Leaving Your Pet Home

When planning a trip, it may be a consideration to take your pet with you. But often, this is stressful for you and your pet and logistically may be near to impossible. If you decide to leave your pet at home while you are gone, you have several alternatives: a kennel, a family member or friend who can look after your pet, or a pet sitter. 

If you choose to board your pet in a kennel, be sure to get references and inspect the facilities first. You can get recommendations from your veterinarian or a local shelter. Find out whether your state requires inspections and whether your selected kennel has passed an inspection and meets mandated standards. Your pet should be able to accept basic commands and should be well socialized around other people and pets to be a good candidate for a kennel. He should also be current on vaccinations. If you are planning a long trip, a short stay at the kennel a week or two ahead of time can help your pet get used to the environment. This will also let you know if your pet has any problems with being away from home. 

If you choose to drop your pet off at a family member's or friend's home, you should also take some of these same basic precautions. If the home has small children, spend some time beforehand playing with your pet and the kids. This will give them both a chance to learn how to properly interact with each other. You can bring your pet's bedding, bowls, and toys along as well. You will also need to make sure that any existing pets in the home get along well with your pet. 

If you are hiring a pet sitter, get references and interview the candidate beforehand. A pet sitter is a great option for pets that are elderly, need special care, or are timid. If you are going to be gone during the holidays, be sure to make reservations with your pet sitter early, as these are traditionally very busy times of the year. Leave clear instructions regarding the care of your pet, along with emergency contact information, and a way to contact you. You should have the pet sitter come over for an hour or two before your planned trip to get acquainted with your home, the location of pet supplies, and to spend some time getting to know your pet. 

Whichever option you choose, you should feel free to leave and enjoy yourself without having to worry about the care of your pet. By planning ahead and giving your pet a chance to get used to the change in daily routine, you should have a smooth process for you and your pet. 

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Making Your Home Safe for Your Pets

Most homes with children know to keep hazardous chemicals, cleaners, and medication out of the reach of children, but these precautions should also be taken in homes with pets. There are many household items that can be dangerous for pets if ingested. These are a few of the things to look for in your home.

- Lawn and garden pesticides
- Flea and tick products
- Insecticidal aerosols
- Shampoos
- Cleaning products
- Rat and mouse poison
- Tobacco products
- Aspirin and other pain relievers
- Garbage

How do you properly protect your pets from these hazards? Do not leave containers with these types of items where your curious pet can find them. Any spills should be cleaned up as soon as possible, including the outside of the container. Lids should be tightly closed and stored out of reach. Garbage cans should be covered tightly and secured to prevent tipping.

If you have sprayed your lawn with chemicals, do not let your pet on the grass until the recommended drying period has passed. If your pet does come in contact with the chemicals, wash his or her feet with mild soap and water. 

Pets should also not be allowed in vegetable or flower gardens or in compost piles. Some plants are toxic to animals if nibbled on. Compost piles can contain bacterial toxins that are harmful to animals. 

Rat and mouse poison can be harmful or even deadly if a cat ingests the dying or dead rodent. Take care when using these types of poisons to ensure that your cat does not consume a poisoned rat or mouse.

A Happy, Active Pet

Many dogs and cats spend much of their day with little to do. They sit at home, resting and waiting for their human companions to return home from work. These pets can become bored which often leads to naughty behavior. They also may not be getting the exercise they need each day. 

To help your solitary pet, be sure to engage in at least 30 minutes of exercise twice a day with your pet. You can take a walk, throw a ball, or play tug-of-war with a toy. Both dogs and cats love to chase after furry toys or small balls. When you are away, leave some fun chew toys for your dog and a scratching post for your cat. 

If possible, consider having a friend or neighbor let your dog out for part of the day. But be sure to keep on top of negative behavior like excessive barking. If this becomes a problem, you will need to modify your dog’s environment and behavior with positive activities. If your cat is an indoor cat, set up an outdoor enclosure to give him some fresh air and varied exercise activities. 

Finally, be sure to spend as much fun time with your pet when you are at home as possible. Include him in family activities and encourage you children to spend daily play time with your animal. You’ll find that everyone can benefit from these fun bonding experiences. 

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Puyallup Carpet Cleaner

Tips for Adding a Pet to Your Household

Many pet owners consider adding a second or more pet to their households. It may seem like a great idea—not only will your current pet have a companion, but you will also have another animal to love. When considering this, it is good to remember that caring for multiple pets can bring some challenges. Before adopting a new animal companion, consider these issues first to best prepare yourself, your family, and your current pet. 

The most important issue is whether your current pet will respond well to a new animal in your home. It may be helpful to do a trial run. Ask to dog- or cat-sit for a friend for a weekend. Watch your pet closely during this time. Does he hide or act aggressively? Is he able to share his toys or treats? While problems in these areas do not necessarily mean that you cannot have a second pet, it does reveal things you will need to work on first. Some specific training with a pet behaviorist and frequent chances for socializing with other pets on a regular basis can help improve behavior.  

When introducing your new pet to your home, be sure to do it when you have time to stick around. A weekend at home is a reasonable amount of time to spend with your pets as they learn about each other and become friends. Have separate food and water bowls and give each pet a place to rest apart from everyone else. If there are conflicts, separate the animals and then gradually bring them back together. Instead of punishing for aggressive behavior, simply separate again and distract them—eventually they will get used to each other’s company. 

Finally, remember that your pets are individuals. Give each one time alone with you, especially if he or she seems stressed by the changes of having a new pet in the home. 

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Puyallup Carpet Cleaner

Choosing a Great Pet Bed

Most pets enjoy having their own bed. If you are deciding on a bed for your dog or cat, be sure to choose one that will provide warmth, support and a sense of security. What makes a pet bed great? Keep these tips in mind when shopping.

- A good pet bed should be made of durable and washable material. Natural fibers are best and the fabric should not be treated with chemicals such as flame-retardants or stain-protectors. 

- The bed should have a non-skid bottom to help keep it in place.

- Get a bed that will comfortably fit your pet even when he or she is stretching. But if you have a dog or cat that only sleeps curled up, you may need to get a smaller bed to provide a cozier feel.

- There are a variety of beds for special needs: hypoallergenic materials for allergic pets, orthopedic beds for animals with arthritis, and waterproof beds for pets with incontinence problems. 

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Puyallup Carpet Cleaners

Making Your Own Cleaning Products

Looking for a new household cleaning product? You may need to look no further than your kitchen cabinet! Many cleaning products can be made at home. Not only are they less expensive, they are more environmentally friendly. Check out these great ideas for cleaning up around the house.

All Purpose Cleaner
In place of ammonia, use ¼ cup of vinegar to one gallon of water. To clean surfaces in the bathroom, add baking soda to this solution. 

Windows and Glass
Use 1/2 cup vinegar diluted in one gallon warm water. To prevent streaking, don’t wash your windows when they are in direct sunlight. Use crumpled newspapers to dry them. 

Pots and Pans
To remove burned or crusted-on foods, use 2 tablespoons baking soda and 1 quart of water. Bring solution to a boil in the pan, remove from the heat, and let stand until particles are loosened.

Drains
As a preventative, pour 1/4 cup baking soda into the drain. Follow with 1/2 cup vinegar. When the fizzing subsides, pour boiling water into the drain.

Steam Irons and Coffee Makers
Dilute vinegar with water and run this solution through your steam iron or coffee maker. This will remove water residue and deposits.

Labels or Stickers
Soak a sponge or dishrag in warm vinegar. Cover the sticker with the wet sponge and let stand. When the sticker is saturated, it should peel off. If the sticker is not completely removed, try using nail polisher remover or rubbing alcohol. Use this method only on washable surfaces.

How Much is That Doggie?

When people are picking a dog, they consider lots of things: affection, temperament, energy level, and behavior. One thing that is easy to overlook is the cost. According to the APPA National Pet Owners Survey, basic annual expenses for a dog owner can run from $1,400 to $2,500. Costs are higher at the beginning and end of your pet’s life. 

First year costs include spaying or neutering, pet beds, leashes, collars, tags, food and water dishes, and toys. You may also want to purchase gates and a crate. You’ll have several vet visits for well visits and vaccines. Don’t forget to account for damage to your home, especially furniture and carpets, as you house train your new dog and deal with teething and chewing. 

As your dog ages, you’ll find that you often need more veterinary care. Owners of older dogs spend an average of $225 on routine vet visits and over $500 on additional care. Pet insurance can help with these costs, but you will only save money if you insure your younger pet. Getting insurance when your dog is older may not save you money in the long run. 

Other costs should be considered. You may want to get some obedience training or may need a pet sitter from time to time. Many dogs benefit from regular grooming. You can save some money by grooming your dog yourself or teaching your dog some obedience commands and behavior tricks. There are online resources, including online videos, which show you how to groom a dog and teach obedience behavior. 

They say you can’t put a price on love—most dog owners are happy to spend what it takes to care for their canine companion. But be sure that you add up the costs before you take the plunge. Not only will you avoid sticker shock, but you will be able to properly budget for the inevitable costs in the years to come. 

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Helping Your Child Cope with Pet Loss

It is a sad time in any family when a beloved pet dies. It can be especially hard on your children, who often have known their pet all their lives. The loss of a pet may also mark the first time a child has had to deal with any type of death, which can lead to varied and confusing emotions. To help your child deal with this grief, consider some of these approaches:

- Keep a small memento of your pet. A collar, favorite toy, or tag can be comforting. 

- Gather up some photos of your pet with your child and frame them. You can also put together a photo album of pictures of your pet. 

- Be sure to talk about your pet and share memories. Sometimes laughing about good memories can help in the grieving process. 

- Encourage your child to continue regular activities, even if those used to include your pet. 

- If possible, hold a memorial service for your pet. You can invite friends to share in this. Planting a tree in your pet’s honor is a tangible way to remember him or her. 

When Not to D.I.Y

Who isn't a fan of D.I.Y. projects? It's not just the process of putting things together, building it from scratch, and using what you have that is exciting -  but the whole idea that you are potentially saving money adds to the satisfaction that you are Doing It Yourself! For most projects the D.I.Y. approach is a brilliant way to cut expenses. Sometimes however, there are things on the "honey-do" list that should be passed on to a professional. How do you know when NOT to D.I.Y? In some cases the answer is clear when we find that our momentary joyful feelings rapidly evaporate with the realization that :
#1- Your time is worth more than the amount of money you are trying to save.
#2- You are in way over your head!

Carpet cleaning can be one of those tricky D.I.Y. chores. So you decide to go and rent a machine, pack it in the back of the car, and spend your Saturday slogging away, filling up, and emptying the waste water tank... again ... and again! Will you be impressed with the results? Most likely you will not. Here's why:

• Poor results- from lack of power from the machine. 

Being small and lighter than a 'professional' machine means that there is a limit on the power,  heat, and suction - all things that are needed to leave carpets cleaner, brighter, and dryer.

• Carpets stay wet longer.

Without the powerful suction of a truck-mounted machine, the carpets will remain wet for a longer period of time causing harmful mold or mildew to develop. 

• Rapid re-soiling.

Not being able to properly rinse and extract after cleaning, the sticky residue left behind from the cleaning detergent will attract soil quickly.

So instead of saving dollars like you hoped, it could actually end up costing much more - in both your valuable time and money.

We can save you the frustration and hassle of cleaning your own carpets because your time is precious and should be spent on what's most important to you.

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