Are Mushrooms in Grass After a Rain Dangerous to Dogs?

Good morning,

It's no surprise to all that Mother Nature has given Virginia (and surrounding areas) our fair share of rain the past few weeks. What has seemed like an endless amount of rain has led to taller grass and the growth of new things, like mushrooms. So the real question is...what things are okay for your pup to sample and what things aren't?

"Dogs are curious creatures, sniffing and tasting anything new that appears in their environment. So dog owners must be ever-vigilant to ensure nothing dangerous is eaten by their pets. Although many kinds of mushrooms that appear on lawns after a prolonged period of rain are perfectly safe to consume, many other kinds are not and could land you and your dog at an emergency veterinarian's office." Click here to read the article from homeguides.com to learn more.

To learn more about The Loudoun Pet Sitting Company and how we can best serve you and your furry loved ones, visit: www.loudounpetsitting.com.

6 Fruit & Vegetables That Could Improve Your Dog's Health

Good morning!

Today we are sharing an article from The Good Vet and Pet Guide entitled '6 Fruit & Vegetables That Could Improve Your Dog's Health.'

"It’s not always easy to know what’s best for your dog’s health. Sure, quality dog food is necessary, since it already has all the supplements your dog needs. But, these supplements can also come under the form of human food, such as fruits and vegetables.

Yes, you might not believe it, but dogs can eat fruits and veggies just like human beings, and they love them. It doesn’t matter if your dog is a Corgi or a Pomsky, he will definitely enjoy the foods on this list!"

CLICK HERE  to read about their six recommended fruits and vegetables for your dog!

To learn more about our professional dog walking and pet sitting services in Loudoun County Virginia, visit: http://loudounpetsitting.com

Pet Sitters 101: How Pet Sitters Work

"Are you heading out of town and can't f­igure out a way to bring your pet along? Would you prefer to simply leave it at home? Unfortunately, you can't just decide to leave it behind and run out the door. Very few pets, if any, are independent enough to spend an extended amount of time at home alo­ne. Fortunately, you can hire a pet sitter to solve all your pet care problems.'

'Hiring a pet sitter benefits you and your pet in several ways. Your pet can stay at home in a safe and familiar environment, eliminating travel-related trauma and allowing your pet to maintain its regular medical care. In addition, you know that your pet is in capable hands without having to impose on family, friends or neighbors. (HowStuffWorks.com)"

Learn more about Pet Sitting 101 and how it would work with your pets at the full article link here.

To learn more about our professional pet and farm sitting services visit us online at:
http://www.loudounpetsitting.com/.

Traveling with Your Pet: Summer Dog Safety Tips

Good morning pet lovers!

Last week we experienced some unusually-high temperatures in the area and it looks like they will be returning later this week which means summer heat is right around the corner. We know that summer is also a great time to get a dog or spend extra time with your dog in the longer hours of daylight. But it's critical to make sure that you keep your dog as cool and comfortable as possible so they don't get overheated or dehydrated, especially if you are planning to travel with them this summer!

Thanks to a quick article from Drs Foster and Smith, here are a few points to consider:

1.) Visit your Veterinarian
"Schedule your pet's annual checkup. Depending on where you live, testing your dog for heartworm before starting a preventive is essential, as is controlling parasites like fleas and ticks. While you are there, get a current copy of your pet's medical history and vaccinations to keep with you when you travel.'

2.) Heel the Heat
'Dogs don't sweat like humans. In fact, the only sweat glands on a dog's body are near her paws. Alone, this does little to cool your dog. To aid the cooling process, your dog pants. To help combat summer's heat and humidity, monitor her outdoor time, never leave her in the car, and keep her:

Watered - Keep her home dish full and a travel dish always ready.

Leashed - Prevent her from escaping and getting lost in the hot sun. Be sure she has access to shade wherever she is confined.

Groomed - Help regulate her body temperature by trimming her coat.

Protected - Apply pet-specific sunscreen on her ear tips, nose, and other thinly haired areas.

Minimally Exposed to Direct Sun - Plan outdoor play, jogging, etc during cool hours of the day.'

3.) Pack for Prevention
'Summer is often packed full of fun. But whether your dog accompanies you across town to the park, across the country to relatives, or stays behind in a local kennel, her needs should be top priority. As always, being prepared is the best preventive measure. Before you embark on any expedition, gather:

Medical Records - In an emergency, vaccination and medical records save time. If going out of state or country, have an updated health certificate.

Identification Tags - If lost, this information could quickly reunite you and your pet. If traveling, get a second set of tags with a local contact name and your cell number.

First Aid Supplies - Keep these on hand for medical emergencies or to restock your first aid kit.

Water and Food - Eliminate potential digestive problems with familiar food and water."

To visit the full article link click here.  To get some extra help this summer checking on and looking after your dogs in the heat visit us at: http://loudounpetsitting.com. 

May I Introduce…Fido?

Good morning,

Today we are sharing a great article from Cats International on introducing a new dog to any cats in your home. Of course you want all of your pets to get along and live harmoniously but there are certain steps and precautions you can take to help the transition go smoothly.

"When introducing a dog to a cat, the question is really one of proper dog training. Dogs usually want to chase and play with cats, and cats are usually afraid and defensive. After all, the cat has a lot more to lose if the relationship gets nasty. Once the cat is confident that the dog does not pose a threat, then the opportunity opens for a wonderful friendship to blossom." CLICK HERE to read more from this article with some helpful suggestions for bringing fido into your cat home.

To learn about our professional pet sitting and dog walking services in Western Loudoun County, Virginia visit: http://www.loudounpetsitting.com/about-us/.