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Make sure that your pets are getting the nutrition they need to stay healthy by feeding them quality pet foods.

Many of the pet food brands that you’ll find at the local grocery store are manufactured to standards much lower that for human grade foods.  They often add fillers and nasty chemicals to the foods which could be detrimental to your pets long term health.

Harmful fillers and chemicals include (Don’t buy any foods where you see these chemicals) :

• By-products – can include any part of any animal that is not fit for human consumption
• Dried Beet Pulp – no nutritional value ingredient added to create firm stools
• Menadione – synthetic and cheap version of vitamin K3 that can cause liver and kidney damage
• Ethoxyquin – artificial preservative
• Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) – artificial preservative
• Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) – artificial preservative
• Soy – inferior protein that is difficult for pets to digest
• Hulls – waste part of grain
• Animal Fat – with no identification it could be any type of animal source
• Appetite Stimulant – chemicals sprayed or mixed with foods

Dogs and cats require high quality protein, fat, fiber, water and easily absorbed vitamins, minerals and antioxidants for optimal health.

Make sure your pets food is fresh and has not been sitting on a shelf more than 6 months.  Keep dry pet food away from air, moisture, and light so that nutrients in the food is preserved.

Look for food made from human grade or USDA meats.

At our house our cats and dog eat Nature’s Select Pet Foods.  A new bag is delivered to our door step whenever we need one and their foods contain:

· Whole meats

· No Artificial Preservatives

· No by-products

Nature’s Select also carry some raw foods that are either frozen or dehydrated. You can see their range of foods at : http://naturalpetfooddeliveryfortworth.com/

Bark Avenue in Colleyville at the corner of Hall Johnson and 26 also carries some high quality dry pet foods and treats.

Over the next week I’m going to be writing a series of posts that give you some tips to keep your pets healthy so that they can live a long happy life with your family.

Healthier pets look younger, have shiny healthy coats, are a healthy body weight, and are alert and full of energy. Keeping your pets healthy by feeding them a high quality diet and getting them plenty of exercise will keep their immune system in tip top shape, help prevent disease, and keep you out of the vets office.

As part of the series I’ll be discussing:

1) Quality Nutrition and Recommendations for choosing your pet foods
2) Importance of Clean Fresh Water
3) Role of Supplements
4) Exercise, Training, and Socialization
5) Grooming

Problems associated with poor nutrition and lifestyle are seen every day in vets offices around the world. These include weight gain, increased risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, skin and coat problems, hip dysplasia, and allergies.

Stay tuned for tips coming this week and keep your pet healthy and happy!

Each of these classes is 4 hours and covers pet first aid and CPR training.  In the class we do hands on practice of muzzling, bandaging, pet CPR, rescue breathing, choking, and patient assessment skills.  We also cover heat and cold injuries, insect bites, allergies, poisoning, and first aid and evacuation kits.

Saturday February 4th, 2011   1pm-5pm

500 Aurora Drive, Euless TX 76039

Click to Register Now

Saturday March 3rd, 2011   2pm-6pm

Hosted by A&B Kennels – Murphy TX

Click to Register Now

Saturday March 17th, 2011   1pm-5pm

500 Aurora Drive, Euless TX 76039

Click to Register Now

Take one of our classes this year so that you will be prepared and can give your pets a better chance of surviving a life threatening emergency.

The DFW pug rescue has been around now for 15 years and helps put more than 200 pugs each year into new loving homes.  It relies totally on volunteers to keep the organization running.  If you would like to get involved as a volunteer just hop over to their volunteer page on their website.

There are a couple of fun events coming up this month where you can help the Pug Rescue raise money and adopt out more pugs.

Pancake Breakfast

Join us for yummy Pancakes and raise money for the Pugs!

(This event is for the humans only!)

Saturday, January 14 2012, 8:00 am – 10:00 am

Location: Applebees, 1901 N Belt Line Rd, Irving, TX 75061

Our first fundraiser of the year! All you can eat pancakes with sausage and juice, tea, soda or coffee.

Adult $8, Children under 10 yrs old $5

We are encouraging people to pre-pay on our website so that we prepare enough food.

Purchase Adult Ticket Here: Buy Now
Purchase Child Ticket Here: Buy Now

Senior Pug Wine Gala at the Boarding Bungalow

Senior pugs often stay in rescue for a longer time than their younger pugs.  Senior pugs have so much to offer a family.

Come out and meet the senior pugs that are currently available for adoption at the Senior Wine Gala on Saturday January 21st from 6-9pm.

Event will be at the Boarding Bungalow 4833 Frankford Rd
Dallas, TX 75287

But puppy care can be a lot of work. They can’t hold it as long as older dogs and so they need to be given plenty of potty breaks during training.

We would love to help you get your puppy off to a great start by visiting during your workday to make sure your new puppy gets breaks and enough playtime and exercise to keep them stimulated and keep them from becoming destructive and learning bad habits.

Our breaks include walking, playtime, feeding, and TLC – plus we can also scoop litter boxes if you have cats while we are at your home.

We’ve been visiting Gambit – a cute and playful Husky puppy for the past couple of weeks each weekday for a midday break.

We give our midday break clients a discount if you have us visit 5 times a week or more.

Do you know anyone who just got a new puppy and needs some help?  Let them know about our service so we can make getting through puppyhood easier and so that they can raise a healthy and happy pup!

To setup puppy care just give us a call at 817 692 4404 or email us at danielle@protectingmax.com.

We get many inquiries for pet sitting services each week from pet owners and we regularly follow up with potential clients that tell us that they found a friend or neighbor that can care for the pets for this trip.

As a professional pet sitting service your friends, family or neighbors are our biggest competition.  They are there ready to help you out and care for your pets so that you don’t have to pay a service while you travel.

And don’t get us wrong we understand that owning pets can get expensive especially when you travel.  And we certainly don’t question the ability of your friends and neighbors to care for your pets – most have pets of their own.  But what happens if something goes wrong while friends and neighbors are caring for your pets.  Will you be covered?

What many pet owners don’t realize is that when you hire a professional pet care service you are really  paying for peace of mind and protection of your pets and your home.

When you hire a professional to care for your pets your pets and home are protected in three ways:

A professional pet sitting company carries liability insurance.

Pet sitting liability insurance is there for protecting you, the pet owner.  It covers your pets, and  your home and it’s contents.  If your pet is injured during your vacation then the insurance will cover all their vet bills.  If your sitter loses your keys the insurance will pay to install new locks on your home.  If the person caring for your pets leaves the water on and your house floods then the damage will be paid for by their insurance.

Of course these are all worse case scenarios and at Protecting Max in our 7 years caring for pets we have never had any of these incidents happen and we have not had to make a claim on our liability insurance.  We always take every precaution to avoid injury to your pets or damage to your home.  But if the worst does happen then you will be covered.

A professional pet care company has a back up plan

Have you ever thought about what would happen to your pets if your friend or neighbor had a life threatening emergency?  They may be in a car accident or have a sudden health emergency and be hospitalized.  What will happen if they can’t be there to care for your pets?  Will anyone else know that they were the acting as the caregivers for your pets?  Will anyone notice if they go without care?

When we sign on to be your professional pet sitter we always have a back up plan.  If one of our pet sitters is injured or hospitalized then we step in to take over their jobs or assign them to another pet sitter.  Your pets will never be without care.

A professional pet sitter knows what do do in a pet emergency

If one of your pets has a health emergency while in the care of your friends an neighbors will they be prepared and be able to act quickly?  Will they know how to give CPR or bandage a wound that is bleeding profusely?

All of our pet sitters are trained in pet first aid, know the symptoms of illness in your pets, and know who to react quickly to protect the health of your pets.  I teach pet CPR and rescue skills during my regular first aid classes which all of our pet carers attend.  They will be able to take the proper action to safegaurd your pets and they know the location of the nearest pet emergency hospital and are willing to take the time to get your pet there to be assessed by a veterinarian if required.

Most importantly when you hire a professional pet carer -  the care of your pets is our job and we take this responsibility very seriously.   Other priorities or emergencies will not stand in the way of us caring for your pets.

You can trust that we will do everything in our power to protect the safety and wellness of your pets at all times.  You can always contact us to check on your pets during your travels too and we’ll be happy to call you or text you with updates.

So next time you are traveling make sure to value the peace of mind that you will get from hiring a professional pet sitter to care for your pets.  We’ll love them like our own and offer you triple protection!

Call us to schedule at 817 692 4404 – and to find out more about our first aid classes visit our site at  DFW Pet First Aid.

Image by Rocky Mountain Feline Rescue via Flickr

At Protecting Max we believe in supporting the local pet community.  There are so many pets that are in shelters and with animal rescue groups and need our help.  We regularly support DFW Pug Rescue of Grapevine and were recently one of the t-shirt sponsors for their Pugapalooza event.  We also foster pugs to give them a loving home before they can be adopted.

There are many ways in which you can make a difference by helping local pet groups.  Here are a few ideas:

1) Make a monthly or yearly monetary donation to a local rescue group.  Rescue groups are always in need of funds to pay vet bills, and to care for the pets that they take in and adopt.  Many groups make it super easy to donate monthly by allowing you to set up a automatic monthly paypal payment.  DFW pug rescue is currently having a drive so that they can cover their monthly $20,000 vet bills – find more info here: http://dfwpugs.com/

2) Donate needed items such as leashes, food, blankets, kitty litter to local rescue groups or shelters

3) Volunteer your time with a local rescue group or shelter to help provide care for the pets, help at regular events, or using your skills to help the organization with newsletters or marketing

4) Foster a pet in your home and add another pet to your family until they find their forever home

5) Visit local fund-raising events as part of your family weekend outings and help the efforts of rescue to raise funds for the pets

6) Adopt the next pets that you add to your permanent family from a shelter or local rescue

If you have additional ideas or work with a rescue group in the DFW Mid-Cities area and would like to be featured here on our blog please leave a comment below.

#1

Including bites, cuts, lacerations and abraions.  First aid actions include muzzling, restraint, controlling bleeding and treatinf for shock. Depending on the severity of the injury, th pet may need veterinary care, including stitches and medication to treat possible infection. X-rays could be warranted i any sudden blunt trauma was involved. This is a common problem and keeping a fanny pack pet first aid kit at hand is a must for every pet care professional.

#2 Choking

Dogs are at greater risk of choking than cats. Cats don’t usualy choke because they are such finicky eaters. The greatest danger to cats are strings, ribbons and tinsel that they ingest causing an obstruction in the intestines.  Items dogs usuallly choke on are handballs, tennis balls, chew toys and rawhides. The pet Industry is bigger than the human toy industry and less regulated. Therefore, it is important to choose a toy that can standup to the strong jaws and sharp teeth of our pets. Actions for survival for choking depends on which of the following three situations of choking they are in.

#3 Extreme Temperatures

Heat Injuries – Includes heat stroke and burns of the skin and airway. Heatstroke can be caused by pets being in confined spaces with little or no ventilation or water (think a car), warm weather with high humidity and stress can also be factors. Dogs cool themselves by panting, passing cooler air over their gums and tongue. Short-nosed breeds (cats, Pekinese, Boxers, Pugs, etc.) are more susceptible to overheating as their “radiator” (mouth and gums) are too small for their body size. Signs of heat stroke include uncontrollable panting, foaming at the mouth, rapid heart rate, vomiting, lethargy, the tongue initially bright red and a capillary refill longer than 2 seconds. Actions for Survival: include restraining and muzzling, bathing or hosing down with cool water, treating for shock, monitoring the temperature and contacting/transporting to the nearest pet emergency hospital.

Cold Injuries- Frostnip is a first degree (superficial) cold injury that does not cause tissue damage. Frostbite is a third degree (deep) cold injury causing localized tissue damage. Areas most commonly affected are the ears, paws, scrotum and tail. Cold injuries are caused by extreme and/or prolonged exposure to low temperatures. Signs include swollen, red, painful, hard and/or pale skin.In later stages, the pet may lose skin and hair in the affected area. Prevention is best. Keep the pet indoors during extreme temperatures and if they do go outside, make sure you monitor the pet and do the Snout-to-Tail Assessment when you bring them inside to make sure there aren’t any ice crystals, snow etc. in the pads, paws and genitals. Actions for Survival include: Frost nip parts should be warmed slowly with wet warm towels. Do not squeeze or rub the affected area as this will be extremely painful for the pet. Frostbite requires immediate attention by a Veterinarian or Emergency Animal Hospital to prevent further pain, ward off infection and to assess possible permanent tissue damage. Keep body parts frozen during transport.

#4 Insect Bite, Sting & Allergic Reactions

Can be caused by ants, bees, hornets, wasps, and spiders. Dogs and cats are inquisitive and get into colonies or holes where these insects live. The biggest danger is a severe allergic reaction. Unless you observe the pet being stung/bitten, you may not be immediately aware of what is going on. Your first sign may be incessant licking and scratching and then upon investigation you find localized swelling, redness and pain at the injury site. Actions for Survival include immobilization/reducing the pet’s activity to keep them from spreading the toxin further. Treat symptoms as they present and keep the pet comfortable, which is also code for under control. Before this happens, is the time to consult with your vet on what the proper dosage of antihistamine would be for your pet. Pet Tech recommends that you find “benadryl” (diphenhydramine) in the gel caps in the blister packaging (the generic version of this is fine too). Then tape a safety pin on the back with the dosage for your pet (that you got from your vet) written on the tape too. Then carry that in your pet first aid kit. To administer, just poke a hole in the gel cap and squeeze it into the pet’s mouth.

#5 Snakebite

Snakebites are very dirty wounds. Whether the bite is poisonous or non-poisonous, the pet needs wound care and antibiotic treatment. Signs include 1-2 puncture wounds, severe pain, swelling and bruising. If the snake is poisonous, then immediate Actions for Survival include restraint, muzzling, treat for shock and transportation to the nearest animal hospital that has antivenin. If you live in a snake-infested area, then you may want to have a conversation with your vet on treatment for snakebite with antivenin.

Although these are the top 5 most likely situations you will encounter as a pet lover and Pet Care Professional, our message, as always is highlighting the importance of learning the necessary skills and techniques of CPR, first aid and care for our four-legged, furry, family members.

Pet First Aid is the immediate care given to a pet that has been injured or suddenly take ill.  This includes home care and when necessary veterinary help.  Knowing the skills and techniques of pet first aid can mean the difference between life and death; temporary and permanent disability; and expensive veterinarian bills and reasonable home care.  According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) one-out-of-four more pets could be saved if just one basic pet first aid skill or technique was applied prior to receiving veterinary care.

As a pet owner and/or pet care professional we owe it to the pets in our life to be trained in these life-saving skills.  To gain the skills of pet CPR, first aid and care, it is recommended you successfully complete a Pet First Aid class taught by a properly trained instructor. The skills and techniques of a pet first aid and care training should include but not be limited to: restraint and muzzling, CPR, rescue breathing, choking management, heat injuries (1st, 2nd, 3rd degree burns and heat stroke), cold injuries (frost bite and hypothermia), shock management, bleeding injuries and more.  In addition, our Pet First Aid Training teaches the top 10 reasons to seek veterinary care, how to put together your own pet first aid kit and establishing an open relationship with your veterinarian!

Join me for a fun afternoon class in Southlake – Pet First Aid Southlake schedule.

Below are some more details on the Pet Tech First Aid App.  If you haven’t taken one of our pet first aid classes – sign up to join us on May 8th in Southlake for an afternoon of fun and learning – Register for May 8th Southlake Pet First Aid Class.

The PetSaver App is the premiere reference and educational tool for all pet lovers and Pet Care Professionals.  It includes step-by-step instructions for CPR, first aid skills and daily care information for dogs and cats. There is a separate section for dogs and a separate section for cats with specific information for each type of animal.

The PetSaver App is the premiere reference and educational tool for all pet lovers and Pet Care Professionals.  It includes step-by-step instructions for CPR, first aid skills and daily care information for dogs and cats. There is a separate section for dogs and a separate section for cats with specific information for each type of animal.

With a push of a button and a swipe of your finger you can have access to your pet’s vital health information. This includes ICE (In Case of Emergency), a first aid kit checklist, emergency pet help locator and administering medications just to name a few.

CPR & First Aid

Includes 12 procedures for CPR, Heat and Cold Injuries, Choking, Snake Bite, Shock, Bleeding Protocols and more. Each skill is accompanied by pictures and includes step-by-step instructions, tips & warnings narrated by Thom Somes, “The Pet Safety Guy™,” president and founder of Pet Tech.

Poisonous Items

This section includes a comprehensive list of poisonous items that can be hazardous to your pets. The items are organized into three categories (Plants, Household Items & Food) for quick and easy access. Each category includes the item name, description, full-color picture, signs and symptoms and actions for survival. This information can mean the difference between life and death.

Pet Identification

You can create a pet identification card that is perfect for your Emergency & Disaster Preparedness Kit. In the unfortunate event of a lost pet, you can quickly generate a “Lost Pet Poster.” This can be saved as a JPEG and sent by e-mail directly to animal shelters, veterinarians and anyone in your address book. Additionally, posters can be printed with “tear-off” contact information on the bottom of each copy so you can post all over the neighborhood. When time is of the essence, you won’t have to waste time looking for photos and creating flyers, it can all be ready for you in seconds

The “Snout-To-Tail Assessment”

The Snout-To-Tail Assessment is one of the most valuable skills in this app.  The PetSaver App includes guided instructions to assist you in doing a health assessment on your pet. Each assessment can be archived and accompanied by pictures and details from puppyhood to senior petizen. The Snout-To-Tail Assessments can be e-mailed to your veterinarian or Pet Care Professional for easy reference in your pet’s care.  You can keep a record of your pet’s vitals including temperature, heart rate, breathing rate and capillary refill time.

Get the App today at the Apple Iphone App store or Andoid marketplace – use search term “Pet First Aid” – for $4.99

On Sunday 23rd January we went to an event at Praiseworthy Pups facility in Keller called Dogs are Amazing.  The event was a display of all of the different skills taught by their instructors.  I learned new skills I didn’t know existed such as sports of Rally Obedience! Needless to say the dogs on display were amazing and the event gave us an excuse to get out with our pup Tanner and meet some other dogs.

Praiseworthy Pups has a great new facility – 8000 square ft which includes a small dog day care, agility course, rally course and training arena.   Here are a couple of pictures :

They offer many courses including Dog manners, Canine Good Citizen, Agility, Competition Obedience, Rally Obedience, Flyball, Conformation, Clicker training, Therapy dog training, and Scent Training.  You can see their full class schedule at their website:

http://www.praiseworthypups.com/schedule.html