http://www.forum.housecarers.com/index.cfm?forumid=6 FuseTalk Basic Edition http://www.forum.housecarers.com/messageview.cfm?catid=29&threadid=626 2009-09-16T01:11:57 -05.00 IanLWhite 1
"it causes acute respiratory infections in dogs, and virtually all dogs who are exposed become infected. During the incubation period of two to four days, pets who appear healthy can still be spreading the germs."

Says Kimberly May, spokesperson for the American Veterinary Medical Association

Backgrounder: Canine influenza


May, also recommends exploring options such as having a house sitter stay with your pet.


Read full story - USA Today - Boarding your dogs? Find out if they need a flu vaccine ]]> http://www.forum.housecarers.com/messageview.cfm?catid=29&threadid=529 2009-03-03T18:46:41 -05.00 mallane16 2
Most animals carry infections and diseases that can be spread very easily to other animals and humans.

I am wondering how others feel about the sharing of the above items, how homeowners would feel if their beloved pets may have been infected by a previous user of un-sterilized items that a sitter has bought into the home.

I assume that the sitter is sterilizing the items at the end of the sit so to not contaminate the next pet.

Perhaps a Vet's advice could be sought to advise on some guidelines to Housecarers.com regarding this issue.

Your thoughts would be appreciated.

regards

Mal. ]]> http://www.forum.housecarers.com/messageview.cfm?catid=29&threadid=514 2009-01-29T19:12:05 -05.00 IanLWhite 1
Here are some tips from an expert

"Teaching your dog to perform tricks can be great fun, but it does require plenty of time and patience. It is, however, important to remember not to spend more than around five minutes a day practicing a particular trick with your dog; otherwise it may become bored of the whole process and refuse to co-operate any further.

You should also aim to end each training session on a good note, so that your dog always associates the experience with pleasure and not unhappiness. Providing you use a variety of tasty and healthy treats, along with plenty of praise, your dog should be able to learn new tricks very easily. Here are a few for you to try out on your dog:

This article looks at all the standard and much loved dog tricks -
Fetch, Beg, Shake Hands, Roll over, Crawl, Turn Around.

Now that would be impressive if my new dog could do those.

Check out the entire article:

Dog Tricks Article ]]> http://www.forum.housecarers.com/messageview.cfm?catid=29&threadid=469 2008-11-17T17:02:08 -05.00 aquarianclassy24 4
First of all, try to identify what is causing the odor. If the dog is eliminating on the carpet, the cause will be obvious. But sometimes Fido is house-trained and still leaves a strong odor in the house. It could be that your dog has a yeast infection of the skin. Another common cause of odor is the smell of saliva. If your dog has a "hot spot" that he is licking constantly, you will most likely notice an odor.

If your dog has a "hot spot", you can usually get a cortisone shot from the veterinarian, which will take care of the itchiness and allow the area to heal. Make sure that the spot isn't caused by flea bites, because if it is, the biting and licking of the spot will resume in a week or two after the shot wears off.

You can also combat the saliva odor by having your dog's teeth cleaned on a regular basis. There are also commercial products that can freshen your dog's breath. Since your dog has to breathe, and you don't want the air he emits to be foul, keeping his mouth clean is a must!

Now that you have identified and fixed the cause of the odor, you need to get rid of it. Couch cushions, carpets and even throw pillows may need to be cleaned. Vacumn your carpets throughly, and then either have them cleaned professionally or use a wet vac with a special enzyme cleaner that is made to remove pet odors.

If your dog has been on the couch, you will also need to have the couch cleaned, or use the attachment on your wet vac to clean it yourself. Check for the colorfastness of the fabric before attempting this. You will also want to use cold water. Throw pillows can be thrown in the dryer with a dryer sheet to freshen them up again.

There are freshening enzyme sprays that you can buy as well. You can spritz them on the carpet and furniture to remove mild smells. This can be done on a regular basis, and in the case of inappropriate pet elimination, can help stop the problem from occurring in the future.

Scented products for the home do not remove odor, but they certainly do a good job of covering it up. Burning scented candles on a regular basis can do wonders for vistors' first impressions.

Finally, as a last resort, consider keeping your dog outside more often. If the problem persists, you may find that you are becoming resentful of the dog, and it may be possible that everybody will be happiest with a more separate arrangement.

Copyright © 2008, Ian White ]]> http://www.forum.housecarers.com/messageview.cfm?catid=29&threadid=453 2008-10-28T18:35:23 -05.00 IanLWhite 1
To back this up we are publishing the following article reprinted by permission from author Dr Kristie

We invite your comments and contributions, anecdotes etc

Is Your Dog Stressed?

It should come as no surprise that humans aren't the only member of the animal kingdom to experience stress. Dogs, too, can experience periods of stress and anxiety. Since dogs are creatures of routine and habit, this happens most often when a circumstance in your dog's life changes such as the addition of a new dog to the family, the death of a family member, or even something as minor as hearing a loud noise. A stressed dog may have behavioral changes that suggest that he's experiencing discomfort or anxiety which you can recognize if you know what to look for. Here's how to tell if your dog is stressed:

Signs of a stressed dog: Changes in eating habits

Dogs normally have voracious appetites particularly for their favorite foods. If your dog stops eating or turns down his favorite treats, this can be a sign of stress. Other changes in digestive function may occur such as diarrhea and having "accidents" in the house. If your normally housebroken dog starts relieving his bowels or bladder in the house, consider whether something has changed in your dog's life that may be causing stress and anxiety.

Signs of a stressed dog: Changes in activity level

If your normally active dog becomes unwilling to play or take part in his favorite activities, he may be experiencing stress and anxiety. Likewise if your normally quiet dog starts to show signs of hyperactivity, restlessness, and pacing, stress may be playing a role. Although these symptoms are often caused by stress, it's important to rule out pain as a cause for your dog's hyperactivity and restlessness.

Signs of a stressed dog: Unusual shyness

If your normally outgoing, friendly dog suddenly becomes shy or afraid of people, he may be reacting to some anxiety provoking factor. A stressed dog may manifest behavioral changes such as hiding under furniture, holding his tail between his legs, and now allowing people to pet him. These are all signs that your dog may have recently experienced a traumatic event he's reacting to.

Signs of a stressed dog: Bad behavior

If your normally well trained dog manifests uncharacteristically "bad" behavior such as chewing on household items, snapping, or growling, stress and anxiety may be the culprits. In this situation, it's important not to reprimand your dog until you know why he's behaving in this manner as reprimands and punishment may further exacerbate the anxiety he's feeling.

Signs of a stressed dog: Physical signs

Dogs experiencing stress can also experience physical symptoms such as hair loss, chewing on legs and paws, a glazed facial expression, and a lack of emotional response.

If your dog appears to be anxious or stressed, what's the best course of action? Because some signs and symptoms manifested by a stressed dog can be signs of pain, it's important to rule out medical problems. Have your dog seen by his veterinarian to rule out more serious causes. If your dog is found to be physically healthy, it's important to evaluate any recent changes that may have occurred in your dog's life.

The best treatment, of course, is to change whatever circumstance may be causing your dog to experience stress and anxiety. Your veterinarian may be able to give your dog a prescription medication to relieve some of his symptoms but these can have side effects. Another alternative is to have your dog seen by a veterinarian who specializes in naturopathic veterinary medicine. Naturopathic vets can make recommendations for safe, herbal treatments that can relieve


By Dr. Kristie ©2008 ]]> http://www.forum.housecarers.com/messageview.cfm?catid=29&threadid=330 2008-04-22T21:01:16 -05.00 IanLWhite 1
Most dog whining stems from attention seeking behavior. Dogs are social animals and they like to be acknowledged by their owner. If a dog feels he's being ignored, he may call attention to the situation by emitting a cacophony of high pitched whines. Other times your dog may whine is when he sees you eating a cookie or other goodie or when he's placed into a cage or otherwise separated from you. Some dogs develop the habit of whining when they're put to bed at night. One legitimate reason your dog may whine is when he needs to go outside. This is a form of whiney behavior you don't want to discourage unless you want very wet carpeting. By observing your dog's behavior you'll come to understand when his whine means something more serious than just the need to have your undivided attention.

If your dog is whining to seek attention, how should you handle it? To stop a dog from whining, you first need to eliminate the urge to reprimand or otherwise punish your dog. Punishment usually doesn't solve the problem and may lead to even more distress in your dog which can increase the degree of whining.

The first thing to do to stop a dog from whining is to determine what situations bring on the behavior. Does your dog whine when he's placed in his sleeping area at night? If so, it's important to make his area as appealing as possible to him. Make sure he has lots of soft pillows and fresh water. You can also consider adding some soft music next to his bed to help him relax. When you place him in his sleeping area at night, give him a small treat and praise before leaving to positively reinforce his behavior. If he starts to whine, ignore his whining. By ignoring the behavior and not responding to your dog's demands, the behavior will likely eventually extinguish over time. Any attention you give your dog when he's whining will further reinforce his unacceptable behavior.

If your dog whines when he's in the room with you, the best response, again, is to ignore him until the whining stops. At this point, reinforce your dog's silence by giving him praise and attention. Never acknowledge your dog when he's whining except when you believe your dog is experiencing true discomfort.

If your dog is whining frequently, chances are he's bored. To prevent boredom, be sure to spend time with him when he's not whining by taking him for walks or playing with him for short periods of time. A dog that's stimulated is less likely to spend time vocalizing. Be sure to also have bones and toys available to keep your dog occupied.

By being consistent with your positive and negative reinforcement, you can stop a dog from whining over time. Sometimes it takes a bit of patience but the problem can be solved to the satisfaction of both you and your dog.

By Dr. Kristie
Used By permission from Dr Dr. Kristie ]]> http://www.forum.housecarers.com/messageview.cfm?catid=29&threadid=329 2008-04-22T20:00:55 -05.00 phillyqualified 3
Respect for me, my minder, take heed of who you be
I wish to have my food bowl, topped up it's time for tea
I am the master of this house, you are here to attend my needs
For when it's time for eating, I demand you cater, yes cater for my feeds

The large expanse of garden, accommodates many kind of tree
They are there for when Im scratching,and against for me to pee
So when I'm about my business, you may see I walk quite tall
Do not talk or pat me, remember you are at my call

I have at my libery, freedom as to where I roam
Inside, outside, so please do mind your business,
It's my privilage in this home
They call me sir Adonis, that's greek for handsome man
So when you sit at evening, my coat you comb, you can

If with my teeth I nip you,it's attention that I need
Refrain from what you are doing, It's either bed time or my feed
Siamese when I am talking, listen to what I say
I require your full attention, through out my busy day.
"signed, Adonis."
Phill. J. G. (phillyquallified) ]]> http://www.forum.housecarers.com/messageview.cfm?catid=29&threadid=314 2008-04-06T22:33:24 -05.00 IanLWhite 2
Here are the first things that you should do when your cat insists on stinking up your house. You'll have to be patient while you work your way through this list, but soon your kitty will be back to doing his or her business in an appropriate place.

* Your cat needs a full health checkup. In many cases, cats pee right in front of you when they're sick. A urinary tract infection (UTI) is one of the most common health problems, which your vet can treat. Even if that's not what's wrong with your kitty, your vet can track down, and solve, the problem.

* Cats who are older or who have health problems (joint pains, for example), can't get in and out of the litterbox like they could when they were younger. Make the litterbox more accessible so that your kitty can get in and out.

* The litterbox itself might be a problem. If you have more than one cat, you might need to put out additional litterboxes. The type of litter and how much of it you use can be problems. You should also change the cat litter and thoroughly scrub the litterbox. The plastic tends to absorb urine smells, which can turn off housecats.

* Sometimes cats will act out by peeing all over your favorite things. This can be a sign that they're unhappy about something. Try giving your cat more (positive) attention. Extra playtime with his favorite toy can cure the behavioral issue. You can also ask your vet about a product that will help soothe your kitty: Feliway is one example.

* Tomcats often spray anything that they wish to mark as their own territory. Sterilization can improve this problem.

* Elderly kitties can suffer from feline dementia. They honestly don't realize that they're doing something wrong when they pee all over your clean laundry. Buy housebreaking pads - the disposable kind that people use with puppies - and put them down where your kitty pees the most often. This won't convince her to use the litterbox, but cleanup will be much easier compared to what you're doing now.

You should do a few things when your kitty decides to mark something in your house.

* Never hit the cat or rub her nose in the mess. Cats aren't like human children: they don't understand that what they do is wrong. You can deter behavior as the cat is doing it, but trying to teach the cat after the fact doesn't work very well. Instead of scolding kitty afterward, catch her in the act and spritz her with tap water from a spray bottle.

* Completely clean the marked territory. Even if you can't smell the cat pee, the cat will. That's her sign to continue peeing there. Visit the pet store for a product that removes all of the pet odors.

* Give your cat plenty of positive attention. Despite the stereotypes that surround felines, cats do bond with their humans. They want our attention and will go to great lengths to get it from us.

Don't worry: you'll track down and solve the problem soon enough. In the meantime, be as patient as possible. Your solution will come and you can resume the carefree relationship that you've always had with your kitty.

©2008 housecarers.com ]]> http://www.forum.housecarers.com/messageview.cfm?catid=29&threadid=285 2008-02-23T15:45:28 -05.00 thekirribillikid 8
I can't let the dogs outside for more than a few minutes at a time and I have to constantly supervise them because they start to dig under the fence. One of them has already gotten out and I had to run around looking for him.

Inside they've jumped up all over the white dining chairs and left big muddy prints on the fabric and one of them has chewed the edge of one of the steps and they've also pulled the curtains down.

If I go out, I have to lock the dogs in the house - one in a crate and the other roams free and makes a mess everywhere.

I've paid these people a $1000 bond and I'm terrified I'm not going to get it back.

It's not just the dogs, they've left a fridge full of half-rotten food. It's disgusting. I'm a slave to these animals.

Has anyone else been put in this situation? ]]> http://www.forum.housecarers.com/messageview.cfm?catid=29&threadid=282 2008-02-22T04:02:07 -05.00 allykatblue 3
We now have a new pet who is four weeks old now. A beautiful praying mantis. His/her name is Peter/Peta and he is insatiable. He has had one shed so far. I think our house owners won't mind Peter at all.

They are great neighbours but I doubt they would get on as flat mates.

We have house sat a few animals now. After one house sit I have decided when I finally settle down I am going to get a beagle. Just lovely and so intelligent. I loved sitting chickens and geese too.

What do you all love? ]]>