Alesia’s Pet Blog

Opening home to a family member with a pet

Wed, 3 Feb 2010 14:40:17 -0600

Whether it is a temporary or permanent situation, having a family member stay with you can present rewards and challenges. Sometimes this can even create some problems. Many people losing homes and having to downside to rentals or apartments can leave pets out in the cold. Because of this the already overgrowing population of displaced pets continue to grow to even bigger numbers.

I have heard so many stories of people taking in a family member(s) and helping them get back on their feet. Some of these people are lucky enough to have their loved ones accept the pets that might otherwise be displaced. In some situations, a family member may even get a pet while staying in a temporary home.

New Year, new you!

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 13:11:53 -0600

What is your New Years Resolution? Will you keep it? This year can be a fresh start to last year’s challenges. If you faced many challenges like many of us, you might feel like this is the year to start chasing new dreams and new possibilities. For me, it’s an opportunity to get grounded on what I want for this year and what I don’t want. It is a great chance for people to get rid of the clutter and disruptive things that plagued last year.

My hope is that 2010 will be a great chance for people to get all they want out of life. 2010 could be the year that pushes the economy back, brings jobs into the market and provides stability and trust back to the people. With so many different topics and changes to the world around us, the only certain thing in life is how you choose to handle it. Between natural disasters, poverty, job loss, health care, politics, and other issues, we have our plates full and our minds racing.

What are your plans? My plan is to simplify my life, cut out unnecessary things and reach out for potential possibilities. As a pet sitting business owner and avid researcher, I am always looking for other ways to supplement my income. Providing a secure future for my family is the most important. I am thankful for the blessings that I have and the opportunities I have been given. I plan to keep the things that are working in my life and doing a complete overhaul on the things that don’t. Health is an important goal, as I am not always the best at managing my exercise time.

Remember.... whatever is going on in your life, putting yourself first is the key. Don’t think you are SELFISH. If you do not take care of yourself then you will be no good to anyone. I wish I would have learned this long ago as I struggle with it on a daily basis. It is easy to care for others as some people can hide behind them. For me, I enjoyed taking care of people and still do, but I have to be careful. I tend to let myself be last in everything as a way to avoid what I need to work on.

Finally, pick a goal and stick to it. Whatever it is, do baby steps and make small goals. As you achieve a goal, set another one. Find someone to help motivate and keep you accountable. This is the key to success. Now go out there and make a plan. It’s up to you to make it happen. Good Luck!

Dinovite

Sun, 3 May 2009 17:38:52 -0500

Dinovite is a canine supplement that helps with shedding, allergies and itching. Dinovite is a coarse powder type supplement that is put over food. The formula is made up of flax seed, kelp, alfalfa, yucca and other ingredience that help the coat. The animal organization I volunteer for uses this supplement for animals with coat and skin issues. I began using it on one of my dogs that had an excessive shedding problem. He would constantly lick and bite at his skin which lead me to believe that he had some allergy issues. After hearing about Dinovite and seeing the results from use, I decided to try it. I have to tell you that I am a firm believer in results. After about a month, I noticed a fuller coat, less shedding and he was not licking his skin. That was proof enough for me.

I have recommended this product to many other people. I believe in trying various products and giving options to my friends and clients. As a pet sitter, I find a responsibility to help each client I have in giving their pets the best possible care.

Check out www.dinovite.net.

Flea and tick problems

Sun, 3 May 2009 15:14:16 -0500

Fleas are small, wingless insects that feed on the blood of animals and people. Fleas are a big problem in areas of predominantly warm climate such as Texas. Most flea problems stem from the cat flea. Adult Fleas are about 1/8 of an inch and are usually brownish-black, flat looking and wingless. They can be hard to remove and spread quickly. The best way to prevent fleas would be to use preventative measures. There are many formulas available to the public but I prefer holistic or natural solutions. Because some formulas can be harsh pesticides there is never a complete guarantee that a pet won’t be harmed. An easier solution is using a garlic based formula. Garlic is a good deterrent for fleas and helps to eliminate the problem. However, these formulas will need to be given daily to provide 100% care. They can take up to 3 weeks to start working but in as little as 3 days. Formulas such as Flea Free Supplements can be as easy as putting in drinking water or over food.

Ticks and Mosquitos can cause problems as well. Using Flea Free will help eliminate these problems as well. However, there are many other formulas such as Brewer’s Yeast with Garlic.

Bird trapped in the chimney

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 15:09:21 -0600

Have you ever heard scuffling and noise in the chimney? Did you wonder what is going on and how to I find out what this is? Trust me, I have been there a few times. I keep my Chimney flute shut at all times even when it gets cold. Many times I would like to have a fire in the fireplace but I am cautioned to do so. I have animals and a grandmother that is in her late 80s. Because of this I choose to keep the flute closed at all times. About a year ago, my little sister came to visit me. We had been hearing noises in the chimney flute for about a week. The noises drew louder and louder as the week went on. I figured out because of the flapping noise that the noise was a bird. But I couldn’t figure out how to let the bird out or what to do with the bird. I did a little research and even called a wildlife organization to get some help. Later that afternoon, my sister and I were watching a movie and to our dismay a bird started knocking into the wall and the screen. To be honest, I was freaking out! Between my dogs barking, going crazy and my grandmother asking a million questions my mind was going numb. I went to grab a bucket from the garage but I was too late. I came back inside and the bird found its way into our living room, flying into things while leaving a trail of ash and finally, ended up on the ledge of a window seal. After about an hour of trying to bribe this bird outside, after flying under my couch, the bird went out the door.

I hadn’t heard that noise till about a few days ago. I have a bird in my chimney again. I have a bucket that I will try to catch the bird in and if I am not successful, I will try something else. My fiance is planning on opening up the very tight flute and catching the bird before it finds its way out. I will keep everyone posted on how that turns out.

Bottom line, there are many ways to handle a bird stuck in the chimney. However, some options may not be as humane. I choose a more natural approach that may seem time consuming but the animal has a better chance of surviving.

New year resolutions

Sun, 4 Jan 2009 11:29:53 -0600

Now that 2009 is officially here... it is time to look at setting new goals and plans for life. New Year Resolutions can include exercising more (with pets), eating better foods (changing diet for pets) or spend more time with animals. Many volunteer opportunities are available to help animals in need throughout your community. I am involved in many organizations and contribute in various ways. I do what I can and try to make a difference in my community.

Whether it is financial or hands on work, many organizations would be happy to have help.

Pet Airways

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 14:35:33 -0600

Recently, I received an email from PetsBest insurance about a new company. PetsBest is an insurance company that I recommend highly for pet insurance. I noticed a new company called PetAirways. Of course, I was drawn to the newsletter and wanted to see what this was all about. I looked at the article and then clicked the link for the company’s website. I found out that this new company was a premier airline catering to pet travel... and ONLY Pets. The airline is scheduled to start running flights in Spring-Summer 2009. The airline is priding itself on providing pets a safe and comfortable experience unlike traditional airlines. Pets will have the opportunity to ride in the main cabin which is climate and light controlled. The flight includes a pet attendant that watches over your pet while on board.

The experience is unlike any I have heard of because of the care and amenities given to animals. The service starts at least 2 hours prior to departure when the pet is checked in at the pet lounge. A potty break is given prior to departure. A pet limo picks up pets and carries them to the ground where plane is located. The pet boards the plane and a pet attendant makes sure that they are secure and comfortable. During the entire flight a pet attendant monitors pets in the cabin. When arriving, the pet will be available at the pet lounge for pickup. And what is great about this whole thing is that they offer boarding services as well. If you need to leave your pet at the pet lounge prior to flight or after arrival that is okay.

Why didn’t someone think of this before? It is a great idea and an ideal job for any animal lover. I look forward to seeing it in action and learning more about this airline in the future.

Kennel Cough and dogs

Mon, 24 Nov 2008 10:46:30 -0600

What is kennel cough? Kennel Cough is a highly contagious canine illness characterized by inflammation of the upper respiratory system. It can be caused by various viral infections such as canine distemper, canine adenovirus, canine parainfluenza, canine respiratory coronavirus or even a bacterial infection such as Bordetella Bronchiseptica. The name Kennel Cough is because the infection can spread quickly among dogs, such as in close quarters or a kennel.

Can Kennel Cough be prevented? The answer is yes and no... There is a vaccination for Kennel Cough called the Bordetella Vaccine. However, dogs can get some strands of kennel cough. Symptoms are dry hacking/coughing, retching, sneezing, snorting or gagging in response to light pressing of the trachea or after excitement/exercise. The presence of a fever can occur in some cases. The disease can last initially from 10-20 days and can re-break when the dog is put into a stressful situation which puts stress on the dog’s immune system. The spread of kennel cough can occur with contact with contaminated surfaces such as the ground, toys, sidewalks and dog parks. Treatment is simple. Antibiotics should be given such as Doxycline.

Recently, I introduced a new foster to our household. Kennel Cough had not been detected prior to coming to our house from the vet. When the foster dog came to our home, I noticed sneezing and a watery spray from the nose. I thought it was allergies since she was licking her limbs. A few days later I noticed two of my other dogs sneezing and having the same symptoms. I did not think it would be kennel cough as they had been vaccinated against this and all the other infections that could lead to kennel cough. I took them to the vet and found out that they had kennel cough. I have them all, include the dogs that do not have symptoms on antibiotics. I will keep an eye on them and continue to treat the virus with antibiotics.

I recommend that all people have their dogs vaccinated against this virus. However, knowledge is power and detection is key. If your animals are around multiple animals or can come into contact with several at a time, check their disposition. Because there are multiple strands that not covered by the vaccination, it is possible to get it even after being vaccinated.

Proposition 2

Wed, 5 Nov 2008 12:39:24 -0600

What does Proposition 2 mean for the rest of the nation? Proposition 2 is a proposed law that would change the standards for confining farm animals. California purposed the initiative on the state’s general election on November 4, 2008. It would prohibit the confinement of certain farm animals in a manner that would keep them from being able to turn around freely, lie down, stand up and even extend their limbs. The initiative would look at three types of confinement for veal crates, battery cages and sow gestation crates. The statue was approved on November 4, 2008 and will become operative on January 1, 2015. Allowing farming operations to get up to date on their facilities.

Proposition 2 states that calves raided for veal, egg-laying hens and pregnant pigs be confined only in ways that allow these animals to lie down, stand up, fully extend their limbs and turn around freely. Exceptions made for transportation, rodeos, fairs, 4-H programs, lawful slaughter, research and veterinary purposes. The proposition will provide misdemeanor penalties, including a fine to exceed $1000 and/or imprisonment in jail for up ti 180 days.

What will this do for the nation? Hopefully, with the creation of Proposition 2 in California it will be a move to change the rest of the nation’s standards. We have a responsibility to the creatures on our earth to treat them in a humane way. Whether we choose to eat those creatures or not, we have an obligation to give them peace during their lives. Regardless of what their outcome.

Florida passed an Amendment in 2002 called Amendment 10 banning the confinement of pregnant pigs in gestation crates. Arizona voters passed Proposition 204 in 2006 that prohibits the confinement of calves in veal crates and breeding sows in gestation crates. On May 14, 2008, Colorado Governor Bill Ritter signed into law a bill called SB 201 that phases out gestation crates and veal crates. Around the World, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden and Austria have all banned battery cages for egg-laying hens. The entire European union s phasing out battery cages by 2012.

With constant work, dedication and diligence we can make a difference. It is possible to change what is needed to make the world a better place for all animals, regardless of whether they are a pet or a meal.

Election 2008

Wed, 5 Nov 2008 12:11:10 -0600

On November 4, 2008 Barack Obama made history as the first African American to be elected President of the United States. One of the important issues Obama has supported is Animal Welfare. Obama sponsored a bill in Illinois that would prevent horse slaughter. He pledges support for nearly every animal protection bill currently pending in Congress and says he will work with executive agencies such as the U.S.D.A to make their policies more humane. He has supported various animal protection laws over the eight years in the senate. He continues to work hard to change policies regarding how animals are treated.

As President he will continue to fight for justice for those that can not speak. He will work hard to make legislation target those at fault. Humane Society of the United States endorsed President Barack Obama. While they are not favorable on one party or another, the HSUS believes that this issue needs to be a primary focus. They have not endorsed a presidential candidate in the past but want to make things better for the future. The HSUS believes that “Obama-Biden was a better choice for animal protection and urges all voters who care about the humane treatment of animals, no matter what their party affiliation, to vote for them” states Mike Markarian. Regardless of what political party you belong to, one thing to know about the Obama administration is that this issue will be dealt with first hand. Obama will fight to make protection laws more strict and consequences will be severe for those who do not respect the animals.

I am confident that regardless of our own believes and views on Obama in the White House, that he will make some changes. Changes will take place for those that love animals and strive for better protection. It will be the start of a new nation and a more conscious America.