Pet Sitting Care by Nanette Gordon

Boca Raton Pet Sitting Service celebrates 10 Year Anniversary

03/05/2012 12:41:00

Boca Raton Pet Sitter Nanette Gordon celebrates 10 Year Anniversary for Pet Sitting Service

"I am so proud to be able to say that I have been providing my professional pet sitting and house sitting services for 10 years now !" announces Nanette Gordon, business owner and pet sitting and house watching service provider in Boca Raton, Florida since 2002.

There is no better testament to success than longevity and a good reputation, especially in a small, seasonal community and during a slow economic period but Nanette is able to stay afloat with heavy repeat customers and numerous referrals from her client's and local business owners.

"I love the work that I do because of my intense love and care for animals and nature. I attribute my continued success to to my ability to remain focused and organized, calm in emergency situations, compassionate to human and animal needs, trustworthy and respectful of private property and matters."

Each morning after Nanette wakes and takes care of any current pet sitting or dog walking assignments, she is at her home office desk reviewing and preparing for the days pet sitting and house checking assignments, replying to emails, posting on Facebook about pet friendly and fund raising events for pets and animals, as well as animal rescue and shelter urgent need postings, daily marketing efforts for the business, confirming appointments and upcoming assignments with new and existing clients. Then it is out the door for the midday dog walking sessions for busy professionals and afternoon cat care visits.

"Each day that I am able to provide my tender, loving care to animals and check on people's homes while they are away, gives me joy and satisfaction that I am providing necessary and appreciated services to wonderful people and their beloved pet family. There is no better way to be able to spend my life and I am grateful for the opportunity."

Most days and weekends are filled with dog walking assignments, specialize cat care visits, house sitting services for seasonal residents and frequent travelers, and oftentimes, overnight pet sitting with sleepovers at the client home with their pets. "People treat me with respect and gracious hospitality at their homes because they know they can trust me to keep their pets, property and belongings safe and secure, undamaged and clean. It is a great feeling to know that they are pleased with my performance and often they leave me little treats or gifts as a sign for their gratitude."

"I look forward to another 10 years and more to come doing the work that I love in the beautiful place called Boca Raton that I adore. Please visit my website http://nanettegordon.com for details about services and tell your friends and family about my personal services. I look forward to adding to my collection of happy customers and happy pet friends!"

Dog Harness Facts and Benefits

01/23/2012 15:36:00

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

Holiday Pet Safety Tips from Boca Raton Pet Sitter

12/14/2011 09:41:00

Holiday Pet Safety: Keep the Tinsel and Chocolate Away!

The holidays are fun but can be a stressful time for everyone, including your pets.

Pet safety is always important, but especially at holiday time.

All of the decorations, food, shopping & celebrations happening now can be stressful for us but also for our pets so pet safety is a priority! Like other holidays like Halloween that challenge pet safety, Christmas is no exception!

Christmas tree pet safety: Avoid tinsel! Your pet may think that it is a toy to play with and they may accidentally swallow and choke on the tiny strings. Avoid decorating your tree with popcorn or other food items and remove all edible gifts from under the tree. You should also try to hang small and breakable ornaments out of your pet’s reach (kitty delight!)
No Chemicals: Keep chemicals out of tree’s water. It may keep your tree fresh longer, but it can prove very harmful to your pets. Do not allow your pet to drink the tree’s water because it can get dirty very quickly & needles fall into the water dish. A tight-fitting tree skirt over the tree stand may help to prevent this. Keep fresh water available for drinking.

Secure Electric: Lights are very inviting, not only to you and your neighborhood, but to your curious pets as well. Make sure that all of your electrical connections and outlets are secured and concealed. Tape electrical cords to the walls or floors to ensure that your pet will not chew on them.
Edible treats are a no-no for pet safety: Never hang edible treats: unwrapped candy canes, chocolate wreathes, etc. in dangerous places, such as near a fireplace or on a Christmas tree. Stick with Milk Bones or Meow Town Catnip! Keep the 3 Musketeers, candy canes and Hershey Kisses out of sight to guarantee pet safety!

Holiday Plants Can Be Deadly: Poinsettias, amaryllis, mistletoe, and holly are traditional and beautiful but they are poisonous to pets. If ingested, they may cause vomiting, diarrhea, or even more serious problems. Pet safety = silk plants?
Avoid Over-Stimulation: Before your family celebrations, make sure that your pets have a safe, quiet area where they can rest.

No Holiday Table Food: After you have had your fill of holiday turkey, ham, chicken, and/or roast beef make sure you throw those bones away – do not give them to your pet! Bones can splinter easily and cause damage to your pet’s throat and intestines. Bones can also become lodged in your pet’s throat, which may result in your pet not being able to breathe. Remember to take the trash out right away - curious dogs and cats can get into the trash and rummage for scraps of food - causing a mess for you and danger for them!

No Human Treats to insure Pet Safety: You should also avoid feeding your pet chocolate, candy, and cookies, which can be toxic to their health. Feeding your pet these products can result in extreme vomiting and can make your pet very sick. (Save money on Vet bills & carpet cleaner!) Don’t allow guests to feed your pets.
Discard Ribbons & Wrappings: Pet safety dictates that after your gifts are opened, dispose of all plastic wrappings, ribbons, and bows that can be easily swallowed by curious pets and cause serious dangers and even death.

Name Tags Please: Pets can sneak out around guests or owners coming home with packages and leaving the door open to make another trip! Make sure that all of your pets have proper ID tags on at all times because if your pet were to become lost, you would have a much greater chance of finding them if they have identification.

About the Author: Nanette Gordon provides her personal pet sitting and house sitting services for Boca Raton and nearby Deerfield Beach all year long. Visit her website: http://nanettegordon.com for details.

The Benefits of Hiring a Professional Pet Sitter

10/21/2011 11:38:00

The Benefits of Hiring a Professional

Pet Sitter for the Holidays in Boca Raton, Florida

Using a professional pet sitter reaps benefits for both pets and their families.

Once you experience professional pet care in your home, you'll never worry about being away from your pet again.

The Benefits to your pet include:

Staying at home in his/her safe, secure environment
Being surrounded by familiar sights, smells and sounds
Following his/her regular diet and exercise routine
Having play time
Receiving love and personal attention
Maintaining medical treatment, when required
Having someone responsible in case of an emergency
Eliminating the trauma of travel or an unfamiliar environment
Ensuring good health (no exposure to other animals' illness or parasites)

The Benefits to you include:

Knowing that your pet is in caring, loving hands in your safe home
Having the confidence that the pet sitter can deal with other needs such as mail, newspaper and package retrieval, watering of plants, contacting you about household damages and other emergencies
Eliminating the trauma of having to transport and leave your pet in strange environment.
Not having to impose on family, friends or neighbors - or worry about them being unreliable or taken away due to their personal needs
Feeling your home is secure (with someone going in and out several times a day)

Not all pet sitters are created equal, nor are they all professional. In hiring a pet sitter, it is important to make sure you have chosen the right person to care for your beloved animal. Ask to see credentials such as local licenses, insurance and bonding certificates, professional memberships and references from other customers. Make sure you know who will be your personal pet sitter rather than a franchise service or service that employs independent contractors that hand out your keys to the available sitter on your dates - it could be different people who have not received your personal instructions or bonded with your pets.

About the Author: Pet Sitter Nanette Gordon is a professional, licensed, bonded and insured pet sitting service provider with her own company "Nanette Gordon, Professional Pet & House Sitting Service" in Boca Raton, Florida. Nanette provides her personal pet sitting and dog walking services all year long and is also certified in pet first aid by the American Red Cross and Pet Tech. Visit http://nanettegordon.com for further information about all of her services and qualifications.

Halloween Safety Tips for Pets in Boca Raton

10/11/2011 09:07:00

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

Boca Raton Dog Walking Tips, About Leashes & More

10/03/2011 11:02:00

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

How to Deal with Finicky Cat Feeding Issues

08/18/2011 11:35:00

Dealing With Finicky Cats

Finickiness is one of the most famous of all feline traits. According to many behaviorists, however, it's a learned behavior and not an inborn one. Cats will happily eat the same food twice a day for their entire lives, provided it's nutritionally complete and tastes good enough.

Indulging in your cat's finicky eating
habits will only make them worse

Surprisingly, a lot of feline finickiness is taught to cats by their owners. Thinking the cat will get bored with a single flavor or brand, owners stock up on a variety of foods, trying different ones with each meal to determine a pet's favorites. If a cat walks away from a particular brand or flavor and the owner immediately opens another can, box, or bag, the cat quickly learns that finickiness pays.

As a professional pet sitter in east Boca Raton, Florida, I take care of many house cats when their guardians go away so I get to observe their eating habits and also the many varieties of cat food on the market chosen by my clients.

If you feel you must vary the flavors in your cat's diet, adopt the old-fashioned approach of, "Eat what's put in front of you. If you don't like it, you don't have to eat it -- but that's all there's going to be until the next meal." Unless a cat eats absolutely nothing for a couple of meals running, there's no danger to her health if she has a few lean meals now and then.

Try the 20-minutes-and-up method

If you find yourself opening six cans at every meal and following your cat around the house, trying to coax her to have a nibble, you've got a serious finickiness problem going. At the next meal, put down a food you know the cat has eaten before. Wait 20 minutes, and then pick up the food and do not give any other food, snacks, or treats until the next meal. Repeat the process at that meal and every subsequent meal.

Be prepared for an all-out tantrum by your cat -- loud meowing, attempts to steal food, being an incredible pest, the works. Be strong and don't cheat to try to appease her. This method has a remarkable success rate. Many owners see improvement after three days, although some cats may persevere for several weeks.

When to Call the Vet

If a previously good eater suddenly becomes finicky or finickiness persists despite the 20-minutes-and-up method, your cat may have a physical problem and need veterinary care. Any cat who quits eating completely or has a loss of appetite accompanied by other symptoms of illness should be seen by the veterinarian right away.

About the Author: Nanette Gordon is a professional pet sitter for her pitting service company "All the Best Pet Sitting" in east Boca Raton. She serves her local areas of the city of Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Highland Beach, coastal Delray Beach and Lighthouse Point. She is a cat and dog sitter, dog walker and provides her services for many other domestic pets.

Senior Pets: Recognize the Signs of Aging Dogs & Cats

08/05/2011 10:43:00

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

Pets and Allergies: How to Manage

07/14/2011 11:08:00

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

shampoo

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

Aromatherapy for Animals and Pets

06/27/2011 12:29:00

Aromatherapy for Animals and Pets

Much like aromatherapy can provide emotional and physical benefits for humans, aromatherapy can provide similar benefits to our beloved pets and animal friends. It, however, is important to recognize that animals are much different than humans. That is among the reasons why medical doctors don't also act as veterinarians and vice versa. (I'm simplifying, but you get the idea).

The same essential oils and blends that we use on ourselves are not always safe to use on our dogs, cats, birds, horses or other pets. Cats, for instance, are especially sensitive to essential oils. Many oils, most particularly tea tree, are said to be quite toxic to cats.

Limited information and research is available regarding the safe use of essential oils and aromatherapy with animals. Like veterinary medicine, animal aromatherapy can and should be considered its own field -cats, dogs, birds, horses and other pets differ extensively.

Be careful how you use essential oils with and around your dog and cat. When diffusing or blending with essential oils, ensure that there is adequate ventilation and keep the cats in another area so that its inhalation of the essential oils is kept at a bare minimum.

Holistic Aromatherapy for Animals: A Comprehensive Guide to the Use of Essential Oils and Hydrosols with Animals

In 2002, Kristen Leigh Bell published the text Holistic Aromatherapy for Animals. Kristen Leigh Bell is the most recognized expert in the safe utilization of aromatherapy with animals, and her book is the resource that I have the most confidence in when researching safe practices for animals. For more information, visit AromaWeb's detailed book description for Holistic Aromatherapy for Animals.

Boca Raton Pet Sitter Nanette Gordon, nanettegordon.com