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Pet Sitting Care by Nanette Gordon

Daily Dog Walking

Boca Raton Dog Walking Tips, About Leashes & More

Proper dog walking techniques and supplies will make your dog walks stress free and safe .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!

Dog parks are a nice way to take your dogs to a safe area and let them play without their leashes - the city of Boca Raton offers 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)
Safety for your dog walking includes a collar and ID tags at all times, good quality standard leashes and for some dogs, harnesses.

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

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

Pet First Aid Awareness, Boca Raton, Florida

A professional pet sitter is certified in Pet First Aid.Be Prepared for Emergencies and Safety with a Special Pet First Aid Kit

Pets catch spring fever, too; they can hardly wait to soak up the sunshine and warm breezes with you. But with their increased outdoor exposure comes an additional risk for injuries and accidents.

Since I am a professional and full time pet sitting service provider for my company "All the Best Pet Sitting" in Boca Raton, Florida, it is necessary for me to be prepared at all times to assist the pets in my care during a medical emergency.  That is why I am certified in pet first Aid by the American Red Cross and as a Pet Tech Pet Saver and always have my pet first aid kit with me.

So what’s a concerned pet owner and guardian  to do? Enjoy the season, but be vigilant about your pet’s health by putting together a first aid kit in a waterproof box for warm-weather emergencies.

The essential element of any first aid kit is a list of emergency phone numbers that includes your veterinarian, an after-hours emergency veterinary hospital and the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435).   The last thing you want to do in an emergency is hunt around for 10 minutes looking for these very important phone numbers. Tape the phone list to the inside of the box.

Then, be sure to include these key items on the inside:

1. Muzzle: This item is a must in preventing your pet from defensively biting you while you attend to the injury. Even the sweetest of our furry friends can bite when frightened or in pain.

2. E-Collar (Elizabethan Collar): A plastic cone (think: inverted lampshade) that attaches around the pet’s neck, the E-collar is key in keeping pets from doing more harm to their injuries, such as licking their wounds, which can introduce harmful bacteria to an open sore. “There’s nothing owners hate more than the E-collar,” laughs Dr. Christiansen. “They cannot handle it.” Although silly-looking, it’s a necessary evil, he adds.

3. Digital Thermometer: Sold at any drugstore, a thermometer is key in gauging how sick your pet really is. The average temperature range for a dog or cat is 100°F to 102.5°F. A temperature lower than 100 or higher than 104 is an emergency that requires immediate attention from a vet.

4. Hydrogen Peroxide: This household item is useful in cleaning wounds, but also for inducing vomiting if a pet has swallowed something dangerous. Always check with your veterinarian or the poison control center before inducing vomiting, because if the substance ingested is caustic, it might be more harmful coming back up.

5. Triple Antibiotic Ointment: This is good for keeping small wounds and lacerations free of infection.

6. Styptic Powder: This helps stop the bleeding from a broken or torn nail, and is sold at most pet supply stores. You dip the nail into the powder to help form a clot.


7. Bandages: These include nonadhesive gauze pads, gauze rolls and flexible bandages. However, homemade pet bandages should be checked and rewrapped by a veterinarian as soon as possible after the injury.

8. Benadryl (diphenhydramine): To treat allergic reactions (from insect bites and bee stings), have this over-the-counter human medication on hand. It comes in a pediatric liquid variety, which allows you to give a lower dose than the adult tablets. As a rule: Give 1 to 2 mg of Benadryl per pound of weight. For instance, if your cat weighs 5 pounds, start with 5 mg. If more is needed, increase to 10 mg.

9. Eyewash: Used to flush out harmful substances sprayed into your pet’s eyes, this is the same eyewash that people use, found at most drugstores. After flushing the eyes, it is recommended to apply the E-collar to keep the pet from wiping or scratching at the eyes.

10. Tweezers: These are the best tools for removing splinters and ticks. Avoid using your hands to remove a tick because of the risk of tick-borne diseases.

You can contact the American Red Cross to purchase a pet first aid kit, get pet first aid training and purchase their pet first aid DVD also. Visit American Red Cross for more information and purchases. 

It is important to know the special pet first aid techniques for cats. As a professional pet sitter and someone who cares deeply about the safety of pets and all animals, another handy item that I keep with me at all times in my vehicle is the Pet First Aid instruction manual published by the American Red Cross along with my Pet First Aid kit.  It contains thorough information on common pet emergency situations, symptoms of allergic reactions and poison ingestion in pets and the necessary procedures to follow to treat the pets in preparation for transport to an animal emergency center.  You can save their lives with proper knowledge and keeping your composure calm in an emergency situation.

About the Author: Nanette Gordon is a professional pet sitter, dog walker and house watcher in Boca Raton, Florida since 2002.  Her business Nanette L. Gordon Enterprises Inc. is incorporated, licensed, insured, bonded and she is certified in pet first aid.  Visit her website for more details: http://nanettegordon.com
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