Discussion Topics Include:

• What is my dog trying to say when they are barking?
• How do I get my dog to stop barking?
• If I treat my dog when they are barking won't that teach them to bark more?

Contact our Expert Guest: Sydney Warner, Clever Critters, LLC

Certified Dog Trainer and Canine Behavior Consultant

Contact@clever-critters.com

Please rate, review and subscribe to this podcast. Want more great tips on pet care and and other pet resources?  Then head on over to our website www.crittersittersandmore.com and be sure to checkout our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CritterSittersandMore.VAPeninsula

March is Pet Poison Prevention Month .  While accidents happen, there are some important steps you can take as a pet parent to prevent poison exposure.

PET POISON HELPLINE is available 24/7 but note, there is a charge to use this service.  You can reach them at  855-764-7661.

Thank you for listening Stay Tuned to our socials More Tips throughout the month. 

Please rate, review and subscribe to this podcast. Want more great tips on pet care and and other pet resources?  Then head on over to our website www.crittersittersandmore.com and be sure to checkout our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CritterSittersandMore.VAPeninsula

From mating instincts to hunting instincts to plain boredom - there are a whole bunch of reasons dogs away! (Yes, even the best-trained, best-behaved ones.) So here's a deep dive into some of the reasons why - and what you can do to prevent your buddy from getting lost.

No matter if you’ve got an escape artist at home or a dog who rarely leaves your side – losing your buddy is a frightening experience.
Even if we do everything to keep them happy, healthy and by our side, sometimes our dogs get distracted, confused, or scared, and that can make them run away. Just thinking about it is enough to give dog parents nightmares. A lost dog may get into trouble, or worse – never find their way home. Please rate, review and subscribe to this podcast. Want more great tips on pet care and and other pet resources?  Then head on over to our website www.crittersittersandmore.com and be sure to checkout our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CritterSittersandMore.VAPeninsula

The choice to spay or neuter your pet may be one of the most important decisions you make impacting their long-term health—and your wallet!

If you’re a cat parent, at some point, you’ll probably have to deal with inappropriate urine elimination or spraying. These can be frustrating issues, especially if you have an indoor cat. Spraying is not misbehavior, but one of the many ways cats communicate with us. Spraying is extremely common in unneutered male cats, however, neutered males and females also spray.

Please rate, review and subscribe to this podcast. Want more great tips on pet care and and other pet resources?  Then head on over to our website www.crittersittersandmore.com and be sure to checkout our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CritterSittersandMore.VAPeninsula

Rainwater, untouched by chemicals like chlorine, exudes a fresh smell and taste that captivates our pets' senses. Unfortunately, letting your pup drink from a puddle could be a bad idea. Puddles can host a mixture of contaminates including chemicals, sharp objects and harmful bacteria Rather than letting your dog lap up stagnant water, take fresh water and a portable bowl on walks. Ensure your dog is hydrated before setting off to avoid them guzzling down anything they shouldn't.

Please rate, review and subscribe to this podcast. Want more great tips on pet care and and other pet resources?  Then head on over to our website ⁠www.crittersittersandmore.com⁠ and be sure to checkout our Facebook page ⁠https://www.facebook.com/CritterSittersandMore.VAPeninsula

Many American suffer from a form of seasonal depression know as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). In this episodes we explore the signs and treatments of seasonal depression for our fur family

Please rate, review and subscribe to this podcast. Want more great tips on pet care and and other pet resources?  Then head on over to our website www.crittersittersandmore.com and be sure to checkout our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CritterSittersandMore.VAPeninsula

It's the Holiday season and the chances for ingestion of pet-UNfriendly foods and choking incidents, multiplies.

1. Keep dangers out of paws & claws reach. 
2. Treat appropriately. 
3. Good foods may have hidden ingredients to beware of. 
4. Count your blessings

According to the ASPCA, its Animal Poison Control Center sees an increase in poisoning cases around Valentine’s Day! Theobromine, a caffeine-like substance found in cocoa, can affect your pet’s cardiac, neurological, and gastrointestinal systems. In the case of chocolate poisoning, a vet visit is a MUST.  Chocolate, however, is not the only thing that can turn Valentine's Day disastrous!  To ensure a happy holiday for all, check out these Top 5 Valentine’s Pet Safety Tips, 

Please rate, review and subscribe to this podcast. Want more great tips on pet care and and other pet resources?  Then head on over to our website www.crittersittersandmore.com and be sure to checkout our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CritterSittersandMore.VAPeninsula

In partnership with our expert member Shaila Crumpton, DVM, we are hosting a new series in 2022: #asktheveterinarian.

Dr. Crumpton will provide expert information and advice based on her education, training and experience as a General Practice Veterinarian at the Animal Medical Care Center in York County

We want your questions, please comment below. Include #asktheveterinarian in your comment.

A Program of "Did Fido Poop Today?" This episode was originally streamed live on our Facebook group: Peninsula Pups Dog Walking Club. https://www.facebook.com/groups/peninsulapupsdogwalkingclub 

Please rate, review and subscribe to this podcast. Want more great tips on pet care and and other pet resources?  Then head on over to our website www.crittersittersandmore.com and be sure to checkout our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CritterSittersandMore.VAPeninsula

Critter Sitters and More, LLC  is encouraging pet parents practice these Top 5 Holiday Pet Safety Tips, and to sign up for a Pet First Aid Class.

According to the Pet Products Industry Association, Americans spent $103 billion on their pets last year and 85% of dog owners and 76% of cat owners think of their pets part of the family. Therefore, companion animals play a major role in our lives.  That is why Jennifer Morrone trained with The Pet Safety Crusader™ (aka Denise Fleck) to teach these animal life-saving classes.  “Only 1 out of 10 pet parents will be lucky enough NOT to have an injury or illness occur with their pet at some point in time, so knowing how to handle a choking incident, upset tummy, poisoning, seizures or other ailment even BEFORE veterinary care is available makes sense!” Fleck says.

With Christmas upon us, the chances for ingestion of pet-UNfriendly foods and choking incidents, multiplies, so supervise, supervise, supervise throughout the celebration.

Check out our related poste on our Critter Sitters and More, LLC Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/CritterSittersandMore.VAPeninsula/photos/a.320571241441799/2083180881847484

Please rate, review and subscribe to this podcast. Want more great tips on pet care and and other pet resources?  Then head on over to our website www.crittersittersandmore.com and be sure to checkout our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CritterSittersandMore.VAPeninsula

Flea and Tick Medication sometimes is just not enough. Go the extra mile for your pets and yourself. Mosquito Fighter will come and treat your yard every 20-21 days to combat the fleas & ticks that prey on your pets.

Andy Powell, Owner is a Norfolk Firefighter. Father of two. Husband. Prior to starting Mosquito Fighter Andy was involved with the creation and launching of Mosquito Joe. He is also a baseball coach for my son's travel baseball team and am always on the go.

LEARN MORE: http://www.themosquitofighter.com   

mosquitofighterllc@gmail.com

Please rate, review and subscribe to this podcast. Want more great tips on pet care and and other pet resources?  Then head on over to our website www.crittersittersandmore.com and be sure to checkout our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CritterSittersandMore.VAPeninsula

Top 3 Halloween Pet Safety Tips

Although fun for humans, Halloween isn’t a hoot for all animals. To ensure a safe time for all, Jennifer Morrone of Critter Sitters and More is encouraging you to practice these Top 3 Halloween Pet Safety Tips

1) Watch Pets at all times

2) Leave the Dress-up to the Humans

3) Help your 4 Pawed Family Members Avoid Deadly Treats & Decorations

Please rate, review and subscribe to this podcast. Want more great tips on pet care and and other pet resources?  Then head on over to our website www.crittersittersandmore.com and be sure to checkout our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CritterSittersandMore.VAPeninsula

Picking up dog waste is a chore, and failing to pick it up could result in health risks for your dog and community.

Love Dogs Not Poo is a woman-owned and operated small business whose goal is to better the lives of humans and their four legged family members. Founded by Erin Costides. Erin has had, loved and cared for dogs her entire life. She worked for five years at a boarding kennel in central Virginia and four years at PetSmart, while also working in the grooming salon as a dog bather. She also spent many years as a farm hand mucking stalls at a horse stable housing over 30 horses. Needless to say, she's not afraid poop! Erin loves dogs, and wants to ensure yours has the best possible life. She believes dogs are family and they ought to have the best.

lovedogsnotpoo@gmail.com
https://www.lovedogsnotpoo.com/

Please rate, review and subscribe to this podcast. Want more great tips on pet care and and other pet resources?  Then head on over to our website www.critterssittersandmore.com and be sure to checkout our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CritterSittersandMore.VAPeninsula

Dogs are sweet, loving, and therapeutic but, at the end of the day, they are animals — and they can bite. National Dog Bite Prevention Week, occurring every second week in April and backed by the American Veterinary Medical Association, aims to bring awareness to the fact that although dogs are part of the family and provide companionship and immense joy, they can bite as well. And when they bite, it’s painful and dangerous. An estimated 4.5 million people in the U.S., mostly children, are bitten by dogs annually and 20% of those require immediate medical attention. This week, let’s work towards creating awareness that prevention is certainly better than cure when it comes to life-threatening dog bites.

Recommended reading: Doggie Language: A Dog Lover's Guide to Understanding Your Best Friend Hardcover – Illustrated,  by Lili Chin  (Author) This book is a great tool for children and adults. 

Please rate, review and subscribe to this podcast. Want more great tips on pet care and and other pet resources?  Then head on over to our website www.critterssittersandmore.com and be sure to checkout our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CritterSittersandMore.VAPeninsula

February is "Responsible Pet Parent Month" Check out this podcast to learn how to help your pets live a longer, healthier, happier life with you.

Email info@crittersittersandmore.com to receive a Weekly Head To Tail Check List

Learn Pet First Aid: https://www.crittersittersandmore.com/learn-pet-first-aid/ 

Please rate, review and subscribe to this podcast. Want more great tips on pet care and and other pet resources?  Then head on over to our website www.critterssittersandmore.com and be sure to checkout our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CritterSittersandMore.VAPeninsula

A retractable leash is not so much a leash as long, thin cord wound around a spring-loaded device housed inside a plastic handle. This episode explores the 5 reasons not to use a retractable leash for daily dog walks 

1. The length of retractable leashes. Some lines can extend up to 26 feet, allowing dogs to get far enough away from their humans that a situation can quickly turn dangerous. A dog on a retractable leash is often able to run into the middle of the street, for example, or make uninvited contact with other dogs or people. And once they start moving it is difficult to work the button that stops the line from extending.
2. It can be difficult to protect dog. If you encounter an off-leash pup, an aggressive dog or unhappy wildlife. The thin chord of the leash can break when the dog abruptly runs to the end of the leash and now your dog could be in danger off leash. In situation where the cord breaks, the spring will recoil the remainder quickly and the cord could injure the human at the other end. Remember, if the lock is not engaged, once your pup starts moving away from the conflict (AND YOU) it is difficult to engage the lock and pull them to safety. Grabbing the cord to stop the extension could result in a rope burn or could even slice open the hand.
3. Three accidental injuries. you don’t need another dog or outside force to cause an injury. The dog and human can get caught up easily in the line all on their own. Injuries from tangles can range from rope burns to falls, and in worst-case scenarios, even broken limbs or cases for amputation if your dog gets wrapped up too tightly in the nylon cord. I will spare you the photos but there are plenty of them on the internet if you need proof. Just Google retractable leash injuries….
4. Drop noise. The walker could accidently let go of the handle or I can be easily pulled out the walkers hand when the dog pulls. This can result a loud noise that could startle the dog into running away. Then, the leash handle continues to drag behind them, creating more noise and encouraging them to keep running because they’re spooked and can’t get away. Additionally, we don't recommend clip clipping the poop bag holders to the leash as this can lead to the same undesirable event.
5. It encourages pulling. If you’ve trained your dog to walk mostly on a retractable leash, you may have taught your dog to pull when you walk them on a leash because they are used to uninhibited freedom in a walk. The tension on the leash gives your pup something to pull against, and if you let that become a habit, they’ll associate ANY leash with the pulling activity. Check out this 2-minute video for tips to train your dog to walk without pulling https://youtu.be/i-Anh_LkTdQ

Please rate, review and subscribe to this podcast. Want more great tips on pet care and and other pet resources?  Then head on over to our website www.critterssittersandmore.com and be sure to checkout our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CritterSittersandMore.VAPeninsula

Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs and What To Do

There are increased cases of chocolate toxicity (poisonings) over the Christmas Holidays! A study found hundreds of cases of dogs needing veterinary treatment after stealing chocolate Santa's, selection boxes, chocolate oranges and even a mug of hot chocolate. While rarely fatal, chocolate ingestion can result in significant illness. Theobromine is the predominant toxin in chocolate and is very similar to caffeine. Dogs cannot metabolize theobromine and caffeine as well as people can. This makes them more sensitive to the chemicals’ effects.

What are the symptoms of chocolate toxicity?

theobromine is the cardiac stimulant in a diuretic, meaning it speeds up the heart and lungs and pulls fluids out of the body in the forms of vomiting and diarrhea. So therefore a dog or a  cat  but more likely a dog, who has too much chocolate will suffer rapid heart rate and breathing, vomiting, diarrhea seizures, and even death from doing so.

How much chocolate is too much?- (on average) REMEMBER- each dog is different, this is just a guide.

• White Chocolate - Not much Theobromine but still not good for your pup. Usually no concern but my want to call vet.
• Milk Chocolate - 1oz of chocolate per pound of dog
• Dark Chocolate - 1/2oz  of chocolate per pound of dog
• Bakers Chocolate and Cocoa Powder - 1/4oz of chocolate per pound of dog

What should you do if your dog enjoys the a chocolate feast?

• Try to determine how much your pup has eaten
• Check or elevate hart rate and breathing
• Call your vet or go to the emergency event - Bring the package or Wrapper with you
• If Necessary, induce vomiting

How to Induce Vomiting:  You will need FRESH Hydrogen Peroxide 3% Solution.  Hydrogen Peroxide should be stored in a cool, dark location. Open bottles need to be replaced every 6 months
Dosing:

• 1 teaspoon for every five pounds  of your pet's body weight OR
• 1 Tablespoon for every 15 pounds of your pet's body weight

With a syringe ready, open their mouth an then dribble it on the back of the tongue a little bit of time close the mouth massage the throat and get your pup  to swallow. Once you have given them the complete dose you need to stop. hydrogen peroxide may irritated dog's stomach for up to a couple of weeks because of this a veterinarian visit is recommended even if you are successful in getting your dog to vomit the chocolate

Resources:

Chocolate Toxicity Calculator http://veterinaryclinic.com/chocolate/calc.html

www.petpoisonhelpline.com

Please rate, review and subscribe to this podcast. Want more great tips on pet care and and other pet resources?  Then head on over to our website www.critterssittersandmore.com and be sure to checkout our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CritterSittersandMore.VAPeninsula

Keep your pets warm in the cold weather using these tips:

1. Skin and Coat Conditioning
2. Prevent Frostbite
3. Winterize Pet Shelters
4. Ward Off Hypothermia
5. Other things to consider:

• - Provide extra food
• -Dress them up
• -keep nails and paw fur trimmed

Please rate, review and subscribe to this podcast. Want more great tips on pet care and and other pet resources?  Then head on over to our website www.critterssittersandmore.com and be sure to checkout our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CritterSittersandMore.VAPeninsula

Please rate, review and subscribe to this podcast. Want more great tips on pet care and and other pet resources?  Then head on over to our website www.critterssittersandmore.com and be sure to checkout our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/CritterSittersandMore.VAPeninsula