Animals Unfolded

This week brought a lot of changes... the weather was awesome, a client notified me that they are indeed prepping for a new puppy & I'm happy to share the super news that I am now a contributor to AnnArbor.co m's pet section. I have tons of fresh, useful information that I know you'll enjoy, so I hope that you will check it out regularly, along with all of the other wonderful information and insights with my fellow contributors. If you've any topic that you would like me to touch on, questions to answer or stuff I ought to know about please get in touch. My intention has always been to keep my blog purposeful and helpful to YOU.

I periodically review the FDA's site to get up to date on any pet food recalls. Click the link aforementioned in case you want to do the same.

I received got an e-mail from a prospective client a couple of years ago, who was referred to me by a very good client of mine whose dog I have cared for, for nearly 2 years. He was wondering if I would be interested in caring for an African Clawed Frog… he realized that this may be an unusual request, but this little frog was very special to him as he got it when he was 8 years of age (yes, the frog at the time was 21) and would appreciate considering the task. I was thrilled! I had not had the pleasure of sitting for a frog in a long time, (I used to have one myself years ago and loved it) and was looking forward to the prospect of meeting them, and got in touch immediately. Froggy turned out to be a swell little guy and is a treat to care for. I get inquiries occasionally with regard to ‘exotic pets’… pet rats, mice, snakes, a pot bellied pig or two, birds (even parrots, cockatoos, mustache parakeets, etc.) and more. Most of my clients are canines or felines, but I include most spec...

Been awhile since my last blog post - it's been a busy few weeks! Lots of folks make the decision to get a puppy this time of year (late Jan - March), and it's no wonder! The holiday season ends, things quiet down and we feel more 'ready' to take on the responsibility of caring for a weeks old puppy. I did it myself 10 years ago, in February. Most delightful, exhausting, blissful time of my life. I've had several clients either enter the process or will be soon. On Friday, though, I spent some time with a client in Chelsea guiding her through "Puppy 101". Never having had a dog before, she felt a little lost. She was off to a great start: a lot of research was done on what breeds of dog would suit her family best, best training methods, has lots of support from friends/family. During our time together, she really exhibited great instincts and posed even better questions to clarify what she did know and that allowed us to dialogue even better... - What are ...

Word came this morning from an existing client that the new arrival to the family is now home & getting acquainted with household. At 6 weeks, she joins 3 kids & 2 cats. After losing their beloved 15 year old Blue Heeler last year, the family decided that they were ready for puppy. Shiloh Shepards are a fairly new breed and are gaining quite a following. I get to meet her this week, & am thrilled for the family.   I cannot stress enough the importance of establishing a caring, qualified caregiver for pets while the animal is young, if the situation avails itself to it. Considering bringing a new pet into your family? Contact me for a free personalized 'meet & greet' to get the ball rolling, & to see if we are indeed a fit.

I was reminded of a handy tip a short while ago... An acquaintance of mine was working with polyurethane a couple of days ago, dropped it and splashed everywhere, including on their skin. Pretty tough to remove, as you can expect! Vegetable oil or peanut butter is effective at removing polyurethane residue from your skin - simply rub either into your skin well, and wash off with liquid dish soap and rinse well. The same procedure can be applied to dogs and cats. Typically the polyurethane contamination occurs when curious pet wander through a freshly urethaned floor (which is usually done perfectly, right?), and their paws are just sticky with the mess. Be sure to rinse well and inspect all areas of the body, as the hydrocarbons in the poly can cause severe respiatory dysfunction and even death. As with all chemicals, there is a serious risk of poisoning when pets have had contact. Get in touch immediately with the ASPCA 's Emergency Veterinary Hotline: (888)426-4435

Heartworm (HW) infection is caused by a filarial (worm-like) organism, Dirofilaria immiti. The carriers are nearly 70 species of mosquitoes. The mosquitoes hosts the worm in it's larval stage , where it then may transmit it to it's wild or companion animal victim. Ferrets and dogs are highly susceptible; cats are somewhat resistant (but not entirely immune). Long story short, the larvae incubates in the mammalian host - and present themselves in the pulmonary arteries, typically. The chambers of the heart become impaired, affecting overall function. Symptoms include weight loss, shortness of breath, weakness, respiratory dysfunction (including cough) and death, possibly. Only your vet can diagnose heartworm. An antigen test , which is the most effective way to diagnose heartworm, is administered in your vet's office via a blood sample. Test results are usually quick. (Tests are done in-office in my experience.) Treatment options can only be determined by ...