Due to the many pet food recalls over the past few years many pet owners are choosing to feed raw.  Here's some information about feeding raw you might want to consider if you are looking to change your pet's diet.  All kibble isn't bad, you just need to know who to ask.  I help pet parents take the guesswork out of pet nutrition. 

25 MAY 2021 DR-VOGELSANG PET ADVICE & IDEAS

References:

Read a veterinary nutritionist's perspective: https://weethnutrition.wordpress.com/2015/01/24/campylobacter-salmonella-e-coli-oh-my-why-i-dont-recommend-raw-meat-for-pets/

Tufts College of Veterinary Medicine primer on raw diets: https://vet.tufts.edu/wp-
content/uploads/raw_meat_diets_memo.pdf

Cavallo SJ, Daly ER, Seiferth J, et al. Human outbreak of Salmonella typhimurium associated with exposure to locally made chicken jerky pet treats, New Hampshire, 2013. Foodborne Pathog Dis. 2015;12(5):441-446.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Human salmonellosis associated with animal-derived pet treats— United States and Canada, 2005. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep.

2006;55(25):702-705. Freeman LM, Chandler ML, Hamper BA, Weeth LP. Current knowledge about the risks and
benefits of raw meat-based diets for dogs and cats. J Vet Intern Med. 2013;243(11):1549-1558.

Cats and Urinary Tract Infection

Did you know there are some cats that are more prone to urinary tract issues than others? These include the cat breeds such as Persians, Himalayas and the Russion Blue Siamese to name a few.  Of course  with any cat you are going to notice a problem more if you have an indoor cat.  Pet's living in stressful conditions, that are overweight, male cats, pets living a sedentary lifestyle, and cats under the age of twelve can be more prone to UTIs than other pets. 

When people get thirsty, their brain tells them to drink more water to quench this thirst, or they might find themselves craving salty foods such as pretzels, potato chips or other salty food that tend to make them thirsty.   This works the same for a dog as it does for a humans.  

However a cat does not think of thirst in the same way as a dog or a human does.  If we add something to get them to be thirsty, they would just concentrate their urine more, which means that the urine will have a stronger odor or deeper color, but it would not make them drink more.

Cats really rely on the moisture they get from food, but we want less concentrated urine and for them to urinate more to avoid these UTIs.  So for cats, the best way to do this is to feed them canned cat food and even add warm water to that.  Or choose a cat food in gravy. Your can even use dry food and moisten it with warm water to get more moisture in their diet.

I did not know that cats do not like still water. If your put water in a bowl, that's not something they love.  They like things that are running water.  If you leave the sink faucet on just a little they will often go to that more than they will a bowl of still water.  I got a water fountain for my cat and she drinks much more water than before. 

I've always been told that if I have a urinary tract infection to drink cranberry juice.  Well that's the same for our pets, both cats and dogs.  Cranberry helps to normalize the pH, so if there was an e.Coli infection, which is most common for bladder infections in pets, the e.Coli  would attach to the cranberry and be excreted out of their system with their urine.

Using D-Mannos  helps to get bacteria out of the body.  It fights infections by preventing the bacteria from adhering to the bladder lining, allowing it to be voided with their urine and flushed out of your pet's system naturally.   Other ingredients such a glucosamine  protect the inner lining of the bladder for ease of excretion so it's not painful for your pet to urinate.  There is also an herb called marshmellow root to smooth, lubricate and form a protective barrier between mucus membranes which contribute to irritation.  

As pet parent it is our goal to keep the bladder healthy and prevent these infections before they start.  

You're probably wondering which of these ingredients will be best improve your pet's bladder health; how much D-Mannos or marshmallow root do I need?  Decisions decisions.  Let me help make that easy for you. There is a multimodal supplement that is all natural and formulated for dogs and cats that includes all these ingredients, a combination that has a synergistic approach to maintaining pet health.

Get More Information Here

- taken from a talk by Brooke Sloate, Director of Product Development, pawTree, LLC.

Recognize The Symptoms of Bladder Infection

Is there a difference between urinary tract issues and bladder infections for dogs and cats?

Cats and dogs can get chronic inflammation of the bladder when their urine gets higher than their optimum pH level and becomes alkaline. When this happens minerals can settle out of the urine and form together to create crystals.  If crystal are left in the bladder long enough, those crystals can bond together and create stones and your pet can end up with a potential infection. This is where the lining of the bladder becomes inflamed and sometimes bleeds, which can be very painful for them. 

A urinary tract infection (UTI) can involve any area that’s in the urinary tract, which could include the kidneys, the ureters (tubes that carry the urine to the bladder for storage (the urinary bladder and the urethra that carries urine out of the body. When a UTI is referenced, it generally refers to a bladder infection in dogs.  However in cats UTI it is frequently used to refer to a common inflammatory condition of the feline bladder, not necessarily a bladder infection. UTIs are commonly see at veterinary clinics.  

So how do we as pet parents recognize some of the symptoms that we might see?

Some of the symptoms in your pet would first be excessive water consumption.  They will be unable to hold their urine for normal amount of time.  If you think about a dog, they could suddenly be urinating around the house. Or wanting to go outside more often or urinating frequently in multiple spots. 

 Your pet is constantly licking at his urinary openings. That may indicate a potentially serious issue with your pet’s urinary tract or bladder. There could be loss of bladder control, vomiting, appears lethargic or doesn’t want to eat.  There could also be something else going on such diabetes, Cushings Syndrome of hypothyroidism or kidney failure. These signs might tell you that there is a bladder infection and require a visit to the vet. 

Cats rely on the moisture they get from food, but we want them to urinate more, to avoid UTI.  With cats, the best way to do this is to feed them canned food and even add warm water to their food.  You can even use dry food and moisten it with warm water to get more moisture in their diet.  

Cats do not like still water.  They like water that is running. There are pet fountains you can buy (be sure NOT to get a plastic fountain) or leave a faucet running just a little bit.  They will go for that more than a bowl of still water.  

 

It’s time for a visit to the vet if you notice any of these symptoms.

When  your pet has a bladder infection there are natural

Once everything is resolved and your pet is back to normal there are bladder support supplements that help maintain normal bladder health.  These can aid in preventing bladder infections from recurring.  

1. Cranberry juice. We hear people tell  us to take cranberry juice for bladder health. Well it’s the same for our pets.Cranberries help normalize the pH.  So if there is an e.Coli infestation, which is the most common bladder infections for pets.  The e.Coli will attach to the cranberry and be excreted out of their system with their urine.

2. D-Mannose helps fight infections by preventing the bacteria from adhering to the bladder lining, allowing it to be voided with their urine and flushed out of your pet’s system naturally

3. Glucosamine is one of the building blocks of the protective lining of the bladder. It protects the inert lining of the bladder and allows for ease of excretion so it’s not painful for your pet to urinate.

4. Marshmallow Root (a herb) to provide a soothing, lubricating, protective barrier between mucus membranes and substances which contribute to irritation.  Marshmellow root basically helps to move things through the system and helps with inflammation and stones in the urinary tract.

Brooke Sloate,

Director of Product Development, pawTree

If your pet suffers from UTI or other bladder issues, try pawTree's Bladder Support Plus to help maintain normal bladder function for your cat and dog. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.

 https://shop.pawtree.com/yourpetnana/products/958

How To Introduce Dogs To A New Baby

Dogs are keen observers and will pick up on any tension or anxiety you are feeling during the introduction. First off never leave them unsupervised, and go slow. Stay calm and pay attention to body language. How does your dog act when you get near his food bowl, chew toys and resting area? Pay attention to any sensitivity your dog shows when being approached by people, especially children. How does your dog act when he is handled in uncomfortable ways, including tail tugs and grabbing his feet, mouth and ears. If you have concerns get a professional trainer.

Recently a good friend was showing me a photo of his 22 yr. old son who was bit in the face by his 15 yr. old Lab, who he had grown up with; because he touched his food bowl. Dog bites can happen at anytime and can be extremely dangerous. Teach your dogs proper manners, like no jumping up to prevent the baby from being jostled or stepped on. While the baby is still at the hospital try bringing home a blanket for the pet. After everyone is acquainted allow direct contact. After a short period take a break and reward the dog. Avoid any food or prized possessions around the baby. Never allow an unsupervised interaction between your dog and a new baby. When getting acquainted assuming the body language, socialization and temperament, I recommend doing it off-leash when meeting another dog. The reason is that your dog is sensing your anxiety about the interaction and feels restrained.

Article from A Pet's Place of Clearwater, Inc. 2015 Veterinary Services, Clearwater, FL

RULES ABOUT PET FOOD INGREDIENTS

What is in a name?

When it comes to pet food, sometimes not a lot. The food name is the first part of the label noticed by a consumer and for that reason, fancy names are used to emphasize certain features of a food. AAFCO has established four rules about ingredients:

1. 95% rule: at least 95% of the food must be the named ingredient. For example, "Chicken for Dogs" or "Beef Cat Food" must be 95% chicken or beef, respectively. If the food is "Chicken and Rice Dog Food", the chicken is the component that must be 95%. If there is a combination of ingredients such as "Chicken and Liver for Cats", the two together must make up 95% of the total weight and the first ingredient must be the one in higher percent in the food.

2, 25% or "Dinner" rule: when the named product contains at least 25% but less than 95% of the total weight, the name must include a descriptive term such as "dinner". For example, "dinner", "entrée", "grill", "platter", "formula" are all terms that are used to describe this type of product. For example, "Chicken Dinner Dog Food" must contain at least 25% chicken. This food could contain beef and possibly even more beef than chicken. It is important to read the label and check what other meat sources the product contains.

3. 3% or "With" rule: this one is tricky. Many times the "with" label identifies extra or special ingredients, such as "Beef Dinner for Dogs with Cheese" is a food containing at least 25% beef and at least 3% cheese. But beware of this type of "with" label: "Dog Food with Chicken". This dog food need only contain 3% chicken! Don't confuse that with "Chicken Dog Food" which must contain 95% chicken. Confusing, right?

4. "Flavor" rule: in this situation, a specific percentage of meat is not required, but it must contain an amount of flavor sufficient to be detected. For example, "Chicken Flavor Dog Food" may contain a digest or enough chicken fat to flavor the food, but there will be no actual chicken meat added to the food.

AAFCO: Their labeling requirements and the “Rules”

Written by Beth Laubenthal, January 2014.

Learn More Here

CHICKEN OR CHICKEN FAT

Inquiring minds want to know. Many pet parents are confused about chicken fat and want to know if their dog allergic to chicken fat? Many pets owners whose pets have a chicken allergy are confused when reading pet food labels. Many recipes list chicken fat as an ingredients. A dog or cat with a true chicken allergy reacts to the protein in the chicken. As pure chicken fat contains no protein, it should not trigger the allergic reactions that chicken meat or chicken meal would in a pet who is allergic to chicken. Fats are a necessary part of a balanced diet for dogs and cats.

Safety Tips for Disinfecting Your Home

PET PARENTS: If you are disinfecting your home against COVID-19 and you have pets, avoid Lysol and Clorox.

Lysol gives off potentially harmful volatile organic compounds in its vapors. Additionally, if your dog or cat licks or ingests Lysol, it can cause serious chemical burns, usually on the tongue and upper esophagus.

Household bleach can be very harmful for cats, dogs, and other pets. While they generally won't ingest the substance intentionally due to the potent smell, cleaning with bleach can inadvertently expose your animals.

Phenols are widely used in household products and as intermediates for industrial synthesis. For example, phenol itself is used (in low concentrations) as a disinfectant in household cleaners. Phenol can cause liver damage to pets.

Use Hydrogen peroxide as a disinfectant. Hydrogen peroxide is considered an environmentally safe alternative to chlorine-based bleaches as it breaks down into water and oxygen. Commercially available 3% hydrogen peroxide is considered a stable and effective disinfectant by the CDC when used on inanimate objects.

If  you know someone who sells essential oils ask about Thieves oil which is an excellent disinfectant.  Why is Thieves Oil so much better than bleach? It contains two antibacterial powerhouses: cinnamon and clove oil. A study confirmed that they were among the list of the top ten bacteria-inhibiting essential oils, eliminating 23 out of 25 types of bacteria.

Top Dog Parks In Huntsville & Madison Alabama

                                                                             

We love to take outings with man's best friend.  Here are the top dog parks in Huntsville & Madison:

Dog Spot Park located at Meridian St. and Cleveland Ave under the overpass.  Convenient to the downtown area.  Kid friendly with Kiddie pool and there is a dog wash available.  This park has a 4 star rating.

Indian Creek Greenway located near Providence.  Picturesque, great for joggers. This park has a 5 1/2  star rating.

Southside Park located at 15835 Chaney Thompson Rd.  Toddler playground, bike path, Disc Golf. This park has a 4 star rating.

Creekwood Park located at 360 Harvest Wood Ct.  Disc Golf available.  Dog park. Disc Golf. This park has a 5 star rating.

Hays Nature Preserve  Biking, Kid friendly. Bike path, picturesque, serene. This park has a 4 1/2 star rating.

Can We Trust The Hype about Grain-free Dog Food?

There has been a growing backlash against grain-free dog food recipes driven by the FDA's investigation into the possible link between them and recent atypical cases of canine DCM (canine dilated cardiomyopathy) according to PetfoodIndustry (October 2019). Many of the breeds in the study are breeds generally predisposed to DCM and it is not conclusive that grain-free recipes are the direct link to the conditions in spite of the hysteria that can be found in some articles on Dr. Google or Face Book which do not represent ongoing research. Out of 73 million households in the US with dogs (some with multiple pets), less than .01% have been diagnosed. The potential link between grain-free diets has not been established nor scientifically proven at this time and research is ongoing. If you are making a decision on your pet's food, Google is not the best place to get the information you need to make an informed decision. A decision based on hysteria is not the best way to choose a food for your pet.

I am proudly affiliated with companies that manufacture their food in the US in small batches to ensure that your pet's food is fresh from the manufacturer to your front door. These companies have never experienced a recall and stay updated on the continuing research into this issue. You can get customized food specifically developed with your pet in mind.

Get more information about these companies at www.petaupaire.com.

TIPS FOR CHOOSING A FAMILY DOG

Many people choose a dog because it’s cute and then run into problems because it’s personality conflicts with the needs of the adoptive family.  That’s where a little soul searching is necessary. First, you need to decide what traits your dog will need in order to adapt well to its new home, i.e how long will the dog be left alone most days, what energy level and size is best suited for your household (dogs like terriers are high energy dogs, and greyhounds, although large, are very low energy dogs and require minimal interaction with their owners).  Once you’ve decided what breed, age and personality traits you are looking for in a dog then you can begin looking for your new family member. 

Look at your local rescue organizations.  Knowing the breed of dog that will suit your family will make a decision with any rescue group easier.  If you cannot find what you are looking for locally, look to nearby rescues organizations nearby. There is also the option of choosing a specific breed rescue. Let’s say you decided a golden retriever is the breed you want, if you do not find one locally you can search for a golden retriever rescue group. You can be specific about what personality traits you are looking for and they can match a dog that is suitable.  The groups are not always local. I got a cocker spaniel from a rescue group in Atlanta, she was a perfect addition to our family. That is also something to consider.  A rescue will already be housebroken and know basic commands.  You will want one that is crate trained as well. There’s lots of discussion about crate training, but the real story is that dogs are den animals and a crate is their safe place.  Don’t overlook black dogs. Black dogs are euthanized than any other color. Rescue dogs are very appreciative of a new home and will be a companion for years to come.

It takes a dog, whether a puppy or a rescue, three to four weeks to acclimate to their new environment, so be patient.  He will be a faithful companion for all his life.

For Choosing A Family Dog

Hot Weather Cautions

                                                                        

Summer is not officially here yet but it's hot as blazes outside.  Here are some hot weather cautions from the American Veterinary Association:

Be Prepared:

• make sure your pet has plenty of water and access to shade outside;
• keep your pet free of parasites that are common during the summer such as fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and heart worms;
• do not leave your pet in a car unattended.  Leave them at home when you run errands.  Cars quickly overheat to deadly temperatures even when the weather isn't severe.  If it's hotter than 70 degress it is too hot for your pet.

Signs of Heat Stress

• anxiousness;
• excess panting;
• restlessness;
• excessive drooling;
• unsteadiness;
• abnormal gum and tongue color;
• collapse

Keeping Pets Comfortable in Hot Weather

• If it's hot outside for you it's even hotter for your pet;
• take walks or hikes in the cooler part of the day;
• avoid hot surfaces that can burn your pet's paws (if the concrete is too hot for you it's too hot for your pet);
• use sunscreen; 
• on short haired dogs use sunscreen
• use sunscreen on your pet's nose

Plan ahead and have a great summer.

RAW vs KIBBLE

There have been over 140 pet food recalls in the last few years. In response to the recent concerns behind the recalls,  many pet owners are turing to raw or homemade diets.

According to Tuft University's Veterinary Medical Center, these raw and homemade recipes may not actually be a safer alternatives; they have found dogs on these diets also have issues related to some of the most recent recalls and may increase your dog's risk for many other health issues. Home-cooked diets are not tested for safety and nutritional adequacy like good quality commercial diets and deficiencies could still develop. In order to  balance the nutrition in these diets supplementation is necessary for a more complete and balanced diet.  Tuft University suggest foregoing the raw and home-cooked diets and sticking with commercial pet foods made by a well established manufacturer with recipes that contain common ingredients when choosing food for your pet.  There are many grain free foods available but don't overlook recipes with healthy grains such as oatmeal, barley or rice.

A well established manufacturer is one of the most important factors in choosing a  diet for your pet. The American Pet Product Association regulates the quality control of the pet industry and oversees manufacturing regulations for safe ingredients involved in all areas of the manufacturing process. Unlike  the larger pet food companies, smaller pet food labels like pawTree are able to maintain greater quality control over the sourcing and manufacturing process. Their recipes are nutritionally dense and may cost a little more, but the benefit is that the pet eats less of a nutrient dense recipe and is a healthier pet and fewer vet bills.

The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) is a voluntary association charged by law to regulate the sale and distribution of animal feeds and drug remedies made in the US. Not all brands that claim their food is "balanced and complete" meet this criteria.  When choosing a food for  your pet look for the AAFCO statement on the label.  It assures you that the food actually meets the minimum requirements to be labeled "balanced and complete".

In light of the recalls many pet owners are turing to food rating sites.  According to Tuft University these sites are generally useless because they rank food by opinion rather than scientific research. Some of the brands that have been recalled remain on their lists.

The Cummings Veterinary Medical Center recommends that if you feel strongly about feeding a raw or home-cooked diet consult your veterinarian. Using supplements is a great way to give your pet the nutritional support he/she needs.

The good news surrounding the recalls and subsequent research is that it focuses on the complexities of making safe, nutritious pet food and the importance of nutritional expertise and quality control.

Fountain of Youth

My old cat has found the Fountain of Youth

                                                

• Posted on November 2, 2018
• Digestive Health

When I am out talking with pet owners, one of the most prevalent issues we discuss are frustrations with gastric problems in both cats and dogs.  Choosing a better food and the right combination of pre and probiotics can make a huge difference in the quality of life for your pet.  I found a real testimonial on the pawTree.com website about  the effectiveness of a proactive approach to health with a custom nutrition plan and the right balance of pre and probiotics.  

"My old cat who is 13 years old has been on a Rx diet for several years. He has progressively gotten worse. I attributed this being to his being ill and getting older. He would not let you touch his sides or stomach area. He was bloated and swollen looking. He growled at the other cats when they wanted to play. I decided to try the pawTree cat food. I had nothing to loose and maybe the litter box would not be such a mess. After just 1 week (miracle) on the food he started to run around with the other younger cats. After 3 weeks it was just like when he was young, happy, spry, playing with the other cats and our dogs. He loves to be pet now and purrs again. He now bothers me to feed him every night if I am not on time. As a treat I started to add pawPairings. Well he thinks he has hit the jackpot. I have too, because now my cat is happy and healthier".

  - Harriate Khalsa from Micanopy,FL

To f ind the best pet food recipe for your pet, filing out a petProfile will start you on the road to your pet's good health.  Only pawTree has this amazing tool to help pet parents know the food they are giving their pet is the right recipe for their pet.  

Get Started Here

Why pawTree? Hear from a vet.

All dogs have different nutritional needs.  How do you decided which food is the best food for your pet? Look to a company that offers a customized nutrition plan specific to your pet's needs developed by Veterinarians and Nutritionists.  All natural, holistic, whole food plans for a healthier pet.

THE SOLUTION TO CHOOSING THE RIGHT FOOD FOR YOUR PET

With all the pet food recalls in the last two years,  how can you know what food is best for your pet?  You can stand in the dog food aisle and read all the labels to get ingredient information. Does that help do you know which food helps with allergies, digestive issues, dry skin, excessive shedding or other issues specific to your pet? Is there enough protein or do I need less protein? So many brands to choose from.  It is getting harder to select a food that will give your pet the optimum health and performance that is right for your pet. If your pet has any of these issues or more, pawTree, a holistic, whole food, customized pet food company that has the solution. 

If pawTree is new to you, you may want to see reviews about our products (Dog Food Advisor is a good independent)".  Keep in mind that reviewers, in general, look for high protein diets that are rich in quality animal protein.  All of the pawTree diets are considered "high protein" diets by AAFCO (The Association of American Feed Control Officials).  However, the same amount of "high protein" is not ideal for all dogs at all stages of life.  Our highest protein recipes receive 5 star rating, while our recipes that are lower in protein (but technically still "high protein") received a 4 star rating, in a blended 4.5 overall rating for the brand.  Many pets thrive better on a lower protein food at its stage of live, and neither a commercial pet store  nor on-line company will be able to factor all of a pets issues to determine a food that matches your pet's specific issues.  That's why a pet profile is so important for your pet to maintain a healthy life at all ages of his life. 

pawTree is not a "one-size-fits-all'' approach like most other brands. Choosing the right recipe can be a complex process and certainly can't be done without knowing what pet you're choosing the food for.  The pawTree approach is the solution. 

COGNITIVE DECLINE

Do you have an older pet? I'm a pet parent with a 7 year old pup, the age dogs enter their senior years. The facts are that almost 1/2 of all dog owners have a dog age 7 or older. Cognitive decline is a real issue for senior dogs in the last trimester of life. Now it's possible to teach an old dog new tricks! Nutrition plays a large part in brain health. There are ways to keep your fur child healthy and happy as he ages. Research shows that ingredients like the ingredients in Brain Drops TM have been known to increase cognitive function in senior dogs, allowing them to thrive in their twilight years. https://multibra.in/zts46

Joint Discomfort

Spring is here, although right now it's a bit bi/polar here in the South; warm, then cold, then hot, then colder.  But one thing we know is that the warm weather is definitely on it's way.  Our pets can suffer from stiff joints and they feel it more during colder weather.  Although they may seem better when the warm weather arrives the damage to their joints continue.  Dogs do not feel pain the same way we do; once they are in pain the condition has progressed to a place action must be taken.

One in five adult dogs experience joint discomfort from everyday activities.  Both large and small dogs need joint support.   To protect your pet's joints from continued discomfort and progression of this condition, look for a glucosamie-based joint support formula that incorporates natural herbal remedies to support healthy cartilage and soft tissue.

Joint support products are ideal for stiff and sore joints and supports normal healthy joint function.  Look for ingredients like Glucosamine, Green-Lipped Mussel, Chondrotin Sulfate and Hyaluronic Acid to promote healthy soft tissue, healthy cartilage and thick viscous joint fluid.

The sooner you start treatment the longer your pet will have a vital, pain free life without pain and discomfort.  Often the addition of a joint support product can keep your pet off prescription medication.

I believe in pawTree's Joint Support Plus (there's one for dogs, one for cats).  You can find it at my website.  Whatever product seems right for your pet, be sure to begin treatment now for the good health of your pet.

www.pawtree.com/yourpetnana

WHY DO DOGS LICK

I adopted a dog from an abusive situation. Her name is Daisy  and she is a 7 year old long hair chihuahua who can't control her licker;   I got curious about why dogs lick and found this @Cesar's Way.  Says it as well as any other explanation I found.  Hope you find it interesting.

   ___________________________________________________

by Josh Weiss-Roessler

See if this sounds familiar: After going for a long walk with your dog and feeding her, you sit down to relax. She comes over, so you start petting her, but as soon as you do, the licking begins. You’re not a fan, but it isn’t a big deal at first… and then it progresses until she’s slobbering all over your face.

This happens every single time you offer affection! Why?

Related: Obsessive dog licking

Dogs lick their pack members and themselves for many reasons, and if you want to curb the behavior, it helps to understand its cause.

We taste good
If your dog is licking their bowl, the floor after a spill, or the counter after you’ve been cooking, you might pretty easily come to the conclusion that they simply like the taste. But did you know that the same thing can be true when they’re licking us? Sometimes we have tiny food particles that they can taste, and beyond that, dogs enjoy the salt on our skin.

Grooming
You might not think of your pup as particularly concerned with hygiene, but dogs often lick to clean themselves, just like cats. Pay close attention, though, because excessive anal cleaning can indicate that the glands need to be expressed.

Healing
Dog saliva has enzymes that kill off bacteria, and when a dog licks himself, it helps to get rid of dead tissue and clean dirt from wounds. Some dogs, however, just can’t stop themselves and may actually reopen wounds or cause other kinds of harm through excessive licking.

Compulsion
Speaking of excessive licking, if you notice that your dog is licking the same object or area over and over or that they seem to be doing so whenever they are scared or nervous, it might be time to seek medical help. While licking can be a healthy stress reliever, obsessive licking merely reinforces anxiety and makes the problem worse.

Communication
Dogs lick other dogs to tell them all sorts of things: everything from “I’m hungry” to “I submit to you” to “Let’s be friends.” They do this with people as well, but we’re typically not as good at interpreting the message. If your dog is licking you with intensity, take a look around and see if something is amiss. Maybe the water bowl is empty or the doggie door is closed. Chances are your dog needs something.

Affection
This is the most common reason that domestic dogs lick and tends to be the kind of licking most pet parents want to change. Licking for affection causes your dog to release pleasurable endorphins that calm and comfort them, but sometimes it can just get to be too much for people. If you want your dog to stop, ignore them and walk into another room whenever it begins. Eventually they will learn that licking causes you to leave, which isn’t what they want.

We all love dogs, but are there any dog behaviors that are annoying to you? Let it out in the comments.

Clean Eating For Dogs

As a pet professional I form close bonds not only with the pets in my care but with the pet parent as well. The pet parents appreciate the level of care and concern my team and I provide for their fur baby and share health concerns with us, many nutrition related.

I have a friend who opened the most amazing pet store where I have referred people in the past who express nutritional concerns about their pets. She carries a variety of high quality food and even though I refer her, many of my clients are busy and don't go have time to get to her shop. 

At a recent pet event I discovered a line of pet food that impressed me. pawTree is a pet food company that offers clean eating for dogs. I know how good my body feels when I consume quality food  and I'm delighted to announce my association with  pawTree. I can now offer my clients and any concerned pet owner a personalized nutrition plan for their dog. I love that the company uses the highest quality ingredients and is sourced and manufactured in the US. pawTree is highly rated and comes with a guarantee: if you do not see a difference in your pet, there is a 100% money back guarantee. Who else has that much confidence in the quality of their product?  

PawTree, delivered to your door. I love the convenient and we can set up the profile at the kitchen table. No extra trip, no guessing what food is best. Recipes formulated by veterinarians and nutritionist to deliver great nutrition. We are so excited to offer the pawTree line to the services we offer our clients. 

Pet AuPair Extraordinaire LLC, Your Pet Nana,  loves your pet. From snout, to tail, to paw and inside out, your pets well being is our passion. 

pawTree parents love how the clean nutrition personal doggy profile is changing the quality of their pet's life. If your doggie needs a diet do over, let's set up a pet profile and see how clean eating can enhance your pets life. 

It's Not Just Babysitting

When someone decides to hire a professional pet sitter to come into their home and care for their pets, they are not just just hiring someone to baby sit and one price  does not fit all situations.

At Pet AuPair we always have an in home consultation to meet pet and parent to evaluate what expectations are and the services required. That is when a price is quoted. There are many variables that are taken into consideration when quoting a price. Pet AuPair Extraordinaire, LLC has several sitters available and we strive to provide the one best suited to your needs.

The presence of a professional pet sitter offers the stability and comfort of a loving care giver in the home. We take walks, we play, we cuddle; but never underestimate the comfort to your pet of having someone in the home, eating a meal, washing dishes, watching TV or listening to music. All the comforting sounds of normal home life.  Our goal is to proved as stress free an environment as possible.

As we build relationships with pet owners   we are often questioned about food or supplements.  I'm delighted to share my affiliation with pawTree, a holistic company that provides personlized nutrition for pets. Manufactured and sourced in the US and highly rated. I love the quality of the products and the ease of having products shipped direct to the home. If your doggy needs a diet do-over fill out a pet profile at our website; www.pawTree.com/yourpetnana

We also provide a level of security for your home while you are away in the event of an unexpected maintenance issue.  Pet AuPair regularly networks with other businesses in the area and have connections to people we can calll should an emergency arise. 

Our website, www.yourpetnana.com is now online. 

We love what we do. We kissed a dog and we liked it.