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We’ve all been there; we are happily saying hello to our fluffy friend Fido when all of the sudden he gets us on the mouth with his tongue.  A thorough wiping of the mouth, gargling with water, washing our hands, and trying to remember what we last saw him licking ensues.

This isn’t an experience many seek out, but getting ‘doggy kisses’ can also be something a few owners love.  While difficult to hear and common-sense for others, letting our dogs lick our mouths is bad for a number of reasons.  Here are some hard facts about what happens when people let their dogs kiss them and why we should avoid it.

Why Do They Do It?

Dogs love licking our mouths for a variety of reasons, but primarily because it is a classic act of submission.  In a pack, wolves would have a complicated social dance to go through based on one wolf’s relationship to the pack hierarchy.  Your dog’s interactions with you are exactly that – their expression of their place in the family hierarchy.

By greeting you with attempts to lick your mouth, dogs are communicating their affection for their family member who is higher up in importance.

 What Could Go Wrong?

In short, a lot of bad things can come from your dog’s love of licking your mouth.  This is especially true if you are a member of the immunosuppressed, either being older, very young, or having an illness that suppresses your immune system.

While humans have a wide variety of microorganisms in our mouths, dogs have the same number, but different types, of bacteria based on their diet.  Humans have evolved to co-exist with the majority of our germs; our bodies have developed a balanced ecosystem for our germs to both live on our skin and in our organs without killing us.  If people start welcoming dogs to share the germs on their tongue, especially in our mouth, that carefully balanced ecosystem is ruined and we are very likely to be ill.

Bacteria? What Kind?

Dogs mouths have been shown to carry a wide variety of bacteria, normal to their bodies but causing serious issues in ours.  Here is a short list of a few different types of bacteria commonly found in canine mouths and what they can do to humans (Kasempimolporn, Benjavongkulchai, Saengseesom, & Sitprija 2003):

Klebsiella pneumoniae – can cause pneumonia, infections in the bloodstream     and infections in open cuts

Escherichia coli –     primary cause of traveler’s diarrhea, urinary tract infections, meningitis     in babies and pneumonia

Staphylococcus aureus – naturally found on human skin, but if out of balance     it can cause severe infections in the skin and lungs and can lead to food     poisoning

Citrobacter freundii –     can cause infections of the respiratory tract, urinary tract, and blood in     immunosuppressed people (people with certain illnesses, the very young and     the very old)

Enterobacter cloacae –     infections in the lower respiratory tract, skin, and eyes

Acinetobacter calcoaceticus – infections in the respiratory tract and open cuts

Pasteurella species –     causes infection in open cuts

Alternatives to Keep in Mind

A dog has naturally occurring behaviors that come from instinct, such as licking a human’s neck and mouth during greetings.  These behaviors, while hard to retrain, can be changed to other submissive behaviors that don’t include licking.

Some of these behaviors are naturally occurring, such as a dog rolling over onto their back for belly rubs.  This is an instinctual behavior that displays submission just like licking the neck and mouth.  Another alternative to licking is to train your dog to sit and wait for attention, which maintains the dominant relationship while avoiding contact with your face.  When retraining to not lick your mouth, the trick is to calmly but firmly turn away from their attention until they stop.  Only when they are calm should you reward them with your attention.

Who doesn’t love kisses?

We all know a few dog owners who love to give their dogs ‘kisses’ and encourage their dogs to greet small children the same.  These people often claim to never have been ill from their puppy kisses, and instead, view it as a cute greeting.  Unfortunately, these types of interactions can cause mild illnesses that don’t seem abnormal at first glance.  Only when the infection is severe, whether by chance or because the person is immunocompromised, can the dog be to blame.  This means, regrettably, that it’s time to say no to the normal enthusiastic greeting from Fido.

Would love to hear from you.

Do you have any novel greetings you get from your pet which does not include puppy kisses?  Let us know about them in the comments! Our Snellville Pet Sitters, Dog Walkers, and Dog Trainers are here to help you answer any questions or concerns you may have?

References:

Kasempimolporn, S, et al. “Oral bacterial flora of dogs with and without rabies: a preliminary study in Thailand.” Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand = Chotmaihet thangphaet., U.S. National Library of Medicine, Dec. 2003, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14971525.

This isn’t an experience many seek out, but getting ‘doggy kisses’ can also be something a few owners love.  While difficult to hear and common-sense for others, letting our dogs lick our mouths is bad for a number of reasons.  Here are some hard facts about what happens when people let their dogs kiss them and why we should avoid it.

Why Do They Do It?

Dogs love licking our mouths for a variety of reasons, but primarily because it is a classic act of submission.  In a pack, wolves would have a complicated social dance to go through based on one wolf’s relationship to the pack hierarchy.  Your dog’s interactions with you are exactly that – their expression of their place in the family hierarchy.

By greeting you with attempts to lick your mouth, dogs are communicating their affection for their family member who is higher up in importance.

What Could Go Wrong?

In short, a lot of bad things can come from your dog’s love of licking your mouth.  This is especially true if you are a member of the immunosuppressed, either being older, very young, or having an illness that suppresses your immune system.

While humans have a wide variety of microorganisms in our mouths, dogs have the same number, but different types, of bacteria based on their diet.  Humans have evolved to co-exist with the majority of our germs; our bodies have developed a balanced ecosystem for our germs to both live on our skin and in our organs without killing us.  If people start welcoming dogs to share the germs on their tongue, especially in our mouth, that carefully balanced ecosystem is ruined and we are very likely to be ill.

Bacteria? What Kind?

Dogs mouths have been shown to carry a wide variety of bacteria, normal to their bodies but causing serious issues in ours.  Here is a short list of a few different types of bacteria commonly found in canine mouths and what they can do to humans (Kasempimolporn, Benjavongkulchai, Saengseesom, & Sitprija 2003):

Klebsiella pneumoniae – can cause pneumonia, infections in the bloodstream and infections in open cuts

Escherichia coli – primary cause of traveler’s diarrhea, urinary tract infections, meningitis in babies and pneumonia

Staphylococcus aureus – naturally found on human skin, but if out of balance it can cause severe infections in the skin and lungs and can lead to food poisoning

Citrobacter freundii – can cause infections of the respiratory tract, urinary tract, and blood in immunosuppressed people (people with certain illnesses, the very young and the very old)

Enterobacter cloacae – infections in the lower respiratory tract, skin, and eyes

Acinetobacter calcoaceticus – infections in the respiratory tract and open cuts

Pasteurella species – causes infection in open cuts

Alternatives to Keep in Mind

A dog has naturally occurring behaviors that come from instinct, such as licking a human’s neck and mouth during greetings.  These behaviors, while hard to retrain, can be changed to other submissive behaviors that don’t include licking.

Some of these behaviors are naturally occurring, such as a dog rolling over onto their back for belly rubs.  This is an instinctual behavior that displays submission just like licking the neck and mouth.  Another alternative to licking is to train your dog to sit and wait for attention, which maintains the dominant relationship while avoiding contact with your face.  When retraining to not lick your mouth, the trick is to calmly but firmly turn away from their attention until they stop.  Only when they are calm should you reward them with your attention.

Who doesn’t love kisses?

We all know a few dog owners who love to give their dogs ‘kisses’ and encourage their dogs to greet small children the same.  These people often claim to never have been ill from their puppy kisses, and instead, view it as a cute greeting.  Unfortunately, these types of interactions can cause mild illnesses that don’t seem abnormal at first glance.  Only when the infection is severe, whether by chance or because the person is immunocompromised, can the dog be to blame.  This means, regrettably, that it’s time to say no to the normal enthusiastic greeting from Fido.

Would love to hear from you.

Do you have any novel greetings you get from your pet which does not include puppy kisses?  Let us know about them in the comments! Our Snellville Pet Sitters, Dog Walkers, and Dog Trainers are here to help you answer any questions or concerns you may have?

References:

Kasempimolporn, S, et al. “Oral bacterial flora of dogs with and without rabies: a preliminary study in Thailand.” Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand = Chotmaihet thangphaet., U.S. National Library of Medicine, Dec. 2003, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14971525.

Puppy Crate Training

Crating is the mantra for many of today’s dog parents.  It can save your furniture, your shoes, and your sanity when training a destructive puppy, and can be the refuge for an older dog in a chaotic house.  Despite crates being the savior for many new puppy owners. They are sometimes impossible to introduce to their dog.

Fortunately, training your pet to enjoy their crate is a matter of lots of treats and gentle introduction, no matter the age of the dog.  Follow these simple steps on Crating your dog, and you find a more secure and well-adjusted dog.

Why You Should Crate:

In the wild, your dog would naturally seek out a secure area to make themselves feel secure and comfortable.  Despite getting comfortable on the carpet and eating Kibble, dogs still retain this instinct to seek out a dark, cave-like enclosure.  Providing them a designated space to satisfy this need will create an area for them to relax and call their own.

In addition to maintaining a dog-only space, Crating your pet will keep them out of trouble while puppies or new additions learn impulse control. By Crating your dog, they are learning new household manners. You are helping them to control their instinct to destroy out of boredom, and learning to control their bladders.

What to Look for In a Crate

The ideal crate depends on the size of the dog.  A dog should have room enough to turn around in and stand up comfortably, but not more than that.  If renting a crate for a growing puppy isn’t an option, buy the size that will suit them when fully grown.  While too small is not good, too big isn’t either; puppies will be more likely to use part of the space to eliminate in if given enough room.  By purchasing a crate new at a pet supplies store, you are ensuring your purchase is safe and approved for a puppy.

The location of the crate is also important.  It should be kept out of the way of heavy traffic, but also in a location where the family spends a lot of time. Many dogs prefer to stay close to people, even while taking a break. During the initial stages of training, a crate should also be kept close to the bedroom for night crating to make the dog feel safe.  It can then be slowly moved out to general areas when the dog feels comfortable.

How to Get Your Dog to Love Their Crate

The number one mistake of new pet owners is introducing the crate in a way that makes the dog hate it.  Using the crate as a punishment space, crating for too long, or using a crate with no adjustment period are all excellent ways to make a dog hate their crate.  Crating is not a quick fix for behavioral problems, such as separation anxiety, and should be introduced positively to reap the benefits.  Through careful training, your dog can learn it is a positive place instead of a someplace to dread.

Once the perfect crate is purchased and placed in the ideal location, you can start the introduction to your dog.  The key to success is a slow introduction with lots of treats.  Start by placing treats just inside the entrance to the crate.  Let the dog get comfortable retrieving treats from further inside the crate.  Always leave the door open, and stop whenever the dog becomes uncomfortable.  Start saying the command word, such as “kennel” or “crate” to let them associate the word with the location.

Crate Timing

If the dog seems comfortable, introduce feeding times in the crate, again, always leaving the door open.  Once they are happy eating in the crate, try closing the door during mealtimes.  Start closing the door during mealtimes, at first for only a minute, then extending the time to thirty minutes with the door close.  Immediately open the door if the dog becomes distressed.  Once thirty minutes with the door close is reached, it is now time to graduate by leaving the room.  Work on leaving the room, and eventually the house, for longer periods of time until the dog is happy in the crate for up to three hours.  Make sure to give regular bathroom breaks and access to water during longer stays.

Within three weeks, it is entirely possible to have most dogs happily spending time in their crate.  Crating can bring amazing results, especially when housebreaking a new dog or puppy, and requires only a little bit of patience. Many dogs adapt very quickly to positive crate time and are happy to use the space as their own.  For the reluctant dogs, slow and calm will win the battle, and always back off if the dog becomes uncomfortable.

Share Your Story

Are there any success stories for our readers?  Let us know in the comments your story of teaching to Crate. If you have a new puppy, or a rescue dog, one of our dog trainers would be happy to give you a free 15 minutes telephone consultation or call an schedule a home visit. Your dog doesn’t have to be a puppy to learn how to love their crate. We can help!  Give us a call 770-695-3096 or email our lead dog trainer Daylan, at [email protected]

They’re furry, have a tail and love to eat food off the floor – but their teeth are just like ours.  In fact, our pets’ teeth are much more important.  From stealing socks to playing tug of war with the neighbor’s dog, cats and dogs rely on their teeth for every moment of their daily routine.  Dental care is an important aspect of health that pet owners must take into account.

In honor of February as National Pet Dental Health month, 2 Paws Up Inc. is taking a look at the importance of pet dental care in yearly checkups and how to include it in your daily life.

Why is Pet Dental Care Important:

Veterinarians will always include a quick peek at the teeth whenever you bring your pet in, and for a good reason.  Teeth can be the foundation of either complete health of chronic illness.  The reason for this is that periodontal disease often goes unnoticed, but can develop into kidney disease, liver disease, and heart muscle changes if left untreated.  Infections in the tooth or gum can also progress to abscesses and interfere with eating and drinking, leading to more complications.  Preventative care and proactive cleanings are essential to prevent this.

Infections in the teeth can often go unnoticed since they happen below the gum-line, so yearly checkups and visits for dental cleaning are the first lines of defense.

What Does Pet Dental Disease Look Like:

When cats and dogs are young, their teeth look white and even, with pink gums and neutral-smelling breath.  It is estimated, however, that at three years old the family pet will have some form of periodontal disease.  Periodontal disease, or dental disease, is when there is infection or inflammation of the gums or teeth due to the buildup of plaque or injury.

How Will You Tell?

You may be able to tell if your pet has the start of dental disease if they have any of the following symptoms: bad breath, broken teeth, discolored teeth, food dropping from the mouth, chewing only on one side, loss of appetite, changes in temperament or swelling around the mouth.  These symptoms can develop from a range of reasons; the most common is the simple buildup of tartar, which hardens into plaque.  Plaque causes inflammation of the gums and allows decay of the tooth to occur if left alone, sometimes even causing teeth to come loose.  Puppies will lose their puppy teeth naturally, though, so losing teeth in their first year is completely normal.

Broken Teeth

Other causes of dental disease can include broken teeth from excessive chewing, abscesses, misalignment of teeth (unfortunately no doggy braces are available, yet) and injuries to the jaw.

Preventative Pet Dental Care:

The number one tool in an owners’ preventative care for a dental disease will be brushing at home.  This requires quite a bit of training, especially when teaching cats to accept tooth brushing, but a couple of times a week routine is very effective.  Pet toothpaste comes in fun flavors such as liver, tuna, and chicken flavored, so your pet will grow to love the experience, too.  There is a range of products which advertise helping with dental care for pets, but it is always best to speak with your veterinarian before choosing one of these methods.

Veterinary Dental Cleaning

Veterinary dental cleaning is also highly recommended as the best way to do a yearly removal of plaque buildup but also to check for further dental problems.  Your vet will perform a visual check of the teeth to check the overall health of the gums, and possibly to recommend a cleaning.  During this visit, your pet will be anesthetized, which allows for a thorough cleaning without your pet being stressed by invasive inspections and loud machines.  During this cleaning, your pet will be put on a machine to help with their breathing, possibly have x-rays taken, and their teeth will be cleaned with the same machine your dentist uses on your teeth.  Teeth may be removed if needed, and the teeth polished.  Your pet will wake up with fresher breath and a healthy appetite.

February Is National Pet Dental Health Month

As it is national pet dental health month, speak with your local vet office to see if they are providing any special pricing for dental visits.  The next time Fido or Mittens wakes you up by staring intently into your face, only one of you will have to worry about morning breath. If you like this article let us know your thoughts and share your pets pretty smile. We love all our furry friends. If you would like a conversation how we can make your life less stressful knowing you have a pet sitter, dog walker or dog trainer who will be here 365 a year. Please call us 770-695-3096 or email [email protected]

Often, the last step on our way out the door is to click on the TV, so pets don’t feel like they are alone.  Owners can spot Fido staring intently at the show they are watching, and sometimes they even bark back when Rin Tin Tin reruns come on.

Some owners might ask; do pets even benefit from having the television going?  If dogs do, how can owners choose programs that stimulate pets while they are gone?  2 Paws Up Inc. did the research and is here with the results.

Which Dogs Respond to Television?

The facts are in; some dogs are fully capable of watching television when the subject matter interests them.  All dogs have a much stronger sense of smell than they do vision, seeing the colors of yellow and blue most clearly handicaps them a little.  Dogs who are most likely to watch TV also have better vision, such as Greyhounds, Whippets, and Rhodesian Ridgebacks.  These breeds, among others, were bred to hunt by sight and speed, so would be able to track motion on television much easier than a bloodhound.

Not all dogs will show interest in television.  Breeds with the best eyesight are most likely to respond to a TV being left on for them as opposed to breeds who use mostly scent.  To test this, show your dog videos of dogs barking and running.  If your dog shows an interest in YouTube videos or Animal Planet episodes, chances are they would enjoy some digital companionship.

What are Dogs Responding To?

A dog will be most interested in exciting stimuli, such as other dogs running, dogs barking, or dogs socializing.  When the dog shows interest in another pet running through a field barking, they will try to interact with the video as they would in real life; by barking and trying to sniff or approach it.  When faced with a new experience, a dog would normally do exploratory behaviors; sniffing, barking, approaching.  It is likely that a dog would lose interest once these exploratory behaviors stayed one-sided.

Once a dog loses interest in TV, they are less likely to pay attention to it so that an ideal TV program would have constantly changing subjects.

How to Use Television in Training

Knowing which dogs will respond to TV and what they are interested in is one thing, but knowing how to use this interest to your advantage can be a game-changer.  If your dog is a habitual watcher, including a television in your training habits, can give you an extra edge.

If your dog has separation anxiety when you leave your home, try recording your family during social interactions, such as dinner or when having friends over.  When leaving for a short time, put this taped encounter on your television.  Hearing your voices and the sound of humans in the home can distract your dog from destructive behaviors, and your immediate return before they can lose interest in the recording interrupts the anxiety loop.  Start making your trips from home longer and longer while playing this tape to help your pet ease their separation anxiety.

If your pet barks like a maniac every time, the garbage man comes by (or postal worker, or Girl Scout entrepreneurs, etc.) try making a tape with several visits from this aggravating visitor.  Play this video on repeat so that your dog hears the sounds of the approaching truck or person and can see them approaching on the TV.  By getting your dog used to the sounds of this guest without them invading their territory, they will become less likely to respond to it in real life.  The mad barking that wakes the dead will become less and less likely as you play the tape.

These training aids are only a few of the several ways you can incorporate television into your pets’ life.  Even if your dog shows no interest in the TV, there is no harm in leaving it on.  Maybe your pet will still get a few benefits when it comes to screen time, and maybe it is only you who will get peace of mind while you are away.  Either way, it is worth the extra screen time.

Do you have any funny stories about your dog interacting with your TV?  Please share them in the comments! We, at 2 Paws Up Inc Pet Sitting, Dog Walking, and Dog Training would love to hear your story!

https://www.2pawsupinc.com/2018/01/28/snellville-pet-sitter-talks-catnip-actually-work/

Catnip, that magic plant that can send your cat into ecstatic leaps and comatose naps all within thirty minutes!  The real question is; how does catnip work and who should you buy it for?  This green and grassy plant can be purchased in holistic therapy shops, pet stores, and in garden nurseries.  It also comes in several forms; dried, fresh, spray form, and essential oil.  Potential buyers should be aware, though, the secret is in the oil, so the liquid spray version and stale dried catnip will be less powerful.

How Does It Work?

Specifically, catnip contains nepetalactone oil, which is the active ingredient in catnip.  Nepetalactone is breathed in through the cats’ nose, with the cat kneading and bruising the plant with their face and paws to facilitate the release of oil.  The nasal membranes absorb the nepetalactone and cause a neural response in the amygdala and hypothalamus, eventually causing reactions in these areas controlling responses to hunger and emotions.  The cat responds to this stimulus for about ten minutes and then will have a cool down period of about thirty minutes.  When being stimulated by catnip, the cat can do anything from periods of high activity (jumping, rolling, racing) to drooling and meowing.  Afterwards, the cat will typically become very calm and relaxed, and will not respond to new exposure to catnip for about two hours.

Who Does It Work On?

Unfortunately, this chemically-induced ecstasy does not affect all cats at all ages.  A kitten must be sexually mature, or around six months, to respond to catnip at all.  Additionally, only about 70% of cats are genetically able to respond to nepetalactone.

How Can You Use it?

Because catnip causes a response in the majority of cats, you can use this wonderful plant to your advantage:

Redirection:

Any cat owner knows that cats will find any way possible past an obstruction, such as the towels you put on your new couch to avoid it turning to an impromptu scratching post.  By rubbing dried or fresh catnip onto a scratching post of your choosing, you may redirect your cats’ scratch-fever in a more appropriate direction.  This also follows for enticing them to a new bed or litterbox.

Enrichment:

Cats are curious creatures, and if left to their own devices will find something to explore that you would rather they didn’t.  By providing toys and interactive environments, such as cat trees and toy mice, your cat will be less likely to find trouble their own way.  An addition to your cats’ environment could be dried catnip knotted into a sock, or a fresh catnip plant growing on their favorite windowsill.

Stress management:

Catnip provides the same affect for cats as a nice cup of tea and bubble bath does for us – it mellows them out.  If you have a new feline addition to the home who is still adjusting, or cat living on the edge after a change in household dynamic, think about stocking up on some ‘nip.  Store the excess in your freezer to maintain the oils, and introduce small amounts to your cat to see a relaxed Felix.

If your cat is part of the lucky majority who responds to catnip, be sure to acquire some to add to their life.  Whether they need it to relax or as encouragement to use the new litter box, catnip can be a useful addition to your grocery list.

Cats can get up to some crazy antics when playing with catnip, what is your favorite story from your frisky feline?  Let us know in the comments!

By Lauren Pescarus

If you own a cat, you already know that your feline friend has a very large vocabulary. Chirps and trills, meows and yowls, purring or hissing, or just an intent, silent stare are all part of your cat’s vocal communication. And that doesn’t even scratch the surface of the visual cues your cat is giving you.

Amongst themselves, cats communicate by sound, body language, and smell. For us humans, however, we’re more attuned to the vocal cues and the more obvious visual cues while the scent cues are completely lost on us. For this reason, it seems that cats use meows most often when communicating with humans.

Another reason why cats meow at us could relate back to each cat’s experience as a newborn kitten. Kittens are blind and deaf when they’re first born, yet they still meow to alert their mothers of their presence and needs. When we become the cat’s primary caretaker, the all-around distributor of food and love, the cat’s tendency to meow probably becomes directed at us.

Cats have common patterns of communication (as outlined below) but you could also say that each cat has its own “dialect” or unique way of communicating. You help build this dialect as you communicate back to your pet and give her what she wants. Rewards usually reinforce certain behaviors, so if your cat does a funny trill and you laugh and give her love and affection, odds are she’ll keep that trill in her vocabulary. Similarly, if you respond to a meow by giving your cat food, or opening a door, or doing whatever it is she wants you to do, you’re helping your cat to create a code of behaviors and meows that allow her to communicate with you.

When listening to the sounds your cat makes, also pay attention to the context and the body language of your cat. If you’re just walking in the door and your cat meows at you with her tail and ears up, that’s probably a friendly hello. If you find your cat crouched in a corner, ears flat, tail wrapped protectively around her, and she’s making a low, growling meow, she’s probably letting you know she’s feeling threatened and is not interested in your company right now.

Here’s a basic break down of kitty communication:

The All-Purpose Meow

Hello, I’m here, I want food, please pet me, open this door, let me in there… The many meanings of the meow could go on and on. A meow alone won’t tell you much. Pay attention to your cat’s tail, ears, position, and intent. Is she rubbing against your leg or is she on the other side of the room, half-way out the door, trying to get you to follow? Does she seem happy, scared, sad, lonely? Sometimes kitty just wants to get your attention, and for that, a meow is perfect.

Purring

This throaty rumble is a sign of contentment and happiness. It can be communicative, meaning your cat wants you to know she’s happy, but it is also just comforting for kitty. In some cases, cats will actually use purring to comfort themselves if they are sick.

Chirps or Trills

You’ll notice that mama cats use trills to communicate with their kittens. It may signal that the cat wants you to follow or do something. Humans often interpret trills as questions because they end on an up note. Trills can also mark confusion or frustration. Watch your cat to see if she seems to be waiting for something from you. Who knows, maybe she is just asking where you’ve been.

C:

This is a very recognizable vocalization that primarily shows up when your kitty is bird or squirrel watching at the window. It looks like an almost knee-jerk reaction of the kitty’s jaw, and some suggest that it’s a mark of frustration or anticipation of the cat wanting to catch what she is seeing outside.

Growling

A cat’s growl sounds like a deep, drawn out, gutteral meow. The mildest type of growl simply expresses displeasure. For example, if you’re holding a cat that simply doesn’t want to be held, she will make a long, deep, growl or whine but will not lay the ears back or seem intent on striking out. Still, it’s wise to respect this growl and give the kitty her space. Other growls come out of an awareness of danger that the cat perceives, either for herself or for someone else. Cats are not as people protective as dogs, but they still have those protective instincts. If you hear your cat growling, it’s best to look at her and figure out what is threatening her or someone around her.

Hissing

This clear signal, whether directed at another cat or at a person, always means, “Back off.”

Yowling or Caterwauling

Loud, drawn out, and repetitive yowling is a female cat’s mating call. This call is distinctive from the more frantic yowling of a cat in distress.

It’s important to note that a sudden change in your cat’s meowing and body language patterns can indicate a change in her health. If you’re aware, your cat can let you know if she’s sick or in pain. Cats also use meowing to express a change in mood. If you bring a new kitten into your home, it may spend the first few nights loudly meowing because it’s looking for its mom and it’s confused by its new surroundings.

Take the time to get to know your cat’s meow. You’ll be surprised to find just how well you can understand your feline friend.

If you’re a pet owner looking for a pet sitter, it’s like deciding what toilet paper to buy. Okay, seriously, there are so many options on the internet of those who call themselves pet sitters. Retirees, to college students home on break, to your neighborhood teenager.

Who Will Care For My Pets?

I see pet owners asking on Facebook, on Nextdoor, even at a Yoga class if they know of a pet sitter who can watch their pets. There are so many options out there for people who call themselves pet sitters. How do you choose? You want to feel safe and secure about who will be coming into your home to take care of your pets. At 2 Paws Up Inc Pet Sitting and Dog Walking we offer this advice to pet owners: be cautious of the “pseudo pet sitters.”

Pet Sitter Is A Loose Term

Pet owners and news outlets use the term “pet sitter” carelessly, referring to anyone from a family member, to a friend, to a college student, to a retiree, to the neighborhood teenager. Can anyone walk a dog? The answer is yes. However, even for pet owners committed to using professional pet sitters instead of friends and or family, this can be confusing.

Trustworthy Pet Sitter

How do you find someone who is trustworthy? You will want to look for a pet sitter that has not only been trained on the company’s way of doing the “job.” You should also look to see who is educated in animal behavior. Look for pet sitters who know the proper techniques on how to handle a dog if they come across an unleashed dog.  A pet sitter who knows the signs of aggression, and how to best control the situation. A pet sitter who knows the proper way to walk a dog on a leash.

An Independent Contractors Role

Remember a company who hires independent contractors (subcontractor) cannot train or personally educate their pet sitters. They can only instruct them to ask the pet owners on how to care for their pets. The independent contractor’s role is that they have to be held accountable to the company to carry out the job as instructed by the pet owner and the company that has contracted them to perform the job. If a mistake is made or the pet sitter is hurt in your home while caring for your pets, who has to pay?

Influx of Pet-Care Directories

With the influx of pet-care directory sites popping up the last couple of years and news stories touting pet sitting as an easy way to earn extra cash. More and more people are deciding to cash in on the growing need for pet care. Just because you’ve seen a pet sitter on an online directory or even on a nationally publicized site doesn’t ensure they are a legitimate, qualified, pet sitting business.

Take A Closer Look At Who Will Care For Your Pets

It is crucial for pet owners to take a closer look to ensure they are hiring a legitimate, knowledgeable, and trustworthy pet sitter. At 2 Paws Up Inc  Pet Sitting and Dog Walking we take the time to meet with you and your pets. We hire employees giving us the opportunity not only to train but to educate our employees. We perform criminal background checks, carry liability insurance, bonding, and workman’s compensation to ensure the safety of our pet sitters and the safety of our clients and their homes.

If you would like more information about pet care, please email us [email protected] or Request A Quote or leave us a message 770-695-3096 Extension 0. We would love to learn more about your pets, and how we can help you.

This beautiful dog was originally bred to haul freight because it is so strong. They have a few other relatives in this part of the world including the Siberian Husky and The Canadian Eskimo Dog. According to the American Kennel Club the dogs can be quite large ranging on average from 75-85 pounds. For that reason they are also some of the best dogs if you are looking for a dog which has natural strength, they also have the ability as well to pull up to 100 pounds.

The coat has two layers and is very thick which can mean that it can be over two inches thick. The coat itself on the outside is very coarse and stands off of the top of the body. The fur also has a wooly texture to it and is very coarse, the coat is very important to ensure that you are able to keep your animal groomed. In addition to this you want to have the opportunity to groom your pet on a regular basis as well so that you will be able to care for him. That means that you want to help him keep his coat very healthy and full on a regular basis and also take him to be groomed.

The ears of the dog are very beautiful and they are erect and stand on the head at attention. In addition to that there are also many beautiful kinds of ears for the dog. You will also be amazes at the power of the dog which is also bred for its beauty and its strength. The dog is also well known for its endurance and its shape. The dog has a beautiful coat and has many different variations of color that it can appear in. The dog can be many different colors of ash, sable, and red and white. In addition to that there are many wide ranges of colors. The Alaskan Malamute is famous for its almond shaped eyes as well for is beautiful dark eyes. Many of the dogs are also famous with blue eyes as well as also with other colors which can sometimes be green or blue.

The AKC also calls has a tail which is referred to a corkscrew tail, this is also seen as a breed standard and is similar to an Akita. In addition to that there are other reasons as well that the dog has a plume tail which is for dusting the snow off of the coat. Also there is a great wedge shape portion to the head that means that there is a strong skull. In addition to that there is also a great tone to the nose which allows them to be able to plow through the snow as well as remain insulated in the cold.

Alaskan Malamutes are some of the best sled dogs for all kinds of travel as well as for pulling objects. They are used for sledding as well as for many other forms of working out in the tundra. They have the ability to handle being left on their own most of the time as they are dogs which have a fierce spirit of independence. In addition to that they are able to be a part of everything and are some of the best dogs for being able to adapt to any situation.

Malamutes are very fond of people and they are very great family dogs, for that reason they are not very good watch dogs as they are very friendly. They are great in the house as well as they need plenty of time outside. They also need to have a place that allows them to stay cool in the summer time because of their thick coat. They are normally very quiet dogs and keep to themselves without barking much. Usually when they do make a sound it is for a specific reason and that means that they need attention.

They are also one of the longest living dogs as they have a lifespan of over 15 years. They have other issues that are genetic which are very difficult such as hip issues, cataracts, and many other issues which are native to the dog.

When you make a commitment to the dog you will be pleased to note that you will have him for many years, there is nothing better than having a partner and companion that you know you will be able to count on that will become a valuable part of your life.

When the weather outside is frightful, and you are experiencing below normal temperatures, as most us of have already experienced this year, please bring your pets inside.  Wolves may be able to handle sub-zero temperatures but our furry friends cannot.  Pets are accustomed to central heating.

To help combat the winter health hazards here are a few winter tips:

Are you freezing even wearing a coat?

If you’re cold even in your coat, more than likely your pet is cold.  Shorten your walks in unusually cold weather.  Keep a towel at the door to wipe off snow and ice on your pets paws and coat.

Eating Snow?

Did you know that eating snow can lower a dog’s body temperature?  Eating snow could lead to hypothermia.  During long walks or hikes take some Luke-warm water with you for the dog to drink.  This will help to avoid your dog eating snow when they are thirsty.

Ice-Melting Salt?

Try looking for “paw-safe” salt for melting ice and snow.  The regular kind can sting chapped paws.  Another option to protect your dog’s feet would be to strap-on boots or use a foot wax.  A good boot for your dog is “Muttluks”, and a good foot wax is “Musher’s Secret”.

Boots might pull off in deep snow.  They are better used on plowed roads and sidewalks.  The wax is rubbed on the dog’s pads and between the toes before going outside.  Some dog owners use petroleum jelly.  Although, it does not stay on as well as wax, it’s a little less expensive.  Just remember anything you rub on your dog’s pads should be safe enough if eaten or licked off.

After a good walk it is wise to rinse your dog’s paws with warm water and dry as soon as you get into the house.  This will help keep your dog from licking road salt off their feet.  Do you like the Belted Coat and Boots?  You can find them here: Muttluks.com

 Itchy, Flaky Skin?

Many dogs have dry itchy, flaky skin in the winter.  Some dogs are allergic to mold spores in heating systems or dust mites.  To combat an itchy, flaky dog is to bathe them regularly during the winter months.  It’s fine to bathe a dog indoors as long as you keep them warm until they are completely dry.

Please remember to monitor the weather and your pets during the cold or extreme weather.  The Lilburn Georgia area has already had unusually cold weather so far this year, as well as most of the east coast.

Quite often parents end up taking full responsibility for pet care when school starts back.  It doesn’t have to be that way.  There is a great way to teach your child responsibility. Make it fun, and not something to feel guilty about or have it become a chore.  Make it a family affair by pitching in and teaching that it will make life easier.

Below are 5 tips you can do to make it a family affair.  Parents can start with negotiating simple short tasks:

If getting ready for school on-time is a problem, then the parent can feed the dog breakfast and the children can feed the dog at dinner.

As a parent what better way to find out how your child’s day was by walking the dog after school.  What a great way to bond more with your children, as well as getting some exercise in for the day.

Try something fun like, first down the stairs puts the dog out.

Since it is August it will be warm outside so make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water for the day, and has a cool place to spend the day.  This takes less than two or three minutes.  Time it, and see what I mean.

If you must leave the dog outside, be sure it is secure so that your pet is safe from wild animals, such as Coyotes, they have been seen in urban areas or the neighbors dog who always runs loose.

Enjoy the benefits that the family dog offers your family by sharing enjoyable times like walks in the neighborhood, as well as hikes in the neighborhood parks.  You and your children will feel more connected together caring for a pet.  You might even encourage your child to read to your pet each evening.

Information provided by R.R. Cratty.

Some suggested resources:

Your Child’s Dog:  How to Help Your Kids Care for Their Pets by Andrea McHugh.

Other suggestion by R.R. Cratty:

Children enjoy the learning process when they become self-motivated

Jules Verne creates the best summer family activities

Summer science and art paint for families

Card games for family summer vacation fun

Good questions inspire active reading

Ever heard of the popular phone game Plants vs. Zombies? It’s a strangely addictive game where you use different types of plants to keep hoards of zombies away from your house. Using flea-repelling plants to keep those tiny pests away from your house and pets seems to work on the same principle. Plants are your friends!

If you are embarking on a new landscaping plan, or if you’d just like to brighten up your yard with some new potted plants, you can use some of these popular flea-deterring plants to add another level of protection to your home and your pets.

It’s important to know that while some plants may be effective at repelling fleas, they may also pose a threat to your pet if your pet ingests them. For example, the appropriately named Fleabane (or Pennyroyal) plant is no friend to fleas, but it is actually also toxic to cats and dogs. Other plants that are commonly cited as flea repellents but that are also dangerous to pets include:

Fleawort Tansy Rue Citronella Sweet Bay Wormwood Eucalyptus Chrysanthemum (or Feverfew)

Also be aware that garlic is toxic to cats and some breeds of dogs. Some sources suggest scattering whole or ground cloves of garlic around your yard to keep the fleas away, but this will pose a threat to any cats and dogs who might chance upon them.

Also be aware that certain plants can deter or kill beneficial nematodes, the good flea-killing worms that you can add to your yard to keep flea populations under control. If you are using nematodes as a treatment, be sure to keep them away from those particular plants.

Plants that repel fleas and are non-toxic to cats and dogs include:

Plants in the mint family Catnip (be aware that this plant may attract neighboring cats) Sage Rosemary (the herb, not Rosemary Bog or Rosemary Pea, which are toxic to pets) Chamomile Lavender Lemon grass Marigolds

A note about mints: Mint plants are very useful flea repellents, however, they are also invasive plants and, if allowed, will overtake large sections of your yard. One method for containing mint plants is to plant them in separate pots. If you wish to use them in your landscaping, you can simply bury the pot in the ground, just be sure the pot has proper drainage holes to keep too much water from getting trapped and oversaturating the plant. Also, if you are using a variety of mints, be sure to keep them separate to avoid cross-pollination of the plants.

For more general information about what plants may or may not be harmful to your pet, you can visit the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals website (ASPCA.org) and view their list of toxic and non-toxic plants. HYPERLINK: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants

This list is particularly useful if you are introducing new plants into your yard and home. Also take special care around holidays and special occasions when you might have seasonal plants in your home such as lilies, poinsettias, and other foliage associated with holiday celebrations.

Also note that flea-repelling potted plants in your home will not eradicate an already existing flea problem, but if these plants are placed near to problem spots, such as around your pet’s favorite spots to sleep and rest, you may be able to disrupt the fleas and give some measure of relief to your pet, not to mention beautifying your home atmosphere!

A Personal Perspective:

For a time, I lived in a rental house that had a very large, very overgrown back yard. We had neighbor cats and dogs and even some neighbor chickens all near by. While doing house repairs, our landlord also commonly brought his dog, who wasn’t shy about coming and spending time in the house.

With so many pets about, and with a house that had lain vacant for some time, one of our first concerns was the possibility of having an infestation of fleas and other critters. As the spring moved into hot summer weather, we braced for the insects that would come with it. And while we had an inexplicable case of beetles in the front yard, we never seemed to have trouble with the back yard.

One day, as I was out doing yard work, I started to notice that we had an abundance of one type of plant. After closer inspection, we realized that we had a healthy crop of mint. Their distinct smell gave them away as lemon mint plants. We were happy to let the plants continue growing because we figured they were doing such a good job of keeping the pests away. The whole time we lived in that house, not once did we ever see a flea.

Let’s face it, if you know cats you know that they can make a toy out of just about anything. A simple piece of string holds hours and hours of entertainment alone. Add a pet owner who will hold the piece of string and make it jump and flip about, and you’ve increased the entertainment factor exponentially.

  The best cat toys will play to your cat’s natural interests, affinities, and instincts. Cats love to hunt. They love to creep and sneak up on unsuspecting prey. They love the chase.

We once had a cat that made a game of stalking us. Whenever we walked through the room, she’d come streaking out from under the couch and would spring at us. A moment before contact, she’d drop to the ground and walk away as if to say, “I won’t, but I just wanted you to know that I’m perfectly capable of taking out your knees.” After one too many surprises like that, we figured it was time to get her another toy to chase instead of us.

Another habit of cats is to hide or rest in small spaces. We had many cats that loved to swipe at things from under the couch cover. This made it a little interesting for us. Whenever we sat on the couch, the backs of our ankles would get attacked.

So maybe it’s time to ask yourself, does your cat like hiding and pouncing? Is he eager to leap and jump for objects? Maybe your feline likes to paw at and explore new items. Read up on the toys that play best to these behaviors:

Hiding and pouncing: If your cat likes to hide out in his own space, try providing fun, temporary play spaces for your cat by creating a haven of cardboard boxes or giving your cat a brown paper grocery bag to play with for the afternoon. You can also buy kitty scratching towers and posts with nooks for cats to hide in or you can try out a wire and fabric spring tunnel.

Leaping and jumping: Ribbon toys or products like “Da Bird” are great for cats who love to jump. They play on the kitty’s love for chasing something, and if that something is fast, all the better. These toys engage the cat’s ability and instinct for bird hunting by sending them chasing after something very fast and something that can fly. A great thing about these toys is the wand that you get to hold since it keeps you a safe distance from your kitty’s claws (if she has them) and keeps you from getting accidentally scratched.

Exploring new things: Puzzle toys are great for pets because they can keep your feline occupied and interested for a long time. Toys like the “Peek-a-Prize” toy box create an interactive game for your cat. The box has many small opening that your cat can reach into. You put small balls and objects inside of the box and then let your cat reach inside to bat around the prizes and try to get them out.

Hunting for food: Food is always a fun motivator. Although cat’s don’t have the same need to chew and worry items like dogs do, they still enjoy a surprising snack, and they still have the hunting instincts in their character, which make them want to work a little bit for their food. Some meal-dispensing balls encourage play while eating. When your cat hits and rolls the toy around, a small amount of cat food is allowed to fall out through small openings. The slow dispense of the food also prevents your cat from over-eating, something that can happen if the food is available in the bowl all day. This is a particularly good option for cats that are overweight and need a limit to their diet and an increase in activity. The combination of treats and chasing gives your cat both entertainment and exercise.

Chasing things: Some toys can satisfy your cat’s love for chasing things. These types of toys are commonly a type of open track with balls fixed in them. The ball will roll along the track but cannot be pulled out and lost. Simple versions of this toy will have a round track while more complex versions will be segmented pieces of track that you can put together in a fun course. Laser pointers make for another fun chasing game. Your cat will love tracking down that tantalizing ball of light.

Toys are great for helping your cat to burn off energy and stay entertained while you’re away, but they’re not a replacement for quality time with you. Remember to spend plenty of time with your pets. The fun and relaxation that comes from playing with your cat will be priceless.

Forget the canned food which may be tainted with chemicals and who knows what else. These days it is all about making food at home with the best ingredients so that you will be able to know that the animals are getting the best nourishment. That means there are many owners that are taking this into their own hands and are cooking gourmet meals at home for their dogs with the best ingredients.

There is a lot of confusion currently about what dogs should eat; there are many foods out there with vegetables as well as different combinations of meat. It is very confusing for most owners as they do not have any idea what they should be feeding their dogs with a large amount of the confusion coming from advertising campaigns as to what the appropriate diet should be. But where does all of the wrong information come from and how is it possible that so many people have no idea what they should be doing to ensure that their dogs are happy and healthy?

Since the ancestor of the dog is the wolf, being a canine in the wild there are carnivores. With the exception of when there are digestive issues, the wolves live on a diet exclusively of meat. However, one thing of note which is a huge difference is the level of activity between dogs and wolves. Since wolves live in the wild and are always foraging and hunting for food, for that reason the wolves can eat almost anything they want without the fear of getting obese. Since wolves are always chasing after their pray they will assuredly need to be in able to run after it.

Dogs on the other hand are much different in their exercise needs. Dogs are kept and for that reason they are able to be heavier as well as are able to have less exercise in their lives. This means that all dogs should be fed a bit of a leaner diet if they are going to not grow obese. The average dog is merely walked once a day and instead is not able to run and have the kind of exercise that a wolf would have in the wild. For that reason it is important to feed your dog healthfully and also not to give it a diet that is 100% protein. If you give the dog the same diet that a wolf would have it will lead to obesity.

One thing you must think about first is the level of exercise of your dog. How active is your dog on a regular basis? Does your dog get out and work out 3-4 times per day? If the answer is no, which means that you need to be making food for your dog out of lean protein. That means that you must be thinking about your dog as an eater of fish and also chicken. In addition to that you must also occasionally add in lean vegetables into the diet of your dog as well to ensure that you are able to help with the digestive process.

When you are preparing food for your dog you must also cut all of the pieces into small bits so that you will be able to ensure that the dog does not choke, and is able to digest all of the food easily. The food also must be cooked as well to ensure that you are able to have healthy and safe food for your dog. The best standards for preparing your food for your dog, is do not to serve your dog food you would not eat. Do not serve your dog raw meat or chicken which would enable you to have salmonella poisoning. While in the wild wolves are able to consume raw meat because their bodies are full of parasites which will allow them to digest the meat raw without getting ill.

Dogs however, being domestic animals need to have access to the same health standards we would use to ensure that they are able to be cared for as well as taken care of on a regular basis. There are many excellent resources to be able to find the best recipes and locations to have access to the best foods for your dog. No one loves your pet like you, for this reason give it the best that you can offer and you will be able to keep it happy and healthy for years to come.