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Conquer Your Canine Cleaning Challenges for a Pet-Friendly Home in Wildwood, Missouri

Jane — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 19:40:44 +0000

For pet sitting and pet containment systems available in the St. Louis area, visit www.4leggedkids.com.

(ARA) – Pet owners understand extra cleaning is part of the deal when bringing a puppy into their homes and lives. Cleaning up after a dog is enough work in itself, so the last thing any owner wants is a pooch that is agitated by the sights and sounds of cleaning. There are several techniques that can help your dog stay calm when you reach for your sponge and Swiffer.

“Your attitude and approach to cleaning up after and around your pet is critical,” says Cesar Millan, renowned dog behavior specialist and host of the Emmy-nominated series, Dog Whisperer. “If you are stressed or frustrated when you pick up a cleaning tool, your dog can pick up on this negative energy and associate the cleaning tool with negativity. This can create instability and can result in problematic behaviors.”

Millan offers his top tips to create a pet-friendly environment, from combating pet hair to preparing for a new puppy at home:

* If you feel yourself getting frustrated, take a step back and recharge for five minutes before starting, and reconsider your cleaning tools. Tools that can do two things at once can make you more relaxed about the process – and dogs pick up on that.

* Cleaning introduces new smells into the environment, and a dog’s sense of smell is its strongest sense. If your dog gets tense or upset when you clean, pay attention to the scents you are using. Try cleaning products that are available in a Lavender and Vanilla scent, which can be soothing to your dog.

* Focusing on efficiency and multi-tasking can make cleaning chores easier and more expedient. Supplies that accomplish more than one task can save time and avoid agitation, especially tools that handle all kinds of pet messes. Try the newly redesigned 2-in-1 Swiffer SweeperVac, which tackles all messes, vacuuming pet food and clumps of hair, while trapping crumbs, dirt and dust to get floors thoroughly clean in one quick and easy step.

* When you first bring home a puppy, involve the entire family in the process. Even younger children can participate in the various responsibilities by making sure there is fresh water in the dog’s bowl or accompanying a parent on the puppy’s walks.

* One important part of the housebreaking process is cleaning up after your dog has an accident. If he’s had an accident in an area once, he’s more likely to go there again because of the odor. The best cleaning methods eliminate both the mess and the smell.

Find more tips on cleaning up after pets at www.swiffer.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

What is the Modification in an Elder Dog Diet? Keep Your St. Louis MO Aging Pet Healthy!

Jane — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 18:56:50 +0000

What Is The Modification In An Elder Dog Diet?

By: Wesley Knapp

You have heard all of the buildup about the new dog diets for older pets. Is there really a differentiation between dog food for fully developed dogs and kibble recommended expressly for seniors? How do you identify when to change your pet to a special diet?

The greatest resource for information about dog food is your pet’s veterinarian. Only you and your vet understand the exact needs of your pet the best. Discuss with your vet your concerns and questions. He or she will be able to advise you on what adjustments, if any, need to be made to your dog’s diet.

If your senior dog does not have any health problems and maintains a healthy weight, there is no need to adjust your dog’s diet from adult to senior dog food. Conversely, if your dog has trouble keeping the weight off or digestive issues, you may have to switch. If weight is the only issue, consider slightly lowering the quantity of dog food you give to your pet. This may be all the change your dog’s diet needs.

Visit www.4leggedkids.com for pet sitting and pet containment available in the St. Louis MO area.

Keep Pets Healthy in Your St. Louis MO Home

Kathy — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 19:54:14 +0000

Simple updates and regular cleaning keeps homes healthy for people and pets

(ARA) – Family pets cherish the home environment – it’s where they curl up on the living room floor, wait patiently for a treat in the kitchen, and patrol the halls making sure loved ones are safe and sound. Although pets are undeniably loveable, the animal dander and other allergens that accompany these furry friends can jeopardize the well-being of those in the home.

If pets are an integral part of your family, take note of a few tips to keep your pet and home environment healthy.

Many of the same volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and irritants found in home air affect the health of your pet as much as they affect your family. Adding an air purifier will reduce the amount of pollutants and irritants circulating through the home, allowing people and pets alike to breathe a little easier (and cleaner). Air purification systems like the Idyllis line from Lowe’s also have added benefits for pet-loving households – they dilute odors that may result from a wet pet, accidents around the home, or other pet smells.

“Family pets bring great joy to a household,” says Clint Davis, senior vice president of merchandising for Lowe’s. “You can optimize the quality of life for everyone living under one roof by routinely cleaning your home and adding an Idylis air purification system that will reduce the amount of pet dander and other allergens that circulate from your pet.”

Many of the most popular pets have the potential to aggravate allergies. Even if you aren’t allergic, animal dander (hair or skin flakes) can be a bother. Pet dander can remain on floors, walls and ceilings months or years after the animal has left the house. Frequently vacuuming the home will eliminate some of the dander and allergens left behind. The Electrolux 12-Amp Versatility Bagless Upright vacuum cleaner has HEPA filtration that helps to keep the air in your house clean and a hand-held wand that can be used for picking up pet hair.

If allergies are an issue in your home, there are steps you can take to curb the problem. Regular baths and grooming for your pets will go a long way in keeping family members healthy and allergen-free. While you’re washing your pet, start to think about cleaning other parts of the home pets may inhabit. Throw your pet’s bed and toys in the laundry once a week to keep away fleas and dust mites and to cut down on dander.

Pay attention to your floors, where dirt can get ground in or collect in corners. Scrub the carpet with a carpet shampoo to remove any pet stains and wipe down wood floors with Method Wood for Good Floor Cleaner to eliminate bacteria, add shine and cover paw and claw marks. After you are done cleaning, be sure to seal and store cleaning products and potentially harmful household and garden products that your pet’s nose might find appealing. For more ideas on maintaining a healthy home with pets, visit Lowes.com/HealthyHome.

Taking a few extra steps to clean up after your pet will keep your furry friends where they love to be – at the heart of the family.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Visit www.4leggedkids.com for pet sitting care in the St. Louis MO area.

How To Make Dog Training Fun in Wildwood, Missouri

Jane — Sun, 30 May 2010 18:31:16 +0000

How To Make Dog Training Fun

By: Daniel Waser

Dog training doesn’t have to be an unbearable painful task, it can really be quite enjoyable, if it is done properly. However, it can really be a lot of pleasure , and so long as you recognize that training your dog explicit actions or behaviors will not take place overnight, it can turn into a fun activity for both you and your pet.

With the exact quantity of knowledge and a very good approach, your dog could eventually be the greatest and most trained dog around in your area, which can really give you something to brag about right. I’m not kidding – all it takes is an hour or two every day (additional time if you can afford it) and a lot of praise. Interestingly, various people seem to wait for that their dog will automatically heed to their every instruction as if it is a natural instinct.

Visit www.4leggedkids.com for pet sitting services available throughout the St. Louis MO area.

Avoid ‘Lost’ Signs by Tagging Your Cat in St. Louis, Missouri

Jane — Sat, 22 May 2010 18:40:52 +0000

(ARA) – You’ve seen the posters decorating mailboxes, telephone poles and trees in your neighborhood. The picture of a cat – usually curled up in the sun or giving a curious look to the camera – with “LOST” in bold, capital letters and a contact number underneath. Sadly, less than 5 percent of lost cats make it home.

Many of these lost cats end up in animal shelters, some are adopted by new families and others unfortunately, aren’t so lucky. An estimated 70 percent of all animals euthanized each year are cats who enter shelters without identification tags, according to the North Shore Animal League America (NSALA), the world’s largest no-kill animal rescue and adoption organization. Many shelters are full, and can only hold cats for a few days or less, giving grieving owners limited time to locate their lost pet.

Cat owner and author of “Oh My Dog,” Beth Ostrosky Stern is passionate about saving the lives of animals and providing them to loving families. “Through my work with North Shore Animal League America, I have seen firsthand how many cats enter the shelters. I’m a firm supporter of cat tagging to help ensure a safe return home. I would be completely devastated if my cat, Apple, were lost. Having her wear an identification tag is a simple step, but gives me peace of mind that if she were to be lost she can be identified and returned home.”

Whether your cat stays inside or roams the outdoors, tagging is the best way to keep him safe. Even indoor cats may sometimes slip through an open door or window for some fresh air so it’s important to remember they need identification tags as well. Special cat collars are available also, so that your cat won’t get caught on any objects when he’s playing inside the home or exploring the great outdoors.

Many cat owners may not know how simple it is to get a tag for their cat. The maker of ARM & HAMMER Super Scoop and Multi-Cat litter products is even offering cat owners the opportunity to receive customized identification tags via mail with the purchase of two ARM & HAMMER cat litters. Visit www.pettagoffer.com for more information.

Tagging cats is just one safety tip. Other tips from NSALA to keep cats healthy, especially during the summer months include:

* Never leave a cat in a car – cats can quickly overheat and die from heatstroke.

* Keep cats inside during a thunderstorm – cats are easily frightened by loud noises and are more at risk of being struck by lightning.

* Check cats daily for fleas and ticks, and talk with a veterinarian about prevention products to keep cats safe.

* Change litter regularly to maintain a fresh and healthy litter box for cats.

* Watch for signs of heat stress, including glazed eyes, a rapid heartbeat, excessive thirst, restlessness, lack of coordination, unconsciousness, deep red or purple tongue and vomiting.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Visit www.4leggedkids.com for pet services available in the St. Louis MO area.

A Wag is Worth a Thousand Words in Wildwood, Missouri

Jane — Sat, 15 May 2010 17:37:17 +0000

(ARA) – Ever get the feeling that your dog knows what you’re thinking, without saying a word? Many canine parents report that they’ve had an entire conversation with their dogs despite the obvious language barrier. From “can I have a treat” to “let’s go for a walk,” dogs have a special way of sharing their feelings. According to a new survey, it’s the wags, not words that tell the story when it comes to canine communication.

The survey, conducted by Kelton Research for Pup-Peroni dog snacks, revealed that most canine pet parents believe that they can communicate with their dogs even though they don’t speak the same language – giving a new twist to the old adage, “silence is golden.”

Pet owners feel confident that they know what’s on their pups’ minds, even without the benefit of words. Almost three in four (74 percent) respondents believe their dog’s body language or facial expressions better indicate how their pet is truly feeling than barks or other sounds. They also estimate that they know what their dog is thinking nearly half (49 percent) of the time.

Seven in 10 (70 percent) respondents say there have been times when they shared a meaningful look with their canine companions.

“Dogs have an uncanny ability to pick up on even the subtlest cues from their owners, enabling them to ‘read’ humans like few other animals can,” said body language expert Patti Wood. “Even something as minute as a glance from their owner has meaning for a dog.”

Wood also points out that our modern dogs’ ability to communicate with us seems to be a product of millennia of interaction. “Research shows that, over time, there has been a deliberate selection of dogs with the ability to pick up on cues from humans,” she said. “It shows just how important nonverbal communication between dogs and people has always been.”

For many pet parents, the special bond they share with their pooch is one of the most important relationships in their lives. Without ever having to say a word, their pups are there for them through the good times and the bad, acting as confidants, therapists and most importantly, their best friends. Maybe it’s because of that unspoken connection between canines and humans that people feel their dogs are just as good a source of comfort and companionship as their human friends – or maybe even more so. With a smile and a wag, dogs just know – how many people can say that about their best friend or significant other?

Courtesy of ARAcontent

For pet sitting services in the St. Louis MO area, visit www.4leggedkids.com.

Keep Dogs Healthy and Happy This Summer in St. Louis and Wildwood, Missouri

Jane — Sun, 09 May 2010 18:52:26 +0000

(ARA) – When the warm summer months roll around, our dogs are just as eager as we are to get outside and enjoy the season. Whether he tells you by nudging his leash or staring at the door knob, one way or another, your pup knows it’s time for some fun in the sun.

Before you head out, keep in mind that warm weather and sunny days are fun, but they can also mean you might need to take some extra precautions with your pet. The whole family can rest assured knowing their four-legged best friend is healthy, hydrated and happy by keeping the following tips in mind:

1. Schedule a checkup. Before you go anywhere that requires your dog to interact with other dogs, be sure to schedule a visit with your veterinarian. Get updates on shots for dangerous communicable diseases like bordetella.

While you’re there, ask your veterinarian to evaluate your pet’s overall health. Your veterinarian’s office is also a great place to pick up two essential medications for the season – heartworm preventers and flea and tick control.

2. Run free. It’s easy for humans and canines alike to slide out of shape during the winter months, and now is the perfect time to work off what you’ve packed on. Taking your dog on regular walks will help, but even more fun for him is a trip to the dog park. Off-leash areas are a treasure for pets and their owners because dogs can run free and play to their heart’s content. They also get natural lessons in socialization. In fact, 44 percent of dog owners who take their dog to the dog park say their dog is more social with other people and dogs. Plus, it’s fun for you, too!

Because pet owners value off-leash areas so much, dog parks across the country are expanding and improving now more than ever. To help support dog parks in local communities, The Nutro Company, a leading manufacturer of natural pet food products, is leading a movement called Room to Run this summer to enhance local dog parks in 30 communities around the country. Pet enthusiasts are invited to join the effort and lend a hand. Whether there’s a Room to Run event in your area or not, you can make a difference by going to your local dog park and making small changes to make it more enjoyable for everyone. To find out more about the initiative, go to www.thenutrocompany.com.

3. Be prepared. Dogs aren’t much for strolling around the mall. They love to be out running around and often don’t want to stop no matter how warm it is or tired they feel. Brush up on the signs and symptoms of health problems like dehydration and heat stroke, as well as basic first aid techniques.

Keep a canine first aid kit in your car. At a minimum, it should include antiseptic spray, water-based antibiotic ointment, bandaging (including sterile gauze and a binder like Vetrap or other elastic bandages), a thermometer, tweezers and single-use cold packs. You should also keep the number and address to your veterinarian and an emergency vet stored in your phone or on a slip of paper in your wallet.

4. Good on the inside. To keep your pet’s energy and health at optimal levels for increased summer activity, be sure you feed a high-quality dog food. It’s easier than ever to make sure your dog is getting complete, healthy nutrition without fillers. High quality foods can be found at your pet store and come in a variety of options that cater to your pet’s size or life stage.

Whether you’re going on a weekend camping trip with your four-legged friend or just heading out for a romp at the dog park, a safe summer is the happiest kind of summer there is.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

How to Adjust Your Elder Dog’s Diet in St. Louis, Missouri

Jane — Sat, 01 May 2010 20:04:23 +0000

What Is The Modification In An Elder Dog Diet?

A senior dog is classified as a dog in the last third of their life span. Bigger dogs, for example a Great Dane, live to be roughly 9 years old. Around the sixth year of life, you may well want to consider a senior dog’s diet. A poodle, on the other hand wouldn’t arrive at senior status until nearly age ten because of the longer life expectancy. Primarily, the choice to alter your dog’s diet should be based on health condition more than actual age in years. Your vet will help you to determine when the right time is to modify your dog’s diet.

For pet sitting care and dog fencing options in the St. Louis MO area, visit www.4leggedkids.com.

Improve Your Health with a Furry Companion in Wildwood and Chesterfield, Missouri

Jane — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 17:21:14 +0000

You Gotta Friend-Improving Health with a Furry Companion

Here is a great article from Senior Daily Living. Visit us at www.4leggedkids.com for help with pet sitting or pet fencing in the St. Louis MO area.

Pets are healers. The blind love and affection that animals can bring to their owners is like therapy. They are friends, companions, and a three-ring circus-act all wrapped up in one. Needing to take responsibility for another life brings meaning to one’s own life, and keeps one active and useful.

Learn Dog Behavior Modifications in Chesterfield and Wildwood, Missouri

Jane — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 15:13:23 +0000

Here is a great article for anyone who is struggling with dog behavior problems. Visit www.4leggedkids.com for pet sitting and pet containment systems available throughout the St. Louis MO area.

Dog Behavior Modification With 7 Moves

There are many dogs that suffer from bad behavior and this can be caused by a large number of reasons that is why it is good to learn some dog behavior modification techniques that will help your dog to be a lot more calm and controlled. Here are seven tips to help you:

Tip 1: Look for signs of distress in your dog. There are many different signs of distress in a dog that are often shown when you are going to leave the house. These signs can include panting, whining, shaking, pacing between others. You should try to calm your dog by speaking to him and if the distress continues, try to ignore it.

Tip 2:Using punishment on a distressed dog is not a very good idea, as this can make the dog even more distressed until the point where you might not be able to control or calm your dog. To teach your dogs not to do this, the best way is by not giving him any attention at all, not bad nor good.

Tip 3:The best time to give your dog attention, love and affection is when he is calm. By giving him attention when he is anxious or hyperactive will only make things worse as your dog will feel that with this attention you are rewarding him. As hard as it may be for you, it is not recommended to give your dog comfort when the is being hyperactive or anxious, try to concentrate on loving him only when he is calm to reduce anxiety.