Let's Get Physical

We are quickly working our way through the end of Fall and fast approaching Winter.  For most of us that means more time inside watching movies, reading books, and just plain being lazy.  Unfortunately the same is true for our four-legged loved ones.   While it's understandable that most people's outdoor activity wanes when the thermometer drops it doesn't mean that your pets need to pack on additional pounds.  The same way that pet owners hit the gym and the treadmill in lieu of a hike or jog outside, your pets can similarly benefit from indoor workouts.  Here are some fun ways to help keep your pets fit during the cold winter months.

Head to your local pet store and walk the aisles.  If you are like most pet owners a trip to the pet store is fun and your four-legged partner will love getting out of the house and having the ability to smell new smells and socialize with other like-minded pet owners.  Pet Smart and PetCo both embrace bringing your pets with you.  If pet stores aren't your thing many home improvement stores allow leashed pets into the stores to walk the aisles.  Typically the store visitors and staff end-up giving our dogs more love and attention then they can stand.

Make use of chew toys for snack time.  Don't just give fido a treat.  Make it fun and place it in a toy like a Chuck-it Indoor Roller or stuff some peanut butter (make sure you use a brand that doesn't use Xylitol which is harmful to pets) in a chew toy like a Kong.

Dogs are social creatures.  You call up your pals to meet for a drink or a meal. Line-up some four-legged play dates for your pet.  You can combine some of these activities as well.  Meet a friend with a pet at a Pet Smart or similar to check out some new toys or replenish pet supplies. 

Blow the dust off of your treadmill and let your dog use it!  Make sure your pet is trained and used to being on and around the treadmill and never leash an animal to a treadmill but with some patience and time your pet can actually get used to getting some exercise on the treadmill.  It might also help get you motivate to hit your home gym so you both start getting a little more buff and a little more lean ;)

Play some hide and seek!  Hide some favorite toys (this is especially effective if you stick a treat inside of them) around your house in places your pet rarely goes and let that sniffer and those legs get a workout.  When the bounty is captured your pet will have gotten a little exercise, exercised those boredom demons, and will be excited with the find and sure to enjoy the toy.

Lastly, give a pet walker like Paws & Claws Urbana a call.  We all love what we do and most of us are used to the elements and know some fun places to take your pets.  As mentioned before, if you do venture out during the colder months be watchful of the time and exposure to the elements.

Hot Chocolate and Antifreeze? Its Time to Winterize Your Pet!

Weren’t we all just planning our trips to the beach or the lake a few weeks ago?  I know for my family it sure seems that way, yet here we are well into the month of October.  It’s that time of year when leaves are falling gently into backyards creating Norman Rockwell photographs throughout neighborhoods in Frederick and Montgomery Counties.  Children’s thoughts turn to hot chocolate, their Halloween costume, trick-or-treat route, and annual trip to the pumpkin patch.  Parents of both children and pets alike begin thinking of spiced apple cider, Halloween costumes (for parties), scenic Fall drives, and cozy nights huddled by a fire or wrapped in a blanket with a good movie.  Fall, which happens to be a personal favorite for me, is a wonderful time of transition.   It is filled with beauty and anticipation of the upcoming holidays and other festivities.  Fall also serves as the official trumpeter of Old Man Winter making his return.  As a Maryland native, as much as it pains me to say it, it is that time of year to retire the flip flops, tank tops, and shorts in favor of a pair of boots, sweats,  and a jacket.   It is also time, amidst all the fun and change in the air, to think about winterizing your furry family members.

Maryland is known to be a fickle state when it comes to weather.   We are on the upswing of the jet stream and as most Marylanders know it is not at all unheard of to go from a 60 degree Indian Summer day to snow the next day.   Winter brings with it unique beauty, serenity, and dogs that love running as the snow is falling.  It also brings some unique dangers for your pets.  So, as you start pulling out the jackets and boots for yourself and your children, consider the following tips as part of your winterizing routine to ensure your pets don’t fall victim to some of winter’s perils.

Beware the Antifreeze:  All too often even folks that are educated about the inherent dangers of antifreeze to pets still make the mistake of leaving the bottle open in garages or worse, ignoring small puddles of antifreeze on floor of garages or in driveways.  The sweet taste of antifreeze (caused by the chemical ethylene glycol) is deadly to animals.  Even one teaspoon can kill a dog or cat according to R.J. Krapfl, DVM and spokesperson for the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).  Even if a pet doesn’t lick the antifreeze directly from the floor of your garage, driveway or sidewalk, they can still get antifreeze on their paws during a walk and lick their paws leaving your pet terribly ill.  Make a habit of keeping an eye out for antifreeze during walks and playtime and check your garage and driveway for any antifreeze puddles (typically a yellow/green or orange color).  Another good defense is using less toxic antifreeze made with propylene glycol (available at most retailers that carry automotive products.  Finally, consider washing or at least wiping off paws following a walk to get rid of any traces of antifreeze and road salt.

Honk Your Horn and Think of Summer:  Cats that are permitted outdoors, along with several other small animals, love to curl-up next to the warmth of a car engine.  Consider making a habit of tapping on your hood as you walk to start your car or toot your horn to scare any stow-a-ways from your engine before someone gets hurt.  Think about summer!!!  Why? Because for some reason people think that its ok to leave their pets in a car when its freezing cold despite never considering the same misstep in the heat of summer.   If it’s extremely cold outside and you leave your pet in your car with the engine running while you run a quick errand your pet can succumb to carbon monoxide poisoning.  It is a very real threat.  Shutting off your car will leave your pet in a mobile ice box.  The temperature in a vehicle drops extremely quickly and can leave your pet in a perilous situation.  Consider leaving the pet at home or making arrangements with a sitter if it will be a long day of errands.

Watch Out for the Old Timers:   Older pets are not dissimilar to senior citizens.  Cold weather exacerbates existing conditions like heart ailments, lung conditions and arthritis.  Just like humans, pets lungs can be severely damaged in extreme cold and joints will be much more stiff and tender.  Consider inside exercises or dramatically reduced time outside for your older pets.

Tails and Ears:  Even though we all too often look at an animal and figure that because they have fur they are warm you need to keep an eye on your pets during the harsh winter months.  Dogs can get frostbite!  The ears, footpads,  and tip of the tail are especially susceptible according to the American Veterinary Association (AVMA).  If you believe frostbite has started to take hold of one of your pets use a towel dampened with WARM water and gently apply it to the affected areas, wrap the animal in blankets and get him/her to the vet.

Make Sure They Have Adequate Shelter:  If your dog is not acclimated to cold weather prolonged exposure to bitter cold can cause problems.  If you insist on keeping your animals outside during the colder months ensure that the opening to the shelter is faced away from wind, it is off the ground to allow for air circulation and there is a supply of water that is maintained in a heated bowl.   If the weather plunges below freezing pets, even outdoor pets, need to be given indoor shelter in a temperature controlled dwelling.  

Know Your Pet’s Limits:  A Siberian Husky is going to fair better in snow and bitter cold than a single coat dog like a poodle or a terrier.  If you have a single coat dog see the next section on boots and outdoor wear.

Boots and Jackets:   Yes, we all think they look adorable in their winter dog booties and jackets but if your pet is going to be exposed to severe weather these “cute” items are important to consider.  Prolonged and regular exposure to ice and salt can harm a dog’s paws.  Some dogs are simply not equipped for the harsher winter weather and extra care in the form of a dog jacket or sweater, while cute, can be an important part of your pet’s winterizing.  Again, I’m not suggesting that your dog needs to be bundled up for a quick trip to relieve him/herself, but if you are planning on a long walk or extended play time and you have a single coat canine consider appropriate precautions.

Itchy, Flaky, Dry Skin:  As the owner of a Beagle I can attest to the impact the change in weather has on my dog’s coat.  Like humans, animals skin takes a beating in the winter months.  Cold air outside combined with warm air in the house can result in severe itching, psoriasis, and a dull coat.  Using a humidifier in your home or as part of your HVAC system is helpful as is making sure your pets stay hydrated.  Another simple, inexpensive thing that many pet sitters and groomers offer is brushing.  Brushing stimulates skin to produce needed oils and on a less technical note its great bonding time with your furry family member(s).  If you decide to bathe your animal consider using a pet shampoo that is hypoallergenic and contains oatmeal which is good for soothing skin.

Watch the Clock:  Last but not least, be aware of how long you are outside with your pets or your pets are outside alone.  This is common sense but all too often folks get carried away with the sledding and playing in the snow and see the family pets seemingly frolicking right along with the neighborhood children.  The differences is the pets can’t tell you there face is numb and they can’t feel their fingertips (I know, many of our children don’t tell us either but you get my point ;).  Be smart and enjoy the pretty white stuff but keep an eye on the clock.

Do I Own a Pet or Do I Have a Child? How to Handle Your Pet's Separation Anxiety Part 2

In my last blog I had some fun discussing the very real emotions of our "furry children" illicit in most pet owners.  Those emotions often times seen in pet owners getting as excited to see their "kids" as the pets are to welcome the owners home.  All of the outpouring of emotions is beautiful but it may also be creating a problem for you and your pets when it is time for you to go on a much needed vacation, go to the office, or even run to the store for 30 minutes.

Separation anxiety is a very real condition for many pets, particularly dogs.  The following is a list of very common, sometimes overlooked, symptoms of separation anxiety in dogs:

• Urinating and defecating.  Some dogs urinate or defecate when left alone or separated from their owner. If a dog urinates or defecates in the presence of his/her owner or when the owner is home, house soiling probably isn’t caused by separation anxiety.
• Barking or Howling.  This is typified by a relentless barking or howling that doesn't stop and is started within minutes of the owner leaving.  
• Chewing or other destruction.  Many dogs will resort to chewing on furniture, boxes, door frames, getting into trash, kitty litter, shoes, or any other household object.  This can lead to angry pet owners and injuries to the pet.
• Pacing.  Many dogs will pace anxiously the entire time an owner is away.  
• Coprophagia.  Some dogs will defecate then eat their own excrement. (I know, I never knew it had a scientific name either)
• Following owner from room to room as the owner prepares to leave
• Pacing, panting, drooling, or whining prior to owner leaving
• Escaping from home
• Self-destructive or obsessive compulsive behaviors such as chewing or licking at paws or flank sucking
• Hyperactivity (or the opposite of depression and listlessness
• Extreme excitement and frenzy upon owners return home

Believe it or not there is no specific condition that have been definitively attributed to the development of separation anxiety in animals.  Below is a list of many conditions experts believe to cause or be contributing factors:

• Change of owner
• Change in schedule/daily routine
• Change of home (eg, move)
• Change of family members (eg, death, divorce, college, military orders, etc...)
• Too much excitement at greeting/exits by owners
• Inconsistent personality traits of owners (ie, excited and happy one minute, aggressive and domineering the next)

Finally, before I get into how you can start trying to address separation anxiety in your pet(s), here are a few things you need to rule out before you start looking for ways to address separation anxiety

• Medical conditions like diabetes which can create issues with irregular urinary habits. 
• Puppy bad behavior like chewing and digging.  
• Boredom in dogs can lead to undesired behavior.  Dogs are social creatures and do best when part of a pack. We humans have to be this pack as we make the decision to bring dogs into our lives. To deprive a dog use of his basic instincts and social needs creates problems.

Okay, now that we've broken down some of the more commonly displayed traits of separation anxiety in animals let me provide a few steps you can try to help reverse the problem.  Keep in mind that separation anxiety is not pleasant for your pet so as you read my suggestions keep in mind that   working through a pets separation anxiety problem requires a high degree of commitment and patience on the part of the pet’s owner.

Here are some of the typically recommended methods for helping a dog learn to cope better with being alone:

• Minimize the amount of time the your pet is left alone.  If you can, take your pet with you,  utilize a daycare program, or arrange to have someone stay in your home while you are gone. Don’t scold or punish the pet for anxiety-related behavior.  Scolding your pet for such wrongdoings will not help and will make things worse because they are unable to exercise self-control.

• Don't use crates for confining the dog, the vast majority of dogs with separation anxiety just panic more when left in a crate.  Try keeping the dog confined to one room or area of the home with gates or other barriers. 

• Make sure leaving and returning home is low key, meaning remain calm and unemotional. Sometimes saying the same thing when you depart, such as “I'm coming back” or “See you soon”, can be helpful.  Do not touch your pet, talk to them soothingly for any length of time, or  make a big deal out of leaving.  Same thing when you come home for the first 10-15 minutes or so. If necessary, don’t even greet your pet or interact with him until he has a chance to settle down. Your coming home should be as much of a “non-event” as possible.

Try leaving something with your scent on it when you go out, this can be comforting. You can also use stuffed Kongs or other interactive toys, both as a distraction and a way for the pet to associate something good happening when you leave.  Only give the pet his special Kong treat or other toy when you leave the house.  If this technique works properly, the pet should actually start to look forward to your leaving because it signals something extra yummy or exciting coming his way. 

• Try using a natural stress reducing remedy or body wrap. 
• Pheromone diffusers such as D.A.P. (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) or Comfort Zone
• Calming Collar – worn around the dog’s neck, filled with soothing herbs
• Behavior modification for true, difficult-to-manage separation anxiety, some degree of behavior modification is essential. 
• Try putting on your shoes and coat and then sit down and watch TV 
• Make sure your pet is getting enough play time

Note: Please remember to discuss anything administered orally to your dog with your veterinarian, to be sure it is not contraindicated with anything health-wise affecting your
dog. 

Do I Own a Pet or Do I Have a Child? Part 1

Do I own a pet or do I have a child?  That is a question many pet owners wouldn't even consider a tongue-in-cheek question.  For those of you who took that question at face value you've already answered :)  Having been a pet sitter for well over a decade I have been around many pets and pet owners and one thing is for certain, some people own a pet and some people have a furry child.  Humor me and ask yourself if you ever say the following things to your pet(s):

"Don't make me tell you again!"
"Hold-on, I'll be there in a minute!"
"Awww maybe later."
"You better get moving this instant!"
"What were you thinking?"
"Hello booty butt!  Momma gonna spank your butt" (yes, that one is used at my house)

All of those statements were taken directly from a recent list I came across of things mothers say to their children.  If you're grinning a little you aren't alone.  A recent study found that women truly think of their dogs as children.  While the study didn't include men I'm guessing that for many men the results would be very similar.  The researcher who conducted the study looked at the brain activity of the women in the study.  The women each had at least one child between the ages of two and 10, and were also dog owners at the same time. Questionnaires and the results of viewing photos of both their children and dogs left little doubt:  As it pertains to dogs and babies, women didn't see a huge difference.  As a matter of fact, according to the researchers some women even responded more strongly to photos of their dogs than their children.

Lead researcher of the study, Lori Palley of Massachusetts General Hospital, explained, "Pets hold a special place in many people's hearts and lives, and there is compelling evidence from clinical and laboratory studies that interacting with pets can be beneficial to the physical, social and emotional wellbeing of humans."

We live in a world where not a only a few .com companies allow pets to be brought to work but several Fortune 500 corporations allow, even promote, bringing pets - albeit typically dogs - to the workplace.  Why?  For the same reasons researchers found created such strong ties between the  women who participated in the aforementioned study... happiness, warmth, security, comfort.  Its the same reason that many nursing homes not only allow but encourage dogs and cats be brought to visit their residents.  The animals generate feelings of happiness and joy in the patients.

So, when you hear a woman or man saying things like, "Momma gonna spank your butt!" or "Who wants their dinner?"  or "who's my bestest baby?!" keep in mind that they aren't crazy or an emotional "softie."  They are expressing very real feelings for a pet.  A pet that is, speaking scientifically,  their furry child ;)

All of this emotional outpouring is wonderful.  However it can create some problems.  Problems that aren't insurmountable and problems that I'll be addressing in part 2 of this blog.

Are You Hearing Me?

Ear care is extremely important for your pets.  Are you hearing me?  Okay, no more jokes about a serious pet maintenance issue.  Anyone who has ever had an ear ache as a child or as an adult understands the immense pain this malady creates.  Imagine now being a dog or cat and being able to do little more than feebly scratch at the outside of your ear.  Unfortunately, many times, persistent dogs and cats will manage to get a nail inside the ear resulting in a loud whimper.  The key to ear care for your pet is prevention!  Too often ear itching or head shaking is ignored as "not critical" and it can lead to reduced hearing or even hearing loss.  At the very least it can be very painful for your pet.  Moreover, ear problems are often a symptom of larger pet issues like allergies.

Symptoms of ear problems are typically east to spot and can include the following:

• Foul odor
• Regular scratching at ear or back of ears
• Head-shaking
• Whimpering and "pawing" at ears or face

Additionally, certain dogs are more inclined to be prone to ear infections.  These include:

• Dogs with large, floppy ears
• Most hound breeds
• Dogs with narrow ear canals
• Poor grooming/hygiene that includes excessive hair in the ears

So, what do I do?  Where do I start?  If you are fairly certain your animal has an ear infection it is always smart to begin with a trip to your pet's veterinarian. If your pet isn't displaying any of the aforementioned symptoms or if you just want to start regular maintenance you can start with basic grooming.  This includes a bath (I always recommend a hypoallergenic shampoo - is the only thing we use at Paws & Claws Urbana).  Either as part of the bath or after the main bath is complete using a soft wash cloth that is wet with luke warm water gently wipe away any visible ear debris from the immediate inside of the ear.  DO NOT go inside the pet's ear canal very far.  There are ear flushes available over-the-counter but I don't recommend these unless under the direction of a veterinarian as I have seen issues arise due to improper or excessive flushing.  Additionally I do have clients who flush their pets ears with a mixture of 3 parts water and 1 part white vinegar.  Whether you are simply wiping away easily reached ear debris or attempting to flush the ear pay close attention to your pet's behavior.  Any pain or severe discomfort should signal an immediate stop and a scheduled trip to your vet.  If you notice severe ear debris beyond the outside of the pets ear and/or black crumble like material you will most likely want to see a vet.  This is usually a sign of ear mites.  Cats are very prone to ear mites and while dogs don't get ear mites as readily as cats they can still have mites so pay attention to the debris you are cleaning.

Severe cases of ear infections can require surgery.  Most times adequate cleaning or application of veterinarian prescribed topical ointments or powders can address issues after a thorough cleaning by your vet (this may include putting the dog under anesthesia in order to clean the ear canal(s) adequately.  In animals who have had long-standing ear infections where irreversible damage has occurred to the ear canal/ear drum the vet may recommend a Total Ear Canal Ablation (TEAC).  During this procedure the diseased ear canal is completely removed.  Approximately 50% of all dogs who have chronic ear infections already have a ruptured ear drum and middle ear infection so a TEAC is considered a final option and the dog has all but lost hearing at this point.  Prognosis for a full recovery after a TEAC is extremely good.  That worst case scenario covered don't let your pet get to that point ;)

Listed below is a link to VetDepot.com with some of the ear flushes available and ointments available.  Again, the key to healthy ears is regular maintenance.  Grooming keeps your pets happy AND healthy and in tune with your pet's medical condition.

Til' next time!

https://www.vetdepot.com/ear.html

Wagons, Pillows, Fans, and Patience

Perhaps its my age or just a bitter sweet coincidence but I have two dogs and both are old.  One dog has been mine since she was a puppy and the other sweet guy I became a surrogate "Mom" too when I met my boyfriend.  In dog years they are both past 70.  In reality, they are often momentarily like the puppies that used to dart around the house and yard when we first brought them home 12 and 13 years ago respectively, and then, like so many parents and grandparents we have all watched decline over the years, slow and hobbled for days, content to do little more than lay around.  I've often wondered if they have any dementia?  Even though both dogs have a healthy appetite and still get excited to go for a walk, albeit a short one, do they have a fleeting thought about being able to out run a squirrel or rabbit anymore or is the rabbit bounding in the yard before them merely something that briefly captures their attention and then become a target too fast and unworthy of the effort beyond letting out a few barks?

Raskal, the elder statesman of the two at 13+ years old, often doesn't recognize the limitations of his ever weakening body.  He has fatty tumors over much of his body.  They are not malignant and they are deemed inoperable given his age.  Like so many of us, his body is softer than it used to be and his eye sight isn't quite as sharp or his hearing as keen, yet he is ALWAYS ready to go for a walk.  Like most Beagles what he lacks in ability he more than makes up for in sheer determination, and will rarely stop a walk on his own.  If Raskal is left to his own charge he would literally walk until he fell over.  We've re-purposed an old wagon for our neighborhood walks knowing that his mind makes plans his body can no longer fulfill.  Koa, my 12 year old female Boxer, is spry in comparison to her "brother." She still looks the part of a fit, active dog.  In fact, were it not for the gray and white hair around her face and interspersed across her Brindle markings she could still pass for a dog half her age.  Koa, like Raskal, doesn't recognize her own limitations.  3 mile runs used to be the norm when she was a younger dog, now a short walk takes a toll on the old girl.  Anything much beyond a stroll around the circle results in limping and pain in her hind quarters.  All of this "doom and gloom" isn't to point out the negatives of my pets getting old.   It certainly isn't meant to point out any negatives associated with owning older pets.  In fact, it is to point out the gem that I may not have focused on enough... The incredible spirit that both animals possess.  They both embody the essence of what I love about being a pet owner.  So little delivers so much joy in their lives.  What most people would consider little more than a quick walk around the neighborhood worthy of a yawn and casual indifference, Raskal and Koa would surely label as an amazing event worthy of fireworks and trumpets heralding the beginning of a life changing experience.  Well, that's what I believe they would say anyway if they could speak, and that's the way they act at the beginning of a walk.

Meal time is no different than nightly walks.  Tails start wagging.  Muted whimpering escalates into joyful barks.  The old timers come out of their most recent resting spot in the house, wobbling and hobbling at times, down the steps or up the steps to arrive at their food bowls.  Surely such joy and exhuberance would not be wasted on something as bland as dog food, right?  It is!  Twice daily :)

Raskal is too old and riddled with tumors to flip on to his back to have his tummy rubbed but a quick scratch on his back and a rub on his side and he somehow manages to flip over, even doing his best impression of a full out dog stretch.  Koa still begins every day, without fail, with a flip onto her back and a full dog stretch in the truest since.  A belly rub for either of them results in smiles, tamping of paws scratching an imaginary itch and moans of joy.

Bedtime is an adventure all its own.  The two compadres typically start meandering toward the Master Bedroom from their current perch around 8:30, assuming they aren't already sleeping in that room.  Raskal assumes a position on a cushioned floor mat next to my vanity and waits patiently, albeit in an inconvenient spot beneath my feet, for me to finish brushing my teeth and washing my face.  Koa, who is the more active of the two, displays no such patience so long as we are in the Master Bedroom with the door closed.  She makes a beeline for her bed on the floor and curls-up, asleep usually within a few minutes.  After 15 minutes or so I head out to join my significant other already in bed with Raskal making his way behind me panting heavily.  It's shortly after this point that the nightly ritual commences.  The lights go out save a small lamp.  Raskal positions himself next to Koa and immediately begins panting.  We have a small portable fan that we keep on the floor for Raskal, which he invariably against; However, he always begins the evening ritual positioned on the wrong side of the fan.  It doesn't matter how we set the fan up prior to laying down, Raskal will most certainly lay on the "wrong" side of the fan.  One of us gets up and re-positions the fan to blow towards Raskal.  At this point Raskal gets up, panting heavily, moves away from Koa - and the recently re-positioned fan - and plops down near my side of the bed.  We see if he is going to go to sleep.  He rarely does, panting instead or licking his paws, or the carpet, or a chew bone.  We usually share a laugh at this point. One of us gets out of bed and once again re-position the portable fan to point directly at Raskal.  He continues to pant albeit with less energy but enough to keep us both awake.  One of us gets-up and brings out a bowl of water.  Raskal laps up a small amount, plops back in front of the fan - this assuming he even bothered to get up from his laying position to take the sip of water - and dozes off.  During this "act" Koa will have typically barely raised an eyebrow.  We'll sometimes replay the ritual two or three times a night.  Mix in children and the occasional house alarm going off and an uninterrupted night's sleep is a rarity in our house.

So, whats the long and short of this post you might be asking?  Probably not what you might think and certainly not what 90% of my rambling has addressed.  It is not a opt out of owning an older dog or cat.  It is not a virtual soap box for me to complain about the extra time and care that goes into having an older pet.  It is a resounding endorsement for older pets.  Much the same way we talk about the immense amount of knowledge we can gleen from our elders and the care, and respect we should extend to our senior citizens, I am here to say that the same is true of senior pets.  I love both of my older dogs.  I love the fact that despite being a few steps slower and requiring some extra TLC, both of my geriatric canines wake with the same joy that you see in a puppy.  They both love meal time.  They both trip over their own paws when they hear me pull down a leash (or see me reach for a leash, the hearing is a little less sharp these days).  They both demonstrate every day a few things I consider to be very basic life fundamentals:

1) Embrace every day happy
2) Don't ever stop doing the things you love
3) Enjoy each meal you get
4) When someone takes the time to show you love and affection relish it and return it two-fold

Til next time... be good to your pets and if you need a pet sitter or pet walker think of Paws & Claws.  Your pet might not miss you!

I'M LEADING THE PACK :)

Hello, my name is Heather and I own Paws & Claws. I live in the Villages of Urbana and I am a pet lover, plain and simple.

Below is me and my 12 year old boxer Koa that I brought over with me from Hawaii, and Raskal my 13 year old Beagle.  As a 21 year Army veteran and a military dependant I was exposed to a lot of soldiers/sailors who travelled and needed a trusted friend to care for their pets so I have been a pet care provider off an on for over a decade. The continued growth of the Urbana area coupled with friends and family requesting pet sitting/care pushed me into launching Paws & Claws.

Why Am I A Pet Sitter?

When you think back to your childhood memories, do they often include a furry, four-legged animal?  Is it difficult for you to walk past a dog without reaching down to rub it’s ears or engage in a “conversation” that features “You’re a good boy!  Yes you are!” half a dozen times?  Do you drive by a dog tied-up outside in the winter and instinctively want to cover it in a blanket?  The answer to each of these questions for me was and is a resounding “yes!”  I am a pet lover, plain and simple.  I am also a 20 year US Army veteran and recently retired government contractor.  I had worked for or in support of the US Federal government for the vast majority of my life and I had come to a crossroads of sorts.  I knew that I wanted to do something that I truly loved that also provided me with the ability to grow something from the ground-up.  Naturally, for me, a business servicing animals was first and foremost in my mind.  During my Army career I saw first hand the stress on both pet owners and pets alike when folks were forced to travel, in some instances for weeks.  The travel dynamic didn’t lessen much in the private sector and the same stresses for pet owners and pets still existed.   I was asked regularly by friends, co-workers, and neighbors to watch their pets, with time periods ranging from several days to several weeks.  One thread ran consistent through all of the pet owners, “Do you love animals and can I trust you?”  A few months ago I began thinking more seriously about the feasibility of opening a pet sitting/services company.  I recently moved into a very large, still expanding neighborhood.  Like most neighborhoods there were lots of pets.  The largest city near me, Frederick, Maryland, is a dog friendly city.  The addressable market (or at least the closest thing I could find for pet services) for pets in 2004 according to the American Pet Product Manufacturers Association (APPMA) was $34.5 billion.  That’s right, BILLION!  The same organization expected that figure to jump by another $1.4 billion in 2005.  Using straight-line math that puts the Total Addressable Market (TAM) for pet products/services at right around $50 billion.  Taking all of those factors into consideration as well as my love of animals, my dream of starting a pet services business became a reality in July 2015.

According to Entrepreneur magazine pet sitting and dog walking service businesses are still in their infancy.  According to Pet Age magazine, more than 6 out of 10 households own a pet, representing over 64 million homes.  Only roughly 3-4% of homes in the United States utilize similar services.  That said, that still represents upwards of 50-60 million visits annually and that number continues to rise.  The number of pet sitters nationally is pegged at roughly 10,000 with that number representing a mix of actual businesses and folks in your neighborhood that provide a service but don’t hold some of the commonplace fixtures of an actual business (ie, website, background checks, membership affiliation with nationally recognized pet care organizations, etc…).  Again, it was the right time for me to make my dream a reality.

So, where is my business at today and what are some of the challenges I continue to face?  I have a company logo, a very nice website, business cards and I have started to make a dent in the massive world of social media.  I have my first “official” client under the Paws & Claws Urbana business moniker and I have started to receive positive feedback from the local community and even local government that supports new businesses.  The challenges?  There are plenty as you can imagine.  Running a pet services company is akin to being a hairdresser or a bar tender.  Why do I say that?  Because you aren’t really considered critical on the surface and the “bar tender/patron trust credo” doesn’t really exist, BUT it may as well.  It is an unwritten rule for either profession.  My business is no different.  People are trusting me with a furry member of their family.  They are trusting me with their home, and with their privacy.  They are buying my professionalism, morals, and my love and dedication of animals.  As the old saying goes, it takes a lifetime to build trust (hopefully not that long) and a second to wreck it.  My old clients and my new clients are becoming trusted advisors to me.  I have had several good recommendations for my website and suggestions on ways to get my business name out in the local market.  Many have current and former clients have written testimonials for my website.  The challenge is getting the thousands of potential clients that are starting to see my business name to take that leap of faith and trust in me, my professionalism, and my profession.  The reality is this… it is a profession and it is a business.  Like many area businesses in Frederick County, Maryland, I am not only dedicated to growing my company but perhaps more importantly to becoming a well regarded, trusted colleague to other area businesses and a friend to my clients.

I love my job and that is something few people can say with a straight face!