Pet Buddy News

Wishbones for Pets is a charitable program designed for pet sitters to collect and distribute funds for local pet shelters and other pet related agencies in their own community. Pet sitters from around the Unites States and Canada will be participating in this event. WishBones for Pets is designed to brighten the Thanksgiving holiday for homeless animals. Wishbones will kick off the six week event on October 17th, 2009. The Professional Pet Sitters of MN (PPSMN) will raise monies this year for Second Chance Animal Rescue :www.secondchancerescue.org Pet Buddy Plus will be participating again this season. This year, Grace Morris, the founder of Pet Buddy Plus is also the Minnesota Regional Director for the WishBones charity drive. She has been networking with pet sitters around the country and has coordinated the donation of five heated pet beds for a charity in Michigan, we are hoping to do as well for Minnesota! Grace will be

chairing the event for PPSMN to coordinate Minnesota pet sitting businesses in participating and delivering donations to Second Chance Animal Rescue. We will collect donations from clients and various community businesses and veterinarians. If you wish to make donations, we will gladly receive and deliver your donations to Second Chance Animal Rescue and leave you a tax deductible receipt. Checks can be made payable to: Second Chance and can be mailed to WishBones for Pets, c/o Pet Buddy Plus, 6248 Brooklyn Drive, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430 Thank you very much in advance for your donations! See page 2 to view a copy of the information letter from PPSMN. You can call anytime and schedule a pick up. Pet Buddy Plus will pick up and deliver your donations.

WishBones for Pets Sponsored by

Professional Pet Sitters of Minnesota

Story Page

WishBones for Pets 1

PPSMN WishBones Letter 2

Second Chance Wish List 3

Cold Weather Protection 4

Cold Weather Walks 6

Winter Pet Care 8

Halloween Safety Tips 10

Thanksgiving Safety Tips 12

Christmas Safety Tips 14

Holiday Pet Hazards 17

Pet Buddy Plus Supports 18

THANK YOU!! 19

Red Lake Rosie’s Rescue 20

UnderDog Rescue 21

Calendar of Pet Events 22

FaceBook, Angie’s List, Twitter, LinkedIn

23

Buddy Interests ☺ Pet Buddy Plus proudly sup-

ports The American Society For the Prevention of Cruelty To Animals:

www.aspca.org

☺ Pet Buddy Plus proudly sup-ports The Animal Humane Society of the United States:

www.hsus.org

October 2009

October 2009 Page 2

Dear Clients, As a part of my commitment to pet sitting and caring for animals I am a member of the Professional Pet Sitters of Minnesota (www.petsittersmn.org). Professional Pet Sitters of Minnesota (PPSMN) is an association of pet sitting business owners dedicated to promoting the welfare of all animals and raising the standards of the pet sitting industry through example, education and cooperation. For the past several years PPSMN has joined an international effort called Wishbones for Pets, which is a charitable program, designed for pet sitters to collect and distribute funds for local pet shelters and other pet related agencies in their own community. Pet sitters from around the United States and Canada will be participating in this event. Professional Pet Sitters of Minnesota will be hosting Wishbones for Pets this Thanksgiving season to benefit the Second Chance Animal Rescue. The dates of this drive will be October 17th through November 28th 2009. Donation jars will be placed at local Veterinarians, Groomers and Pet Stores.

Second Chance Animal Rescue is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), all-volunteer organization that incorporated in 1994. They are dedicated to rescuing, caring for and placing homeless dogs and cats. They also educate the public on respect for all animal life, including the

importance of spaying and neutering in order to reduce the number of animals euthanized. All donations go directly to the care of animals and all gifts are tax deductible. www.secondchancerescue.org Tough economic times have had an impact on pets, shelters and rescue organizations. Due to the overwhelming increase in the number of animals in need this year it is especially important for us to help. Thanksgiving is the holiday that encourages us to step back and give thanks for all the blessings we have. We would like to help make a positive difference by providing a prosperous holiday for the many animals in need. As part of our fundraising effort we are sending this letter to our clients to see if you would be interested in donating to this worthy cause. You can write a check and I will turn it in at the end of the fundraiser, or you can send your check (payable to Second Chance) to: Wishbones for Pets, c/o Pet Buddy Plus, 6248 Brooklyn Drive, Brooklyn Center, MN 55430.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. On behalf of PPSMN and all the animals who will benefit from your donation, thank you in advance for your generosity! Professional Pet Sitters Of Minnesota: www.petsittersmn.org

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Wish List Litter boxes Natures Miracle Frontline - all sizes Collars (nylon, buckle) for small and medium dogs Ink cartridges - HP 45 & 78, HP 95 & 98 Stuffed, squeaky dog toys Kongs - medium and large Collars - cloth chokers Forever postage stamps Cat litter-clumping unscented Cardboard cat scratching pads Carlson walk-thru tall baby gate Gas Cards

Gift Cards: Chuck & Don’s Target

Fleet Farm Petco

Monetary gifts are sincerely appreciated.

Second Chance Animal Rescue

October 2009 Page 4

Cold Weather Protection Tips

Help your pets remain happy and healthy during the colder months by following these simple guidelines. ·Don't leave dogs outdoors when the temperature drops. Most dogs, and all cats, are safer indoors, except when taken out for exercise.

Regardless of the season, shorthaired, very young, or old dogs and all cats should never be left outside without supervision. Short-coated dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater during walks. ·No matter what the temperature, windchill can threaten a pet's life. A dog or cat is happiest and healthiest when kept indoors. If your dog is an outdoor dog, however, they must be protected by a dry, draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold

in his/her body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The house should be turned to face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic. ·Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely check your pet's water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls rather than metal; when the temperature is low, your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to metal. ·Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife, who may crawl up under the hood. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on your car's hood to scare them away before starting your engine.

Pet Buddy News Page 5

·The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet's feet. Wipe their feet with a damp towel before your pet licks them and irritates his/her mouth. ·Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that may attract animals and children. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze (and all household chemicals) out of reach. There are antifreeze-coolants made with propylene glycol; that if swallowed in small amounts, it will not hurt pets, wildlife, or your family. Probably the best prescription for winter's woes is to keep your dog or cat inside with you and your family. The happiest dogs are those who are taken out frequently for walks and exercise but kept inside the rest of the time. Dogs and cats are social animals who crave human companionship. Your animal companions deserve to live indoors with you and your family. Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold. The animal can freeze to death. Of course, do not leave animals, or children, in cars during very warm weather either. For more pet related articles and pet safety tips for every occasion visit ASPCA on-line: www,aspca.org and the Humane Society of the United States on-line: wwwhsus.org

Cold Weather Protection Tips

October 2009 Page 6

Before, during and after walks and outdoor exercise: * Coats and booties can help your dog stay warm. In particular, short-haired or elderly dogs benefit from wearing a coat or sweater. Look for coats or sweaters with high collars or a turtleneck that covers the dog from the base of the tail on top to the belly underneath.

* Remember to be very careful with sick or older dogs, since they are more sensitive to cold weather. For any dog sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take them outdoors only to relieve themselves.

* Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If necessary, paper-train your puppy inside if he or she appears to be sensitive to the weather. * Clip the fur between toe pads to reduce the amount of snow that collects between toes. * To help protect dry, sensitive paws, try coating them with a bit of cooking spray before walks in very cold weather. There are also many paw balms on the market to protect dog’s feet from chemicals and ice. * During deep snows, shovel out a potty spot for your dog. * Upon returning home, wipe snow and ice off your dog's feet, legs and belly. Little ice cubes can form in the sensitive spaces between the toes and toe-pads. Remove the ice carefully with your fingers since it may cling to the hairs

Cold Weather Walks

Cold Weather Walks

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between the paws. Wiping off your dog will remove any salt, antifreeze or other harmful chemicals that she could ingest them when licking her paws. *Consider keeping a container of warm water and cloths by the door for use after walks. It is good to rinse the paws before you wipe them dry, because lime rock salt and calcium chloride salt can irritate the foot pads and cause vomiting and diarrhea when licked. Dunking in the water will also dissolve ice and remove mud. * Many de-icing and ice-melting products are toxic. Read the labels of any projects you use, and store these products in tight containers. * Even brief exposure to sub-zero temperatures can lead to frostbite of the feet, nose or ears. Frost-bitten skin appears red, gray or whitish and may peel off. Prevent frostbite by removing ice and snow from paws and fur right away. If you suspect frostbite, take your pet to a warm place and thaw out frostbitten areas slowly by applying warm, moist towels. Change them frequently. Continue until the affected areas become flushed. Then contact a veterinarian for further care. * Do not be tempted to let dogs off leash in snow or ice. Canines often lose their scent in cold weather and can become lost. Dogs also can panic in snow storms and run away. The decreased daylight does not help either. More dogs are reported lost during the winter than any other season, so always keep dogs on leash when outside a fully fenced yard and make sure yours always wears proper identification.

Winter Dog Care * Brush your dog vigorously and regularly. The air in most houses becomes dry during the colder months, which depletes moisture from dog skin and fur. Brushing improves skin, coat and circulation.

* A thick-coated dog typically needs grooming in cold weather. The fur can get wet and matted, making it an irritant. Clean fur lofts and holds air in a manner similar to layering clothes, thus helping the animal stay warm.

* Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter. Leave the coat longer for more warmth. When you bathe your dog, completely dry the fur before going out for a walk. * Use fatty acid supplements during the winter, ideally starting several weeks before cold weather sets in, to help skin and coat. * If your dog engages in a lot of outdoor activities, increase the food supply to help keep a thick and healthy coat. * Keep a winter survival kit in your car. Include blankets, towels, water, bowl, first aid kit, and a sign indicating that there is a dog in the car. * To avoid injuries, hypothermia and drowning, don't let dogs or kids venture onto frozen ponds. * If your dog falls through ice into water, heed this guidance about drowning from Dr. Stefanie Schwartz, Dog Fancy writer and author of First Aid for Dogs: If the dog is limp, unconscious or unresponsive, wrap him in a towel. Keep the neck and back immobilized to avoid aggravation of possible spinal injury. Place the dog on a flat board for transporting. If the dog is not breathing, lay her on flat on his right side. Make several quick compressions to his chest to expel water, then feel for a heartbeat just behind the left elbow. If there's a heartbeat, but the dog is still not breathing, check the back of his throat for obstructions.

October 2009 Page 8

Winter Dog Care

Pet Buddy News Page 9

If you feel no obstruction, close the dog's muzzle by firmly encircling it with your hand. Put the dog's tongue in his mouth first so he doesn't bite it. Then, blow into his nose. Adjust the force of your breath to the size of dog. Watch for rise of his chest, and keep checking for a heartbeat. If you can't feel a heartbeat, make one or two quick firm compressions on the chest wall with both of your palms flat on top of each other, and begin artificial respiration. Blow about 15 breaths followed by a chest compression. Continue until the dog regains consciousness, respiration and heartbeat return, or until emergency assistance takes over. After-Hours Emergencies When accidents happen during weekdays, we can race to the vet. At night or

on weekends, you will have to transport your pet to the nearest facility offering emergency services. Ask your family veterinarian where he or she refers after-hours emergency cases. Make note of the number and address and post it where any family member (or pet care provider) can locate it

quickly. To learn more about Pet First Aid visit: www.redcrosstc.org Pet First Aid training is available through the American Red Cross. There is also a local business in Bloomington, run by Shelly Jean Newberg called “Own Your Pets Life” that also offers training. You can get a coupon on her website:

www.ownyourpetslife.com

For more articles about dogs visit the Dog Channel on-line at: www.dogfancy.com