Opossums may not be much to look at but they do us a great service without even being asked.  While many wildlife creatures carry ticks and spread Lyme disease, opossums actually kill 95% of ticks that land on them.  A single opossum may kill as many as 4000 ticks in a week!  So next time you see a opossum in your backyard or crossing the road treat it with kindness.  It could be saving you and your pet from Lyme disease.

Anytime you are traveling with your pet, even if you don't leave the state, it is a good idea to carry a copy of their vaccination records with you.  Keeping a copy in the glove box or your car means never having to worry about finding them before you go anywhere with your pet.  In the event something happens and you are unable to care for your pet, having these records may mean the difference between your pet going to a boarding facility or having to go to a local animal shelter.  It could also save your pet from having unnecessary vaccines given again.

According to the CDC, there is a multi-state outbreak of Human Campylobacter Infection linked to pet store puppies.  Campylobacter  is a common bacterial infection that can be spread through contact with dog feces.   As of Sept. 11, thirty-nine people have been confirmed with Campylobacter infection, or symptoms consistent with it, in seven states and were exposed to puppies sold through Petland Stores.  Eighteen of these cases are in Ohio.  Petland is cooperating with public and animal health officials to address this outbreak.  If your dog or puppy is ill with diarrhea, abnormal breathing, sluggish or not eating, see your vet.  People develop symptoms 2-5 days after exposure with symptoms lasting a week.

Looking for some new toys for your dog or cat?  Try making your own.  There are lots of DIY websites with great ideas using things you probably have around the house.  If your cat likes those felt cat balls try putting one in the bathtub for them.  Also works great with a ping pong ball, only noisier!  You can take an empty paper towel or toilet paper tube, poke a couple holes in it big enough for small cat treats to go through, put a few in and fold in the ends. You can tape the ends shut if you like.  Roll it on the floor for your cat to see treats come out when batted around. You can do the same thing for your dog using an empty plastic water bottle or butter bowl with some holes cut in it. This is not recommended for big chewers - you don't want them swallowing pieces of plastic. Some dogs like an old t-shirt or towel tied in a knot.  This is nice for teething puppies especially if you wet it and stick in freezer a couple hours.  If you're not feeling crafty,  there are lots of puzzle toys you can buy for your dog or cat to keep them busy.  With all treat toys be sure to use low calorie treats or pieces of their dry food.  Dogs that are big chewers like the Kong toys with peanut butter or spray cheese inside.  With all toys, whether store bought or home made, you should monitor your pet to be sure they don't chew off any pieces and swallow.  The floss or string toys have caused intestinal blockages when dogs chew off pieces and swallow. Have fun!

Making vacation plans? Don't forget your furry friends! Boarding your pet doesn't have to be a scary ordeal. Most dogs and cats enjoy being near their own kind and making new friends.
There are ways to make your pet's stay easier. Be sure to bring something from home with your scent on it like an old shirt or towel. If your pet likes toys, bring a couple they are familiar with. Let us know your usual feeding schedule and we will keep to it as closely as possible. If this is your pet's first time boarding or they have a sensitive stomach, please bring their own food. If there is a particular treat they like, bring some of those. If your pet takes medication bring something to hide it in - your pet may not react well to a stranger trying to put pills in their mouth! Feel free to bring bedding for your pet as long as it is completely washable. A couple old blankets or towels work best.
Lastly, RELAX!  Be cheerful when you bring your pet in. They pick up on your emotions and if you're upset , they will be too. We want your pet's stay to be a fun experience.

Spring will be here soon and with the warmer weather we will be outside more with our furry friends. Fleas and ticks will also be out enjoying that warmth. If you stopped your pets' flea protection over the winter months, now is the time to start back to it. It takes time to get worked back into your pet's system so you don't want to wait til fleas and ticks are out in abundance. Now is also the time to schedule your dog's spring haircut. If you schedule your appointment 4-8 weeks ahead we will gladly call 2 days before to remind you, if you request it.
We have a new cat exercise wheel in the kitty play area. If you are boarding over spring break, schedule a time for your kitty to try it out.  We would love to post a video on our facebook page!

Here we are in the middle of winter and I know the last thing on your mind is dog grooming. Yet no matter the weather, we humans still take care of our own hair. Your furry best friend's coat is no different. At the very least they should have their nails trimmed, hair removed from pads of  feet to prevent painful ice/snow balls from accumulating, and a little trim under their tail to prevent anything else from accumulating there. Keeping their coat clean and mat free helps your beloved pet feel good and aids in keeping them warm when outside. A little pampering helps anyone, two or four legged, to get through the winter doldrums.