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Boca Raton Pet Sitting Service celebrates 10 Year Anniversary
Dog Harness Facts and Benefits
Holiday Pet Safety Tips from Boca Raton Pet Sitter
The Benefits of Hiring a Professional Pet Sitter
Halloween Safety Tips for Pets in Boca Raton

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Pet Sitting Care by Nanette Gordon

Boca Raton Pet Sitters

Boca Raton Pet Sitting Service celebrates 10 Year Anniversary

Nanette Gordon loves animals so much that every day is a joy to wake and do her work as a personal and professional pet sitter. Boca Raton Pet Sitter Nanette Gordon celebrates 10 Year Anniversary for Pet Sitting Service

"I am so proud to be able to say that I have been providing my professional pet sitting and house sitting services for 10 years now !" announces Nanette Gordon, business owner and pet sitting and house watching service provider in Boca Raton, Florida since 2002.

There is no better testament to success than longevity and a good reputation, especially in a small, seasonal community and during a slow economic period but Nanette is able to stay afloat with heavy repeat customers and numerous referrals from her client's and local business owners.

"I love the work that I do because of my intense love and care for animals and nature.  I attribute my continued success to to my ability to remain focused and organized, calm in emergency situations, compassionate to human and animal needs, trustworthy and respectful of private property and matters."   
Nanette is a professional, licensed and insured house sitting service provider for seasonal residents in Boca Raton.
Each morning after Nanette wakes and takes care of any current pet sitting or dog walking assignments, she is at her home office desk reviewing and preparing for the days pet sitting and house checking assignments, replying to emails, posting on Facebook about pet friendly and fund raising events for pets and animals, as well as animal rescue and shelter urgent need postings, daily marketing efforts for the business, confirming appointments and upcoming assignments with new and existing clients.  Then it is out the door for the midday dog walking sessions for busy professionals and afternoon cat care visits. 

Nanette Gordon is a professional pet sitter for dogs, cats, birds, fish and other domestic pets in Boca Raton. "Each day that I am able to provide my tender, loving care to animals and check on people's homes while they are away, gives me joy and satisfaction that I am providing necessary and appreciated services to wonderful people and their beloved pet family.  There is no better way to be able to spend my life and I am grateful for the opportunity." 

Most days and weekends are filled with dog walking assignments, specialize cat care visits, house sitting services for seasonal residents and frequent travelers, and oftentimes, overnight pet sitting with sleepovers at the client home with their pets.   "People treat me with respect and gracious hospitality at their homes because they know they can trust me to keep their pets, property and belongings safe and secure, undamaged and clean.  It is a great feeling to know that they are pleased with my performance and often they leave me little treats or gifts as a sign for their gratitude." 

"I look forward to another 10 years and more to come doing the work that I love in the beautiful place called Boca Raton that I adore.  Please visit my website http://nanettegordon.com for details about services and tell your friends and family about my personal services.  I look forward to adding to my collection of happy customers and happy pet friends!"

Senior Pets: Recognize the Signs of Aging Dogs & Cats

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

Pets and Allergies: How to Manage

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

Summer Pet Care: Grooming, Sun Screen & More


Shorter (and
Summertime & Hot Weather Pet Care Safety Tips
   
I take care of many pets during the busy sommer vacation periods - Memorial Day Weekend, Fourth of July and Labor Day Weekend are very busy periods for me pet sitting in Boca Raton and nearby cites.  So I have to know a lot about how to care for dogs, cats and other pets to keep them safe and healthy at all times.  And my client's expect me to know what to do in case of emergencies.  That is why I am certified in pet first aid and as a Pet Tech Pet Saver.

Hot dogs cooking on the grill may be a tasty summer treat. But a real dog baking in the summer sun is in danger.

Pets aren't as efficient as cooling themselves as humans, since they don't sweat through their skin. The only sweat glands they have are on their pads and nose. Dogs depend upon panting to help cool themselves, a task made more difficulty when high humidity raises the heat index.

Following are answers to some frequently-asked questions about caring for your pet during the summer months.

Can my pet stay outside in the shade?
On very hot, humid summer days, veterinarians recommend against leaving animals outside all day -- even in the shade. It's important to remember that the shade of a tree will move during the day and a pet can become ill quickly if left in the sun to overheat. Unless your pet has a cool breezy outdoor area that is shaded throughout the day, he's safer indoors - especially during midday heat.
Elderly, very young, and ill animals have a particularly hard time regulating their body temperature on hot summer days, as do dogs with snub noses (such as Pekingese, pugs, and bulldog) and overweight animals. All of these pets require close monitoring and should be kept indoors as much as possible, recommends the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).

Can I exercise my pet during the summer?
Exercise is an important part of keeping your dog or cat at a healthy weight, which helps his or her body stay cool. However, overdoing it on hot day can cause your pet to overheat and put him at risk for heat exhaustion.

Keep your housecats inside during the hot, buggy summer weather - and outdoor cats hydrated with plenty of water bowls.  I love cat sitting -  I love cats!Choose the coolest part of the day - early in the morning, or in the evening. In addition, the AAHA recommends keeping summertime dog walks to a gentle pace and making sure your pet has plenty of water. If he's panting a lot or seems exhausted, it's time to stop.

Does my dog need a summer haircut?
Most veterinarians and professional groomers recommend against shaving your pet for the summer months, because a dog's coat helps to protect his skin from the sun and provides insulation from the heat. Since dogs don't sweat to cool themselves (the way people do), they don't need exposed skin to stay cool.

However, your pet's coat must be well-groomed for it to serve its purpose. Regular brushing and combing to maintain the coat are important during the spring and summer months. If your dog is badly matted or tangled, her coat may actually trap the heat and humidity close to the skin, adding to her discomfort. A comfort clip early in the season can help.

Should I put sunscreen on my pet?
Clipped or not, your dog or cat can get sunburned, particularly if he has light skin and hair. Sunburn in animals can cause the same types of problems that it does in people, including pain, peeling, and skin cancer.

The AAHA advises keeping your pet out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. When your dog is outside, applying sunblock to unprotected areas like the tips of the ears, the skin around the lips, and the tip of the nose is recommended.

Use caution when taking your dogs out during the summer heat - not too much exertion or long walks during midday heat and sun.  Short dog walks and a professional dog walkers knows this. As a professional pet sitter in Boca Raton, Florida, I see the benefits and hazards of taking care of pets in the tropical, sunny weather conditions we have all year.  I recommend shorter haircuts when possible, sunscreen (baby formulas are good) especially on fine coated dogs (like Bichon Frise), fresh, cool water in several bowls around the house and yard, toweling off dogs when they get wet in the rain (so they don't get chilled by the AC when inside) and not engaging in heavy running exercises in the high heat of the midday.  Make sure that you have a professional pet sitter when traveling away from home and make sure all family members and caretakers know how to care for you pets in all circumstances.  Have a safe and healthy summer with your pets!

About the Author: Nanette Gordon is a professional pet sitter, dog walker and house watcher in Boca Raton, Florida. She provides her personal, qualified and exclusive services to a localized area to ensure the best care.  Visit her website for more details: http://nanettegordon.com

May is National Pet Month


I love all kinds of dogs and cats - here is a Pug dog and Burmese cat - they are cute and lovable! I am a cat sitter and dog sitter and love it!Let's Celebrate for the Pets We Love!

Pets give us so much joy. They make us laugh. They share their unconditional love. We share our lives together. National Pet Month is all about giving back. First to pets, helping them live happy, satisfied lives. And to pet owners, helping you celebrate and nurture your pets. Show them your love and support all year long.

Great Ways to Celebrate National Pet Month

  1. Reward good behavior. Whether human, feline or canine, we all like to be recognized for good behavior. Provide extra love and treats to each of your pets as a deserving reward and they will likely continue the good behavior.
  2. Have you ever given your pet a massage? Show your appreciation for your dog during National Pet Month with a healthy indulgence that's not only relaxing, but will strengthen the loving bond between you and your best bud.
  3. Planning to welcome a needy cat into your home during National Pet Month? WONDERFUL. Find adorable adoptable pets near you. Visit our Search for Pets section to get started.
  4. Pets love presents too! Surprise your favorite furball with cool new stuff for feeding, playing and grooming.
  5. Schedule three or four, 5-10 minute play sessions with your pet throughout the day.
  6. Consider installing a bird feeder or an aquarium. Think of the hours of fun your kitties will have with either of these additions to your home.
  7. Give the gift of activity by building a dog run or mini obstacle course in your yard.
  8. Treat your pet to their favorite healthy snack.

There are so many more ideas but I just wanted to share a few to get you started. have fun with your pets today and everyday! 

There are many beautiful dogs, cats, puppies, kittens and other animals waiting to shower you with love - adopt don't shop!
About the Author: Nanette Gordon is a professional pet sitter, dog walker and house watcher in east Boca Raton, Florida. Since 2002, she has been providing her personal, licensed, bonded and insured services. Visit her website for more details: http://nanettegordon.com

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