So you’re going away? ….and your pets know it. Are these the main reasons for a pet sitter in Arizona? Rex sits and stares at you with sad, soulful eyes. Mittens jumps into your suitcase, clambering back every time you remove her so you can pack. Whether you’re leaving for a week or weekend (or longer) leaving your pets is a primary concern; for them as well as you. Pet parents worry about their dogs and cats as much as human parents worry about their children. You could ask your neighbors to freshen their food and water, but that’s an imposition for them as it is with adult family members. Plus, you wonder if they would know what to do in an emergency. Have they ever cared for an animal other than their own. What if they forget to stop by? If you’re concerned about these items, and more, it’s time to hire a pet sitter in Arizona. Reasons for and Benefits of Hiring a Pet Sitter: Pet sitters are qualified and professional. No more worrying about Fido accidentally missing a meal. Sitters care deeply about the animals in their care. They make sure all your pets needs are being met to per your request. Your pets will have companionship. Your furry friends will be walked and played with according to their own established schedule, and to your instructions. Walks will always be on time, and your pets’ unique favorite things will be there for them. Does Rex have a favorite squeaky toy? Does Mittens go nuts for the elusive red dot? We’re on it. Familiarity breeds no stress. One of our favorite reasons for a pet sitter is this. Surrounding your pets with familiar smells, sights, and sounds is comforting. Also, your pets will have their normal meals at the normal times, and sleep in their very own comfortable beds, stress-free and happy. Find a pet sitter in Arizona that services the areas near your home. Home care is safest. By staying at home, your pets won’t come into contact with other – possibly unvaccinated or sick – animals, as they might at a boarding kennel. They stay on their own routine and diet. Pet sitters receive training in health issues and animal first aid, including pet CPR. They’ll immediately update you with any concerns, and follow your instructions. One on One Time Reasons for a pet sitter, #5.Unlike a boarding facility, our pet sitters are spending one-on-one time with your pet. There won’t be other unfamiliar animals competing for a caregiver’s attention. Home security. It’s an added benefit: your home is less likely to come to the attention of unsavory types if there’s ongoing activity and someone’s clearly there. Closing blind and turning on/off lights is part of what we do. Best Reasons for a Pet Sitter in Arizona One of the best reasons for a pet sitter is that your pets are part of your family. They unfailingly provide companionship and unconditional love. Hiring a pet sitter is returning the favor in some ways. We know that separation is hard on both of you. It’s a pet sitter’s job to keep your furry friends safe and happy, and your home secure, while you’re away. Find a reputable pet sitter, like TLC Pet Sitter . They often cost less than a boarding kennel and they’re well worth the price! For More Information If you have questions about this topic or general questions about pet care, you can contact Kara Jenkins, Owner of TLC House & Pet Sitting. We are also available by email at info@tlcpetsitter.com . View more of our articles on pets here .

Issues with Kitty Litter? Let’s talk about your cat’s kitty litter box. Cats are instinctively clean animals that are internally motivated to use a clean, private litter box.  They require very little if any potty training.  So why is it that your cat chooses to relieve himself outside of the litter box?  There are several reasons for you to consider. Medical Reasons If your cat is uncharacteristically eliminating waste outside of the litter box, it is important to understand that this behavior is common when there is a medical problem present.  Urinary tract infections and crystals make urination painful for a cat.  They may relate the painful experience to the litter box, and begin to avoid it.  Before considering other possibilities for this behavior, first speak to your veterinarian about your cat’s health. Cleanliness Cats are very particular about the cleanliness of the area in which they choose to go potty.  It must be clean (by their standards).  If the litter box is soiled, your cat may prefer to “go” elsewhere.  Be sure to clean your kitty’s litter box at least once a day.  If there are multiple cats, you may need to consider more frequent cleaning. Stress A common cause for elimination outside of the litter box is stress.  If you notice your cat is going potty in random places, take note of the environment.  Are stressful events triggering this behavior?  Some stressful events that could cause your kitty to “go” are: a new pet in the home, loud or boisterous kids in the home, or unusually loud noises around the home.  Whenever possible, pinpoint the origin of your kitty’s stress and find a solution for it. Location, Location, Location Cats prefer a quiet, safe, and private location for their litter box. They also prefer to eliminate waste far away from where they eat. If the litter box is in a location that is noisy, high-traffic, or there is a chance that other household animals may disturb their peace, they may choose another safer location to do their “business”. Be sure to choose a quiet, safe location for your kitty’s litter box, so he will feel comfortable while using it. Also, place your cat’s food in a separate room from his litter box. Consistency of the Kitty’s Litter Studies show that cats prefer litter that has a “sand-like” consistency and is odor free.  Litter that is highly perfumed may be offensive to your cat and therefore, your cat may reject his litter box.  So, consider using litter that contains fewer harsh odors.  (Remember that clumping litters are NOT recommended for kittens ages 4 months and younger, as they may have a tendency to swallow litter).  Also, when cleaning your cats litter box, use the same consideration with regards to cleaning products.   Furthermore, allowing the litter box to dry in the sun will help to kill germs and provide a fresh, clean scent. Ditch the Liners Also, litter box liners tend to be an annoyance to kitties and they may avoid the litter box because of it.  Although you may enjoy the convenience of the clean-up, your kitty may not appreciate it.  Consider ditching the liners to prevent your cat from avoiding the litter box. Two Litter Boxes? It is common for cats to prefer two different locations for #1’s and #2’s.  If you feel that this may be the case for your kitty, you should have two litter boxes.  Keep them in separate locations.  If you have a two-story home, keep one litter box on each floor. Someone New? Inviting a new cat into the home, or moving can cause behaviors such as marking the territory and stress-related elimination.  If you have a new cat or a new home, you should confine your cat in one room including the litter box, bed, food and water.  This will allow the cat to feel safe and secure while getting used to his new surroundings.  Once the cat has used the litter box multiple times, and is showing signs that he is curious about exploring the rest of the house, you can then let him do so. Stay Put Kitty Litter Box Once you determine the location of your cat’s litter box, don’t move it or change it (except to clean it of course)!  Cats need the consistency and they resist change. Pardon Me If you find your cat in the middle of “going” somewhere in the house, don’t punish him.  Instead, do something to interrupt him like making a startling noise.  Then immediately direct your cat to the litter box.  Since cats often times relieve themselves outside of the litter box only in times of stress, by punishing them, you will only add to their stress and cause more accidents in the future.  Instead of punishment, try to discover the reason why your cat is eliminating outside of the litter box.  Only then, will you be able to alter the behavior. For More Information If you have questions about this topic or general questions about pet care, you can contact Kara Jenkins, Owner of TLC House & Pet Sitting. We are also available by email at info@tlcpetsitter.com . View more of our articles on pets here .

Pet First Aid Supplies You’ll Want at Home Pet first aid supplies are important any time your pet is far away from immediate help. For example, when your family is on a camping trip with Fido. Recently, while pet sitting for a client in the Scottsdale area, I realized that two of the dogs had been fighting while I was away.  One dog had a small cut on her eyelid, while the other dog had some minor scratches and bites to the face.  Fortunately, it was nothing too serious, however, it reminded me of the importance of having a pet first aid kit in the home.  Here is a thorough checklist for starting your own pet first aid kit.  It could save your pet’s life. Pet First Aid Supplies Checklist Important phone numbers and medical records including: your veterinarian, your local animal hospital, and Animal Poison Control Center: 888-4ANI-HELP (888-426-4435) – there may be a fee for this call. Leash, board or blanket to use as a stretcher, and kennel to transport your pet. Eye dropper or syringe without needle for oral treatments and flushing wounds. Gauze which can be used for wrapping wounds or muzzling. Do not use a muzzle if your pet is vomiting. Bandages or clean cloth, and adhesive tape for bandages. Do not use adhesive bandages like Band-Aid on your pet . Milk of Magnesia. Scissors with a blunt end. Disposable gloves. Tweezers. Activated charcoal for poison absorption. Hydrogen peroxide (3%) to induce vomiting – always talk to your vet or Animal Poison Control first before inducing vomiting Places like Chewy.com offer many of the supplies you’ll need all in one place. You’ll want to be sure to check your pet first aid supplies every few months to ensure nothing has expired. If it was used, you may need to replace items, too. And, of course, keep these pet first aid supplies out of reach of children.

Many cat owners are divided on the topic of keeping your cat indoors. A Scottsdale client recently told me a story of how his indoor / outdoor cat came home with scratches and bite marks after spending the night outside. His cat really enjoyed the freedom and stimulation of being outdoors, but after several dangerous encounters, this client decided to keep his kitty indoors full time. Many veterinarians agree that indoor cats live longer due to lower incidents of illness, accidents, and stress. For a happier, healthier pet, you may want to consider keeping your cat indoors. 10 Reasons for Keeping Your Cat Safely Indoors: Making the decision to keep your cat indoors for safety and health reasons is a very personal choice. In Scottsdale, we have coyotes, feral cats, homeless dogs, raccoons and other hungry animals roaming about – not to mention the occasional rattlesnake! Cat Parasites – Fleas, tapeworms, hookworms, and other parasites live outside. These skin and intestinal parasites are contracted while Fluffy is wandering in unfamiliar environments. She may pick them up from other animals or even by ingesting infected feces or soil. Parasites cause vomiting, diarrhea, dry skin, dull coat, itchiness and and other symptoms. Unfortunately, parasites can be very stressful for a cat. Traffic Accidents – Car accidents are a common cause of injury and death for outdoor cats. Feline Infection and Disease – Cats can easily catch something unpleasant when spending so much time outdoors. Common infections and some of the most dangerous feline diseases such as rabies, the leukemia virus and cat AIDS are extremely contagious. If your cat spends time outdoors, he may contract these diseases from infected felines or other animals. In addition, cats really like to chase mice and birds. Mice and birds are carriers of numerous infections. Poisoning – Outdoor cats may easily stumble upon toxic plants. Out of curiosity, craving or hunger, they will chew on these out of curiosity, craving or hunger. Poisoning can be fatal in cats, especially if you don’t get to the vet quickly. You can eliminate the toxic plants, rat poison and other potential dangers from your home, so your cat will not be at risk. Cat Fights – A cat spending time outdoors is more likely to get into a fight. Cats will fight with other cats, dogs, raccoons or skunks. Unless Fluffy is preparing for the impending serious injuries, this is very dangerous for her. In addition, contracting rabies from stray cats can also happen. Cat Allergies – Did you know that cats can get allergies, too? Some cats may develop allergy symptoms if left outdoors for extended periods of time. Why? Because they may be sensitive to inhalant allergens such as pollen. Early Detection – When kept indoors, you can better monitor your cat. Daily view of your feline allows you to quickly notice any changes in their health and behavior. This gives you opportunities to treat illnesses earlier. Reduce Stress – The stable environment that only a pet owner can provide while indoors, results in less stress for your beloved cats. Parasites and disease are also stress causing triggers. By being less exposed to these factors, an indoor cat may enjoy a more stress-free life. Cleaner Home – If your cat is not wandering outside, he won’t bring all the ‘gunk’. All kinds of dirt, dead animals and bacteria are out there and he may bring it in. This bacteria could affect the owner. This is especially true if the cat likes to spend time on couches or in the owner’s bed. Longer, Happier Life – Indoor cats typically live longer than outdoor cats. On average, indoor cats have a life expectancy between 10 to 15 years. Overall, however, there are several factors that determine how long your cat will live. This includes how often you take them to the vet for checkups. Keeping your cat indoors is certainly a personal choice. If you’re like the cat owner we mentioned above, it may be time to consider making the switch to keeping your cat indoors full time. For More Information If you have questions about this topic or general questions about pet care, you can contact Kara Jenkins, Owner of TLC House & Pet Sitting. We are also available by email at info@tlcpetsitter.com . View more of our articles on pets here .

Hazards of Christmas Decorations for Pets Including the Not So Obvious Ones The Christmas and holiday season is upon us once again. If you’re like many, there are time honored traditions visible in most corners of your home. From the fresh cut Christmas tree to the twinkly lights to the masses of sweet confections ( you may want to check out our article on Holiday Foods for Pets ). It’s an exciting time for all of us. Not unlike having a toddler in the house, extra precautions are needed with your pets. The hazards of Christmas decorations for pets may not be immediately obvious. With a little preparation and consideration this holiday season is sure to be festive and accident free. Our pets are part of the family Dangers of a Christmas Tree The Christmas tree, decorated from head to toe, feels magical to some. The smell of fresh pine and the twinkling of the lights can mesmerize and delight. Until your pets get a hold of it, that is. With an innate desire to chew on sticks and twigs, your pup may seek out the perfect branches for a snack. While this may seem harmless, did you know that oils from a fir tree can be quite irritating to mouth tissue ? It can cause excessive drooling and even vomiting. Even more hazardous are the needles of the tree if ingested. If consumed in enough quantity they can puncture the lining of the intestines. Worse, the needles can create a blockage in your pet’s intestinal tract. Both can have serious consequences. We recommend keeping an eye on your pets while the tree is in your home. If you live in an area like Arizona that doesn’t get a lot of snow, you may be tempted to bring a flocked tree home. Flocking is a process that deposits small fibers onto branches to simulate the look of snow. Beware that if Fido starts to nibble and ingests too much flocking, he could become quite ill. There’s one more item to be conscious of with a fresh tree. Many of them are treated with chemicals to extend their life span after being cut. These chemicals can seep into the water supply in your tree stand. When Fido gets thirsty and sneaks a sip from the tree (which looks like a big water bowl to her) she may be ingesting poison . Sparkly Lights No Christmas tree is complete without a bounty of beautiful lights. Whether you’re an all-white-lights kind of person, or prefer blinking multi-colored lights, every tree comes alive with them. Your pets couldn’t agree more. For whatever reason, many pets are drawn to the cords of lights. Whether they are on your tree, mantle, or around a door frame, pets are intrigued. Did you know that electrocution from chewing on cords is the most common form or electrical injury for pets . Electrocution, as it sounds, is quite painful. It can cause burning and scarring of the mouth and surrounding tissue and hair. Some animals even experience long-term complications from injuries sustained during cord chewing. If you have a pet that likes to chew, we suggest keeping lights up and away from their reach. Even if you think you can trust your pet, it is wise to periodically check cords for chew marks. Or, an extreme alternative that we’ve seen is placing a cage around your tree. This may dampen the Christmas mood a bit, however. Don’t let those cute faces fool you :o) Christmas Decorations for Pets Bringing out your favorite decorations from years gone by can be a tricky prospect with a tail wagging pup or a cat that can leap tall buildings in a single bound. If you need to scale back this year because of a new furry family member, here are a few alternatives that are safe and mostly pet proof. Paper decorations dyed with food coloring are inexpensive and safe ornaments (and fun for the kids to make) Shatterproof Christmas ornaments will last for years and usually survive a swat or bump off of the tree Silk Christmas ornaments are an alternative to glass and will withstand the curiosity of pets Decorations Not on Your Tree Even though the biggest attraction for your pets may be the tree, there are other hazards of Christmas decorations for pets to keep in mind. This abbreviated list may help you keep your home pet-friendly during the holiday season: Poinsettias can be dangerous to pets Poinsettia Plants – which are mildly poisonous to pets if ingested Advent Calendars – which often contain candy that can make your pets ill Live Mistletoe – which is mildly to moderately poisonous to pets and humans Cookies, Cakes, Pies – Some contain ingredients, such as chocolate or nuts, that can make our pets ill Jerusalem Cherry – which cause painful intestinal issues Lilies and Daffodils – which can cause convulsions and are fatal when ingested in large amounts At TLC we are wishing you and your pets a happy and safe 2020 holiday season. For More Information If you have questions about the hazards of Christmas decorations for pets or general questions about pet care, you can contact Kara Jenkins, Owner of TLC Pet Sitter. We are also available by email at info@tlcpetsitter.com .

Holiday Foods for Pets What’s Safe and What to Avoid With less than a week to go until it’s officially the holiday season, you may be doing a lot of menu planning.  Many of the holidays have traditions surrounding food, and none more so than Thanksgiving. You may be already aware that there are many foods unsafe for your pet. However, this list will show you that it is possible to prepare holiday food for pets that is delicious and safe for them. Turkey What would a Thanksgiving meal be without turkey? Luckily, the meat from this bird is safe for your pets as long as it is thoroughly cook. It should also be given without the skin. Of course, never give your dog the bones from the turkey. Bones can splinter easily becoming sharp weapons in your dog’s delicate digestive tract. In order to qualify as a good Thanksgiving food for pets, the turkey meat should be unseasoned. Sweet Potatoes There are several traditional Thanksgiving vegetables that your pets can enjoy with you. Sweet potatoes are often a pup favorite. They are rich in many nutrients, such as Vitamins A and C, fiber, and potassium. Most dogs will gladly chow down on some raw or dried pieces of sweet potato. You do not want to give your dog the canned kind or any that have been baked with marshmallows. Most marshmallows contain Xylitol, which is toxic for dogs. Your pets also do not need the additional sugar that is often found in sweet potato casseroles. Want to make a home made treat for your pup for the holidays? Enjoy this recipe for a DIY Sweet Potato Dog Chew . Green Beans Another great veggie to share with your pets is green beans. They are high in both fiber and Vitamins C and K. The trick here is to feed them to your dog while you are cooking up your green bean casserole. Your pet will much prefer the raw, crisp version over the finished product. If your secret green bean casserole recipe involves onions or mushrooms, it is even more important to not let your dog sample it, as these ingredients are toxic to them. Pumpkin This fall classic is often one of the first foods to make an appearance at the holidays. That being said, feeding your animals leftover pumpkins from Halloween is not advised and could make your pet very ill. You can, however, feed them pure fresh pumpkin. This holiday food for pets can be either raw or cooked, but it should not contain any added sugar or spices. Bread The bread debate; should I or shouldn’t I? Dogs are not going to get much nutritional value out of bread (just like us). Feeding your pup small servings of white bread or dinner rolls from time to time won’t hurt them. It won’t help them either. Bread is a filler food and doesn’t contain any extra nutrients that they are not already getting from their daily dog food diet. There can be significant health risks, however, from bread dough or not fully cooked bread. The yeast in many breads, if uncooked, will continue to rise once it enters your pets tummy. Read more about bread and your dog here from the American Kennel Club. Avoid Feeding Your Pets These Foods, Any Time of Year Walnuts and Raisins Many people know that raisins and grapes are dangerous for dogs. These mini treats pack a punch to your pups kidneys. Avoid them always. What many people do not know is that several types of nuts, in particular walnuts, are also very dangerous. For more information on nuts and pets, reading this article will help . Mac and Cheese This holiday food for pets should be approached with caution. There is a debate on mac and cheese in the pet community. Dogs and cats do not need a daily dose of dairy products. But some sure do love it! However, some pets, even cats, can become intolerant of dairy products. This is especially true in older pets. In these cases, even small amounts of mac and cheese could result in gas, vomiting, and diarrhea. You know your pet best, if their tummies can handle it, keep the treat to one small serving. Mashed Potatoes with Garlic and Onion Garlic and onion can make your dogs very ill. Even the powdered versions can wreak havoc on your pets body. Further, raw potatoes should be avoided as they contain an element toxic to animals; solanine. If your pet loves potatoes, be sure that they are fully baked or boiled (and cooled) before serving to your furry friend. Skip the salt and butter, too, for the best version for Fido. As always, for items that may affect the health and safety of your pet, consult with your veterinarian. For More Information If you have questions about holiday foods for pets or general questions about pet care, you can contact Kara Jenkins, Owner of TLC Pet Sitter. We are also available by email at info@tlcpetsitter.com .

Halloween Safety Tips for Pets It’s almost Halloween time again. We humans may be looking forward to ghosts and ghouls, but it can be a stressful time for pets. There are many sights and sounds that can scare your pets during Halloween. Taking a few precautions to minimize the spooky factor for your pets can go a long way. With these tips, you can make this Halloween safe for everyone. Keep the Candy Away from Furry Paws For many, Halloween is mostly about the candy. Those masses of sugary treats are intended for human trick-or-treaters. Most commercial candy can be toxic to your cat or dog .  Did you know that chocolate and pets are a dangerous combination as it can cause illness?  Even candies without sugar, like sugar-free gum, can be harmful to your pets.  These treats are often made with ingredients that can cause problems for animals. For a more complete list of harmful foods for pets , visit the ASPCA website. Keep Candy Away from Your Pets To make sure that your holiday fun isn’t interrupted with a trip to the veterinarian’s office, it is best to keep those treats up and away from anything non-human. This includes zombies, scarecrows, and dragons. With all of those pets and non-pets roaming around this time of year, be sure to keep a close eye on the candy bowl. Pets especially love to grab things when you are distracted by the Princess trick-or-treater at the door. If you suspect your cat or dog did ingest candy or chocolate, contact your veterinarian immediately. If you absolutely have to treat your dog, there are a few non-candy alternatives that your pup will love. For instance, these Boo Bars from Blue Buffalo . They are made with pumpkin and cinnamon. Limit Your Pet’s Costume Time A cat or dog in a Halloween costume can be cute. However, most pets do not enjoy having their movements constricted by an awkward costume. That feeling may cause your pet to panic and become stressed. When your pet feels that stress it can cause a dog or cat to hide or run away in fear. If your pet will be wearing a costume for even a short time, be sure to inspect it. Check the costume for parts that may be a choking hazard. For instance, small parts can be easily chewed off. If you are looking for a simple costume, consider a festive bandana for your pet. Some companies even make personalized bandanas for Rover. Keeping Your Pet Calm During the Halloween Festivities Halloween brings a lot of visitors to your door. This can be a frightening time for your pet. The constant flow of strangers – looking unusual – can increase your pet’s anxiety levels. On this evening, you may want to consider keeping your pets in a separate room during trick-or-treating times. Pets kept in a separate room will also ensure that Mittens and Rover won’t try to run out the front door. Just in case, however, make sure that your dog or cat has updated identification tags. In general, having updated tags is a good safety tip any time of the year. It can help you be reunited with your pet if they decide to make a dash for the door. For More Information If you have questions about Halloween safety tips for pets or general questions about pet care, you can contact Kara Jenkins , Owner of TLC Pet Sitter. We are also available by email at info@tlcpetsitter.com .