Sprouting Seed for Chickens

Sprouts are a nutritious and delicious treat for your chickens. With 3 buckets rinsing you will have fresh sprouts daily. This video playlist will show you the steps.

  

How To Keep Your Cat Out of the Christmas Tree

My new kitten, Maggie, loves to sleep under the Christmas Tree. For the first two days she was an angel. Then she was abducted and Bad Cat took her place. Bad Cat grabbed the beaded garland and swatted at the shiny ornaments. She made off with a piece of holly and ate one of the branch tips. She was caught in Pounce Mode just prior to launching herself from a box into the middle of the tree.

Fortunately, Maggie LOVES the laser pointer! Try as we might to pick it up from the table without making a sound she immediately jumps to attention no matter what she is doing. We burn off some of her energy in short laser tag sessions until she is tired and no longer bent on destroying the Christmas Tree.

You can distract your cat with favorite toys and, if that doesn't work, try lining the perimeter of your tree with aluminum foil. It's not the most attractive decoration but it works!  When you can't supervise them around the tree it is wise to keep them in a different room.

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Chubby Dog Program

We are offering special rates on daily exercise sessions with our Chubby Dog Program! 

We know you LOVE your chubby dog! We know your dog loves the treats you can't help but give him! Life is good and chubby dogs are seemingly happy being couch potatoes.

But life with our beloved dogs is short! There are health dangers lurking that will lead to illness and poor health and will shorten the time you have to spend with him. 

The longer your dog is chubby the more health issues she will face. One of the most common illnesses chubby dogs face is diabetes as your dog's body struggles to balance blood sugar and insulin until finally losing the battle.

Joint and ligament damage is also a common and painful chronic condition caused by excess weight. Some breeds are also prone to muscular skeletal conditions like hip dysplasia and disc disease that are exacerbated by excess weight.

Heart disease and high blood pressure also happen to dogs! The heart has an increased work load with all that extra body mass.The lungs have a difficult time functioning, leading to breathing difficulty. 

Chubby dogs have more trouble dealing with the heat.

Digestive issues also become common and your dog will have increased flatulence. No one wants that!  Skin and coat issues develop as fat wrinkles cause rashes and infections (this can cause an unpleasant smell that you may have noticed).

Chubby dogs are at a higher risk of cancer. 

We have a solution for busy pet parents to prevent the myriad health issues that can plague obese dogs. Enroll your dog in our Chubby Dog Program!

Here is how it works:

• Chubby dogs must otherwise be in good health with no chronic illnesses or conditions that might pose a health risk.
• Your vet can give your dog the green light for a daily exercise routine (or put him on a diet and medication regime to manage his weight and health condition to allow for participation in exercise!).
• Dogs must be able to walk for at least 30 minutes. Ask your vet if this is an achievable activity for your dog.
• Nails need to be trimmed to allow your dog to walk comfortably. While you're at the vet's office ask them to trim her nails to a proper length.

Chubby dogs will be taken on a daily walk to slim down and achieve better physical and mental health for a long and happy life!

Call us today to enroll your dog in our special program with affordable rates.

  

East Slope Water E Coli Contamination

As part of our care we monitor a wide array of local social media groups to be aware and informed of any situations that may arise that may require our intervention while our clients are away.

Today this involved E Coli contamination of the East Slope water company. Notices were being distributed door to door and social media distributed the news very quickly. Here is what we did during this emergency:

1. We made a call to this water company to find out which neighborhoods were affected. 
2. We contacted our clients who are out of town to notify them. 
3. We implemented a water emergency plan which includes bringing water from an uncontaminated source to any affected client.

You can rest assured that we will be proactive during any emergency. 

Other situations we've managed include:

• The deep freeze in 2011. Water pipes froze all over the city. Gas lines were shut off. We brought water to affected pets and made sure everyone stayed warm and hydrated. We took precautions against pipes leaking when the big thaw came a few days later by shutting off water supply to affected homes. We continued to bring water to those pets until the clients returned.
• The Montezuma Fire of 2011. Holy Evacuation! That was an intense period as we evacuated ourselves and our client's pets. 

  

Dog Boarding

At Home Dog Boarding is a new service we are offering! 

Here is what we offer:

• Your dog will be boarded at the home of one of our pet sitters where he or she will enjoy all the comforts of being in a home environment. 
• Reservations are limited to one dog or one family of dogs. 
• No other dogs will be present in the pet sitter's home except yours! 
• Your dog will receive exclusive care and attention.
• A fenced yard will allow your dog outdoor time to play and go potty.

Our requirements:

• Dogs must be fully house broken.

  

  Puppies just can't help it! 

• Only crate trained dogs will be accepted. Dogs will be crated when the pet sitter has to run errands to protect the dog and the pet sitter's home. Aside from an occasional errand the pet sitter will be home with your dog.
• Dogs must be well behaved (no excessive barking, no chewing on furniture, no aggressive or fearful dogs)
• No puppies. We love them but they sure do get into a lot of trouble!
• No escape artists! If your dog jumps, climbs or digs under the fence we will not be able to board him.
• Dogs must be in good health and current on vaccinations. Leaving home can be stressful for a dog and can aggravate a pre-existing health condition. We recommend having a pet sitter visit your dog at your home to alleviate any potential stress and subsequent complications if your dog has a medical condition.
• Dogs must be microchipped.

Please bring:

Leash and collar
Proof of vaccination
Crate
Food
Food and water bowls
Treats
A few favorite toys
A favorite bed or blanket

If you want to board your dog in a home environment please contact us to make reservations.

  

Client Scheduling Guideline

Our clients enjoy the power and freedom of managing their schedules online. Here is a step-by-step guide for creating your first schedule.

Let's get started! Here is what you will see when you log in to your account. 

1. Click "My Schedule"
2. Click +Request Service

Next

1. Choose the pets that will need care.
2. Choose the type of schedule.
1. Single Day is just one day
2. Multiple Days is the most common choice for trips
3. Ongoing is used by our daily clients to make a schedule that doesn't end
4. Custom is complicated. The other 3 schedule types should do the trick.
3. Select your Start and End Dates

Next

1. It is much easier to add visits in chronological order starting in the morning. You can then skip First and Last Day visits, as shown.
2. Most clients with indoor dogs will schedule 7 am, 3 pm and 8 pm visits, as an example of a typical day. You can, of course, schedule more or less frequent visits.

Next. Very Important! Tell us about your trip!

Bee Stings

Bee Stings

I was letting two Dachshund puppies out for their daily potty and play time break on a beautiful summer morning when inspiration for a pet care article struck. While waiting for them to go potty I noticed bees swarming around the swamp cooler. One of the puppies also noticed and went over to investigate. Dachshunds, and many other breeds, are fearless and inquisitive little soldiers! The bees reacted to his presence at their water source and began buzzing around his head. The puppy found this activity to be very curious and was ready to do battle - how dare these little flying creatures defy me!

I quickly called the puppies away from the area before any harm was done and notified the client about the bee problem along with recommendations to resolve the issue.

Here in Southern Arizona africanized honey bees are on the rise and behave more aggressively than typical honey bees. You should be vigilant about protecting your pets from them. Here are a few tips to follow.

Eliminate water sources. Bees are attracted to water and can become aggressive around it.

Fish ponds, water bowls, bird baths, swamp coolers, livestock troughs and leaky faucets will all attract bees. Check your yard for water sources and take preventative measures so the bees can't get to them or move them away from your pet's yard.

Manage food sources. Hummingbird feeders should be bee-proof and placed outside pet areas. Flowering shrubs and ground cover plants should not be planted in an area where your pets play.


You may notice bees "bumping" into you or your dog. This behavior is a warning - the bees want you to move away from the beehive, food source or water they are protecting.

Nest Prevention. Bees (and snakes!) will be attracted to dense, brushy areas and piles of debris. Keep your pet's yard well trimmed and free from clutter such as empty flower pots, rock piles and other debris.

What to do if your pet is stung. If your dog is stung by a bee watch for signs of an allergic reaction which include difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing (most of the time they are stung in the face and mouth) and excessive swelling. Seek immediate veterinary attention.

Home Remedies. Normally bee stings do not cause an allergic reaction and simple home remedies can help your pet be more comfortable. If you can see the stinger you can remove it by scraping it with your fingernail, a credit card or similar object. Avoid squeezing the stinger, as with tweezers, as this will cause more venom to be discharged. You can make a thick paste with baking soda and water and apply this to stings to draw out the venom (for obvious reasons this is not recommended for stings inside the mouth!). Applying ice packs wrapped in a thin towel will help reduce pain and swelling; be careful to not cause discomfort by applying and removing the ice pack in 5 to 10 minute intervals. 

Creature Comforts Pet Sitting Service serves pets in the Sierra Vista, Fort Huachuca and Hereford area. We offer pet sitting, dog walking, dog biking, pet waste removal and pet taxi services.

  

Why do Dogs Jump the Fence

Why does your dog jump the fence?

Imagine spending a month in your house and back yard. Never leaving to see what is out there on the other side of your walls. A shocking number of dogs are forced to live their lives under this confinement.

Dogs are, by nature, compelled to travel; to explore territory, to hunt and to mate. When high energy dogs are confined their frustration level will eventually reach a point where they must escape or become destructive. Barking, digging, chewing (on anything they can find in your house/yard or even on themselves), and aggression are escalating signs of destructive behavior.

Preventing your high energy dog from getting to the point of jumping over the fence (or digging under it) demands exercise and leadership. Your dog needs to be challenged; physically and mentally. She needs a calm and assertive human pack leader who will provide for these needs. The best way to provide physical and mental stimulation is to take your dog for a walk, a bike run or rollerblading for at least one hour each day. An alternative (when you can’t go outside) is treadmill time. Your male dog needs to be neutered to overcome the strong urge to go in search of a mate (female dogs should, of course, also be spayed). 

Lower energy dogs also feel the stress of confinement. They may not get to the Houdini point but they may develop neurotic behaviors that let you know they are stressed. Signs would include spinning in circles, urinating/defecating indoors, becoming territorial over food/toys/furniture, chewing on themselves/excessive licking and changes in dietary habits. A lower energy dog may not be thrilled with the idea of sprinting alongside your bike but she will most definitely benefit by the challenge of a daily walk for 45 to 60 minutes.

What if you have a dog who is already jumping the fence? Here are some suggestions. 

·      Install a radio boundary system. This is a wire that goes along your fence line that transmits a series of beeps followed by progressively stronger shocks as your dog approaches the fence. Some dogs will charge through this field to freedom but this has a higher success rate when applied with a fence rather than as the sole barrier. Try installing the wire a few feet in front of the fence to increase the field size.

·         If your dog always jumps at one point put a scat-mat there. This is a battery powered mat, similar to one you would use under your office chair, which shocks when stepped on. This will work in that location (usually a gate) but your dog may simply move his preferred jump spot.

·      You can build a higher fence (boy is this going to be expensive!) One client just added on to her block fence to make it 8 feet tall only to discover her dog was athletic enough to get over it, yikes!

·     Install a strand of wire just in front of the top of the fence and put PVC pipe over the wire. The dog is not able to get a foothold at the top of the fence as the PVC pipe rolls on the wire. 
·   There are No-Jump harnesses that go around your dog’s rear legs and across the chest to the collar; preventing the dog from being able to lift the front legs off the ground well enough to jump. It does not impede any other physical activity. If your dog doesn’t destroy it this is pretty successful and, at $15.00, is also the least expensive solution.
·       For dogs who are serious escape artists a chain link kennel in the yard with a secure roof and door on a cement foundation may be your only option. This is not an ideal full-time solution as it further confines an already stressed dog but would be acceptable if your dog is getting 60-minute daily walks and is only kept in it for short periods of time.
·     NEVER chain your dog. One or more of the above solutions should work. Chaining a dog is not a humane solution and can lead to injury. Chained dogs can easily become aggressive dogs.

These suggestions should be combined with a daily exercise program for your dog’s mental health and best success. Hopefully, having considered all of the above solutions and the difficulty involved in correcting this problem, you have become inspired to walk your high-energy dog before he discovers the joy of jumping the fence.

Creature Comforts Pet Sitting Service offers dog walking and biking sessions as often as needed. We will also come to give you and your dog treadmill training sessions.

  

Cat Exercise Wheel

Does your cat go dashing around the house, vaulting over furniture, skidding on the tile floors and using your area rugs as traction control devices in his quest to burn off pent up energy?

Our feline friends are in luck! Wheels are no longer just for hamsters. Your high energy cat can now have his own exercise wheel.  The music stops at 30 seconds and the narrative begins. It's pretty interesting!

  

Diabetic Cats

Diabetes is fairly common in obese cats, particularly as they age. Cats are, by nature, meat eaters. It can be difficult for some cats to process a high carbohydrate dry food diet which can cause blood sugar to rise, leading to obesity. This can cause the body to be less sensitive to insulin and the cat can become diabetic.

If your kitty is becoming a bit chubby talk to your vet about diabetes risk and consider switching to a canned food diet which is high in protein and low in carbohydrates.

If your cat is diabetic and insulin dependent he or she can still lead a long and happy life (you will want to get their weight down to a healthy range). But what if you want to travel?

Cats, as a rule, don't like to be boarded. They become very stressed being confined in a strange environment surrounded by other cats, barking dogs and chaos. They are much happier in their home where they reign supreme.

You can leave your diabetic cat at home when hiring our professional team of pet sitters. We are experienced in administering insulin and we have many happy clients with diabetic cats. We will be on time every 12 hours to ensure your cat receives the insulin injection on schedule.

Here is Tiger, one of our diabetic clients. Tiger is on the shy side and we were concerned that he would hide and not come out from under a bed or remain hidden deep inside a closet where shy cats can become invisible! Fortunately, Tiger is also a hungry kitty and the sound of the can being opened and his food being prepared won him over. After just a few visits he was waiting for us and we became friends. 

  

Jenny and Lilly

Jenny, the Shih Tzu and Lilly, the Bichon Frise, are two new clients. They were a little unsure on the first visit. They were so relieved to learn I was not a burglar that they were going to have to fend off!

We lounged on the bed where we became best friends by the end of the visit. By the time we got to the final visit they were running with glee and had quite the wild party on the bed in their joy to see me. 

Mom and dad enjoyed the pictures and videos of their adorable girls.

This picture was taken mid-play, you can see the spunk in Lilly's eyes as she is about to pounce on Jenny.

Your pets will also be happy at home while you travel! Give us a call today to set up your customized pet sitting appointments.

Sprinkler Monsters

Sprinkler Monsters 

Taxi and Dinah are two of our daily walkers. While mom is at work we go out for a potty break near mid-day. We have a great time walking down shady sidewalks to the community park where they get to enjoy walking through the wet grass.

Sometimes our timing meets up with the Sprinkler Monsters! Poor Dinah was minding her own business smelling very interesting things in the grass yesterday when quite suddenly the sprinkler monster heads popped out of the ground and blasted her from all directions!

Today she narrowly escaped the same experience...

  

Cooling Off the Horses

Cooling Off the Horses

  

Fourth of July Pet Safety

Four ways to keep your pets safe this Fourth of July

More pets are lost on the 4th of July than on any other day of the year. The animal shelters are filled to capacity with those who are lucky enough to be found and captured. Sadly, most lost pets are never found. Here are six ways to keep your beloved pets safe during the celebrations.

1) Don't take your pet to the Fireworks celebration. It is not exciting for them and they are not impressed by the loud booms, chaotic crowds, smoke and explosive lights in the sky. Most dogs will be terrified by the experience. Others will be highly stressed; you will notice them trembling, panting and drooling.

2) Keep your pets indoors in an escape proof room or crate. Even if your pet is normally kept outdoors it is wise to bring him inside. Keep the windows and blinds closed in the room where your pets will be to reduce their chance of escape and to cut down on the noise and flashes of the fireworks your neighbors may be enjoying. Leave a soft light and the radio or TV on for comfort.

3) Have your pet microchipped. In the event your pet does escape and is found, any animal shelter or veterinarian's office will be able to scan her and contact you. If your pet is already microchipped, be sure to update your information with your current address and contact phone numbers.

4) Use a GPS tracking collar. If your pet becomes lost a GPS tracking collar can help you find him by launching an app on your smart phone. This is often the only way to locate your missing pet as they run as far from the chaos as they can and become lost in the desert or city.

When all of the festivities are over take your pet outside for a supervised potty break. They may be in a stressed state and should not be left unattended outdoors until the next day.

  

Great Fun with Great Danes!

I love visiting this family of pets! Chani and Turok are the Great Danes, Leto is the Weimeraner, Mommy Cat is the Tortie and Sylar is new the Himalayan kitten. The dogs greet me at the door with such enthusiasm that it can be difficult to get in the house!

In the four small pictures you will see Leto contemplating the balls on the table, then stealing one (sneaky!), then pretending to be nonchalant and finally pleading with me to play with him. Silly boy!

  

Bearded Dragon Care

Bearded Dragons are popular pets. They are interactive, stay relatively small, are easy to care for and have calm personalities.

Young Beardies are carnivores. They will eat great quantities of crickets. Caring for a juvenile Bearded Dragon is easy when you provide for all of his needs. Here is a shopping list of supplies you will need:

• Terrarium with sliding screen top. The biggest you can get but at least 36x18.
• Heat lamp with 75 watt incandescent bulb. Place this on one end of the cage to provide a "sunning" spot. It is equally important to provide a "cool zone" in the terrarium where your Bearded Dragon can escape the heat produced by the lamps.
• Basking log. Place under the heat lamp.
• Heat Lamp with infrared bulb. Place on the same end of the cage to provide warmth at night.
• Two terrarium thermometers. Place one on each end to monitor the hot and cool zones.
• Crushed walnut shell bedding. This bedding makes cleanup a breeze with a cat litter scoop.
• Water dish. Although they get most of their moisture from their food it is necessary to provide clean water in a shallow dish.
• Calcium powder. You will be dusting the crickets with this twice a week.

Feed your baby Bearded Dragon 2 week old crickets daily. Twice a week place the crickets in a baggie with a teaspoon of calcium powder and shake to dust them. The crickets will turn white. As your Beardie grows, buy larger crickets and continue to dust twice weekly.

What about mealworms? Mealworms are not recommended for Bearded Dragons. Their exoskeletan is difficult for a Bearded Dragon to crush and digest. This can lead to intestinal blockage which can be fatal.

When your Beardie is 4 to 6 months old begin introducing finely chopped leafy greens such as Kale, Mustard Greens, Dandelion Greens, Beet Greens, and an occasional leaf or two of spinach. Stay away from the lettuce family; it has no nutritional value and can lead to metabolic bone disease, as a result.

Serving leafy greens is also a great way to provide water. Rinse or mist the greens before placing them in your Beardie's food dish.

Once your Bearded Dragon has begun eating the leafy greens begin introducing finely shredded vegetables to his "salad". He will enjoy carrots, peas, yams, squash and an occasional piece of broccoli. Make sure the pieces are small and mix into the greens. 

Fruits are also nutritious and delicious! Mix in finely chopped apples, strawberries, bananas, tomatoes, cantaloupe (in moderation) and blueberries. 

In order for your Bearded Dragon to not become a "picky eater" it is important to chop the food into very small pieces and mix thoroughly. If you give larger, bite-size, pieces your Beardie will pick out what he likes most and will, eventually, eat only those things.

From 6 to 8 months of age gradually start reducing the number of crickets and increasing the vegetarian diet. Ultimately you will achieve 75% vegetable and 25% cricket diet as your Bearded Dragon becomes an adult.