Fun Fur U - In Home Pet Care

14/08/2024

🐾 Paw Protection Infra-Red Heat Test 🐾

In this short demonstration, I’ll show you the dramatic effect sunlight has on the walking surfaces your pet will most likely encounter when out for a walk or run. ☀️🐕

The purpose of this demonstration is to educate pet owners about how hot asphalt, concrete, and artificial turf can become and why you should be more mindful and aware before taking your pet outside. Please consider proper paw protection for your pets before embarking (pun intended) on hot surfaces. 🐾🔥

As you can see, the artificial turf (fake grass) gets extraordinarily hot but cools down more quickly than the hard surfaces of concrete and asphalt. 🌡️ Remember the 7-second rule: place the back of your hand on any surface to check the intensity of the heat. If it’s too hot for your hand at 7 seconds, it’s definitely too hot for your pet’s unprotected paws! ✋⏲️

06/08/2024

NEW YOUTUBE VIDEO!🎥🐶
🐾 Every pet owner’s nightmare is a lost or missing pet. While we cannot stress enough the importance and value of having your pet micro-chipped, there’s an extra layer of protection you can add to your pet’s collar that in most cases ensures their return within 24 hours… 🕒

And that is the Digital Pet ID Tag from PetHub 🏷️✨
Head to the link in the comments to check it out.🔗
Please support the channel by subscribing or sharing it with a friend. 🤗

02/07/2024

Please report illegal fireworks!🎆

City of Lancaster
📞661.723.6132

Los Angeles County Sheriff
📞661.948.8466

City of Palmdale
📞661.272.2400

💻www.LACrimeStoppers.org

💻www.YouLightItWeWriteIt.com

18/06/2024

🌸 It’s springtime and there are baby critters everywhere! 🌸

On a recent 🚴‍♀️ bike ride along one of our local waterways, I was admiring a pair of ducks 🦆 and their precious babies 🐤. I was reminded of the hazards that bread 🍞 and processed foods pose to wildlife. So, here’s a gentle reminder on what NOT to feed the ducks. 🚫

📜 First of all, in the State of CA, it is illegal to feed ducks (and “game or non-game bird or mammal or fur-bearing mammal”) on public lands. 🛑

❌ Do NOT feed ducks bread, crackers, or any processed foods. 🍪 It causes stomach upset 🤢, and bloat which makes them feel full and causes them not to eat properly. It pollutes the water 💧 and causes the growth of nasty, harmful algae that suffocates the fish 🐟 and may harm other aquatic life. 🌿

🌿 It’s best to let wildlife (ducks included) find their nutritional sources naturally, but if you feel compelled to feed the ducks, consider some seedless grapes 🍇, chopped lettuce 🥬 or cabbage, birdseed 🌾, fresh peas 🥗, cracked corn 🌽, or oats. 🥣

📍 Most municipalities have laws against feeding wildlife, so please check before you venture out. 🌍

31/05/2024

AVOID THESE CANCER-CAUSING ADDITIVES FOR YOUR PET!🚫

🚫🍔 In 2023, California banned four food additives linked to health issues: Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA), Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT), Propyl Paraben, and Potassium Benzoate. Let's dive into BHA and BHT.

BHA: An antioxidant used to prevent rancidity in fats and oils, BHA is a waxy solid with a faint odor. It's insoluble in water but dissolves in fats and oils. Some studies suggest BHA is safe, while others link it to cancer in lab animals, raising concerns about its potential effects on humans. The U.S. Department of Health considers it "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen," yet the FDA still permits its use in foods. Safer alternatives include vitamin E and nitrogen packaging.

BHT: Another artificial antioxidant, BHT is found in packaged foods and is considered an endocrine disruptor with potential cancer-causing effects.

📉🐶 BHA in Pet Food: BHA is a controversial preservative in many dog foods. Studies link it to cancer and reproductive disorders, but regulations still allow its use in low doses. The National Toxicology Program and California’s cancer/toxicity report list BHA as a probable carcinogen. The European Union has banned BHA in certain foods due to its hormone-disrupting effects.

🐾 Dogs face higher risks as they often eat the same food daily, increasing their exposure to BHA. Opt for safer alternatives like vitamin C and E for preserving pet food. Always read labels and consult your vet for the best choices.

🔍📋 Takeaway: Read pet food labels carefully, research ingredients, and choose products with natural additives. Protect your pets' health by staying informed and seeking advice from your veterinarian. 🌟🛡️

21/05/2024

IT'S KITTEN SEASON! (when isn’t it?)😺🐾

If you’re like me and see lots of feral colonies with kittens right now, you’re probably aching to trap those babies and get them someplace safe for quarantine, socialization, vet care, spay/neuter, and onto adoption in fur-ever homes. While all of this is important, I cannot emphasize enough the value of proper socialization. 🏡💖

Socializing kittens is about teaching your pet that the world is a safe place where cats, humans, and other animals are friendly, and new experiences don’t have to be scary. 🌍🐈‍⬛🫶

😽 Why socialize the kittens -
A socialized kitten is much more likely to be adopted. 🏠❤️
A socialized kitten is much easier to handle if you’re having to give medications and/or receive vet care. 💊👩‍⚕️
A socialized kitten is much less likely to bite or scratch you! 🙌🤕

😽 How to socialize a kitten –
Start early, but NOT within the first two weeks of birth! Momma will naturally be very protective, and the newborns are more prone to illness and infection. 🍼🐾
At four to eight weeks of age, most kittens will be eager to play, accept treats, and want a gentle touch. Take your time to build their trust and repeat positive exposure to the kittens frequently. Sit calmly, move slowly, and use a calm, gentle tone of voice. 🕰️💗
If you’re working to socialize feral kittens, be sure to practice safe and sanitary practices by washing your hands frequently to prevent the spread of disease. 🧼🙌

😽 Steps to socialization –
Keep kittens with their family until they’re weaned. 👩‍👧‍👦🐾
Practice gentle handling. 🤲❤️
Introduce them to the cat carrier. 🧳🐱
Introduce them to other people and pets. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦🐕
Provide new toys, food, and experiences. 🧸🍲🌟
Continue a lifetime of fun, new, positive experiences. 🎉😊

17/05/2024

🐾 Foster a kitten and save a life! 🐱❤️

It’s kitten season and sadly there are far too many feral colonies with un-spayed and un-neutered cats running amok and breeding in our community – and probably yours too. 🐈‍⬛😿
And more heartbreaking is that our local rescues and animal shelters are over-flowing. 🏠💔

I want to encourage everyone to consider becoming a FOSTER parent for kittens that need to be rescued. 🌟🐾

Reach out to a local TNR (Trap-Neuter-Release) group, or rescue organization and volunteer your time and love to help them get through this critical season. 🛠️❤️

If you can help out for 6-12 weeks to provide care and socialization until the kittens can be transported to an adoption center, you would make a HUGE, positive impact on a vital life-saving mission. 🐾🚀

If you need help finding a local group, let me know and I’ll connect you. 🌍💬

26/04/2024

How to transport your dog safely in a vehicle🐶
Don’t wait for a frightening vehicle experience to occur. Be proactive and protect your pets
every time they get in the vehicle.⤵️⤵️⤵️⤵️

1.🐾 Keep your pets safe in the car! Unrestrained pets can become dangerous projectiles in accidents. Always use proper restraints like harnesses, crates, or tethers in the backseat.
2. 🚗 Never let pets ride in the front seat, as airbags can harm them. Small pets are especially at risk.
3. 🚫 Avoid distractions by securing your furry friends properly - it's as important as avoiding texting while driving. Nearly all states consider loose pets a distraction.
4. 😲Never allow your pet to stick their head out the window of a moving vehicle –
Flying debris, rocks, or articles thrown by other motorists can injure or kill your pet.
5. 📵 Distracted driving is preventable and punishable by law. Properly restraining your pet helps you stay focused on the road.
6. 🛡️ If pets must ride in the front seat, disable the passenger-side airbag and use approved safety devices.
6. 🐕‍🦺 Never transport pets in the open bed of a pickup truck. Even tethering them poses risks of injury or escape.
7. ❄️ Extreme temperatures and weather conditions in truck beds can harm pets. Protect them by keeping them inside the vehicle.
8. 🚫 Riding in a truck bed exposes pets to debris and increases the risk of accidents or them running away.

Be proactive and ensure your pets are protected on every car ride. Don't wait for a frightening experience to occur.

19/04/2024

Three tips to keep you and your pets safe from dog bites 🐾🚫:

1️⃣ Share & Disclose Information:
Share details about your dog’s history with your pet sitter or care team (including your veterinarian). Be transparent and truthful about your pet's history, aggressive tendencies, stress triggers, and ALL other relevant information 🗂️.

2️⃣ Ask Before You Interact:
Do not pet any dog without permission 🙅‍♂️🐶. Many professional pet sitters don’t allow interaction with the pets in their care, so ALWAYS ask before approaching any dog 🚫🤝.

3️⃣ Leash Up & Stay Alert:
Keep your dog on a leash and obey all local leash laws 🐕🦴. Off-leash walking can be dangerous, presenting risks not only to a dog in a pet sitter’s care but also to the pet sitter themselves 🚸🔍.
Stay safe and keep those tails wagging safely! 🐕‍🦺❤️

08/04/2024

Here are some cool facts to know about the fun and friendly RAT! 🐀✨

Rats, on average, have 6–12 litters of pups every year, with an average of 6–13 babies in each litter. 🍼 This means that one rat can potentially have over 100 babies in a year! 😲

Male and female rats should be separated into gender-specific groups as soon as they wean from their mother, as they will reach sexual maturity very soon afterward. 🐭🚫🐭

Rats will typically wean around 21 days old.
Female rats can have their first estrus (heat) cycle at 5 weeks old (35 days old) and reach sexual maturity between 3–4 months old. 🌡️🕰️

A rat’s estrus cycle only lasts about four to five days, so rats are able to breed frequently— they can even breed again within 24 hours of giving birth. 🐁💕

Rats are typically pregnant for about 21 days. 🤰🗓️

Rats are very social and must remain in groups while young for social development. 👯♀️

It’s important for young rats to play and explore with their littermates and learn how to share beds, hideouts, and toys. 🏠🎉

Rats remember which humans have tickled and played with them in the past, and prefer to spend time with those people. 💭🤗
When a rat is happy their ears turn pink! 🎀🐀

Rats are medium-sized rodents with a long tail. 📏🐭 A group of rats is called a ‘mischief’! 🤪

Rats are mainly nocturnal and live underground. 🌙🏠

Although they vastly outnumber humans, we rarely see them. 🕵️♂️🔍

They are experts at staying out of sight! 🙈

Rats’ long tails are used for balance and to keep themselves cool – they can direct some of their body heat out through them! 🌡️🌀 Always pick up and carry your rat with two hands, and NEVER pick them up by their tail. 🚫🐀

They’re also great swimmers, able to hold their breath for several minutes. 🏊🐁

05/04/2024

Happy Friday! Some of our pet parents have been asking about the risks or hazards to pets associated with Monday's partial solar eclipse (partial here in Southern CA.). While most indoor pets will not likely notice a change in the color of the sky, outdoor pets may associate the darkening skies to sunset and may start their normal nightly routine. Because most pets don't stare at the sun, the risk of eye injury is pretty low. However, if you are concerned about the possible effect the eclipse may have on your pets, simply bring them inside and close curtains and drapes for a few hours late morning on Monday. Pet Sitters International has provided the attached information to help you understand the potential risk and reaction some pets may have. As always, contact your veterinarian or your favorite pet sitter if you have any questions.

Send a message to learn more

03/04/2024

If you’re keen on maintaining a w**d-free lawn or garden without compromising the health of your beloved pet 🐾, there are several alternatives to consider:

1️⃣ Corn Gluten Meal: This is a natural pre-emergent, which means it prevents w**d seeds from germinating. While it won’t kill existing w**ds, spreading corn gluten meal in the spring can help reduce the emergence of new ones. Moreover, it’s not toxic to pets 🐶🐱.

2️⃣ Vinegar: Acetic acid in vinegar can act as an organic herbicide. When sprayed directly onto w**ds, the acetic acid draws moisture out of the leaf, causing the w**d to die. However, remember that vinegar is non-selective and can harm desired plants if they come into contact 🌱❌.

3️⃣ Boiling Water: A simple yet effective method. Pouring boiling water directly onto w**ds can kill them. As with vinegar, be cautious not to pour it on plants you want to keep 🚫🌿.

4️⃣ Manual Removal: It’s labor-intensive but effective. Pulling w**ds out by hand ensures they’re removed from the root up. Using tools like a w**der can make the task easier ✋🌿.

5️⃣ Mulching: Covering the soil with mulch, like straw, wood chips, or grass clippings, can prevent w**d growth. Mulch acts as a barrier, making it harder for w**d seeds to reach the soil and germinate 🍂🌱.

6️⃣ Natural-based Herbicides: Several commercial products are made using natural ingredients like citric acid, clove oil, or lemongrass oil. They can be effective, especially for younger w**ds. Always check labels to ensure the product is pet-friendly 🍋🌿🐕.

Conclusion:
To ensure your pet’s safety, it’s vital to be conscious of the products you use in and around your home 🏡. Traditional w**d killers can contain chemicals that are harmful to pets when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed. By opting for safe alternatives, you can maintain a beautiful garden without risking your pet’s health 🌸🐶. Always store herbicides out of reach of pets, and if using them, prevent your pet from accessing the treated area until it’s safe. If in doubt, consult with your veterinarian or an expert in pet toxicology 🐾🚫.

Here's a quick recipe for a pet-safe and effective w**d killer:
🧂 1 Cup of Salt
🧼 1 Tbls. of liquid dish soap
🍾 1 Gallon of white Vinegar

The salt and vinegar break down the plant cell walls and the dish soap allows the solution to adhere better. Use a spray bottle to spray it directly onto the plants you want to kill 🌱💦.

This recipe was shared with us from our friends at Antelope Valley Animal Hospital 🏥🐾.

12/03/2024

5 Fun Facts about Cats!🥳

1️⃣ 🐱 Cats Are Meat Eaters. 🥩 Cats are obligate carnivores, requiring meat for their diet. Poultry, meat, and fish provide essential animal protein and fats.

2️⃣ 🛏️ Cats Sleep and Groom. 🧼 Cats sleep up to 16 hours daily, restoring energy levels. Grooming not only keeps them clean but also regulates body temperature.

3️⃣ 🪜 Cats Can Jump High. 🚀 Adult cats can jump up to five times their height, utilizing strong hind legs for propulsion.

4️⃣ 🐾 Cats Have 18 Toes. 👣 Cats have five toes on the front paws and four on the back, with retractable claws used for various activities.

5️⃣ ⏳ Cats Age Faster Than Humans. 🕰️ A cat’s first year = about fifteen human years, aging gradually slows from nine to four each year of their life. By three yrs. of age a cat’s equivalent age is about 28 years. Cats' average life span is 16 – 18 years.

06/03/2024

As proud members of Pet Sitters International and the National Assn. of Professional Pet Sitters, we are celebrating Professional Pet Sitters Week with gratitude for not only our amazing team (Kimberly, Catherine, Kendal, and Shelly) but also our clients that trust us with their pets.😺🦴

Since 2010 Fun Fur U – In Home Pet Care has been serving the people and pets of the Antelope Valley with “Peace-of-mind pet care you can trust!”🐶🐈

01/03/2024

If you use a pet water fountain here is a short tutorial on how to clean it thoroughly. 🚰🧼

We clean our pets’ water fountains every two weeks – more often if it starts to get funky sooner (don’t wait for it to get funky)! 🐾 Why is it important to clean your pet fountains so frequently…to get rid of all the nasty biofilm and bacteria that can cause damaging dental decay and periodontal disease in your pets’ mouth. 😷🦷

Pull all the pieces apart and place them in the bowl with some baking soda and white vinegar (not toxic, non-soapy and safe for use with pets). Use a toothbrush and a small bottle brush to clean all the nooks and crannies of the small parts. 🧽🦷

Use a sponge dedicated only for your pets’ bowls to clean everything else. Rinse everything thoroughly before putting the fountain back together. Refill your fountain and plug it in…if you see chunks of gunk floating in the water right away, you apparently missed a spot. 🧹🔄
https://youtu.be/JfwOut6msuk

If you use a pet water fountain here is a short tutorial on how to clean it thoroughly.We clean our pets’ water fountains every two weeks – more often if it ...

23/02/2024

🐾 Today I’m going to illustrate just how long a normal, healthy dog should be asked to hold their p*e…

🐶 The average, healthy, middle-aged dog (< 1 yrs - >9 yrs) produces approximately 2-4 milliliters (mL) or 0.07 - 0.14 ounces of urine every hour. So, Barnie generally produces 69 mL (2.33 ounces) of urine every hour (he weighs 23 lbs).

💦 A normal, healthy pup starts feeling the urge to p*e when their bladder is holding 160-220 mL (approximately 5.4 to 7.4 ounces) of urine.

⏰ For every hour he’s unable to relieve himself, his bladder fill increases by another 2-4 mL (approximately 0.07 to 0.14 ounces).

🕒 In the span of 24 hours, his bladder is going to fill nearly 960 mL (approximately 32.5 ounces) of urine! YIKES!!!

😬 In Barnie’s case, and because of his age, he may start feeling the urge to p*e in just less than 3-hours. Over a 24-hour period, he is going to feel the need to relieve himself at least SIX times. Thankfully, he has a doggy door and knows how to use it.

🚿 This is just a general rule of thumb to gauge frequency needs; young dogs with tiny bladders and senior pups with less bladder control will need more frequent potty breaks. For a dog’s overall health and well-being, please stop and consider this the next time you start to leave your pup for an extended period of time. 🐕💕

26/09/2023

Have you considered getting artificial grass?🟩
Before you do, check out this video to see the harm that pet waste on it does to our environment.🐶🐾🌎

One of the most common problems with artificial turf is the odor. When the artificial turf isused as a “potty zone” for your pets, these odors come from your...

28/08/2023

Ever wonder what to do if your dog goes blind?🐾
In our newest YouTube video, Kimberly shares 4 tips to help the experience go smoother for you and them.🐶
Head to the link in the first comment to learn.👇💬