Tracie's Pet Service

09/27/2024

Yet another reason to hire a professional pet sitter!

No creature is more innocent than a dogbut even they are not exempt from experiencing the worst of humanity. One TikTokker recounted every pet owner’s ni...

09/20/2024

By petting your dog and gazing into their eyes, you can synchronize your brain with theirs, according to scientists. In the past, this kind of synchronization of brain waves, known as interbrain activity coupling, has been

08/12/2024

It turns out there's a reason your dog licks your face so much. As much as we all love our canine companions, we have to admit they do have a rather gross ...

07/20/2024

To my human moms & dads, this is what happens to my paws when you take me out in the scorching sun ☀️ when the pavement is so hot !

Remember I sweat through my paws, so in this heat I can’t get rid of my sweat as my paws are burning. Missing my walk won’t harm me. Please let me just relax indoors and take me out when the sun is down🐾

If you see someone walking their dog on hot pavement, ask them to take off their shoes for the remainder of their walk home. Maybe then they'll understand.

Thank you to 8 Below Husky Rescue for this valuable advice 🙏
Credit: Dolly’s Legacy Animal Rescue

07/17/2024

Common Summer Dangers for Your Pets!

The summer heat has started and we want to share a few things to help keep your pets cool, happy, and healthy!

Here are 4 common dangers for your pets that can be right outside.

1. Heatstroke and Dehydration.



Summer months are some of the hottest months of the year and it can take a toll on your pet. Make sure your pets always have access to fresh, clean water. Whether it's in your home, in the car or out and about for the day. Some breeds that have a short-snout like English bulldogs, French bulldogs, Bull mastiffs, Boston terriers, Boxers, Pugs etc. can be more risk for heatstroke and dehydration due to their breathing and airways. Overweight, dark fur, or heavy coated pets are also at a higher risk.

Monitor your pets for excessive lethargy, decreased urination, dry gums, refusal to eat, sunken eyes, and if they collapse or seem off balance. Panting can be normal as this is a common way dogs may cool themselves. If your cat starts panting, please seek veterinary care immediately, for cats panting is not normal. Try other ways to keep your pets cool like fans, frozen treats, kiddie pool and sprinklers!

NEVER LEAVE YOUR PET IN THE CAR WHEN YOU ARE NOT PRESENT! Even if the windows are down, a car’s temperature can rise to a high temperature causing dehydration, heatstroke and in serious cases be fatal.

2. Sidewalks, Asphalt and Concrete

When you want to take your pet for a walk, always check the floor to make sure your four-legged friend won’t burn their little paws. How can you test this? Easy! You place the back of your hand onto the pavement for 5 seconds, if you can’t handle the heat for 5 seconds, it is too hot for your fur baby to walk on it. The floor outside will always be hotter than the air outside, especially if there is no shade, and if the floor is painted or a darker color. The darker the color the more it can attract the sun. Also, the sand at the beach can become hot enough to burn our furry friends paws, so always test this as well.

3.Pools, Water, Beach and Parasite Prevention



In the Summer months, we tend to want to keep cool by the pool, the beach or even hiking up to your favorite waterfall. Always rinse off your pets after a day in the water. Chlorine, salt and bacteria that can be in pools, lakes, beaches and standing still water can be harmful to your pet, as they can harbor and cater to carrier insects and bugs disease.

One thing that you can do to help keep your pets safe is by having them on a flea/tick/internal parasite prevention. Mosquitos can carry heartworm (heartworm has been confirmed in the mosquito population in Orange County!) standing still water likes Giardia (an internal parasite), and hiking or camping you may find ticks to name a few dangers. So, it’s always a good idea to protect your pets on the inside as well by having them on a year-round flea/tick, heartworm, and internal parasite prevention.

Another danger to watch out for at the beach is sand ingestion which can make dogs very sick and can potentially become life-threatening, requiring emergency veterinary intervention. Veterinarians refer to it as intestinal sand impaction. Sand seems harmless, but if your pup swallows enough of it, it can naturally become wet and if there's enough of it, it becomes heavy and forms a solid lump in the intestines.

Simple things like retrieving a sandy ball (like a tennis ball) over and over, licking their sandy paws, and drinking sandy water (which can also cause salt water poisoning), can cause this issue by blocking the intestinal tract.

A few things you can do to prevent sand impaction:

Bring freshwater and clean bowl for your dog to drink clean water and have it available at all times.
Bring toys that don’t collect sand easily.
Bathe your pet as soon as they are done playing in the sand. Use the beach showers, or keep a couple gallons of water to rinse your pet before getting in the car.
If your pup is acting ill or unusual after a day at the beach, contact us as soon as possible.





4. Cookouts and Barbeques



Summer is the time for good fun and good food like, ribs, corn on the cob, bone-in skin-on chicken, kabobs, pigs in a blanket with the good ol’ American flag toothpicks. While they may be tasty for us, it can be harmful for our pets. Bones and corn cobs can be dangerous when swallowed or may cause blockage. Skin from chicken is high in fat and can cause pancreatitis (inflammation in the pancreas that can have very serious consequences). Lastly, skewer sticks and toothpicks are very dangerous for your pets if ingested (this is an emergency if ingested!).

We all like to let our pets indulge a bit in the food, just make sure your pet doesn’t have any dietary restrictions and it is in very minor quantities. Also be aware of sauces and seasonings as things like garlic or onions can pose a toxic danger to your pets.

Always stay alert and aware of you and your pets surroundings to have a happy, safe and healthy summer.

07/03/2024

We can’t read minds or speak Cat, but our furry friends give us clues into their well-being (and thoughts) through behaviors and habits. For instance, yes, ...

07/01/2024

The 4th of July - Not so festive for pets! An annual tradition - celebrating the 4th of July and our country’s independence, we anticipate the joyous celebrations surrounding this day, such as cookouts, parades and of course, fireworks.

Unfortunately what we find festive and fun, our pets find scary and stressful. While we’re celebrating with family and friends, pets are often cowering and alone.

“While July 4th is fun for us humans, fireworks and travel can be scary and traumatic for our pets.That’s why we emphasize how important it is to prepare for the holiday ahead of time,” says Chelsea Gennings, Co-Founder of Pet Releaf. “This time of year, we urge pet owners to make a plan before it’s too late — there are easy ways to make sure your pet stays safe and doesn’t go missing during fireworks season.”

Many pet parents make the mistake of thinking that if their pet is not scared of typical loud noises, such as thunder, then fireworks will not bother him. However, this is often not the case. Pets who do not seem to be troubled by thunder and other loud sounds can often become scared and stressed by the full effects of the July 4th holiday - the fireworks, the loud voices outdoors, and being alone indoors.

It’s imperative to make a plan now so that your pet is safe, secure, and stress-free!


Bring your pets inside and make them comfortable
Don’t ever leave your pets outdoors alone, even if you have a fenced-in yard or they’re on a tether. If they get scared, pets who usually won’t stray outside the yard may try to get out, and can become lost. Or they can get tangled up in their restraint, which puts them at risk for hurting or fatally injuring themselves.

Keep your pet inside in a calm and quiet spot, preferably with the shades closed. If your pet is crate trained, then his crate is an ideal place for him to be. Because a pet can cause damage when he’s scared, it’s important to take away anything that could be ruined or that could be damaging to him if chewed. To keep your pet company, turn on the TV or play the radio at the usual volume, and do this whether you’re at home or away at holiday activities.

Small spaces can also work well for keeping your pet calm. If he likes to go into the bathtub, under the bed, or in a corner, then let him. Don’t attempt to get him to come out - if he feels secure in his chosen spot, then let him stay.


Don’t go to the fireworks with Fluffy
This should go without saying, but taking your pet with you to a fireworks display should never be considered. It may seem like a fun time, to have your four-legged family member with you as you admire the marvels in the sky. But, take our word for it - while you’re admiring, your pet will be agonizing.

Additionally, animal shelters across the nation report that the 4th of July is one of the busiest times of the year. They take in many more dogs than usual, mainly due to them running off during fireworks. Police stations also have higher reports of strays and complaints about barking on the 4th as compared to other days during the year.


Choose other calming options
If you already know that your pet becomes anxious and stressed by fireworks, there are other options you can try to help keep your pet calm.

One of these remedies is CBD, and its soothing and relaxing properties can be extremely helpful in relieving stress. According to Chelsea from Pet Releaf, “Since we’ve been in the CBD business for over a decade, we know that CBD is perfect for stressful events like fireworks and travel. And, our Stress Releaf products are 100% safe for pets. We use organic ingredients such as ashwagandha and chamomile, so they’re completely natural and have no psychoactive properties.”

How much CBD you give your pet and when you give it can vary. Chelsea notes that since all pets are different, there’s no universal response. For example, larger pets will need higher doses than smaller pets, and pets who are ill may need higher doses than healthier pets. In general, CBD’s effects start to take hold between 30 and 60 minutes, so it is recommended to give your pet CBD about one hour before the fireworks begin.

Besides CBD, another calming option is an anti-anxiety vest. Just like swaddling a baby, these tightly-fitting wraps are known for helping pets stay relaxed during stressful times.

When in doubt, about trying CBD, an anti-anxiety vest, or other calming remedy you may have heard of, contact your pet’s veterinarian for a recommendation.


Hop in the car
If your pet enjoys being in the car, then driving him around may be what’s needed to calm him. As always, make sure to never leave your pet unattended in the car. Breathing in all the pent-up hot air can quickly cause dangerous health risks for your pet, or even death. Also, windows left cracked open are not sufficient, and only increase the risk for your pet to be snatched. We can’t stress this enough: Leaving Your Pet In A Parked Car Can Be A Deadly Mistake!


Make sure he's tagged and a chip
Be sure your pet has his collar on with his updated and easy-to-read ID tag. That way if he does get lost, then whoever finds him will know how to reach you. Additionally, microchips include pet parents’ details, so lost pets can be checked for a chip and then returned promptly.

Keep your pets safe and stress-free this Independence Day, and you’ll find that your celebrations are that much more festive.

Happy 4th!

05/26/2024

❤️❤️❤️

05/26/2024

Did you know???

Before you read any further, I need to warn you that once you know this information, you’ll never be able to un-read it and you will watch the way that...

12/30/2023

Wash those pet bowls!

16.8K likes, 186 comments. “Does Your Dog Drink Water?? To Find The Right Supplement For Your Dog, Click The Link In Bio ”

12/16/2023

There are so many lovely aspects to having a dogin our lives. They are actual family members whom we adore, and we expend considerable effort to ensure that...

12/08/2023

Researchers Believe They Found What’s Causing the Mysterious Dog Illness Nationwide

Researchers Believe They Found What’s Causing the Mysterious Dog Illness Nationwide
If you have a dog then you've been especially concerned about this mysterious dog illness that has claimed the lives of many dogs around the country. Such a devastating loss anytime when the family pet passes on, however, it's especially excruciating when it's unexpected. And even more so when veterinarians say they've been unable to identify the cause of this sickness.

I have had dogs my entire life and personally have been very careful when I take my furry best friend for a walk since this mysterious illness first surfaced. Since it's similar to kennel cough and like most dog owners, have vaccinated my dog against the illness that dogs can contract from other dogs, it's especially had me on edge and I'm sure you, too.

This mysterious illness has been described as respiratory in nature with coughing, and sneezing leaving dogs quite lethargic. It has grown to include most regions of the country.

However three cheers to University of New Hampshire researchers who believe they have discovered a clue to what's causing this illness.

According to WCVB Boston, UNH used genetic samples from dozens of dogs in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island and discovered a piece of a previously uncharacterized bacteria. They believe this bacteria has always been part of a dog's system and makeup however just recently developed the capacity to cause this new disease in canines. Basically, it's resistant to normal treatment.

UNH plans to expand its research outside of New England now and get samples from dogs across the country according to WCVB so this is only the beginning but a solid one in keeping our doggies safe and healthy.

10/03/2023

When it comes to walking the dog, we often have a destination in mind, a route to follow, and a schedule to keep. But what if we told you that taking the ti...

09/22/2023

It's not a secret that nearly all golden retrievers are identical. Honestly, magic has to be involved for owners to know which one belongs to them when more...

06/07/2023

SmartNews is the most efficient way to get all your news now.

04/22/2023

I LOVE this!!! ♥️♥️

SmartNews is the most efficient way to get all your news now.

03/10/2023

Pitty ❤️ Love

SmartNews is the most efficient way to get all your news now.

02/19/2023

01/05/2023

SmartNews is the most efficient way to get all your news now.

12/12/2022

It's not just cold and flu season for humans -- canine influenza and other viruses that make dogs sick are also spreading. Some animal shelters have had to suspend dog adoptions because of "dog flu" and Pneumovirus cases.There is no vaccine for Pneumovirus, but there is a canine-influenza vaccine. I...

11/24/2022

Holidays are great times to be around loved ones including your precious fur babies. While we love to spoil them with scraps from the table, be aware that some foods can be toxic to them.

Here are some foods to avoid this holiday season;

Onions and Garlic

Fatty Cuts of meat and skin Bones (cooked or raw) Dairy Products
Butter
Grapes, currants, and raisins Chocolate
Xylitol (sugar substitute)
Alcohol
Walnuts and macadamias Anything high in fat

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

08/22/2022

Just like you, your dog may tear up when you are reunited, a new study finds. In an experiment with 22 dog-owner pairs, researchers found that...

05/24/2022

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05/24/2022

From German Shepherds to Basset Hounds, many breeds have changed dramatically following years of selective breeding.

05/15/2022