Pet Sitting Care by Nanette Gordon
First Aid for Pets
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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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Boca Raton Pet Sitter Nanette Gordon: Posted on Monday, June 20, 2011 9:57 AM
Take Your Dog to Work Day hosted by PSI is Every June
First celebrated in 1999, Pet Sitters International’s Take Your Dog
To Work Day® was created to celebrate the great companions dogs make and
to encourage their adoption from humane societies, animal shelters and
breed rescue clubs. This annual event asks pet lovers to celebrate the
humane-canine bond and promote pet adoption by encouraging their
employers to support TYDTW Day by opening their workplace to employees’
four-legged friends on this one special day.
Each June, businesses, animal shelters and pet-care
professionals from around the world will work together to better the
lives of shelter dogs everywhere. Thousands of businesses will open
their doors to employees’ furry, four-legged friends on this day in
celebration of the great companions dogs make and to promote pet
adoption.
Pet Sitters International invites your business to participate in this fun and worthwhile event.
 We are asking every business--great and small--to become a true
friend of the canine community by helping Pet Sitters International
promote pet adoptions in a positive and proactive way! Explore our site
to learn how you can participate, register your business and spread the
word.
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Boca Raton Pet Sitter Nanette Gordon: Posted on Monday, June 13, 2011 10:55 AM
Do you Have File Information on Your Pets?
Do you know what veterinarian your dad uses for his dog? Do you know
the name of the groomer that does your sister’s cat? Does anyone but you
know that your rabbit loves dill but won’t touch kale?
As a professional pet sitter, each time I meet a new client I ask them for the pet's medical and other records. Unfortunately I am surprised at times to learn that the pet guardians are not keeping their files handy and up today. In order for me to accept a pet sitting assignment, I need the pet vaccination records, rabies tags for outdoor pets (always for dogs and for outdoor cats), prescription instructions, veterinarian and emergency contact information and many other details for the care of the pets.
It’s not
surprising if the answers to these questions are no. Most of us are
involved in our own lives but not so deeply involved in our friends and
relatives’ lives. What happens though in an emergency if you need to
step in and take over the care of these animals?
We recently had a dog surrendered to us from a man whose mother just
had a major stroke and was moved to a nursing home. He knew virtually
nothing about the animal except his name. It was just like taking in a
stray where we would have to get to know the animal and figure out what
kind of home would be suitable. What a shame. It was clear from how
well groomed and socialized the dog was that he was well loved. I’m sure
the mother would want the adopters to know about all the dog’s quirks,
likes and dislikes so that the transition could be as painless as
possible. Sadly, she is in no condition to share this information with
us.
 When I think about all the routines necessary for the care of my pet sitting clients, food warming, particular dishes, walking and potty habits, I know that putting them into a new home would not be
easy on them. That is why people hire me for my pet sitting services. I write down all their particular instructions.
But for cases when family members or friends are taking care of your pets in your absence, having detailed, accurate files for their care is great - keep it right on the kitchen counter, labeled with the pet's names and keep all records of vaccinations, Vet visits, medications and other details. Of course, it might be stored on a computer as well, but if there is a power outage or storm conditions that necessitate evacuation, it is better to have a filing system for mobile transport.
So how can we make that transition easier in case it ever comes to
that? Planning is key and should be part of your disaster preparedness.
Keep a file on each animal – who is their veterinarian, are they
current on vaccinations, have they had any serious illnesses or
injuries, what is their favorite game or toy, what brand of food do they
eat and how often, where do you keep their medications, his microchip
number and the phone number of the registry, is there a friend who knows
this animal and can answer questions about them, etc. Add a couple of
photos of the pet including a good head-shot, in case you need that to
ID a lost animal.
Keep this file updated and accessible. Write out
instructions for each animal like you were going on a vacation with your instructions for your pet sitter and family members. It might sound like a lot of
work but it’s worth the time to care of your pet family.
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Pet Sitter Nanette Gordon, Boca Raton: Posted on Thursday, May 19, 2011 11:15 AM
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.
 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.
 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
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Pet Sitter Nanette Gordon, Boca Raton: Posted on Tuesday, May 10, 2011 10:26 AM
Hot Weather Hazards for Pets
Summer Safety Tips:
Hot weather can make us all uncomfortable, and it poses special risks
for your dog. Keep the following safety concerns in mind as the
temperature rises, and follow our tips to keep your dog cool.
As a professional pet sitter and pet care specialist in east Boca Raton, I am very familiar with the hot weather we have almost 12 months of the year. Therefore it is very important that I am knowledgeable in the health risks and emergency response necessary for dogs, cats and other animals during hot weather. My pet sitting service "All the Best Pet Sitting by Nanette Gordon" is prepared at all times with training and first aid supplies for pets and other animals and I am trained in pet first aid and as Pet Tech Pet Saver.
Heat Hazards:
If your dog is outside on a hot day, make sure he has a shady spot to
rest in. Doghouses are not good shelter during the summer as they can
trap heat. You may want to fill a child's wading pool with fresh water
for your dog to cool off in.
Never leave your dog in a closed vehicle on a hot day. The
temperature inside a car can rise to over 100 degrees in a matter of
minutes.
Always provide plenty of cool, fresh water.
Avoid strenuous exercise on extremely hot days. Take walks in the
early mornings or evenings, when the sun's heat is less intense.
 Try to avoid prolonged exposure to hot asphalt or sand, which can burn your dog's paws.
Dogs that are brachycephalic (short-faced), such as Bulldogs, Boxers,
Japanese Chins, and Pekingese, have an especially hard time in the heat
because they do not pant as efficiently as longer-faced dogs. Keep your
brachycephalic dog inside with air-conditioning.
General Health:
Make sure your dog's vaccinations are up to date, especially since
dogs tend to stay outdoors longer and come into contact with other
animals more during the summer months.
Keep dogs off of lawns that have been chemically treated or
fertilized for 24 hours (or according to package instructions), and away
from potentially toxic plants and flowers.
Keep your dog well-brushed and clean.
Fleas and ticks, and the mosquitos which carry heartworm disease, are
more prevalent in warmer months. Ask your veterinarian for an effective
preventive to keep these parasites off your dog.
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