small, tight, or cramped spaces shut. Be sure your cat doesn't get trapped there.

 

For the safety and well-being of your cat, keep him or her indoors to prevent exposure to diseases, attacks by other animals and humans, and motor vehicle accidents.

 

Schedule a vet check-up the same week you pick up your cat to make sure that he or she is in the clear.

 

Cats are protective of their personal space. Don't make direct physical contact with them at first. Let them sniff your finger or paw at the feather wand or whatever cat toy you have on hand. Look away when you come close to them. When they see you, slowly blink at them. Blinking is the universal feline gesture. When the cat slowly blinks back at you, it's a sign that you've won him or her over.

 

Leave cats alone when they eat and when they do their business.

 

Other than catnip, try Feliway spray or diffuser or Rescue Remedy by adding it to their food or water or rubbing it on their paws or ears to calm them down.

 

Cats are private, reserved, and picky by nature. Too many sudden new changes and new stimuli overwhelm or even threaten them. Introduce them to other people and other pets gradually. It takes a while for them to warm up. Meet them on their terms. Wait until they're fully comfortable and confident. Don't force a cat to come out of hiding until he or she is ready. Let the cat investigate and approach first. The more you ignore cats, the faster they come to you as they feel more relaxed around you. Don't leave young children and other pets, especially dogs, unattended while being introduced to cats.

 

Get your cat accustomed to your smell and sight by staying in the same room with him or her for a period of time. Engage in low-key activities. Watch TV, read, write, talk to your cat, or groom your cat, then leave after you're done. Come back again after a while. Continue this pattern or routine until your cat appears to settle into his or her new living arrangement. 

 

When it comes to feeding, let your cat eat little by little if he or she doesn't eat much. This is normal behavior, although it's advised to call your vet if your cat ends up not eating for days.

 

With time, patience, and extra TLC, your cat may just stick around with you for the long haul. Here's to a wonderful start of a relationship that will hopefully last a lifetime—if not for nine lives!

 

Do you need a helping hand for taking care of those extra sets of paws? Kelly's Pet Sitting loves and understands cats. Please get in touch with us at 541-601-7461 or [email protected]. Your little Fluffy will thank you for it!

 

 

 

 

 

 

A self-avowed mad Renaissance woman, Nancee Marin stages collisions of the wild, wild worlds of the arts and letters, holistic health, and the pet industry as a musician, writer, editor, blogger, Reiki practitioner, and Mary Poppins to furry charges on her little cybercorner.

 

 

 

 

 

REVIEWS of Kelly's Pet Sitting, Medford, OR

Our goal is to provide the very best pet care available and to give our clients peace of mind while they are away. We love getting positive reviews and our clients say it best. I would like to share with you a few of these reviews from some of our very satisfied clients.

Kelly has taken care of my pets several times now. She is an amazing person who understands the needs of both the owner and their pets. I love the texting service of a daily update. When I return home my pets are happy and well taken care of. - Gigi M. Medford, OR 97501

We have used Kelly's Pet Sitting Service several times now and we are very impressed with the level of quality and caring that she gives to our two dogs and our cat. We recommend her to anyone who is seeking the same. It should be noted that I rarely endorse someone, so, I admit that she has impressed us. - John M., Medford, OR 97501

Thank you for the pictures. I also want to thank you for your great care of Cody and Maddie. We both commented after you left that we had never seen them so content and calm at the motel You truly have a gift with animals. If we are ever in a similar situation, you will be the first one we call. - Jacky O, Motel Client – Quality Inn, Medford 97504

Thank you for being there. When I know you are coming over to check on our two fur-babies I don't worry when we are gone. Thank you again. - Laurie P., Medford, OR 97504

I look forward to our ongoing “work” relationship It is such an important one, and will be for years to come, as we will utilize your services often! It is so nice to finally have someone reliable, personable, and trustworthy to watch our pets, and stay in our home, and not have to worry. You are a “Gem” for the work you do. - Patrick C., Jacksonville, OR 97530

Thanks so much! Such an amazing service you guys provide. Really appreciate it! - Danielle G, Medford 97501

This is just a sampling of the compliments we receive for our devoted care of pets. We are a small family owned business of experienced professional pet sitters and we are licensed, bonded, insured for your protection. If you would like to have the feeling of trust that comes from knowing your pet sitter has everything handled while you are away, give us a call to set up your complimentary “meet and greet”. 541-601-7461.