Senior Dog – Tips To Keep Him In His Best Health

Senior dogs make great companions and are perfect adoptable pets as they are past their puppy stage and provide unconditional love during their “golden years”.

Clear the Air supports adoption and senior pets usually get looked over because of their age.  Adopting an older pet has many benefits and we’d like to share some tips with you to keep your senior pet healthy.

The following are tips for keeping your senior dog healthy:

• Make your senior dog as much a part of your life as possible, and do all you can to keep him interested, active, happy and comfortable.
• Establish a relationship with the best veterinarian you can find. For most older dogs, it is advisable to make an appointment with the vet every six months. Your vet should be someone whom you trust and with whom you feel very comfortable.
• Become informed about the conditions common to older dogs and the therapies used for them. Be alert to symptoms, bring them to your vet’s attention promptly, and be prepared to discuss treatment options.
• Feed your older dog the best food you can afford; consider feeding him a home-prepared diet and two small meals daily rather than one large one.
• Don’t overfeed your dog. Obesity will create health problems and shorten his life.
• Consider the use of dietary supplements such as glucosamine/chondroitin for arthritis.
• Give your senior dog adequate exercise, but adjust it to her changing abilities.
• Attend to your dog’s dental health. Brush her teeth daily and have them cleaned professionally whenever your vet advises it.
• Tell your vet you wish to have your dog vaccinated only once every three years, as currently advised by the major veterinary associations.
• Be diligent in controlling fleas and ticks, and keep your dog and his environment scrupulously clean.

Tips On Keeping Your Pet Happy and Active

It seems like the most natural thing in the world—our pets need food, water, medical care and lots of love. But dogs and cats have other needs, too. Our furry friends need ample physical exercise and mental stimulation to lead truly full and happy lives.

“They need jobs,” says Kristen Collins, CPDT, ASPCA Animal Trainer. Dogs and cats need to stay busy and engaged, but unfortunately most pets are unemployed—daily they sit at home, chronically bored and waiting for their humans to return from work. And as we all know, an idle pet can quickly turn into a naughty pet when restlessness becomes overwhelming.

“With nothing to do, dogs and cats are forced to find ways to entertain themselves,” explains Kristen.  “Their activities of choice often include behaviors we find problematic, like excessive barking or meowing, gnawing on shoes, raiding the garbage, eating houseplants and scratching furniture.”

To prevent behavior and health problems, Kristen recommends the following physical and mental workouts—both when you’re there to join the fun and when your pet is home alone.

• Move it! Healthy adult dogs need at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise twice a day. Jogging, swimming and playing at the dog park are all great ways to burn excess energy.
• Engage in structured games, like fetch and tug-of-war—they’re not only great exercise but also teach your pet impulse control and strengthen the bond between you.
• Keep your dog occupied when he’s home alone by giving him a food-stuffed puzzle toy, like the Kong, or some tasty chew toys.
• Like their canine counterparts, cats also need plenty of aerobic exercise. Get kitty fit with rousing play sessions, such as chase and fetch with furry toys, small balls or toy mice.
• Encourage your cat’s favorite home alone activities, including bird watching, exploring paper bags or boxes, watching cat videos or spending time in secure outdoor enclosures.
• Teach your cat new tricks! Felines are quick studies and can learn practical skills like coming when called, sitting up, rolling over and even using the toilet!

Kristen adds: “The bottom line is that you’re responsible for enriching your pet’s life. Providing opportunities to exercise your cat or dog’s mind and body will keep her healthy and happy—and enhance your relationship, too.”

Info from this article from ASPCA’s website.

Springtime is Dog Time!

Springtime has sprung!

It is time to clean up inside your home and spend your time outside with your dog for the Spring Season.  Here are some helpful tips to do that:

• It is a good idea to schedule a vet check up for your dog.  Taking in your dog for a checkup after he has been inside for most of the winter will ensure your dog is healthy and ready to get outdoors.
• Your dog will start shedding as the warmer months approach so it is a good idea to brush your dog on a daily basis.  This will help keep shedding under control and keep your dog neat and clean.  Brush all the way down to the skin which will loosen and remove dead hair and dandruff.  Brushing routinely will also help reduce the buildup of pet hair in your home.
• Spring can bring mud outdoors so it is important to keep your dog’s feet clean.  In order to keep paw prints of mud and dirt off your newly cleaned home, greet your dog at the door and gently clean each paw with a damp cloth making sure to get between the toes and remove mud and debris.
• Regularly wash your dog’s bed. Use a fabric cover that on your dog’s bed that can be easily removed for washing. Vacuum the excess hair and dirt and then wash the lining in a non-scented detergent without fabric softener these can irritate your dog’s skin.
  Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/03/26/2714431/get-dogs-ready-for-the-spring.html#storylink=cpy
• Get active with your pet!  Make sure you and your dog take advantage of the warmer weather and spend time outside.  If your pet has been cooped up most of the winter, take it slow at first.  Go to the local dog park or play fetch in your yard.

Spending quality time with your dog will not only improve your pet’s behavior it will also improve your mood as well.  Who can’t enjoy watching a dog completely overwhelmed with happiness while he is playing outdoors?  Spring is here, it is time to get out with your pup!

Choosing The Correct Leash For Your Dog

Choosing the correct leash for your dog is important.

Clear the Air would like to share some important information to help find the right leash for your dog.

Just as with collars, size is important for leashes as well.  The size of the leash must be appropriate for not only the size of the dog but the type of collar as well.  A thin lightweight leash is more appropriate for a smaller dog like a Yorkshire Terrier than a larger Golden Retriever.  The metal clip on the end of a smaller/thinner leash may break from the pressure of a larger stronger dog pulling on it, allowing your dog to get away from you.

A Basic Leash is versatile and not only can you use it in an emergency to take your dog out, you can also make a muzzle out of it if need be.

Retractable Leashes includes a thin cord wound onto a spring-loaded device inside a plastic handle.  This allows your dog to have a bit more free range than a basic leash and when he walks back towards you, the leash retracts.  While these leashes are nice to provide more freedom for your dog to explore his environment on a walk, there are some drawbacks and they can be potentially dangerous. Even if you are paying close attention to your dog, he has the ability to run into traffic, jump on people or get in a fight with another dog.  The cord can also break should the dog be large and strong.  Opposed to a basic leash, the handle of a retractable leash is bulky and can easily be pulled out or your hands.

A Long Line, like it says, is simply a very long leash and is typically used for training your dog.  Make sure to use this type of leash in a safe area like a field, completely away from any traffic or other potential danger.  A long line is helpful to teach your dog the “come” command out in the open.

Slip Leads look like a regular basic leash but instead of a clip on the end is a metal ring to loop the leash through.  This allows you to walk your dog when he doesn’t have a collar on – simply putting the loop over your dogs head.  Pulling on the handle of the leash will automatically tighten the loop around your dogs’ neck.  Only use these when a regular collar and leash aren’t available.  Since you cannot control the tightness of a slip lead you can risk damaging your dog’s neck or even strangling him.

Please keep Clear the Air’s Odor Eliminator’s in mind when picking up after your pup.  Whether your dog repeatedly urinates in your dog run and the concrete has become smelly or your dog has accidents in the house, Clear the Air is guaranteed to eliminate the odor.

Is Your Cat Overweight?

Is your cat overweight?  Are you gone for most of the day at work and notice your cat lying in the same position he was when you left in the morning?

Here are some helpful cat exercising tips to us on your furry feline companion.

Purchase Cat Toys – You can either make cat toys or visit The Country Feed Store to purchase cat toys that will encourage your cat to get moving.

Laser Pointers – Shining a laser pointer on the floor and wall will almost instantly encourage your cat to get up and “attack” the laser light.  Remember, cats are naturally curious and are easily tempted to catch something that will peak his interest.  You can also use a flashlight if you do not have a laser pointer.

Boxes or Paper Bags – These are easy inexpensive toys that cats just can’t leave alone.  It will provide entertainment for your cat especially while you are away at work.

Hunting for Treats – Placing treats or a few of your cats kibbles in different places each day will help encourage your cat to get up and move around to hunt for his food.  Your cat is naturally a hunter and bringing this out in him will help him exercise naturally.

Exercising your cat is not difficult, along with helping him to lose weight; it makes a big difference to his overall health and happiness.

Day #7 of Helpful Tips For You And Your Pet – First Aid For Your Pet

Day #7 of Helpful Tips For You And Your Pet – First Aid For Your Pet

At least once in your pet’s life, he or she is going to become ill, or have a run in with something dangerous.  We’d like to provide some helpful First Aid Tips for your pet.  This might be helpful to print out and post on your refrigerator or inside a kitchen cabinet to have for reference.

Day #7: First Aid For Your Pet

Before we share these tips with you, you should always consult your veterinarian should anything harmful happen to your pet!  He or she knows what is the absolute best for your pet and no shortcuts should be taken for your furry friend’s health.

However, we do have some suggestions and tips that can help calm your pet before your need to take him to the vet should he run into any of these scenarios.

–Cuts, bites, puncture wounds, etc. should be gently cleaned with warm water.

-If you think your pet may be experiencing heat stroke, move your pet to a cool and quiet area offering plenty of water.  Symptoms include uncontrollable panting, collapse, blank stare and sometimes unconsciousness.  Remember to never leave your pet in a parked car when it is warm out!!!

-If your pet experiences a car accident, he or she will probably be in shock.  Keep him quiet, warm and stop any bleeding that may happen.  Immediately take your pet to the vet using a blanket or board to get him there.

-Pets can often get stung by a bee or wasp.  If you see the stinger, take it out.  Then wrap the affected area with a cool damp cloth.  Usually your pet will recover somewhat quickly from a bee/wasp sting but if he doesn’t, call your vet immediately.

-If your pet has been burned, apply cold water to the affected area and call your vet.

-If you think your pet may be been poisoned, CALL YOUR VET IMMEDIATELY!  Your vet will be able to coach you over the phone while you get your pet ready to visit the vet.  Try to find out what poison your pet ingested, how much was ingested, when it was ingested and so forth.  The ASPCA has a 24 hour Animal Poison Control line you can call at (888) 426-4435.

–If your pet seems to be experiencing eye problems, consult your vet.  There may be something lodged deep into your pets eye that needs to be removed by a veterinarian.  The sooner you visit the vet the better – eyes are extremely delicate in animals too and you don’t want your pet losing his eye or going blind.

Day #5: How To Avoid Jealous Pets

Day #5 of Helpful Tips For You And Your Pet

Check out our Helpful Tips For You and Your Pet.  Today we are talking about Jealousy with new and resident pets.  We have previously touched on bringing new pets home and the steps you take to introduce them to new pets.  Now we will be discussing dealing with jealous pets and the best way to go about making sure everyone is happy!

Day #5: How To Avoid Jealous Pets

You have brought a new addition to your family, a cute little fluffy puppy.  However, your older dog isn’t so sure he is OK with this new “friend” and decides he doesn’t want to have anything to do with you,  your family and the new pet.  What should you do?

-Continue to give large amounts of attention to your first pet(s).  While it is easy to get caught up in the cuteness of your new addition, your current pets will feel put out and naturally will become jealous.  Make sure you spend a lot of time reassuring them they are still very special to you and still a part of the family.

-Don’t force the new and existing pet together.  As we discussed previously last week, you need to give your new and old pets their time to get used to each other.  Make sure you allow them to gain confidence to decide when they’d like to face their new housemates.

-Separate your pets when feeding.  Use separate food and water bowls and keep them separated while eating, feeding them both at the same time.

-Lastly, make sure to always keep an eye on them until you are fully confident they will get along.  Remember this takes time and being patient is important.  When you leave the house, keep dogs in separate rooms so they cannot interact without your supervision.

Check back for more helpful pet tips to come!

Day #4 of Helpful Tips For You And Your Pet

Day #4 of Helpful Tips For You And Your Pet

Yesterday we discussed the steps you should take when bringing home a new pet.  If you have existing pets already, there are some additional steps to be taken to make sure everyone gets along together when they meet.

Day #4: Introducing New Pets To Existing Pets

Your pets’ personalities will determine whether or not the new pet will get along with the older one.  When a new pet is brought home, sometimes the older pet views him/her as a threat and this is only natural.  Expect a few scuffles at first to let them determine who is the boss and determine their place in the pack.  Of course you will want to supervise these initial meetings but do not interrupt them if there is no danger of injury.

-Keep your pets separated until you are absolutely sure they will get along.  Only allow them to interact with your supervision.  Depending on their reactions to each other, it may take hours, days, weeks or even months for your pets to finally adjust to each other.

-Keep the introductions indoors and controlled.  Especially if you are introducing a dog and cat, make sure the dog is on a leash to avoid chasing or cornering the cat.  This could be incredibly terrifying for the cat and you will prolong your process of eventually being able to tolerate each other.

-Like above, keep cat and dog introductions controlled.  However you do not want to hold a cat in your arms when introducing him/her to a new pet.  A frightened and nervous cat is likely to scratch you and cause more stressful commotion.

-Make sure you allow your pet to familiarize itself with his/her new home.  Allow him to explore and sniff out different areas of your home.

-Always provide separate water and feeding bowls.  This allows your pet to calmly eat and drink without feeling the need to fight for their food.  Also, make sure cats have separate litter boxes as well.

-Dogs and cats are able to live in harmony with caged animals but precautions must be taken when initially introducing them.  Cats are agile and placing a cage high up on a shelf doesn’t guaranteed your caged pet will stay safe.

-Pets need to meet each other on their own time.  Don’t force them together, they will adjust at their own pace.

Check back for more helpful pet tips to come!

Day #3 of Helpful Tips For You And Your Pet

We are happy to announce Day #3 of our Helpful Pet Owning Tips.  Each day we will have a new helpful tip for you and your pet to keep in mind.

Day #3: Preparing for a New Pet

Before you bring you new furry friend home, you need to prepare your home to prevent any confusion and stress that may arise from your pet being in its new environment.

Supplies – You need to make sure you have For example, if you are bringing a new cat home, make sure the litter box is all set up.  Make sure to have food, food and water bowls, leash, harness/collar, brushes and so on.

Delegate Tasks – Make sure it is decided who will be in charge of what for your new pet.  This is important to establish before you start looking for your new pet.  Who will do the grooming, feeding, exercising, cleaning, playtime, etc.

Pet-Proof – Make sure you make your home safe for your new friend.  There are many household items that people are not aware of that can make your pet extremely sick or cause death.  Check out our Day #1 Tip for a list of these items.

Handling – Everyone in the family needs to know how to safely pick up your pet.  There are certain times, such as during feeding, that your pet should be left alone.  Make sure everyone in the family is knowledgeable on how to handle your new family pet.

Other Pets – Not only will your new pet be nervous at first in his/her new home, if you have any existing pets, they will probably at first be ticked off that there is another animal being brought into the house.  At first, it will be helpful to keep them separated and gradually introduce them for short amounts of time.

Of course if your new pet has an accident in the house, please use Clear The Air’s Odor Remover to completely eliminate any foul odors.  Good luck with your new pet!

Day #2 of Helpful Tips For You And Your Pet

We are happy to announce Day #2 of our helpful pet owning tips.  Each day we will have a new helpful tip for you and your pet to keep in mind.

Day #2: Spay Or Neuter Your Pet – Various Health Benefits

Question, would you kill a happy, healthy, loving pet?  If you answered “no”, they spaying or neutering your pet is unquestionably essential.

Spaying and Neutering surgeries are safe when done by a qualified veterinarian.  Believe it or not, when your pet is spayed or neutered, there are various health benefits as well.  Below are some of the benefits a spayed or neutered animal will experience.

Benefits of Spaying Female Pets:

– Reduce or eliminate possibility of disease in the reproductive system.

– Eliminate sexual discomfort, distress or distraction making your pet happier and more content.

– Prevents pregnancy and the many complications arising from pregnancy and delivery.

– No more heat cycle.  You will no longer have to listen to the sounds of your female cat in heat while she is trying to get out and find a mate.

– Prevents unwelcome males from trying to seek out your female pet in heat.

– Reduces the urge to roam.  It is much less likely you will lose your pet, less likely to contract a disease, get in a fight, get injured or become a victim to cruelty, poison or traffic.

Benefits of Neutering Male Pets:

– Eliminate sexual discomfort, distress or distraction making your pet happier and more content.

– Helps prevent the distracting destructive behavior associated with a male’s efforts to get out and find a mate.

– Reduces the urge to roam.  It is much less likely you will lose your pet, less likely to contract a disease, get in a fight, get injured or become a victim to cruelty, poison or traffic.

– Eliminates testicular tumors and reduces prostate gland problems.

– In cats, neutering stops or reduces marking behavior, also known as territorial spraying of urine.

– Reduces the urge to fight.

Of course overall, the main reason to spay or neuter is to reduce the amount of animals that are euthanized due to overpopulation.  Please, spay and neuter your pets!