Month: March 2021

Returning to work soon? Many pets, especially those adopted during the pandemic, aren’t used to being left home alone. Pets can experience separation anxiety when their owners leave for periods of time. Dogs and cats can also feel anxious going to the vet or to other unfamiliar places. While it’s normal for pets to feel anxious, prolonged bouts of anxiety can potentially lead to the development of an anxiety disorder and other behavioral problems. Here are our best tips to understand and ease your pet’s anxiety.

Types of Anxiety

Separation anxiety causes distress in pets when their owner leaves the house. According to the American Kennel Club, separation anxiety is experienced by around 14% of dogs. This number may increase as pet owners start to spend more time outside the home and away from their pups. Fear-related anxiety can be caused by a variety of things such as being in an unfamiliar place (i.e. the vet/groomer/in the car), loud noises, or other animals.

Symptoms of anxiety

Separation anxiety can manifest in a variety of unhealthy behaviors such as excessive barking, drooling, digging, pacing, destroying things around the house, and defecating or urinating inside the home. Fear-related anxiety can lead to other nervous behaviors and even aggression towards people and animals. Dealing with this anxiety is essential for the safety of your pet and others.

Routine

Pets are calmed by having a regular routine. Routines allow your pet to relax because they don’t have to worry about what will happen next. Exercise and socialization are a great part of any routine. If you aren’t able to walk your dog every day, hire a dog walker or treat your dog to regular dog daycare. Making this a part of your dog’s daily regimen is a great way to reduce anxiety and promote healthy behaviors. See the difference in your pet by booking pet care with us!

Treatment

Talk to your veterinarian to make sure no underlying health conditions could be causing their behavior. Veterinarians can also help to identify your pet’s type of anxiety. Many pet owners try to desensitize their pet to the source of the anxiety in small doses. Rewarding good behavior can go a long way in changing your pet’s mindset. Try enlisting the help of a professional dog trainer to help you choose the right approach.

Treating Anxiety with Hemp Oil

Hemp oil is a natural medication that is becoming increasingly popular amongst pet owners for its many health benefits. Derived from the stalks, leaves, and flowers of the hemp plant, hemp oil can remarkably improve chronic pain, anxiety, and other ailments in pets. Hemp oil can be an effective treatment for pets with both fear-related and separation anxiety due to its calming and relaxing effect. Supplementing with hemp oil during stressful times can make things go much more smoothly for both you and your pet. Although there are many prescription drugs that can ease anxiety in pets, traditional pharmaceuticals often have harmful side effects and can cause damage to the kidneys and liver. One of the greatest benefits of hemp oil is its potential to minimize or eliminate the need for pharmaceutical drugs. Studies have found that it even works best when used daily.

How to Choose A Hemp Oil Brand

When deciding which brand to buy from, always make sure the hemp oil is free of pesticides and made in the USA or locally in your home state. Hemp oil should always be THC-free and organic, so as to remain untainted by pesticides or heavy metals. Make sure you buy hemp oil (made from the leaves, stems, and flowers) rather than hemp seed oil. Hemp seed oil does not have the pain and anxiety-relieving benefits of hemp oil. Stay tuned for our big announcement related to hemp oil!

 

Got your vaccine and itching to travel this spring break? Here are our top tips for a safe trip!

Stay Close

Although many of us may have the desire to start jet setting to faraway destinations, we recommend a staycation in Maryland or a surrounding state. There are many great places to visit in and around the DMV. Take advantage of the beautiful spring weather at Deep Creek Lake in western Maryland. For beach lovers, make a trip to the Eastern Shore to feel the sand between your toes! Although it may not be as exciting to stay local, it’s safer and cheaper!

Follow Regional COVID Advisories and Guidelines

Even if you or your family members have gotten the COVID-19 vaccine, it’s important to still follow guidelines pertaining to the area that you’re visiting. For most areas, this will mean wearing a mask in public and keeping your distance from others. Vaccinated individuals can still infect people if their cough or sneeze contains particles of the virus.

Use Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a great way to protect yourself in the event of last-minute cancellations or other potential financial losses that can occur while traveling. The best time to buy travel insurance is immediately after booking your travel plans to extend the window of coverage. Make sure to choose a plan that works best for you and read all documents carefully.

Schedule Your Pet With Pet and Home Care

Booked your getaway? Leave your pet care needs to us! Drop your dog off at our dog resort for their very own vacation, or schedule in-home visits for any of your pets. Visit our website petandhomecare.com/services or give us a call at (301) PET-CARE to learn more about our services including walks, overnight pet care, and house cleaning. And don’t worry if you have to cancel your trip, we only have a 12-hour cancelation window!

It’s Professional Pet Sitters Week! From March 7-13 we’re shining a light on the viability of pet sitting as a career and the importance of using professional pet care services.

This week, we’re celebrating by showing our appreciation for the talented and loyal pet sitters of Pet and Home Care. Check out these videos to learn more about our pawsome managers, resort staff, and sitters. To learn more about why you should always choose a professional pet sitter, click here!

Did you know that Pet and Home Care is lead by three women? It’s no coincidence that International Woman’s Day is during Professional Pet Sitter Week! Meet our fabulous managers!

 

Our Resort Team is ready to give your pup a safe & friendly place to stay! Whether it is playing fetch in the yard or celebrating holidays & birthdays with your pups – you can count on us. We love to give them the BEST experience. Meet our amazing resort staff!

 

Our pet sitters are top-notch and strive to exceed your expectations at every visit. Cats and dogs may be our bread and butter, but our sitters have so much experience with animals of all sizes and types. Meet our fantastic sitters!

 

 

When it comes to raising a cat, many owners disagree on whether to keep them inside or let them roam the outdoors. But what effects can this difference in lifestyle actually have on your furry friend’s health and wellbeing? Read more to find out how you can help your cat lead a long and enriched life!

Outdoor Dangers

It’s no surprise that the outdoors has many dangers to pets. Wild animals like snakes, coyotes, and raccoons can get into a fight with your pet and cause them serious injury or even kill them. Even prey animals like squirrels can cause injury to your pet if they decide to attack. Even in more spacious parts of Maryland, cars are a big concern when it comes to the safety of your pet. More than five million cats are struck by cars each year in the United States. Weather can also present dangers for outdoor cats as they may not be able to find their way home or find shelter from the extreme heat or cold. While many people show kindness to outdoor or stray cats, there are some who are extremely cruel and treat cats as pests. Overall, it is not a safe idea to keep pets outdoors unsupervised.

Health and Lifespan

On average, indoor cats can reach the age of seventeen, while outdoor cats usually live between two and five years. This is due in part to the aforementioned dangers of an outdoor lifestyle. In addition, indoor cat owners are more likely to detect and treat ailments before they become life-threatening. Outdoor cats are more likely to contract or develop feline leukemia virus, feline AIDS and other diseases.

Indoor vs. Outdoor: Finding a Balance

While an indoor lifestyle is much safer for your cat, it can lead to other problems in your furry friends’ life. Indoor cats can become bored or frustrated if not given enough stimulation in the house. They are also more likely to scratch furniture than their outdoor counterparts. This doesn’t mean you should let your cat roam unsupervised, but it’s worth considering some ways your cat can enjoy the outdoors in a safe way. Check out our blog on cat walking to learn more about letting your feline friend experience the outdoors.

Making the Best of Indoor Living

If your cat isn’t keen on going out, don’t force them! Playing with them can go a long way in preventing boredom that leads to harmful behaviors. Try out different toys (and catnip!) to see what your cat responds to best. Scratching posts are essential to prevent them from clawing up your furniture. Cats also need places to climb and hide. Perches near windows can offer your cat glimpses of birds and squirrels that can entertain them. Go above and beyond by putting a bird feeder right outside their window perch to keep them engaged for hours!

Although the outdoors can be a dangerous place for your cat to roam, there are plenty of ways to enjoy it in a safe and supervised way. Cats can also lead very enriched lives completely inside with a little help from their owners. If you have a cat that needs a little extra playtime or care when you are away, visit our website to learn more about in-home visits! We also offer walking services if you have a cat that is trained to go outdoors. Give us a call at (301) PET-CARE to learn more.

 

It’s no secret that many cats yearn to explore outside. But letting your feline friend roam unsupervised can be dangerous due to cars and wild animals. The best way for your kitty to have safe outdoor time is on a walk! Although much more commonplace and essential for their canine counterparts, walks can be just as enriching for cats! Here are a few things to consider if you want to begin training your cat to walk.

Cats’ Choice

Unlike dogs, cats don’t need to be walked. Think of it as more of an enriching activity. If your cat doesn’t express interest in going outside and hates the idea of walking or wearing a harness, don’t force it on them. Walks and outdoor time should only be for cats that want them. Excess energy, mischief-causing, and spending a lot of time at doors and windows are all indicators that your cat may desire some outdoor enrichment!

Gearing Up For Adventure

Cats should only be walked using a harness and leash. Collars can be squirmed out of easily and can cause strain on the neck. Make sure their harness fits snugly but if you can’t fit two fingers underneath it, it’s probably on too tight and you may need to loosen it slightly. Start slowly by fitting them with the harness around the house and rewarding them with a treat for wearing it. If they appear agitated or uncomfortable remove it. Remember, this is for your cat’s enjoyment!

Taking The Lead

When outside with your cat, make sure you let them take the lead. Pulling them will lead to stress and discomfort. Wait until they become more comfortable with the leash and harness as well as their outdoor surroundings before attempting to guide them. Although outdoor time is a great way to get important exercise for your pet, try not to think of walking your cat as a workout. If they just want to sit in the grass and watch the trees, let them! One of the best reasons to get your cat outdoors is because of the enrichment that an indoor-only lifestyle lacks. As long as your cat is enjoying themself in a safe way, your job is done!

Be Patient

Walking a cat is certainly not as natural as walking a dog. Dogs adapt quickly to leash training and most don’t mind wearing collars and harnesses. Make sure to be patient with your cat and take things slow, especially if they are more than a few years old. With time and a little positive reinforcement, they can learn to be great walkers.

How We Can Help

Pet and Home Care offers cat walking services! If you need help training your cat or already have a cat that enjoys being walked, we would love to meet them! Give us a call at (301)-PET-CARE or visit us at petandhomecare.com/services to hear more about how we can help enrich the life of your cat!