Air's Pet Care

09/17/2024

Get in there!

Over the past few years, through surveys, community gatherings, and the recent municipal census, residents have expressed their desire to have an off leash dog park located in Penhold.

A Dog Park Committee meeting will be held on Monday, Oct. 7 at 7:00 pm at the Town of Penhold Municipal Board Room. If you haven’t signed up but are interested in working with likeminded people to fundraise and design the perfect place for your pooch to play, please join us.

09/17/2024

Some of the cutest pictures from the past couple months!

I typically book 3 weeks in advance for return clients, and require a minimum of two weeks for new clients!

As a reminder, all of my requirements for boarding, and drop-ins are listed on my website, https://a-p-c.carrd.co/

03/06/2024

I will be graduating from my Visual Arts program this April. As such I will be taking 2 weeks off to visit my family. I will be unavailable for all bookings April 21-May 1.

My social media answering schedule during my vacation will be slightly different, but you will still be able to reach me about bookings from May 2 onwards!

Accidentally deleted post when Mila was on me getting pets! 😅

12/01/2023

It’s been a crazy last year, and it’s almost time to reflect on the calendar year! I’m definitely grateful for my wonderful clients who have been encouraging me for the past few years to pursue my art, continue to work with animals, and expand my knowledge of many different critters.

Since I began APC, I have expanded my home to not only be Lyra (cat) and Mila, but also Noodles (troublemaker/cat), isopods, and dermestid beetles! I definitely do not shy away from less conventional pets, so if you’re going away, don’t be shy - I’ve likely seen it all!

This photo from the spring popped up on my iPad, Mila, Sulta, and a client’s dog! Was too cute not to share.

https://a-p-c.carrd.co/ #

09/16/2023

🐶 🐱

I know some clients have been on the prowl for a new tags for their furry friends, so I want to take the opportunity to promote AaronEngraved!

He is local to Penhold! A generous portion from each tag sale is donated to Paws & Claws Rescue. 🐕🐈

He's also my step-father! I'm not biased when I say that the amount of effort, joy, and care he puts into his engraving business definitely shows. 😊

He also does Yetis, trinkets, keg taps, you name it! Not only is there this contest, but also his website is having a massive sale right now, so check it out and get your pet some bling!

📸 Celebrating Mutts with our first in a collection of self-portraits where you can replace their name with your dog's name if yours looks like it's from the same Dog Pool! 🐶

Think your Mutt belongs in our exclusive collection? Post a fabulous headshot of your fur-baby along with their name in the comments below! 🌟

If your Mutt wins our hearts, you'll fetch a coupon for THREE FREE TAGS – share them with friends or keep them all for yourself! Plus, your mutt's charm will shine in our store with a custom tag based on their likeness. It's time to show off your mutt's star quality! 🌟😄

08/04/2023

This is a great educational outdoor activity to do this weekend with family or your partner! You can even do it while walking your pup! 🐕

The starts today! Here’s how you can participate in a few simple steps:

Step 1: Sign up to get started! ➡️ https://fal.cn/3AqKA 📱

Step 2: Check your inbox for a welcome email with more instructions.📨

Step 3: Start documenting! Head outside and take photos. 📸

Step 4: Add your amazing observations to iNaturalist. 🦋

Step 5: Do your best to identify your species. But don’t worry about getting it wrong — iNaturalist community members are there to help! 🐌

BONUS: Share your daily observations on social media using the hashtag to win an NCC prize pack and a $100 Visa gift card! Happy BioBlitzing! 🍃

11/14/2022

I have a chart that I adhere to when it comes to winter temperatures, and if you make a booking with me in the winter, I will always put the safety of your dog and myself above getting that walk! If it's too cold for a walk, we will just do playtime and quick outdoor potty breaks instead!

❄️ Even with your winter-happy pup in all of its' winter gear, my hard cut-off for a short walk is -20C (RealFeel temperature). That cut-off changes depending on MANY different factors: coat colour, coat length and type, size of dog, weight, age, health conditions, acclimatization, breed, humidity, wind, sun, snow-type, and more. Even with the chart, I'm constantly watching for any signs of discomfort that would tell me that your dog needs to head inside!

🐾 If you don't have booties, I ask that you provide (if at your home) a cloth or wipes so that I can wipe the paws after a walk, as melters and anti-freeze can be deadly even in small amounts.

🥎 There are lots of indoor activities that I can do with your dog to get that mental and physical stimulation instead of a walk on those too-cold days! Let me know what games and tricks your dog LOVES doing!

Frostbite in dogs - what to watch for:

SKIN TURNING BLUE
One of the most common signs (and first signs) of frostbite in dogs, and in humans as well, is the skin turning blue. It may also look slightly gray with a blue tinge.

If your dog has long hair, you may not be able to see her skin very well, so you should part her fur in several locations and check for this sign of frostbite if you suspect she may be suffering from this condition.

COLD TO THE TOUCH
Since the skin will be damaged from the cold if frostbite occurs, your dog’s skin temperature will drop significantly as well. This means the skin will remain cold to the touch, and will seem much colder than it should normally after your dog has been outdoors in cooler weather.

Check your dog’s skin in various locations to see how cold it feels. Does it warm up quickly when you touch it, or does it remain cold for a long time, even with the presence of your body heat? These are all important factors to consider when trying to determine if your dog has frostbite.

PAIN AND SWELLING
As the tissue in your dog’s skin freezes from exposure to extreme cold or long periods of cold temperatures, it will become swollen due to this process. The swelling may be mild, and could be hard to notice; on the other hand, it could become very extreme in some instances.

This frozen skin will also feel very painful to the touch. If your dog shows some of the other symptoms listed here and also cries in pain or becomes aggressive or defensive when you try to touch her skin, this is a good indicator that she is dealing with frostbite.

BLISTERS
Since the skin is freezing and the tissue is become severely damaged when frostbite occurs, this often leads to blistering or ulceration of the affected areas. If you notice large blisters where there were previously none and your dog is very cold to the touch, this may mean she is dealing with frostbite.

BLACKENED SKIN
The longer skin is exposed to cold and extreme temperatures, the more tissue will die. When enough tissue has died, the skin will stop looking blue and will instead look black. This means the skin is completely dead and is likely not able to be saved, and it is a symptom of severe, late-stage frostbite.

If you notice this symptom in your dog, she will need immediate emergency veterinary care. This blackening of the skin—also called necrosis—may spread even if she is no longer exposed to cold temperatures, and she will need medical assistance to stop it.

FOCUSED ISSUES ON THE PAWS, TAIL, OR EARS
Frostbite in dogs most commonly occurs on the paws, ears, and tail. These are the parts of the body that are most exposed to the cold and may be more likely to become wet in cold conditions, too. The ears and tail may take some time for signs of frostbite to occur, but the paws will likely show signs right away.

Pay close attention to these parts of your dog’s body when she goes outdoors during the winter. If it is wet or snowy outside, dry her ears, paws, and tail frequently. Limit how much time your dog spends outside in the cold.

08/22/2022

I always pull foxtails and put them in the garbage when I'm walking!

07/20/2022

As some of you may know, in addition to caring for my client's beloved furry family members, I'm also a part-time Visual Arts student. 🎨

Sometimes I take an adorable picture and inspiration hits - I sketch pets a lot. Recently I've been taking those sketches a step further, and trying to develop my own unique style.

You can check out my shop on Redbubble and see if you like anything! I post new stuff on Redbubble every few days.
https://www.redbubble.com/people/melda-dole/shop?asc=u

I've just created a new FB page for people to contact me on, Dole's Designs. If you like my style and want me to draw your pet, please send me a message on the Dole's Designs page and we can work something out!

06/23/2022

Todays post is about A W A R E N E S S

I want to discuss a tool I see a lot of stigma around: The Muzzle.

When I see a muzzled dog, I see proactive and responsible owner doing right by their dog. I don’t stare at the dog, I give the owner a head nod, a smile, while I continue walking to ensure I give them space. I know how heavily comments and looks can weigh on a persons heart. I want to show them I support them by being respectful. If they want to engage with me, they can make the first move.

A muzzled dog is NOT a bad dog.

Don’t agree? Well, how open-minded are you?

What if I told you, muzzles aren’t only for reactive dogs?

What if I told you, friendly dogs wear muzzles too?

What if I told you, muzzles can help dogs safely make new friends?

What if I told you, muzzles assist in the “leave it” command by blocking dogs from eating unsafe objects?

What if I told you, muzzles can give a dog freedom?

What if I showed you how to muzzle condition your dog?

I’ll ask again, how open-minded are you?

For those owners who use muzzles, I see you and I THANK you. You are doing RIGHT by your dog and I am so PROUD of you. ❤️

If you are interested in learning more about muzzles and how to introduce them to your dog, I posted 10 videos training my FRIENDLY dog to wear one and I’ve included information about muzzles. Yes, my dog is friendly and yes she is fully muzzle trained. Why? Watch my videos to find out. 😄

The videos are linked in my “Tools” (part 1) highlight. They are a few years old so if you can’t find them, DM me and I’ll tag you on them. ✨

Let’s break down the stigma of this positive, advocating tool! 🙌

Day 9 of the 10 day content challenge complete! 🥳

05/31/2022

The weather is getting better, with that should come some seasonal reminders!

Please remember that if you hold the back of your hand on the pavement for 5 seconds and it's too hot for you, it's definitely too hot for their toe beans! 🐾

03/15/2022

With the arrival of spring, and the province's recent lifting of restrictions, bookings have been flooding in! I appreciate how many people have chosen to trust me with their furry family members since I started APC. It's such a wonderful feeling knowing I'm alleviating stress for clients. 💙💚

Please note that this means it will be unlikely I will be able to accommodate overnight bookings on short notice.

I am also putting a pause on accepting new overnight client-home sitting services, and only booking overnights for boarding at my own home. Drop-ins and walks remain unchanged.

03/06/2022

Mila and I have officially begun attending the Hyper Hounds Dog Training Intro to Scent Detection course! I've been looking forward to this since my birthday in December.

Leading up to it I felt nervous, wondering and worrying if Mila would do well in a group class setting. We've never done a training class before with multiple dogs in the same room. Even though I do some casual training while client dogs are in my home, this was a new scenario: leashed and separated from other dogs, with other owners/strangers present, new room, and after driving 1 ½ hours, and learning new things. I would have completely understood if she got overwhelmed and wouldn't perform.

All my worries were for naught, because that didn't happen! Though she occasionally got frustrated when it wasn't her turn (not the center of attention and not getting food), she did phenomenally. I can see us really getting into the sport long-term. It was a wonderful experience, and we are looking forward to next week's class!

Thank you Hyper Hounds!

03/06/2022

I've done a workshop that Paws Unleashed offered, and loved it. If you're struggling with reactivity, consider checking this workshop out!

RESOLVING REACTIVITY

DO YOU HAVE A REACTIVE DOG?

THIS IS THE SEMINAR FOR YOU!

This 4 hour masterclass is designed to educate owners on living with the dog they have. Taught in a safe/controlled environment where we are able to work through solutions for your dogs problem behavior.

We work together as a team to desensitize our dogs to triggers such as:

Strangers
Other dogs
Skateboards/Bikes
Loud Noises

ACCOMPLISHING IT ALL THROUGH
RELATIONSHIP BUILDING AND GAMES!

Working & Audit spots available. As a company who specializes in behaviour we welcome audit attendees to come watch the process and gain further education into the canine mind.

(Working spots are 50% sold out)

Date: April 23rd 2022

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE: https://www.pawsunleashedab.com/new-page-5

12/11/2021

I was able to attend a Tug Workshop put on by Paws Unleashed AB, and it taught both myself and Mila, a lot. It was my first time attending anything like this, and it was a fun and invaluable experience.

I would highly recommend them and their workshops for anyone looking. 😊

11/04/2021

I've worked really hard with Mila since I adopted her, and training really has increased our bond.

Even if you don't want to do competitions, try to better communicate with your pup! It's also a great mental outlet - dogs need mental AND physical stimulation every day!

🐕🐩

🗣Verbal Communication 🗣

🧐Conditioning means what? : A learning process that occurs when two stimuli are repeatedly paired.

🗣🐶People talk around dogs all the time. Dogs learn to block us out. They also learn that certain words mean certain things, whether we purposely teach that or not. Both positive & negative associations can form.

🥰 If we are wanting accuracy with our words & our dogs behavior, we must -

📄 Have a consistent list of words.
🐶 Pair those words with the same meaning.
🧠 Practice these words every day in all environments.
🤔Take into consideration competing motivators.
Eg: Wind, Traffic noise, Other people or Animals etc.
💰Pay for what you want to see more of - Food, Praise, Toys, Pats etc.
💗 Manage so that learning can be more accurate.
🗣🗣🗣 Stop killing commands by repetition for inconsistent feedback! If your dog isn't listening the 1st time you ask, pause, repeat command again. If your dog doesn't respond, it is likely that it is either being overridden by a distraction or has not had enough conditioning for that word. A less distracting environment & more practice is needed.

😅If you find yourself constantly mincing words,
Eg: "Sit Down" when you want your dog to "Sit", but you use "Down" to lay down, what are you asking from your dog?
To Sit or to Down? This can be very confusing when you have taught separate words for separate behaviors but are mixing them together. People get frustrated & often punish the dog for non compliance, when really it's confused & it's the owners fault.

🙌Clean...
up...
your...
words
& make it easier for your dog to understand what you want.

10/09/2021

I've really been enjoying my regular walk clients, having that routine is not only good for my health, but it's great for all pups involved! The air's (ha) getting chillier though, so I'm definitely starting to bundle up some days!

So hard to take a picture when we're always "go go go"! So many smells to sniff and bushes to p*e on. (For the dogs, not me!)

🐕🐩

10/03/2021

These handsome boys have been on my client roster since I began Air's Pet Care. I take pictures and videos each time I visit, but this one is certainly my favourite yet! Definitely sums up their personalities!

🐈🐈‍⬛