Pet Sitting Care by Nanette Gordon
Dog Walker
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Boca Raton Pet Sitter Nanette Gordon: Posted on Monday, January 23, 2012 3:36 PM
Dog Harness Information
1. Which dogs are best suited for harnesses?
A harness, which fits around your dog's chest and rib cage is ideal
for small dogs (15-25 lbs at adult weight), medium dogs (30-50 lbs at adult weight), sometimes large dogs, all flat-nosed dogs (Pug,
Boston Terrier, Pekingese, Bulldog varieties), those with delicate windpipes (Yorkshire
Terrier, Chihuahua, Pomeranian) and dogs with neck or spine problems.
For these dogs, leash tension puts pressure on the throat and
trachea which can cause irritation, coughing, choking, or even a
collapsed trachea. Because the harness straps are on the dog's chest, it
relieves his neck from any harmful leash pressure.
2. Which type of harness is the easiest to use?
A Comfort Wrap Harness has a step-in design that's simple to use and
provides a comfortable fit for your dog. Simply lay the harness on the
ground and have your dog step in. Pull the harness up, clip the buckle
and you're ready! Multiple adjustment points ensure a perfect fit.
3. What are the different types of harnesses that prevent leash pulling?
There are two types of no-pull harnesses.
One type has a leash attachment ring at the center of your dog's chest
which gives you more control of your dog's front half and gently guides
him back towards you when he pulls. The other type works by gently tightening around your dog's chest or
leg area, restraining him when he pulls. It is ideal for committed
pullers.
As a professional pet sitter and dog walker in my community of Boca Raton, Florida, I have encountered many dog owners that are not aware of the necessity, importance and assistance that these harnesses can offer. Not only do they give better control for walking, reduce pulling and help with training, they can prevent injuries to many dogs - and the walkers, because of the better control. Of course, by now, I hope everyone is throwing away their retractable leashes - I refuse to walk dogs with these at any time or size of dog. They are dangerous and worthless.
There is a wide variety of styles of harnesses that offer you choices with form, function and fashion options. Check out your local pet supply stores and online shopping.
About the Author: Nanette Gordon is a licensed, insured, bonded and certified in pet first aid pet sitter with her business in Boca Raton since 2002. She provides her personal services by visiting the homes of the many dogs, cats, birds, fish and other domestic pets that live in her community. Visit her website to learn more about her services and the credentials and care that you should look for when hiring a pet sitter and dog walker for your pets. www.nanettegordon.com
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Boca Raton Pet Sitter Nanette Gordon: Posted on Tuesday, October 11, 2011 9:07 AM
 Halloween Pet Safety: 5 tips to ensure pets stay safe and comfortable at Halloween
1. Think things through before putting
your pet in a Halloween costume. Unless your dog or cat is extremely
receptive to this kind of thing, you could be causing discomfort and
stress. If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume doesn’t
obstruct your pet’s vision and isn't uncomfortable or unsafe.
2.
Know when to say “No!” This isn’t news to anyone, but dogs and cats
will beg for treats. But please remember that Halloween goodies are for
the humans not pets. Most pet guardians know that chocolate is
poisonous to pets, but candies made with the sugar substitute Xylitol
are also dangerous. Candy wrappers can also pose a problem. Be sure to
keep candy and candy wrappers out of paw’s reach. 3. Your
pets might not be the party animals in your family. If you’re having a
party, put your pets in a room where they won't be disturbed. Be sure to
check on them and reassure them that everything is all right. They may
not be prepared to take part in the Halloween fun, but they don’t want
to be isolated and ignored, either. Also don’t give alcoholic beverages
to dogs, cats, birds or any other animals. Keep a watchful eye on party
guests. Some may think it's funny to give an animal alcohol, but it can
result in serious illness and even death.
4. Don’t let
your pets become escape artists. Be extra careful that cats or dogs
don't dart outside through an open door. Once a pet is out the door, its
familiar neighborhood can become unfamiliar and scary territory on
Halloween. House and yard decorations, Trick-or-Treaters and increased
traffic can panic an escaped pet. A panicked pet may run too far from
home to find its way back. 5. (Fire) safety first. Pets
don’t understand that small fires are inside of pumpkin Jack-O-Lanterns. Dogs,
particularly enthusiastic tail-waggers, can easily knock over a pumpkin
and cause a fire. Curious cats and kittens also run the risk of getting burned.
Place Jack-O-Lanterns where they can’t be knocked over by swinging tails
or prying paws.
As a professional pet sitter in Boca Raton, Florida, I get to visit the homes of pet guardians and see the potential hazards of sliding glass doors, broken yard fences and even dangerous plants that can be hazardous to pets so I am always able to advise my customers about precautions to keep their pets safe. Holidays like Halloween that feature chocolate and other candies can be especially dangerous so when I am house sitting for dogs and cats I look around for any candy that might be on display or even in trash cans that the pets can get to and place them out of reach or in the refrigerator. Make holidays fun for everyone - and safe! Happy Halloween, the beginning of the winter holiday season of parties and decorations.
About the Author: Nanette Gordon is a professional, licensed, bonded and insured pet sitter, dog walker and house watching specialist in Boca Raton, Florida. She has been providing her personal care taking services since 2002. Visit her website for more details: http://nanettegordon.com
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Boca Raton Dog Walker Nanette Gordon: Posted on Monday, October 03, 2011 11:02 AM
 The Importance of Dog Walking and Boca Raton Dog Walking & Dog Parks
Did
you know that wolves and dogs are related to each other? From the
Great Dane to the toy Chihuahua, all breed of dogs are direct
descendants of the wolf. And because of that, many of the wolf’s
characteristics and behaviors still survive in today’s domestic dogs.
One
of the similarities that exist between wolves and dogs is their ability
to travel long distances. Most dogs (except for breeds that have been
radically changed by man’s selective breeding) have the energy and
strength to travel an average of fifteen miles a day.
Those dogs
who do not get enough dog walking become frustrated and often
demonstrate destructive, undesirable behaviors such as barking, chewing,
running away, and digging. As a professional dog walker and pet sitter in Boca Raton, Florida, I can hear the frustrated barking of dogs that are not able to get out during the workdays and dogs that are crated for long periods of time.
Dog walking, whether it is dog walking
on a leash or dog exercise off the leash is the most common and
universal way to exercise your dog. In fact, dog walking is an
excellent activity. And being a responsible dog walker includes carrying dog waste bags for picking up solid waste for proper disposal in designated dog waste stations, dumpsters, residential trash barrels - make sure you know where these are located near your dog walking route. In the city of Boca Raton where I live and provide my dog walking services, I always know where the nearest place is to dispose of the dog waste baggies - and my customers, neighbors and other workers in my areas know and appreciate this!
 Both you and your dog can benefit from dog
walking by getting an adequate amount exercise. Another neat aspect of
dog walking is that it gives you an opportunity to meet people. Dog
walking is a wonderful way to meet someone with whom you can form a “dog
play group”.
When dog walking, pay close attention to your dog.
Make sure that he does not relieve himself on the neighbor's lawn. If
possible, have him relieve himself at home before you start the dog
walking. You should also prevent him from distracting other people and
elements.
Dog walking is also a great way to train your dog to
walk without pulling on his leash. Dog walking is not good nor is it
fun if your dog is constantly tugging you down the street while you are
gasping and wheezing for air. It is also not good for your arm. If you
are a beginner at dog walking, you might need to be stubborn at first
because it is not natural for a very excited dog to walk at a normal
pace to match yours. I recommend using a standard nylon, leather or similar leash that is non-retractable and a short length of 3-4" to keep your dog by your side - the flexible, retractable leashes that extend up to 20' are dangerous, can allow your dog to get into trouble with hiding animals, snakes and other dangers in shrubs, can snap if the the dog pulls suddenly and also does not allow you to properly interact with your dog. Retractable leashes should only be used in dog parks (Mizner Bark City of Boca Raton Dog Park)
When anyone is taking your dog walking, whether it is a family member, friend or professional dog walker, make sure that they are aware that pulling is not allowed. Keeping your dog close by has many important reasons, not the least of which is safety, but also including control and socialization.
Consistency is important; you do not want your dog to get into the habit
of pulling his leash while being walked, which makes the activity more
difficult for you. Dog walking should be a pleasant experience for both
you and your dog and one that both of you can look forward to.
About the author: Nanette Gordon is the business owner and personal care provider for her company Nanette L. Gordon Enterprises Inc. in Boca Raton, Florida. Since 2002, she has been pet sitting, dog walking and house watching in east Boca Raton and nearby for zip codes 33432, 33486, 33431, 33487 and 33441. Visit her website for more details: http://nanettegordon.com |
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Pet Sitter Nanette Gordon, Boca Raton: Posted on Friday, August 05, 2011 10:43 AM
Senior Dogs & Cats: The Signs
Since I am a professional pet sitting service provider and pet care specialist in east Boca Raton, I take care of many senior pets, including dogs, cats, birds and rabbits. It is important for me to be aware of the special care they require due to their age and I also like to help my clients understand their pets better.
Being aware of the normal
aging changes for your senior pet will help you identify when there is a
medical problem that should be addressed.
What is "old age" for dogs?
The old classic "one human year equals seven dog years" is an easy way
to calculate and relate to your dog's age, but isn't the most accurate.
Large breed dogs (i.e. Great Danes) are considered a senior at 6 or 7
years of age, whereas small breeds (i.e. toy poodle), aren't considered a
senior until their teen years. I have seen more than one poodle in the
18 to 20 year range. There are studies to suggest that certain breeds
are more long-lived than others, too.
As a general rule of thumb, a dog who is 7 years or older should be
considered middle to senior aged, and a consultation with your vet is in
order to determine the best health care maintenance program for your
dog as s/he ages. For smaller breed dogs, your vet (in consultation with
you) may elect to wait a couple of years before doing any geriatric
monitoring.
What things should I expect as my dog ages?
Each dog, like each human, is different. Here are some general things to watch for as a pet ages.  - Slowing down - You may notice that you dog slows down some
with aging. This isn't always the case, but look for subtle changes in
how s/he gets up, lays down, and uses stairs. Is there any hesitation or
stiffness? Does a change in the weather (rainy, cold) make it worse?
Arthritis is common in dogs as they age, particularly large
breeds. Arthritis can occur in any joint, most commonly the legs, neck
and back (spine). There are many different medications available to help
ease the discomfort of arthritis -- see your vet if you notice any
signs of slowing down in your dog. Another potential cause of slowing
down is hypothyroidism , an endocrine disorder common in dogs. This condition is easily diagnosed and treated with proper veterinary care.
- Graying around the face, muzzle - One of my dogs went
prematurely gray at two years of age, but most dogs commonly show a bit
of gray starting at middle age (5-6 years).
- Reduced hearing - Is your dog hard to wake up after
sleeping or does s/he become startled easily if you approach from
behind? Hearing loss or deafness may be a reason for this. There isn't a
lot that can be done for age-related hearing loss, but a vet exam
should be done first to rule out other medical problems, such as an
infection, growth, or foreign body in the ear.
If your dog does experience hearing loss, take care to protect
him/her from hazards, such as cars and kids that s/he may not hear (or
see). Dogs do learn and adapt well using hand signals to come, stay,
sit, and so on. It is a good idea to "cross train" your dog early in
life to recognize basic hand signals.
- Cloudy or "bluish" eyes - As they age, dog's eyes often
show a bluish transparent "haze" in the pupil area. This is a normal
effect of aging, and the medical term for this is lenticular sclerosis.
Vision does not appear to be affected. This is NOT the same as
cataracts. Cataracts
are white and opaque. Vision can be affected by cataracts, and your vet
needs to be consulted (see "when is it time to see the vet?" below).
- Muscle atrophy - Mild loss of muscle mass, especially
the hind legs, may be seen with old age. Some muscle atrophy, notably on
the head and the belly muscles, can be significant. Be sure to have your vet check this out if any muscle loss is noted.
 Now About Cats
As a general
rule of thumb, a cat who is 10 years or older should be considered middle
to senior aged, and a consultation with your vet is in order to determine
the best health care maintenance program for your cat as s/he ages.
What things
should I expect as my cat ages? Each cat, like each human, is different. Here are some general things
to watch for as a cat ages.
Slowing
down - Admittedly, this can be hard to discern for many cats!
You know your cat best - do you notice any of the following: - sleeping
more than usual?
- Not
wanting to climb the cat condo as much?
- Any
difficulty grooming the "hard to reach" areas?
- Difficulty
going up or down the stairs, jumping up or down off of favorite perches?
Reduced
hearing - Cats can experience hearing loss. The loss may be barely
noticeable, or, as in the case of some cats, the hearing loss can be
total. Always have your vet examine your cat's ears if there is question
of hearing loss -- to rule out parasites, infection, growths in the
canal, or other medical problems that could interfere with normal hearing.
Cloudy
or "bluish" eyes - Like dogs, cat's eyes often show a
bluish transparent "haze" in the pupil area. This is a normal
effect of aging, and the medical term for this is lenticular sclerosis. Vision does not appear to be affected. This is NOT the same as cataracts.
 Cataracts - are
white and opaque. Vision can be affected by cataracts, and your vet
needs to be consulted (see "when is it time to see the vet?" below).
Thinning
of the iris - - Also known as iris atrophy, some cats eyes,
particularly those lighter in color, may appear to be "moth-eaten"
as they age. This does not appear to affect vision, but some cats may
become more light sensitive. Increased pigmentation in the iris may
indicate a risk for malignant iris melanoma and should be checked by your vet.
Muscle
atrophy - Mild loss of muscle mass, especially the hind legs, may
be seen with old age. If your cat is having trouble walking, see your
veterinarian. Some cats with Diabetes Mellitus can have nerve problems and become "dropped in the hocks" and have trouble walking, see your vet if your cat is having trouble standing or walking.
As a pet sitter, I care for many senior cats and dogs so I recognize the above conditions and act accordingly while they are in my care and recommend to their guardians that veterinary care is necessary. I also like to help my clients with their questions about how to change behavior around senior pets, change exercise routines and generally be more gentle with our senior pet family members.
About the Author: Nanette
Gordon is a professional pet sitter, dog walker and house watcher in Boca Raton, Florida since 2002. She provides her personal, exclusive and qualified services for a localized area to ensure the best care possible. Visit her website for more details: http://nanettegordon.com
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Pet Sitter Nanette Gordon, Boca Raton, FL: Posted on Thursday, July 14, 2011 11:08 AM
 How To Live with Pets and Allergies
As a professional pet sitter, I spend a great deal of time going into people's homes to care for their companion pets and even I have mild allergies to the dander of dogs and cats and maybe even other animals. But I don't let it get me down. I take a daily antihistamine OTB medication and this helps me manage the itchy eyes and runny nose I sometimes get. The following writing will help pet lovers prepare their homes more effectively to manage sinus and upper respiratory allergies that affect many.
Animal lovers don't need to get rid of their pets to conquer their pet allergies. For people sensitive to pet dander, regular home cleanings can dramatically reduce their allergy symptoms.
Nearly ten million people choose to live with pets, even though they
have allergies to them, according to the American Academy of Allergy
Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI).
What Causes of Pet Allergies?
Pet allergies are caused by the protein found in animal dander
(dead skin cells), saliva or urine. These lightweight proteins float
through the air and, when inhaled by people who are sensitive to them,
trigger cold-like reactions such as sniffling, sneezing and watery eyes.
Cat dander, in particular, is a notorious allergy trigger because it is so lightweight and sticky.
Helpful Pet Allergy Solutions
But most pet allergy sufferers don't need to pack their bags to get relief from their allergy symptoms.
Experts say it's possible to co-exist with pets by making indoor living
spaces as clean and allergy friendly as possible. Here are some helpful
hints to relieve your pet allergies:  - Pet Allergy Tip #1 Replace carpeting (which can
collect pollens, mold spores and other outdoor allergens) with hardwood
or other solid surface flooring for easy clean-up of pet hair. Clean
floors daily to keep them as fur-free as possible. Less fur on the floor
means fewer allergens in your home.
- Pet Allergy Tip #2 Vacuum furniture, curtains and
carpets weekly. Use a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Arresting)
filter in your vacuum to prevent dander from escaping back into the
room. Try the Dyson DC17 Absolute Animal vacuum with HEPA filtration for
cleaner expelled air.
- Pet Allergy Tip #3 Hire a professional to clean
your furnace's ductwork to remove dust and allergens build-ups. And
regularly replace furnace filters with high quality ones designed to
keep pet dander from re-entering living spaces.
- Pet Allergy Tip #4 Don't allow pets on upholstered
furniture. If that's not possible, cover chairs and sofas with washable
slipcovers or spray them with Febreze Allergen Reducer to keep pet dander from becoming airborne.
- Pet Allergy Tip #5 Run an electrostatic or HEPA air cleaner.
Pet Allergy Tip #6 Keep pets out of the allergic
person's bedroom, say allergists, because dander collects on pillows and
leads to worsened symptoms at night and in the morning. For extra
protection, encase mattresses and pillows with special covers to block allergens.
Other environmental tactics to combat allergens include regularly brushing pets outside and bathing them weekly with formulated to neutralize dander.
By following these simple steps to control allergens in your home,
you'll be able to reduce your allergy symptoms without having to give up
your furry friend.
About the Author: Nanette
Gordon is a professional pet sitter, dog walker and house watcher for her Boca Raton based company Nanette L. Gordon Enterprises Inc. since 2002. She provides her personal services and is licensed, bonded and insured. Visit her website for more details: http://nanettegordon.com
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