School’s almost out and everyone’s gearing up for their Summer vacation!  For me, I’ll be here watching your dogs while your on the beach having a great time.  Don’t worry, we still get our vacation too. Besides I love what I do and I love that I can help my clients have a stress free vacation.

My family on vacation in Montana a couple of years ago

What about those pets that can’t board and need  a pet sitter to visit them at their house? Having a plan will save the pet sitter a lot time which gives them more time to have fun with your pets.

Here’s  a few suggestions that can help you prepare your pets and your home.  Most of these topics should be covered in the pet sitting forms you filled out

Planning for your pooch and other creatures

Call your vet ahead of time and leave a credit card number with them just in case of an emergency.  Most reputable pet sitters will have a Vet Release form for you to sign.  The pet sitter will bring this form to the Vet if something should happen to one of your pets.  The Release informs the vet that the sitter has authorization to care for your pets.

Let your pet sitter know where all the shut off valves are for gas, water etc.  If you have a water pipe burst, at least they can shut it off and reduce the damage.

Give the sitter a list of important phone numbers. For instances, a neighbor  – leaving a key with the neighbor is also a good idea, Vet ( this should be with the paperwork), maybe a name of a handyman or electrician, locksmith, and the name of your “emergency contact” should the sitter not be able to get a hold of you.  This too, should be in the paperwork.

Have their favorite toys handy

Provide towels or rags to wipe dirty paws

If your pets are crated, have extra bedding or blankets in case they have an accident.

Put lights on a timer and please leave the front light on. Reptile lights should be on a timer.  The most important light for your sitter is the front porch light.  This is a must for a few reasons:  1) Safety of the sitter.  It makes it harder for “would be” criminals to hide, 2) so the sitter can see the keyhole and not have to fumble with the keys, and 3) it’s really scary to go up to a dark house!  I’ve been freaked out a couple of times.

Leave supplies in one general area. Your kitchen counter is a good place to leave your supplies. This can include a leash, medications (unless they have to be refrigerated), any additional notes, mailbox key, can opener, food and treats, etc.

Have extra supplies on hand.  Sometimes flights are delayed or canceled.  There’s a million reasons why you  may not be able to return when expected.  Always have enough food for the entire service and then a little more.  Same goes for treats and medications.

Make sure the extra key works. Usually when a pet sitter comes to your home, you need to give them a  key to get in.  You don’t want the sitter going to your home and finding out that they can’t get in and the dogs can’t get out!    That’s why you leave a number of a good locksmith – preferably one that works 24/7.

Have caged pet supplies nearby.  If you have a hamster, guinea pig, mouse, bird or any other pet that needs to have their cages cleaned, please have all the bedding, scoops and waste bags near their cage.

Leave cleaning supplies in plain sight.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve searched high and low for either a vacuum cleaner, broom or dust pan.  Please put them where your sitter can easily find them.  If you’re hiring a professional pet sitter all this should be covered in the paperwork.

Notify your alarm company and tell them your pet sitter’s name and the duration they’ll be coming to your home.  Also let your sitter know the password in case the alarm goes off.  The alarm company will call your home to ask for a password to reset the system.  I know this because it’s happened to me.

Make sure your outside sprinklers are properly adjusted and on a timer. If you want your sitter to water potted plants, put them in one area so that the sitter doesn’t have to go around the yard watering.  Remember, this is all time taken away from your pets.

Make sure your pets are wearing all their identification. If you’re using a Citronella bark collar or an electronic collar, make sure they have fresh batteries.

Secure all outside gates and fences. If your pets have access to the backyard, they might get itchy to escape.  Check your fences for holes and make sure the gates are closed and secured properly.

Other little extra tips for your home

Adjust your thermostat to a comfortable temperature for your pets.

Empty all your indoor trash and put in the outside bins.  Your pet sitter should put out the bins on the appropriate trash pickup days.

Put your toilet lids down.  Just saying.

Close all the doors to rooms that are off limits.  It’s also a good idea to close cabinet doors.

Empty out your refrigerator of food that will spoil

If you’re going away for a long period of time, have the Post Office hold the mail for you.  However your pet sitter can get the mail if you chose not to put it on hold.

Have checks ready for your sitter, housekeeper and/or gardener if appropriate.

Close and lock doors and windows

Clean your house and mow the lawn.  I love coming home to a clean home.  A good pet sitter will clean up after herself and pick up your “doggies presents” before she leaves.

I’m sure there are a thousand other things that could be done, but I think this is a good start.  Now that you have a plan, you can have a stress and worry free vacation!

Almost every day that the dog park is open in my town, I’m there.  I live across the street and the dogs I board love going and have a great time.   Not only is the park good for socializing the dogs, it’s also a social meet up for the pet owners.  I’ve met so many great people and love getting to know them.  I’ve learned about dog breeds that I never knew  existed.

Argos and Bently at the Dog Park

Before the dog park was open, I was in the organization that was responsible for raising funds and actually building the park.  A group of us were the grunts and worked on Saturdays digging and shoveling dirt and helping to pour concrete.  Our little construction group laughed a lot and had  a wonderful time even though we were doing hard manual labor.

One of our task was to develop a list of guidelines for the pet owners to use while they were visiting the park.  Since then, some of them have been observed, and some haven’t.

As some of you know, when dogs get running around, they don’t always see who or what they’re going to run into.  I’ve been knocked off my feet once and hit square in the knee a couple of times.

I’ve come up with my own do’s and don’ts when visiting your local dog park

Do take off your dog’s pinch/prong collar.  You know the one’s that work really well, but look like a Medieval torture device.  The dogs rough house a lot and they could catch a nail or tooth on them.

Don’t let your child make dirt angels at the park.  I actually saw a little boy lay down in the middle of the park and starting waving his arms and legs to make angels.  Do you know how many times the dogs go potty on the ground?  The mother was standing right by him and didn’t say anything.  The dog park is a cesspool of germs.

Dylan keeping Zoey Company at the park

Do take your dog (after they’ve had all their shots).  It’s a wonderful way to socialize them early, besides puppies have a lot of energy and they can get out their energy by playing much better than by just walking.

Don’t bring a stroller into the park.  If you absolutely have to, stay close to the fence so the dogs won’t knock it down.  The same goes with small children, please don’t let them wander in the middle of the dog park.  Some dogs can be unpredictable around children, and you just never know.

Do keep your leash with you at all times in case you have to pull your dog away from fight or some other unwanted behavior.

Don’t bring food into the park.  I know that some pet parents need to entice their dogs with treats and that’s OK, but a full fledge picnic at the tables is a no-no.  The other day I saw a little girl with a zip lock bag full of kibble.  It’s a good way to get knocked over or have to deal with food aggressive dogs.

Don’t bring your dog to the dog park if they have aggressive behavior.  Your not doing anyone any favors and you’re just looking for vet bills.  If your dog is exhibiting bad behavior, please leave the park.

Do make sure your dog is fully vaccinated before going to the park.  They play and exchange saliva all the time.  I’ve been slimed many, many times!

Do expect your dog to get pounced on when they first arrive.  The dogs love new meat and have to give them the dog park initiation.  They’ll sniff and bark and see what your dog is made out of.  It usually doesn’t last very long and soon another dog will come in and lose interest in your dog

Do have your dogs licenses and all other tags on him.  Animal control sometimes comes by our park to inspect the dogs.

If you follow these rules, a good time is had by all!   If you have any suggestions, I’d love to hear them.

Now go out and have a good time at the dog park.

Chris L Wagner

From One Pet Lover to Another

Waggy’s Eco Pet Products

Waggy’s Pet Sitting Service

Waggy’s Pet Tips and Tales Blog

Healthy Pet Net Holistic Pet Food

We hear a lot about Bamboo these days – about their many uses and being an ecologically sound choice.  But just why is it the latest material that’s used in everything from medicines to flooring so popular in the green community and around the world?

One of the reasons why Bamboo is so eco friendly is because it’s the fastest growing plant in existence.  It can actually grow as fast as 48 inches in a 24 hour period and grow to its full height  in one growing season.  That’s only 3 to 4 months!  You could actually watch it grow!  This fast growth allows it replenish itself in a short period of time, usually 3 to 5 years, without having to destroy more forest for the bamboo.

A variety of Bamboo Stalks

Bamboo is actually a grass that varies in height from 1 foot to as high as 100 feet.  It grows in a variety of climates from the cold mountains to hot tropical regions, and they are distinguished by their root systems –  Runners and Clumping bamboo.  I’d love to have bamboo in my garden, but the ones I love are the runners.  The root system will spread across your garden and sprout up everywhere and it’s very hard to stop.  The clumping root system pretty much stays where you’ve planted them.

Because of the fast growth, no use of pesticides and other incredible properties, it’s what they call a sustainable product.  According to Sustainable Products Corporation, “Sustainable products are those products providing environmental, social and economic benefits while protecting public health, welfare, and environment over their full commercial cycle, from the extraction of raw materials to final disposition”.  Basically, they are good for the Earth and people alike.

The sustainability of Bamboo has also reach the pet industry.  Since there are so many uses, I’m only going to concentrate on how they make it into bamboo fabric that we can use for dog clothing and dog and cat accessories including collars and leashes.

Bamboo Dog Collars

2 methods used to turn the bamboo stalks into fiber for fabrics

• Mechanical Process:  The bamboo stalks are crushed which allows the natural enzymes to break it down even more.  This allows them to comb out the fibers which will be made into fabric.  This process is the most natural way to make bamboo fabric.

• Rayon Process:   They use chemicals to break down the fibers.  However, this process is not without controversy because they may use lye, carbon disulfide and other strong acids.  As of 2009, the US Federal Trade Commission handed down new guidelines to qualify bamboo when processed with chemicals.    They have to say “from bamboo” instead of “natural bamboo fabric”.   Please keep that in mind when buying bamboo products.

6 reasons to use bamboo products for your pets

1. It’s naturally Anti-Bacterial and Odor Resistant, however when they use the Rayon process, it destroys the Anti-Microbial qualities.
2. It’s hypoallergenic and has UV protection which is great for sensitive pets.
3. It’s super absorbent and fast drying which is good for swimmers or when you walk your dog in the rain.
4. It’s breathable and self regulates the temperature.  So in the Summer, it keeps your pet cooler.
5. It’s 100% biodegradable and we all like that!
6. When processed naturally, there are no pesticides, insecticides or fertilizers.  Now that’s eco friendly!

There are other natural fabrics that are used in pet products including hemp and organic cotton.  Using these types of fabrics are good for your pet and the planet.

To see our full line of bamboo collars and leashes, please go to Waggy’s Eco Pet Products.

Now go out and walk your dog!

Chris L Wagner

Waggy’s Eco Pet Products

Waggy’s Pet Sitting Service

Waggy’s Pet Tips and Tales Blog

I always find it funny when I read articles about greening up your dogs.  If you think about it, a dog is already natural and organic. It’s the humans that make our pets bad for the environment, from leashes and collars made from petroleum, polyester bed covers and clothes, shampoos with chemicals and so on.

As you know, there is a large movement all over the world to go “green” and help keep our planet clean.  As a consequence, there has been a bounty of new products on the market to help us be more eco friendly conscience.

Superdog Saving Our Planet

So, when it comes to your dogs (or I should say human owners), what can you do?  When you first get your new doggy, there are so many things you need to purchase that it can be overwhelming.  It’s just like bringing home a new baby!

Since I do own Waggy’s Eco Pet Products, I’m going to shamelessly plug my store, but this is our business and I’m glad I can help you out!  If it’s not in my store, I will provide links to places that do carry these products.

Here’s a list of things you will need and are good for the planet:

Food and treats: are the number one items you need.  There are scores of natural, organic and human grade products you can buy.  I realize that organic brands are more expensive, but please don’t skimp on this purchase.  Go to this link for a list of natural and holistic dog food companies and do a little research.  Don’t forget you can always offer your dogs cooked meat, pieces of fruit and vegetables and bits of cheese for treats.

Leashes/Harnesses and Collars:  Purchase these items that are made out of hemp, bamboo and other natural products.  The bamboo plant is very quick growing and does not require the use of pesticides and herbicides to thrive.  Hemp is also fast growing and is known for its strength, durability, absorbency, anti-mildew and antimicrobial properties.

Dog Beds: There are beds made of Hemp, organic cotton and filled with shredded plastic bottles, buckwheat and other natural fibers.  Shredded plastic bottles may not sound soft, but they are made from a special fiberfill blend spun from post-consumer plastic beverage bottles. Many of the beds are filled with the equivalent of more than 50 recycled plastic bottles.

Cycle for Shredding Plastic bottles

Dog Bowls:  Buy ceramic, stainless steel and even canvas eco travel bowls.

Dog Crates: Stainless Steel crates or crates made out of wood are a good solution.  How about making your own dog crate with recycled wood to fit your decor!  You can also find eco friendly crate pads to put inside or recycle old blankets you aren’t using anymore.

Dog Shampoos, Lotion and other pharmacy items: There are many items on the market from Shampoos, conditions, sunscreens, ear cleaners and even essential oils for dogs.  These products are made with natural ingredients that are detergent and alcohol free.  Natural vitamins and supplements can be found, but please consult with your Veterinarian before purchasing supplements just to be on the safe side.

Biodegradable Doggie Bags and In Ground Waste Digesters:  I’m sure you know what biodegradable doggie bags are, but what is an in ground waste digester?  A Doggie Dooley is a container that is buried in the ground and treats your dogs waste with enzymes which turns it into a liquid that is safe for the environment.  There are different models, some of which are made of plastic, but there is a galvanize steel model that would be more eco friendly.

Dog Toys:  These are a must especially if you have a puppy that will want to chew on everything!  If you have a large dog with big teeth, they can go through chew toys in a matter of minutes!  For an eco friendly option, you can always tie some old socks or tee shirts together for a tug of war toy.  For ideas on how to make your own dog toys, please go to Homemade dog toys.

Cleaning Products:  There is no doubt in my mind that your dog will either urinate, vomit or poop in your house.  There are many products in your local stores, but you can also make your own cleaners.  Please go to Homemade Cleaning Products for Dogs for ideas and learn about how green ingredients work.

Dog Clothes and Raincoats:  Although these aren’t essential unless you live in cold weather regions,  you can still be green when buying clothes for your pooches.  Clothes made with fast growing sustainable bamboo and organic cotton are wonderful and have excellent wicking properties.  Believe it or not, there are raincoats made from recycled materials and then when your done, you can recycle it again!

Other helpful tips:

Adopt a dog instead of buying a new puppy.

Use old towels to dry off your dog after a bath instead of using an electric hair dryer.

Recycle old towels to clean your dogs paws after a wet and muddy walk.

If you don’t use tap water, use a water filter instead of bottled water.

Now go out and save the Earth!

Chris L Wagner

From One Pet Lover to Another

Waggy’s Eco Pet Products

Waggy’s Pet Sitting Service

Waggy’s Pet Tips and Tales Blog