Pet Safety Tips for the Holidays

"Keeping your furry family members safe during the holidays can be a difficult task. There are the ornaments, plants, presents, lights -- oh, and who could forget the Christmas tree (if do you decide to put one up this year)? Let's take a look at some simple steps that will allow your pets to join in the holiday fun this year, while avoiding any trips to the animal emergency room."

We know how much you love your pets so follow the article link here to get some great tips on keeping your furry loved ones safe this holiday!

To learn more about our professional dog walking & pet sitting services visit www.walkingwetnoses.com. 

Winter-Smart Strategies for Keeping Your Dog Outdoors

Good morning all,

Keeping up with our 'dogs and winter theme' this week, we realize that not every dog can live inside all the time. So what do you do when your pups need to stay outside or prefer the outdoors? There are some smart things you can do to ensure your pets safety and happiness during their time outside.

Thanks to the folks over at Drs Foster & Smith here are some categories of tips provided in the full article link here:

• Proper outdoor housing
• Walking in the cold
• Nutrition
• Grooming and routine inspections

To learn more about our professional dog walking and pet sitting services visit us online at www.walkingwetnoses.com.

The Dangers of Rock Salt on Dog's Paws

Winter is here and it is only a matter of time until there is snow/ice on the sidewalks and roadways.

"Your well-intentioned neighbors may have covered their sidewalks, driveways and pathways with rock salt to prevent anyone from suffering painful slips and falls on ice. While it’s certainly welcome to have the safety of tip-top traction as you stroll through the snow, there’s a bad side: all of that salt isn’t doing your dog any favors. The tiny granules can irritate the pads of his feet, or cause harmful mouth and stomach issues if ingested. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to help avoid your dog avoid pain and injury... "

To learn more about safety for your dogs paws this winter as you head out for walks visit the original article link here.  To hire a reliable, professional dog walker, learn more about our services by visiting www.walkingwetnoses.com

How Cold is Too Cold for a Dog to Walk Outside ?

Winter hasn't officially begun yet until December 21st, but temperatures are slowly turning and cold weather with snow and ice possible, will be here before you know it! Getting regular exercise for your pet is important for their health and some of our clients know that if their dog doesn't get a daily walk, they have a lot of stored up energy to expend in ways that are probably not favorable. 

So as professional dog walkers and pet sitters you might ask us, how cold is too cold to walk my dog? Well the answer isn't that simple. It depends on the dog’s condition, age, hair coat, activity level, and how long the dog needs to be outside. If there are warnings on TV about dangerous weather conditions outside, it's best to not take a chance. However if you think it will be okay, using your discretion and judgement is important. 

Photo credit: Dogstrailia

If you are looking for more information to help you make the right decision for your pet, here is an article on this very subject from the Ann Arbor Animal Hospital (somewhere it gets VERY cold!). 

How Cold Is Too Cold For A Dog to Walk Outside? 

If you are looking for professional dog walking or pet sitting services this winter in Leesburg, Virginia visit us online at: www.walkingwetnoses.com!

6 Thanksgiving Foods That Are Bad for Cats and Dogs

Thanksgiving is only a few days away and while you are preparing your menu for yourself, friends or family it is important to think about what menu items your furry loved ones can and can't eat. Today we are sharing a quick article from petsbest.com which talks about six foods that your pets cannot have. Some of the foods listed might be obvious but others might surprise you!
6 Thanksgiving Foods That Are Bad for Cats and Dogs

It's always better to be safe than sorry so if you are unsure of a food but want to treat your pet to some Thanksgiving goodies, here are some alternatives that they can have thanks to an article from Healthy Paws Pet Insurance.  7 Thanksgiving Foods Dogs Can Eat

Wishing everyone a safe and Happy Thanksgiving from Walking Wetnoses!

10 Reasons To Be Thankful For Our Pets

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and in the spirit of the upcoming holiday we want to take a minute to give thanks to our pets out there! There are many reasons pets can bring us joy and make us appreciate the smaller things in life. So today we are sharing an article entitled '10 Reasons to Be Thankful for Our Pets.' We can relate to just about every one of these reasons. Can you?

1. After a tough day at work, there is nothing better than coming home to a wagging tail and slobbery kisses.

2. Good morning kisses make it much easier to get up.

3.  Snuggle time! There is no better snuggler than a soft warm cat or dog.

   4. Early morning walks with your furry pal when the sun is rising, the day is new, and it’s just you two!
   5. Evening walks as the sun is setting, you take to the road with Fido, clear your head, and relish an easy way to get some quality exercise and bonding time with your buddy.

6. Cats and dogs are like children that never grow up.

7. It is hard to feel lonely when you have a pet because you are never really alone.

8. Your pet can make you feel young again!

9.  It’s nice to have an automatic vacuum cleaner around whenever you drop crumbs on the floor.

   10. It is amazing how consistently cute and irresistible cats and dogs are without even trying.

So we ask you, what are you most thankful for about the pets in your life?

Learn more about our holiday pet sitting/walking services by visiting: www.walkingwetnoses.com

11 Healthy Fruit & Vegetable Treats for Your Dog or Cat

Good afternoon,

With the seasons changing, different fruits and vegetables are coming into season! You may be wondering what are some safe fruits and vegetables you can give your pets. Well we have a brief and informative article share today entitled '11 Healthy Fruit & Vegetable Treats for Your Dog or Cat.' For example, did you know that cats lack receptors for sweetness? You might be surprised to learn of some fruits and veggies which are okay, for example:

• Carrots
• Asparagus
• Celery
• Zucchini
• Green bell peppers

Image credit: Anjali Prasertong

Take a look at the link above to learn more! And for all of your dog walking and pet sitting needs, contact us today at: www.walkingwetnoses.com

Tips For Keeping Your Furry Friends Safe & Happy This Halloween

Good afternoon!

As you know tomorrow is Halloween which might be very exciting for some, but could possibly be traumatizing for your furry loved one. Take a look at this video share from CBS Local on tips for keeping your furry friends safe!

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2017/10/28/tips-for-keeping-your-furry-friends-safe-happy-this-halloween/

Book Now for the Holidays! Before it's too late!

Good morning!

As you know here at Walking Wetnoses we offer many services to our clients, including overnight visits during holidays! For just a $5-$10 holiday surcharge you can travel to visit friends and family and know that your beloved pets are safe and happy at home with one of our caring sitters. We charge based on time blocks and there is no additional charge for extra animals.

With October almost over and Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah right around the corner, now is the time to start planning your holiday pet sitting schedule!

Learn more by visiting us online at: www.walkingwetnoses.com

Manifestations of Stress In Cats

Good afternoon all!

Continuing our spotlight on our cat friends, today we want to talk a little bit about stress in cats and how it can manifest itself. It's so important to recognize the symptoms of a stressed out cat early so you can not only help them but also help prevent any damage to your home that they might cause in the process.

According to catsinternational.org "When a friendly, extroverted cat suddenly becomes nervous and reactive, it is generally obvious to the owners that the cat is stressed. Stress may not be as easily detected in the shy, introverted cat who may be manifesting stress by sitting in a fixed posture, immobile for long periods of time. Cats handle stress in different ways depending on their personalities." 

To learn other signs of a stressed cat and how you can help visit the article link here. 

If you have a stressed out cat that is lonely and needs more companionship during the day then contact us to learn more about our midday visits and check-ins! Walking Wetnoses is Leesburg's premiere pet sitting company and we would be more than happy to come help!  Learn more on our website: www.walkingwetnoses.com 

10 Scientific Benefits of Being a Cat Owner

Calling all of our Walking Wetnoses Cat Parents! As you may or may not know we are Loudoun County Virginia's premiere pet sitting company and love our cat clients as much as our doggie ones! So to give a little love to the felines we are sharing this fun (and interesting!) article from Mental Floss entitled '10 Scientific Benefits of Being a Cat Owner.'  Here are a few to get you started, but be sure to visit the article link here to read more!

"1. OWNING A CAT IS BETTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT.

If you're worried about your carbon footprint, it’s better to own a cat than a dog. A 2009 study found that the resources needed to feed a dog over the course of its life create the same eco-footprint as that of a Land Cruiser. Meanwhile, cats—which eat less in general and are more likely to eat fish than corn- or beef-flavored products—only have the approximate carbon footprint of a small hatchback.

2. THEY'LL HELP YOU COPE ...

Losing a loved one is incredibly painful, but one of the best ways of coping is to own a pet. Cats have been shown to help people get over their loss more quickly, and show less physical symptoms of pain, like crying. Despite the fact that they are only animals, cats serve as a social support during difficult times. People in mourning report talking to their pet to work out their feelings, since it is often easier to talk to something that won’t respond and can’t judge than to another human being.

3. ... AND FIND A SIGNIFICANT OTHER.

If you’re a single guy and you can’t seem to get a date, get a cat! A British poll found that 82 percent of women agreed they are more attracted to men who like animals. And while having a dog will do wonders for your dating life, a whopping 90 percent of single women said that men who own a cat are “nicer” than other guys. Listing that you own a cat on your dating profile could do wonders for the number of responses you get—but remember, a cat is for life, not just until you find a partner.

4. CAT OWNERS ARE SMART.

A 2010 survey of British pet owners by the University of Bristol found that people who owned cats were more likely to have college degrees than their dog loving counterparts. In 2014, a researcher in Wisconsin surveyed 600 college students and found that cat owners were actually more intelligent as well. (But it's probably not the cat itself making the owner smarter: The researchers conducting the Bristol survey said that smarter people tend to work longer hours, and since cats require less attention than dogs, they are a better choice for the busy intellectual.)"

If you need help with your feline companion, be sure to contact us today! We are available for long-term pet sitting or daily house visits. We can work with your schedule to help make life easier!

 Phone: 703-951-PETS (7387)

Email: pets@walkingwetnoses.com 

Moving When You Have Dogs & Cats

Hi everyone!

Have you recently moved or re-located to another area for work, family or just because? "Few events in life can be as stressful as moving. Add pets into the mix, and everyone’s blood pressure, including your dog’s or cat’s, will most likely rise.

Your pets may understand a few words, but they will not comprehend, “Can you please be on your best behavior in the back seat as we drive 1,700 miles across the country to our new home?” That means it’s up to you to get them ready for the move and help them acclimate once they arrive."

Luckily, thanks to this article from The New York Times, author Matthew Haags has a few tips for you to think about when making the big move.

CLICK HERE to read the article to learn about finding your 'inner zen' and preparing your pets for the smoothest move possible.

If you are new to the Leesburg, Virginia area and are looking for some help watching your pets or helping them to acclimate to their new home, we can help! Whether it's a mid-day visit or a few overnights, Walking Wetnoses is the professional you can trust. Learn more by visiting our site at: www.walkingwetnoses.com 

Dogs Recognize Themselves in Test Based on Smell, Not Sight

Good afternoon!

Today we are sharing a really interesting article from The New York Times entitled 'Dogs Recognize Themselves in Test Based on Smell, Not Sight.' It has been a well-known fact that one of a dog's best attributes is their incredible sense of smell. We know that they can turn smell on and off and also recognize things such as a coming heart attack in a patient. (Dogs sense of smell really is incredible!) Today's article share just further adds to the wonder by acknowledging the fact that dogs recognizes themselves and other dogs by their sense of smell, not sight. To read this fascinating article and learn more visit the original article link here!

To learn about our professional dog walking and dog sitting services in Purcellville, Virginia visit us online at: http://www.walkingwetnoses.com/

5 Ways to Prevent Separation Anxiety

Good afternoon,

Maybe you are a pet owner who has a pet with separation anxiety or perhaps you have friends in a similar situation. A lot of times because we love our animals so much we can foster their separation anxiety without even realizing it. So today we are sharing an article entitled '5 Ways to Prevent Separation Anxiety' in which they talk about a few key points to fostering the anxiety and how you can help avoid it.

5 Ways to Prevent Separation Anxiety

Are you guilty of accidentally nurturing your dog’s separation anxiety?

If you believe your dog's anxiety is beyond repair or want help in keeping them company for some short visits throughout the day, then Walking Wetnoses is here to help! We offer full-service pet sitting for all kinds of pets in and outside of your home: dogs, cats, horses, guinea pigs, snakes, gerbils, birds and more! Walking Wetnoses is licensed in Loudoun County, based in Purcellville VA, and is insured and bonded by Kennel Pro Insurance.

www.walkingwetnoses.com

Unusual Dog Names

We love all dog names, especially those that are uncommon and fun! Today we are sharing a cute photo blog from 'Modern Dog' in which they held a photo contest for dogs with unusual names.
"In our Photo Contest and our day-to-day lives, we at Modern Dog know that there are many dogs who have similar names. And there's nothing wrong with that -- those names are popular for a reason! However, there are some names that are extremely creative or wonderfully fitting for some doggies, and we're featuring some of our favorites below."

To view these adorable pups and their creative names visit the article link here! 

Whether your pup has a household favorite or an off-the-wall fun name, Walking Wetnoses is here! We offer full-service pet sitting for all kinds of pets in and outside of your home: dogs, cats, horses, guinea pigs, snakes, gerbils, birds and more! Walking Wetnoses is licensed in Loudoun County, based in Purcellville VA, and is insured and bonded by Kennel Pro Insurance.

www.walkingwetnoses.com

Merlin

How to prepare your pets for a hurricane

Good afternoon all,

With the latest weather the United States seems to be experiencing: fires in northwest, Hurricane Harvey in Texas and now Hurricane Irma hitting Florida, we wanted to share this brief yet informative article about preparing your pets for an upcoming hurricane. As much as it's hard to think about, a lot of pets end up lost after a big storm ravishes an area. And now with Hurricane Irma coming for Florida this weekend, we wanted to share this article which gives 5 helpful tips to prepare:
 http://www.animalmedicalcenterfla.com/hurricane.html
Even if you aren't personally being impacted by these storms you may know someone who might be, so please share these tips with them so they can keep their pets safe.

Thinking of everyone who has been impacted by Harvey or going to be impacted by Irma <3

www.walkingwetnoses.com 

Total Solar Eclipse 2017 Pet Safety Tips

Hi everyone,

As you have probably heard, in a matter of hours here on the East Coast we will get to experience a solar eclipse...how cool! For those of you who don't know what one is, according to NASA "Sometimes when the moon orbits Earth, it moves between the sun and Earth. When this happens, the moon blocks the light of the sun from reaching Earth. This causes an eclipse of the sun, or solar eclipse. During a solar eclipse, the moon casts a shadow onto Earth." We all have been warned to not look directly into the sun or to wear special protection glasses. However, the big question that seems to be buzzing around is 'what about our pets safety?'

Thanks to the good folks at Chewy.com, they have written up a quick article that we wanted to share with some pet safety tips.

"Dogs and cats, just like us, are at risk for damaging their retinas if staring at the eclipse,” warns Dr. Alison Birken, owner and DVM of Victoria Park Animal Hospital who recommends that all pets stay safely indoors during the hours of the solar eclipse. And Dr. Stephanie Liff, DVM, medical director of Pure Paws Vet Care of Hell’s Kitchen and Clinton Hill points out, “In general, with strange phenomenons in terms of the weather and lunar cycles, we can see strange and anxious behavior increase in our pets.” While animals typically know not to stare directly into the sun, “I recommend putting pets inside for the total solar eclipse,” relays Dr. Liff. “I think it’s always better to be safe than sorry."

To read the full article, click here: https://www.chewy.com/petcentral/total-solar-eclipse-2017-pet-safety-tips/

Remember to keep your pets safe and enjoy the eclipse if you are able to!!

Pet sitters do much more than provide your pet with food while you're away

Good morning,

Today we are sharing an article from The Humane Society on professional pet sitters entitled 'Choosing a Pet Sitter: Pet sitters do much more than provide your pet with food and water while you're away.' If you are going out of town and have been debating on whether or not to board your pet or hire a professional to come in-home, then this article is for you!

"Pet sitters do much more than provide a pet with food and water while their guardian is away from home. A good pet sitter also spends quality time with the animal, gives them exercise and knows how to tell if they need veterinary attention. What's more, pet sitters typically offer additional services, such as taking in mail and newspapers and watering plants. But just because someone calls themself a pet sitter doesn't mean they're qualified to do the job." To read the entire article and learn why a professional is the best choice, visit the article link here. 

That is why it's so important to hire a PROFESSIONAL! Your pets are part of the family and their care should be left in the hands of reliable, knowledgeable sitters with resources to share. That's why at Walking Wetnoses, we work hard to keep our pets (and their owners) in the Leesburg, Virginia area so happy. We are a full-service pet sitting company with years of experienced pet lovers on staff. To learn more about our affordable services visit: http://www.walkingwetnoses.com/

Inconsistent Schedule? Not a problem!

Good afternoon pet owners,

We often get asked, do we accommodate inconsistent schedules? And the answer is... absolutely!

While we do have clients with consistent schedules (Monday through Friday, or every Tuesday and Thursday, for example), we also have clients who work from home and have to go into the office sporadically for meetings. Or we have clients who work shifts that change every few weeks or months. Once you are signed up as a client, we will work with you to provide services that meet your schedule. We prefer at least a day’s notice to add a visit – the shorter the notice is, the harder it might be to get your primary walker on the schedule. As always, you can cancel a regularly scheduled visit by 8 am the day of the walk at no charge.

Does this sound like it might work for you and your pets? Do you live in Leesburg, Virginia or the surrounding area?  If so, give us a call or text today at 703-951-PETS (7387). You can also learn more or read other frequently asked questions by visiting our website, www.walkingwetnoses.com.

Preparing Your Pet For Disaster

Good afternoon,

Although none of us like to think about it, natural disasters can happen to all of us. Depending on what area you live in can change the nature of the disaster. However we always think about preparing ourselves and our homes in case a disaster should happen,  but often times overlook our pets. Does your disaster emergency kit contain things for your furry loved ones? If not, this article might be for you!

Sharing from Modern Dog Magazine, this article talks about ways in which you can prepare your pet for disaster if it were to strike. "No matter where you live, it is important to be prepared for the types of disasters that can occur in your area, such as hurricanes or tornadoes. Some disasters can even be so devastating they require evacuation. In this case, Angela Clendenin, public information officer for the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences’ Veterinary Emergency Team (VET), said it is best to take your furry family members with you.

“After a disaster strikes, the area in and around homes can be quite dangerous for pets,” Clendenin said. (http://moderndogmagazine.com/articles/preparing-your-pet-disaster/108718 )

For example, downed power lines can create a tremendous danger for animals, especially where a power line has fallen into a home or backyard. Additionally, fencing that has fallen or broken into pieces also can cause injury or death in pets."

It is also important to have a preparedness kit for disaster when you go away for vacation, etc. All of our pet sitters are professionally trained in case of disaster, however it's important to go over everything with your pet sitter before you leave. This is especially true if you have older pets or pets with special medications.

To learn more about our professional pet sitting and dog walking services in Leesburg, Virginia visit us at: http://www.walkingwetnoses.com/

9 Tips on How to Keep Dogs Cool in Summer

August is only a few days away and with it comes the hottest temperatures we usually see during the year. With warmer weather, your pets are more likely to get over heated. So how can you help keep your four-legged friends a bit cooler in this weather?

This article from dogster.com, entitled '9 Tips on How to Keep Dogs Cool in Summer,' provides a few suggestions from one dog owner.  Some of them, like keeping the water bowls filled and adding ice cubes might seem pretty straightforward. But others, like using rubbing alcohol to help lower your dog's body temperature aren't as known. Take a look at these nine tips and see what you think!

http://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/summer-dog-health-tips

All of our professional pet sitters and dog walkers are accustomed to be aware of overheating in dogs and know what to do to help prevent it. If you want to hire a professional dog walker in Leesburg that you can trust, contact us today! www.walkingwetnoses.com 

RV Camping Tips For Your Dog

Summer is in full-swing and some of our clients love to enjoy the adventures this country brings by taking RV trips. For those trips that you cannot take your dog along, Walking Wetnoses is here to care for them.

However for some people, taking their small dog along for the trip is part of the adventure. Thanks to this article from Modern Dog Magazine, it details some dog-friendly tips to help make your RV camping trip as dog-friendly as possible.

http://moderndogmagazine.com/articles/dog-friendly-guide-rv-camping/108381

If you are planning a summer vacation and can't take your dog with you, contact us today! We serve the greater Leesburg, Virginia area and would love to come watch your pup and give you peace of mind.

www.walkingwetnoses.com

More Than 1 Pet= Okay By Us!

Good afternoon,

Continuing our series on some frequently asked questions, today's question is this: Do you charge more if I have more than one pet?  

The short answer is no.

The long answer is that with our services, you pay for the time block that you need. Sometimes having more pets mean a longer time block is needed to take care of all of them properly. But we will discuss your particular needs during the initial consultation, so have no fear!

To learn more about our services and other FAQs, visit: www.walkingwetnoses.com 

Breed Restrictions? No Way!

Good afternoon,

A lot of people ask us if we have breed restrictions for our professional pet sitting and walking services. The answer is... No! We love all breeds and are happy to help to take care of them.

However, regardless of the breed, your dog must be well behaved on and off leash, willing to walk on leash, good with new people, and not have a history of biting people or other dogs. We understand that many dogs may have some form of leash aggression, even if very mild, and always aim to keep your dog away from any other dogs, people or animals while they are being walked. You can discuss with us your dog’s needs and behavioral issues and we may be able to accommodate.

To learn more visit our website at: http://www.walkingwetnoses.com/ or call 703-951-PETS (7387)!

How dogs interact with others plays a role in decision-making

Have you ever wondered why your dog did (or didn't) do something? Have you seen them pick up behavior from their other doggie friends or siblings? Well if so, you're not crazy! New research has come out which shows that " Dynamics between familiar dogs may influence their likelihood of learning from each other, new research shows. How dogs interact with others plays a big role in how they respond under conditions that require quick thinking." In this great article shared from sciencedaily.com, they explore deeper into how these dynamics can influence your dog. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/04/170424142212.htm

Photo Credit: Image courtesy of Canisius College

If you want a knowledgeable, professional pet sitter at an affordable price contact us today for your free consultation! www.walkingwetnoses.com

Want to Start Running With Our Pack?

Hi pet lovers!!

If you have been following our blog the last few weeks, you will have seen some great reasons (we think!) for hiring a professional pet sitter versus a family friend or local neighborhood teen. So if you are thinking about hiring a professional sitter, but want more information, did you know that we provide a FREE 30-minute consultation with Walking Wetnoses owner Lysa? That's right! You get to talk with the company owner to be sure that it's a mutually-great match so your pet can receive on the best of care. 

If you want to set up your free consultation, contact us today at either PETS@WALKINGWETNOSES.COM or 703-951-PETS (7387)! 

Why Professional Pet Sitters Are Worth the Cost!

Good afternoon dog lovers!

You may be wondering, "why are professional pet sitters worth the cost?"  We know that it shouldn't be, but a lot of people consider good petting sitting to be a luxury service or an additional cost. However any good pet owner will make sure that there is reliable help to take care of their furry loved ones.

So you may be wondering why we charge what we do for our services? It all comes down to our sitters and their level of professionalism and care. All of our pet sitters are professional, caring, experienced employees with extensive animal knowledge. We pay them accordingly both for their experience and their time as we want them to treat each of your pets like their own.  Cutting costs to pay a neighbor or a family friend, while not intentional, could result in things with your pet being overlooked. Our sitters are trained to be aware of situations and be on the lookout for any signs that your pet might be showing.   

Pet sitting is a wonderful job but is very time-demanding, and doesn't break for holidays. Good pet sitters set aside their holidays, evenings and weekends for the benefit of their clients. We also strive for low turnover rate with our sitters, and want them to stay with us for a long time. That is another reason why it's worth it to pay a professional sitter, so your pet can have a new friendship that is long-term with one of our sitters. Just ask any of our clients and they will tell you it's worth it!

If you are considering hiring us for your next getaway, and are on the fence, please contact us today! You can also find more information on our website, http://www.walkingwetnoses.com/.

 

Differences Between a Professional Pet Sitter and a Hobby Pet Sitter

Good morning,

Today we are sharing a blog post from Ace Pet Care about why you should hire a professional pet sitter versus an amateur pet sitter, or hobby pet sitter. This may seem like a "no brainer" to some, but to others the imminent dangers that could arise aren't as apparent.  "Caring for someone’s pets is hard work. It takes long hours. It takes diligence, a sense of responsibility, personal commitment in the face of long hours and experience. Like other professionals, large and small, pet sitting is a trainable business, but one that still has value over cost. All professionals charge for their time and experience. They are worth it. Professional pet sitters are no different."

Take a look at just some of the many reasons, hiring a professional pet sitter is the smart choice and contact us today at: http://www.walkingwetnoses.com/ to inquire about our professional pet sitting services in Leesburg, Virginia.

"The next time you are wondering why a professional pet sitter costs more than a hobbyist, these are the reasons:

-A professional pet sitter pays for pet sitting liability insurance to protect you. This costs money.

-A professional pet sitter pays for membership in professional pet sitting organizations in order to take advantage of pet care education and training in pet first aid, pet CPR, pet safety, pet behaviors, pet training techniques, and to create a network of professionals to help quickly in any emergency situation.

-A professional pet sitter pays for pet sitting-related books and magazines to make sure that our skills are the highest possible and that we are providing the safest care and attention to your pet’s needs.

-A professional pet sitter pays for legal advice so that we have a contract in order to protect you and our business. It will explain what services the pet sitter will and will not provide. There will be forms to fill out to give the pet sitter all the information needed to provide the very best care for your pet and your home. There will be authorization forms for various professionals such as your veterinarian to work with us in the event there is a need. There will be policies and backup plans in place.

-A professional Pet sitter will have expenses just like every other legitimate business. And the reason you want us to charge enough to keep us in business is so that you know who is caring for your pets, and your pets know and trust their pet sitter. This provides for a trouble-free vacation for you, and stress-free time for your pets." (To read the original article post, visit the link here!) 

The Poisonous Threat to Your Dog You Probably Aren't Aware Of

The hot and humid summer brings with it some threats to unsuspecting dogs and cats: toads and toxic mushrooms. One thing that all of our pet sitters are constantly on the lookout for are toads. It's also important that all of our pet sitters are trained to recognize signs and symptoms of things such as toad toxicity.

"The two most important species of toad that are known for their toxic effects on pets are the Colorado River Toad (Bufo alvarius) and the Marine Toad (Bufo marinus). Most cases of poisoning are reported during the warmest weather months, when the toads are more active and humidity is high." (Petmd.com)

Did you know that "over a 4-year period, Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) processed almost 300 claims from pet guardians whose dog (or much less often, cat) had an encounter with a deadly toad. In fact, it was one of the top 10 types of poisonings during that 4-year period."

You may be aware of the fact that some toads can be poisonous to our pets but were you aware of how they pass their toxins to our dogs and cats? If you want to learn more and learn how you can protect your pets, or what to do when you think they might have toad poisoning, visit the article link from healthypets.com here.

To learn more about our pet sitting services and how we can visit with your dog this summer, contact us today at: http://www.walkingwetnoses.com/

Pet Sitting vs. Pet Boarding...What to do!

You are getting ready to go away for a trip and you are wondering... to pet sit or board your pet? Well, obviously it comes down to your personal preference and what you think your furry loved ones will be most comfortable with. However, there are several things to consider before you make your final choice. Sharing this article from PineapplePets today, it brings up several key points to consider. Like is your pet good around other pets and strange people? Or how about if they have any allergies or complicated medicine routines. All of these things are important when deciding whether to board your pet or have a pet sitter come over.

One of our pet sitters, Debbie

Of course, we are biased and feel that pet sitting is the best option! So if you are looking for caring, reliable and professional pet sitters in Leesburg, Virginia, then contact us today! We will be glad to meet you and your pet for your first, free consultation: http://www.walkingwetnoses.com/

To view the entire post about pet sitting vs. pet boarding visit the original link here. 

7 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR PET ENTERTAINED WHILE YOU’RE AWAY

Good afternoon,

As you might have guessed, we think the best remedy to a lonely pet while you are away is having a pet sitter or walker come by for a visit/quick jaunt out! However we do realize that sometimes you can't afford to have a visitor for your dog(s) every day, and you will have to leave them for one reason on another.

This article  from Positively.com talks about 7 ways to keep your pet entertained while you are out. (Note: Walking Wetnoses does not necessarily or agree or endorse any of these products, they are just ideas to share!)


If you are looking for someone to come stop in and do a mid-day visit or take your pup for a walk while you're away, contact us today! We are located in Leesburg, Virginia and serve the surrounding Western Loudoun County area. Check us out today at: www.walkingwetnoses.com!

Dogs Are Even More Like Us Than We Thought

Good afternoon,

As you know we LOVE our dogs here at Walking Wetnoses. But did you know that dogs are perhaps even more like us humans than we originally thought? "Dogs can read facial expressions, communicate jealousy, display empathy, and even watch TV, studies have shown. They've picked up these people-like traits during their evolution from wolves to domesticated pets, which occurred between 11,000 and 16,000 years ago, experts say.'

PHOTOGRAPH BY CAMERON LAWSON, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CREATIVE

'In particular, "paying attention to us, getting along with us, [and] tolerating us" has led to particular characteristics that often mirror ours, says Laurie Santos, director of the Yale Comparative Cognition Laboratory. (Read more about how dogs evolved in National Geographic magazine.)"

To read more of this article and find specific tendencies how dogs can mimick humans visit the article link here. 


To learn more about our dog walking services in Leesburg and Purcellville Virginia visit our website at: http://www.walkingwetnoses.com/

Fruits & Vegetables Dogs Can and Can’t Eat

Good morning!

With springtime here and summer right around the corner, you might have noticed a larger abundance of fresh produce stands and displays around town! Sometimes eating fresh fruits and veggies can be such a treat for our pets, especially our dogs. However, it's important to know which ones are safe for them to consume.

Photo credit: active.com

Thanks to the American Kennel Club (AKC), here is a great article with a list of common produce items for you to double-check! Of course it's important to know your own dog and always check with your veterinarian before adding anything new into their diets, but this article can be a great starting point:
http://www.akc.org/content/health/articles/fruits-vegetables-dogs-can-and-cant-eat/

And next time you have your Walking Wetnoses sitter come stay with your pet, be sure to let them know if you have any special treats for them to give!

Meet Our Animal Management Team: Part 2

We hope that everyone had a wonderful Easter weekend! Today we want to introduce more of our "animal management team" here at Walking Wetnoses. As you might have figured out by now, we absolutely adore our animals and treat every client's pets with the same love and compassion for our own crew.  If you are looking for a professional, reliable caring pet sitter who is bonded and insured be sure to email us at: PETS@WALKINGWETNOSES.COM or call/text at: 703-951-PETS (7387).

Jillian: Intern
Recently adopted from PetConnect at 6 months old, Jillian is still figuring out what she wants to be when she grows up. Her natural skills include sleeping in the dog bed, making a dog bed out of the pillows on mom and dad’s bed, and playing with (or annoying) the other dogs.

Cats: Compliance Department
All adopted and rescued, the 5 member compliance department (Ziva, Tigger, Gigi, Mickey and Divinity) keep the dogs in line and make sure the people stay on schedule – at least the cat feeding and petting schedule. No one in this department actually works for a living.













Horses: Peanut Gallery 

 

Finding the Right Dog Collar and Leash

Good afternoon pet lovers!

Last week we talked about some important things to have on-hand and do before your pet sitter arrives. As you already know one of those important items is a good collar and leash for your dog. Just like the variety of dogs we get the privilege of spending time with, there are almost as many types of collars and leashes! This great article from chewy.com talks about how to find the right collar and leash.

PC: Chewy,com

"Every dog needs a collar, but not all dogs need the same collar. To choose the right collar for your pal, consider her size as well as her primary activities. For instance, an active dog calls for a different kind of collar than a mellower pup." As you can imagine, fit and materials are also very important.

To learn about the different types of collars out there visit the article link here.

To learn more about our dog walking services in Leesburg and Purcellville Virginia visit our website at: http://www.walkingwetnoses.com/

The Ultimate Checklist for Your Dog Sitter!

Good afternoon!

As we all know, "we wish we could bring our pets everywhere! But unfortunately, some vacations and short getaways are not dog-friendly, like that relaxing all-inclusive resort to celebrate your anniversary?'

'When you must leave your dog behind, there are many doggie care options. You can board them, but that might not be the best move for your dog if he is skiddish, a wild puppy, or a cranky older dog who is set in his ways. In these cases, a dog sitter might be your best bet. And it might be the cheaper option if you can find a responsible neighborhood teenager looking for some extra cash.'

PC: @pugmopsturkey

You may think a lot of these tips are common sense, but this article from Pedigree might actually bring up some points you forgot to think about! For example, Number 8: 'Make sure chew toys are clean and located in one place.'

To learn more about what you should do before your dog sitter arrives, visit the article link here!

To schedule a consultation for your dog with one of our professional pet sitters in Leesburg, visit our website: http://www.walkingwetnoses.com/ or call/text 703-951-PETS (7387)!