Pet Sitter Terrebonne / Lafourche

08/29/2023

05/08/2023

Sometimes clients are worried about wildlife that might pose a danger to their pets. Possums and Armadillos always seem to come up in conversations. I always tell my clients that those are actually of least concern. Armadillos and Possums will try to get away from your pets.

I found a list of wild animals that can cause trouble. Some of these don’t live in our area, but the big ones are Coyotes and Raccoons. Coyotes are probably already in your neighborhoods at night and raccoons almost certainly are. Coyotes will take pets as prey and raccoons carry many diseases that can be spread.

Here is the article I found.

Part of the responsibility of pet ownership means being aware of the dangers your dog or cat may face from wild animals; these dangers are not limited to wilderness areas, but can be found in your own backyard.

Here is a rundown of 10 common animal attackers, along with advice on what you can do to protect your pet from them.

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1. Coyotes: Every summer, many pet cats and dogs go missing because of these fierce creatures. Elizabeth Rozanski, assistant professor of emergency and critical care at Tufts University’s Foster Hospital for Small Animals in North Grafton, Mass., confirmed, “Coyotes definitely do attack. Unfortunately, what coyotes do is kill cats and dogs, not injure them.”

Contrary to what many suburbanites believe, Coyotes are found all over North America and make their homes in parks, river corridors, and even cemeteries. So, if you live in coyote country, you should think twice about letting your cat or small dog out overnight. Do not leave pet food out overnight, as this attracts coyotes, and be sure to secure your household garbage, as these predators and others are resourceful scavengers.

2. Snakes: Snakes pose another lurking danger to your pet. ABC News reports most snakebites in the United States come from the pit vipers, a family of venomous snakes that includes water moccasins and copperheads, found in abundance all over North America. Attacks by these reptiles most often occur when a dog is moving about through grass and sniffing through burrows.

Though it is difficult to prevent snakebite, they are usually not fatal. If your pet is bitten by a snake, immobilize it, and bring it to your veterinarian immediately.

3. Cougars: Also known as mountain lions or pumas, cougars are found in the American far west and southwest. (In the eastern United States, the only confirmed population is in rural Florida, where the cougar is known as the Florida Panther.) Once hunted almost to extinction, cougars have increased in numbers in recent years and sightings are no longer rare. These big cats pose a serious danger for outdoor pets if you live in regions where they are found. Though cougars are more interested in hunting livestock, they will attack a pet if an opportunity arises.

The owner of a would-be victim who watched as his dog was attacked by a cougar told ESPN.com, “If I’d gotten out there five or 10 seconds later, there was no way the dog would have survived.”

While rare, attacks on humans have been reported as well, so if you see a cougar on your property, immediately notify animal control or police.

4. Raccoons: Raccoons pose a danger to your pet, even in urban environments. “It’s more likely that the raccoon will be attacked [and retaliate], than the other way around,” Rozanski says. Their primary danger to your pets is diseases that they carry, specifically rabies.

Raccoons are attracted to open garbage cans or any food that is left out for pets. You can discourage them from remaining near your property by securing your trash and not feeding your pets outside.

5. Squirrels: Though innocent looking, the damage that a squirrel can inflict may require a trip to the vet. Most squirrel attacks arise when a dog or a cat attempts to catch it, and while your pet will likely win the battle, the squirrel does have sharp teeth and claws that can damage soft tissue.

The best way to prevent injury from a squirrel is to be mindful of your animal at all times when outdoors.

6. Scorpions: Indigenous to the southwestern United States, scorpions pose a threat to pets — and pet owners — who live there. Dogs and cats should be watched closely and if your pet appears to be tracking something to catch, investigate and make sure he isn’t chasing a scorpion.

Scorpion venom can be deadly, so if you live in scorpion country and your pet is limping or appears sick after spending time outdoors, it should be brought to the vet for immediate medical attention. Do not leave footwear or clothing out during the daytime, as scorpions like to take shelter in and under these items.

7. Porcupines: The porcupine is found all over the United States, and these quill-bearing rodents are often in search of a source of salt such as certain plywoods or sweaty clothing.

“If you’re going to let your dog run free in the woods, that’s fine — it’s fun; just be aware they can get injured,” Rozanski says. The porcupine’s barbed, loose quills can easily embed themselves into your pet — especially curious dogs — requiring unpleasant hours at the vet to be removed.

8. Skunks: If your pet encounters a skunk in the wild and gets “skunked,” it will be treated to a smell as unpleasant as a punch in the stomach. Skunks also have very powerful front claws that they use to burrow, which can very quickly be turned against your pet if the skunk feels threatened.

Skunks can also be carriers of rabies, so if you smell something painfully pungent while out with your pet, be aware that a skunk might be lurking.

9. Groundhogs: These large rodents generally attack only if they perceive a threat from your pet, but will do so with powerful claws and front teeth. According to National Geographic, groundhogs are native to all of North America and are most frequently encountered where a field meets a forest, so they can commonly be seen in newer housing developments.

In most cases, an injury to your pet is the result of it getting too close for comfort to the groundhog, so this is another case in which keeping watch over your pet is important.

10. Rats: Wild rats are everywhere. They’re hardy, intelligent, aggressive, and comfortably at home in rural and urban environments. Similar to raccoons, their biggest threat from rats is the diseases they might carry. Keeping your garbage contained is the best way to prevent encounters with rats.

Though your cat or dog will probably be the winner in any encounter with a rat, check and make sure that they weren’t injured during the scuffle.

An ounce of prevention: The best policy when it comes to protecting your pet from the dangers of wildlife is to be mindful of your pet at all times. Attacks from wild animals, large and small, can occur anywhere from inside your house to a state park. If you’re in a high-risk or questionable area, don’t let your pet off leash and always be sure to have an emergency vet’s number handy in case of an attack.

This article originally appeared on WebVet .com

03/25/2023

Need a dog trainer? I found someone in Houma who can come to your home!

https://www.facebook.com/bayoudogtrainingllc?mibextid=LQQJ4d

I am a certified dog trainer who focuses on positive reinforcement with basic obedience, behavioral,

03/22/2023

Keep your pets safe this summer with these ten tips.

1. Never leave your pets in your vehicle. Hundreds of pets die from heat exhaustion each year because they are left in parked vehicles (source: AVMA). Many pet owners don’t realize that even if they leave the windows cracked (or the air conditioner running), temperatures can still rise quickly and put pets at risk of serious illness or death.

2. Do not walk dogs or allow them to exercise or play hard during the very hot weather or the hottest part of the day. Exercising your dogs in the early morning or evening is recommended. Remember that hot pavement can injure your pet’s paws. Try this quick tip: Place the back of your hand on the pavement; if you can’t hold it for five seconds, it’s too hot to walk your dog.

3. Don’t forget, your pets have delicate skin. Did you know skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in dogs and the second-most common form in cats? Even though fur provides some protection, you should apply sunscreen to your pet’s least hair-covered spots—dogs’ bellies and around cats’ ears and eyes. There are sunscreens made specifically for pets, as zinc oxide can be toxic for pets. If your pet does get a sunburn, applying pure aloe can help soothe irritation, but be sure to check with your veterinarian first to ensure the brand you have is safe for pets.

4. Know the signs of heat exhaustion. Signs of heat stress could include trouble breathing, excessive panting, increased heart rate, weakness or collapsing. If you suspect your pet is suffering from heat exhaustion, contact your veterinarian immediately.

5. Keep your pets cool indoors as well. While it’s important to not have pets outside in the heat of the day, hot weather means inside temperatures can be more difficult to regulate as well. While it may be tempting to increase the temperature in your home to save on energy costs while you are at work or away on vacation, understand high temperatures inside can be dangerous to pets also. A good rule of thumb is if it’s too warm for you, it’s also too warm for your pets.

6. During the summer, more time is spent outside—often without the use of a leash. Unfortunately, this can lead to an increase in pets being hit by automobiles. Keep your dogs on a leash or confined by a fence—even well-behaved dogs should be kept on leash. Many cats also get hit by vehicles. Be sure to keep cats indoors, on a cat harness and leash or in a specially-designed cat fence.

7. During warmer months, veterinarians see an increase in injured animals as a result of “High-Rise Syndrome,” which occurs when pets fall out of windows or doors. Make sure all windows are closed and have well-fitting screens.

8. Be mindful of water safety for your pets. Never leave your dog unsupervised near an uncovered pool, and have your dog wear a bright lifejacket when boating, at the lake or beach. If you do have a pool, ensure the dog knows how to get out of the pool using the stairs by practicing with him or her several times.

9. Don’t let cookouts and summer parties turn into bad experiences for your pets. Charcoal briquettes used for grills can get stuck in your dog’s stomach, requiring surgery. Also, don’t allow your guests to share scraps with your dog. Fatty leftovers can result in severe abdominal pain, or even death. Other foods, such as corn on the cob, also present a danger because they can become lodged in the dog’s intestines.

10. Be aware of hazards in your garden and garage. While azaleas are common shrubs, they can be toxic for dogs or cats if ingested. Certain types of lilies can also cause acute kidney failure in cats, and even the ingestion of as little as two to three leaves can be fatal. In your garage, be mindful that any pesticides and insecticides (or plan food that include these) are out of paw’s reach. Fireworks can also be tempting for curious dogs, and the chemicals inside the fireworks could get stuck in the stomach causing serious side effects.

Thank you for the opportunity to care for your pets this summer season!

BONUS TIP: Remember, while fireworks are common during summer celebrations, they can be very scary for your pets. During a fireworks display, keep your pets inside in a safe space, close all doors and windows and turn on the television or play calming music. Also make sure your pet is wearing a tag with your contact information, as well as the pet sitter’s contact information,

03/20/2023

If your pet gets into something they shouldn’t, you won’t want to waste precious time looking up a phone number. Take a moment to add a pet poison helpline and your nearest MedVet or emergency veterinarian to be prepared should your pet need care.

You may also want to download the ASPCA’s free Animal Poison Control app that shows potential hazards and their severity.

03/16/2023

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