Our Petit Year in Review: 2018

Another year is coming to a close, and so far December 2018 has been a typical ebb and flow of warm and cool weather here in New Orleans - unlike last year when we experienced an early hard freeze that seemed to have set the stage for an unprecedented two more in the weeks that followed. It was a long cold winter, and we were more than happy to see the arrival of spring.

This time of the year, the arrival of cold weather always brings us back to the question of "How cold is too cold for pets?" as well as "Does my pet need a sweater?" In our "Yes, It's Winter," post at the beginning of 2018 we discussed the best way to help your fur baby stay warm and cozy indoors when you're away from home.

Our client, Rufus, was all set for the cooler weather in his cute vest on a recent walk with Christy.

When it comes to pets in cold weather outdoors (think 40 degrees), it's always better to err on the side of caution. Senior pets, those that are short-haired, very thin or small-breed animals, and especially pets without an undercoat, are all more susceptible to feeling the cold. A light layer or even just a set of booties may be enough, but keep in mind that in New Orleans cold temperatures are often accompanied by wet weather so be sure you're BFF's winter wardrobe includes rain gear as well.

With January and Twelfth Night just around the corner many Nola locals are already thinking ahead to Mardi Gras, which in 2019 occurs in the first week of March. (Keep an eye out for PPC's Christy marching with the Pussyfooters throughout parade season!) If your fur baby needs inspiration for their Fat Tuesday costume, be sure to see our Pinterest board, Because It's New Orleans.

As we look ahead to 2019, we'd like to remind everyone that holiday fireworks (and other loud bangs) are extremely loud and upsetting when your hearing is significantly more sensitive than that of a human's. Dogs and cats can both hear sounds occurring at higher frequencies than people and from further distances. To help your companion animal make it through firecracker season, try giving them a calming soundtrack in the form of soothing music or "white noise," keep windows and doors closed and covered, and be sure to see our holiday hints Pinterest board for additional ideas.

Continuing our recap of 2018, in February on the blog, we introduced you to a number of useful apps to help pet parents plan play dates and manage health and first aid issues. We hope having this information readily at your fingertips has helped alleviate worry, answer questions, and even find new friends.

In March, we realized we'd missed one app when we covered the very important subject of Lost Pets and the resources for locating them. While we we hope you never experience the pain and stress of having a pet go missing, we hope the resources provided in that post will prove to be invaluable if you ever need them.

Of course in April we would have been remiss if we hadn't reminded our readers of all the great benefits there are in hiring an In-Home Pet Sitter.

Our client, Olive, taking advantage of Petit Pet Care's taxi service for established clients.

We also hope you found our pre-summer blog post informative and helpful in getting prepared for everything warmer weather brings this past May, including and especially the threats posed by insect pests and parasites. (Did you know it was possible for heartworms to be transmitted to humans?) Of course as summer progresses and the heat wages on there are additional concerns as noted in our July post, Survival Of The Furriest.

Our clients, Pizza and Sunny, enjoying looking outdoors on a nice day behind the protection of a security door.

Special needs pets have become our forte here at Petit Pet Care. A number of our clients require medication that has to be given during the workday while their humans are away from home. In our two-part series in September and October, we introduced you some of our friends who require a little extra care and discussed their specific needs.

Our client, Ramona, gets her hyperthyroid medicine in a blob of cat food.

It has been our absolute pleasure this year to continue to be the "loving care when you're not there" for all of our Nola extended pet family. We understand how stressful it can be to have to be away from your babies for extended periods when work and other commitments keep you apart from them. We are thankful for the trust you have put in us over the past six years.



See also:

Nola's House Call Veterinarians

In Case of Emergency - Pet First Aid

June Means Hurricane Season: Are you Prepared?

Pet Microchips: What You Need to Know

As Autumn Approaches

It's that time of year in New Orleans when everyone has had enough of summer and is ready for the drier air September brings that allows you to sit outside with an adult beverage and enjoy the cool of evening. Though autumn doesn't officially begin until the 22nd of the month, events in August such as the start of football season and schools being back in session herald an end to feelings of quantum lethargy, and give way to a budding excitement for all the fun festivity of fall activities.

Our client, Action Jackson, chillin' in the shade.

Changing seasons means a change in routines. Pet parents should plan ahead now for what this means for fur babies. The return of football season, holidays, and the end of Daylight Savings time all have an impact on day to day routines which affects your BFF's schedule, and let's face it - dogs and cats are all about their schedule. In spite of not being able to tell time via a clock, they know when it's time to eat and when it's time to go out, and they expect your full cooperation.

If football season means get-togethers in your home, you'll want to be sure gatherings are pet proof and guests are mindful of the house rules. While small amounts of some people food might occasionally be okay for your four-legged friend, booze and party snacks definitely are not. When entertaining always make sure that all trash is disposed of properly where curious fur babies can't get into it.

Our client, Toby ready for a scratch.

As the season changes, pet health and safety concerns do as well. Autumn is the height of flea season, and ticks are still active also (not to mention mosquitoes...), so vigilance with prevention is an absolute necessity. While skin allergies are more common for cats and dogs, nasal allergies are also a possibility from irritants like fall ragweed and even mold. Be mindful of potential hazards during outdoor activities and remember that acorns are toxic for dogs.

Fall is the season of pumpkins, the human food that is not only safe for dogs, but a great low-calorie, source of nutrition that is high in fiber. (Dogs need to be regular too!) If using a canned version though, stay away from the stuff sold for making pies.

August 29th was the 13th anniversary of hurricane Katrina. We've been fortunate not to be impacted by any storms thus far this year , but we're now entering what's known as the most active part of the season so it's important to still have supplies and an action plan in place that includes your pet. For a reminder of what you need see our previous post, June Means Hurricane Season - Are You Prepared?

Our client, Olive, completely content.

Of course fall also brings shorter days and ultimately the end of daylight savings. Whether your pet is spending time outdoors with you or your friendly neighborhood pet sitter, make sure they (and you) have some reflective gear that can be seen in the dark.

As the weather changes and as the holidays approach, always be sure to keep the comfort food away from your four-legged kids. Fatty foods aren't good for fur babies period. There's a belief that as the weather gets cooler pets need more food. Make sure you talk to your vet about what's appropriate for your dog or cats activity level.

Also see our previous posts:

Fall Pet Health in Safety,

September, Cooler Temps, and Safe Pet Travel


Useful Links

Natural Supplements for Dogs With Itchy Skin

Toxins to be Aware of This Fall

 Having Happy Holidays