Surviving Your Dog's First Year!
Welcoming a new puppy is such an exciting love-filled time! There is nothing quite like a tiny canine furball. However, they are not without their challenges. There will be times when you stop and think: "Was this a mistake?" Relax, most people who get a new puppy have those thoughts now and then, especially when your fur baby chews your favori...
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Crate Training 101 – Tips from Lucy’s Pet Care
Crate training your pet is widely recommended by dog trainers and veterinarians. Yet many people resist using a crate because they feel confinement is cruel or unfair. These same people happily put their child in a playpen to keep them safe, so why not your dog or cat? If a crate is used correctly - not as punishment - your best friend will be easier to manage, and most pets wi...
Read MoreTop 3 Benefits of Crate Training – Tips from Lucy’s Pet Care
To Crate Train or Not To Crate Train.... There are differing opinions on the method. In this post, I'll share with you the Top 5 Benefits of Crate Training. This information might help you make a decision as to whether or not it's a route you choose to take with your own dog. Many people are opposed to crate training because they feel the confinement is cruel. However, wh...
Read MoreThe Pros and Cons of Dog Obedience Training
Dog Obedience Training - What you need to know Training a dog can be hard. It takes a lot of patience, diligence and consistency. It’s not that we don’t have the best interests at heart for our dogs; it’s just that sometimes there just aren’t enough hours in the day. That is why some pet parents opt to take their dogs to obedience classes. As with most th...
Read MoreTips for House Training Your Dog – Lucy’s Pet Care
Tips for House Training Your Dog
Welcoming a new member of the family is always an exciting time. Whether it's a new puppy or an older rescue dog, the happiness they bring into the home is simply wonderful. What's not exactly wonderful is cleaning up accidents on your carpet. However, with patience, persistence, and consistency house training can help them learn their new ...
Read MoreIs it Okay to Give a Dog as a Gift?
The holidays are around the corner and you may be thinking about getting a new dog as a gift for the family. While you should never give a dog as a gift to someone unexpectedly, a dog can be a great present for an older child or loved one. There is a lot to consider when bringing a new life into your home. Do you want to crate or let them sleep with you? Will ...
Read MoreWhat Does It Mean When My Durham Dog Is Lethargic?
What Does It Mean When My Durham Dog Is Lethargic? Why is My Dog so Tired?
Dogs are usually playful, happy, and curious beings. However, like humans, dog’s energy levels fluctuate depending on a number of factors. Things that can affect your dog’s energy include diet, fitness, stimulation, and health. If you notice your dog is suddenly lethargic without obvious reason,...
Read MoreCat Pain: How to Know if Your Cat is Silently Suffering
Cat Pain: Signs your cat may be suffering
Do you know how to tell if your cat may be in pain? You might be thinking “Oh, that’s easy! He’ll cry or whimper!” Not necessarily so! By nature, cats tend to hide their pain or suffering. If you suspect your cat may be in pain, you should be aware of some tell tale signs. Personality changes
Resistance to touch
Resting on...
Read MoreSad Dogs: Signs of Dog Depression
Sad Dogs: Signs of Dog Depression Is My Dog Depressed? We all know that humans have a tendency to suffer from depression. However, far fewer of us are aware that our beloved fur buddies can also suffer from depression from time to time. If you’re concerned about your dog, consider a few tell-tale signs that they tend to exhibit when they aren’t feeling quite like thems...
Read MoreHow Do I Keep My Dog Out of the Litter Box?
Does your dog love "all things cat?" Does he go bonkers for cat treats, food and even toys? Does his love go even further, so that he goes litter box diving for "snacks?" Are you having a hard time keeping your dog out of the litter box? If so, you're not alone in this dilemma. Those of us with canines and felines under the same roof know this can be a real challenge. It'...
Read MoreHow to Safely Detox Your Durham Dog
How To Safely Detox Your Durham Dog
Apple Cider Vinegar for Dogs Have you heard about the amazing effects of Apple Cider Vinegar on dogs? Dogs need to undergo detoxification just as much as humans do. Now, more than ever, toxins are polluting our environment which unfortunately also pollutes us and our dogs! A dog’s body works naturally to detox itself but due to the exce...
Read MoreHow To Choose a Professional Durham Pet Sitter – Employee vs. Contractor
How To Choose a Professional Durham Pet Sitter
Employee vs. Contractor It's prudent to hire a Durham pet sitter who works with a Team of other sitters. This helps ensure 1) availability for your requested dates of care and 2) an emergency back-up system. Having more eggs in the basket is a good thing! It's not a good idea to be dependent on a single person when you've ...
Read MoreHow Do I Care for a Dog with Asthma?
Did you know that asthma can be fatal to humans and dogs alike? It’s a serious disease yet, quite manageable if you know what to look out for and put in place a proper treatment plan. As a professional pet sitter, I'm trained in asthma symptoms. So, I want to pass along our knowledge to you. Keep reading to learn more about signs of asthma in dogs, diagnosis, and common tre...
Read MoreCould You Love the World’s Ugliest Dog?
Quasi Modo was recently crowned the "World's Ugliest Dog." He is a 10-year old pit bull-Dutch shepherd mix, whose spinal birth defect left him with a bit of a hunched back - thus, his name. He was abandoned at a local shelter, before being adopted by a veterinarian. So, how can a dog whose appearance can be a little unsettling to some (per his owner, grown men ...
Read MoreWho gets Pet Custody in a Divorce?
Who Gets Pet Custody in a Divorce?
Breaking up is hard to do. Especially so when there are children and pets in the family picture. We're all familiar with child custody. But, what about pet custodyt? Not long ago, pets were considered to be personal property. Thus, divided between the two parties just as the furniture, cars and family heirlooms. However, pet...
Read MoreHow to Prepare for Moving with Your Pet – Lucy’s Pet Care
How To Prepare for Moving with Your Pet Moving, whether across town or across the world, can be a very exciting time. And, bring much stress to you and your pets. All of the commotion and disruption of regular routines can cause a lot of anxiety. Any change is especially difficult for cats. Here are some tips to help you best prepare for your move. Choosing a New Home...
Read MoreHow to Choose the Best Puppy for Your Family
Traits to Look for in Your Prospective New Puppy You have taken the first step towards becoming a new parent to a new puppy -- making the decision to add to your family. First of all, Congratulations! Becoming a pet parent is such an exciting time! You have probably already done some research on different breeds and which dog best fits your lifestyle. But now, comes the h...
Read More3 Signs your Dog may have Kennel Cough
Kennel Cough: Should I really be worried?
You have probably heard about Kennel Cough but it seems that many people aren’t really sure what exactly it is and what the dangers are. If you are in that category, keep reading to learn more about Kennel Cough and how to help your pet if he contracts it.
Kennel Cough causes the dog’s windpipe and voice box to become inflamed. This i...
Read MoreAre Green Foods Safe for my Durham Dog?
Are Green Foods Safe for my Dog? With St. Patty's Day fast-approaching, I'm sure many of us are looking forward to celebrating with all things green. Many of these include green edibles -- green beer, green deviled eggs, etc. And, we love including our pets in the celebrations. But, are green foods okay for our dogs? Can they be toxic or are they beneficial? Continue...
Read MoreHow Your Durham Dog Can Help You Make Friends!
Did you know that your choice of pet species can greatly improve your life? And, I'm not talking about the obvious, general perks of having a constant, unconditional-loving companion. I'm talking about creating positive changes in yourself, based on whether you choose a dog, cat, bird, bunny, hamster, etc. I'm a living example of such change. Are you like me...a natu...
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