Microchipping 101: How To Protect Your Pet

February is pet theft awareness month! This month we are encouraging all pet owners to take steps to ensure their pets’ security and give you peace of mind. Every year, two million pets are stolen in America. Implanting a microchip is the best way to keep track of your pet in the event that they get lost or stolen.

Getting Microchipped

You can get your pet microchipped at your local veterinarian. Chips are injected using a hypodermic needle, so no surgery or anesthesia is needed and the procedure is relatively painless for your animal. Microchips typically cost around $45.

How It Works

The information contained in a microchip is limited to an identification number that allows shelters or veterinarians to contact pet owners through a registration database. Microchips are not a GPS device and will not pinpoint your pets’ location. Shelters that receive lost pets use chip scanners to identify pets that have a chip implanted. The information is then used to reunite owners with their pets.

My Pet Is Already Chipped!

Great! It’s important to keep all information related to your pets’ chip updated with your current contact information. If it’s been a while since you’ve updated it, check to make sure all the information is current at your next vet visit.

On top of microchips, having a collar with contact information and rabies tags is essential especially for dogs. Chips can only be used at a vet or shelter, but dog tags can help anyone return a lost dog or cat by providing a phone number to call or a home address. Even with the utmost caution, accidents can still happen and dogs and cats can end up lost, stolen, or missing in any number of circumstances. Having preparations in place like tags and microchips is a great way to make sure your furry friend makes their way back home.

Caring For Your Senior Pet At Home

Senior pets often require more care and attention the older they get as they become prone to certain health problems. It’s very important to keep a close eye on your furry friends and know the best ways to help them in their golden years.

Common ailments in senior pets

Senior dogs and cats can face many age-related health issues including obesity, arthritis, vision & hearing loss. Some of these problems like obesity and joint issues related to arthritis can be prevented or treated by changing your pets’ diet. Although some of these ailments are hard to anticipate such as cancer or vision loss, it’s important to be aware of the kinds of issues your pet can face as they age.

Administering medication at home

Many senior dogs we care for at PHC take some form of medication. These can come in many forms like pills, supplements, powders, and injections. Depending on the type of medication, you’ll need to find a hassle-free way of administering them to your pet, especially if they need to take it every day. Pills and supplements can easily be masked in your pets’ food or by wrapping them in a treat. Make sure to read the instructions carefully so you always know how much to administer, how often, and whether there are timing factors to consider (i.e. before/after eating).

When to seek veterinary care

Senior dogs and cats need to be seen more often by the vet in order to detect any oncoming physical ailments they may start to develop. Early detection is imperative in getting the best treatment for your pet.

Keeping senior pets happy and healthy

Senior pets are often not as energetic as they were in their younger years but that doesn’t mean they don’t want to have fun with you! Going on walks, playing games, and socializing with other dogs can help them stay healthy and sharp as long as you don’t overdo it! It’s important to take into consideration your senior pet’s physical limitations when being active. Grooming your pet and brushing their teeth are a few of the best ways to keep your senior dog healthy. As your pet ages, they may not be able to groom themselves as thoroughly due to aching joints. Similarly, senior dogs and cats’ teeth become more sensitive and prone to infection the older they get. Hemp oil is a natural treatment that is becoming popular amongst pet owners to calm their pets’ nerves and relieve pain. Hemp oil can also have amazing benefits for dogs that suffer from allergies, cancer, glaucoma, separation anxiety, sundowners, seizures, and more. Consider adding it to your pet’s meals to help with a variety of common ailments and other types of inflammation-related pain. Need help choosing the perfect hemp oil, ask us!

How a pet care professional can help

Pet sitters can help you give your aging pet the extra care and attention they need. Pet and Home Care’s pet professionals are always available for help exercising your pet, administering medication, and giving lots of love and snuggles. We are here for you!

Give us a call at (301) PET – CARE to talk to our staff about how we can create a personalized care plan for your aging pet.

Show Your Pet You Love Them This Valentine’s Day

Love is in the air! Here are some creative ways to show your pet that you care about them this Valentine’s Day.

Sweet Treats!

Treat yourself and your pet to an extra goodie to show them just how sweet they are! Chocolate-covered strawberries are a quintessential Valentine’s sweet for us humans, but not so much for dogs. However, strawberries are a safe, dog-friendly treat that many pooches love! You could also dip a washed strawberry in some melted carob and refrigerate to set. Feel free to toss a non-chocolate covered berry to your pooch while you’re making them. As with all dog-friendly fruits, be sure to keep the portion size small as too much sweets can cause an upset stomach.

Dress in festive colors!

Dressing in red and pink is just as cute on animals as it is on humans! A festive ribbon or bandana can be just the little touch of festive color your pet needs. An adorable Valentine’s Day photoshoot is a MUST!

Surprise them with a gift!

Valentine’s Day may be the holiday of chocolate and flowers, but there is plenty of dog and cat-friendly indulgences your pet will adore! A special treat or massage will instantly show your pet how much you care. If your dog has been spending a little too much time stuck inside lately, try treating them to the gift of daycare! The Pet and Home Care Pet Resort is the perfect way to safely socialize your dog under the supervision of our pet care professionals.

From all of us at Pet and Home Care, happy Valentine’s Day! Need last-minute V-day daycare or boarding? Give us a call at (301) PET-CARE

Protect Your Pets With These Dental Health Tips

Did you know that by age three most cats and dogs develop dental disease? Dental disease is a painful condition that occurs when bacteria, tartar, and plaque build-up beneath the gum line. Not only can this cause major chronic pain for your furry friend, but the bacteria can be absorbed into their bloodstream causing damage to vital organs. Staying on top of your pets’ dental care is one of the best ways to prevent pain and disease. Giving a little extra attention to your furbaby’s teeth will not only reduce bad breath but the potential of developing a life-altering disease. Here are some of our top tips for combating dental disease in your pets!

Talk to your vet

If your pet is already at least a few years old, talk to your vet about the possibility of dental disease. For a proper diagnosis, x-rays are essential for seeing plaque that may be invisible to the naked eye. If your pet is diagnosed with dental disease, ask your vet for a personalized plan. Veterinarians can also perform a dental cleaning that is not unlike one you would receive at the dentist.

Brush their teeth!

Although it might seem like a hassle, brushing your dogs’ teeth could potentially save them from years of pain, and save you from paying for expensive surgeries down the line. Dog toothbrushes and flavored toothpaste make brushing your pooch’s pearly whites a breeze! (Note: you should never use normal toothpaste when brushing your pets’ teeth as they can contain ingredients that are harmful to animals!)

Treats and toys

Here’s something you AND your dog will love! Many owners give dogs dental chews or toys that work like a toothbrush, mechanically scrubbing their teeth as they chew. These can not only work as a treat but a supplementary measure to ensure good dental health. Dental chews and toys aren’t a replacement for toothbrushing, but they’re great at reaching the back of the mouth where dogs do most of their chewing.

Other supplements

Dental water additives can act as a supplementary measure to making sure your dog’s mouth is staying clean throughout the day. Simply add a small amount to your pup’s water bowl for a little extra freshness! Additionally, mouth sprays can be sprayed directly onto their teeth. Think of it like dog mouthwash!

At Pet and Home Care, we will gladly accommodate any dental care needs that your pets may have during boarding, visits, or overnight visits. Does your dog frequent our pet resort? Try adding on weekly teeth cleaning for $15.00! We offer tooth brushing and other bathing services. Give us a call today at (301) PET – CARE or visit our website to learn more about our services!