Pet Sitting Care by Nanette Gordon
Pet First Aid
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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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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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Boca Raton Pet Sitter Nanette Gordon: Posted on Wednesday, April 06, 2011 10:55 PM
 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.
 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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