Getting Ready to Spring Into the Nola Summer

With just a few weeks left of calendar spring in New Orleans, it's time to talk about one of our least favorite subjects, the return of hot and humid weather and the health concerns that come along with it for you and your pets.

Our client, Sadie, chilling safely indoors.

We seem to have a catch 22 situation going on here in the Crescent City when it comes to our weather; either conditions are too wet - which means lots of mold and ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, or too dry - meaning hot, humid, and without rain. Both these situations are prime conditions for allergens and other health concerns, including and especially fleas.

Even if your fur baby doesn't spend prolonged time outdoors in leafy or grassy areas, chances are you do - and that could mean picking up a hitchhiker in the form of a flea or tick when walking through or brushing up against tall grass or weeds. All it takes is one, and if eggs get inside the house...

Flea bites are a top cause of allergic reactions in pets, and if unchecked can lead to other problems such as dermatitis or even infection. Because bites are not easy to spot on companion animals it's important to check your pets regularly (see the link below), especially if you see an increase in licking, biting or scratching at their skin. Don't forget - fleas can also spread tapeworms so it's important to be vigilant!

Our client, Olive, enjoying some time in the yard.

Hot weather and more mosquitoes mean an increased potential for heartworms. Just because your fur baby stays indoors it doesn't mean they aren't at risk. Every time you enter or exit your home, bring in groceries or packages, hold the door open for a guest... mosquitoes have an excellent opportunity to slip inside - even in a multi-story apartment building. While cats are considered more resistant to heartworm than dogs, not only can they get it, they can develop serious lung issues from it. Worst of all, there is no heartworm treatment for cats.

According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) there are more than 70 species of mosquitoes capable of transmitting heartworms, and believe it or not, people can be infected as well. Even though like cats, incidents of heartworms in humans is way less than in dogs, multi-pet households will do well to take preventive measures.

Heartworm facts; click for enlarged view 

Since mosquitoes can transmit serious diseases to humans as well, you'll want to do everything you can to discourage them from visiting your home, but take care using repellent sprays and lotions. The last thing you want is for your fur baby to become a victim of accidental poisoning.

Ticks may not be as big of a threat to indoor animals as fleas and mosquitoes, but they are still of concern to every pet parent of a dog, especially those who take their BFF on outings such as hikes and camping trips. In addition to Lyme disease, ticks carry bacteria that can lead to other illness, and it's possible for a single tick to infect a human or animal - including non-canines - with more than one disease.

Tick populations continue to increase and the CAPC is predicting higher than normal incidents of Lyme Disease for this year. Fortunately there was only one positive case found in Orleans last year, (none so far this year) but the disease was found in a couple surrounding parishes so keep that in mind if planning a hike, camping trip, or other outdoor adventure.

The 2018 CAPC Lyme and Heartworm Disease forecasts. 

Other biting and sucking insects of potential concern to pet parents include lice and mites. Though generally less common of a problem than fleas and ticks, these critters can come into the home as hitchhikers or slip in through cracks on their own. Their effects range from skin irritation to the causing of diseases and transmitting tapeworms.

Our curious clients, Pizza and Sonny, peering outdoors. 

It should be noted that parasitic diseases can be passed on to us accidentally by our own pets as well as strays and ferals through contact with garden soil and sand boxes. Click this link to learn more about two prevalent parasitic U.S. diseases.

Things to remember:

--Use a heartworm, flea & tick preventative monthly to protect your dog or cat. If one brand isn't working try a different one. Talk to your vet about which treatment is right for you pet. The prescription brands, while more expensive, are usually the most effective and safe. 

--Keep pets clean and healthy to lessen their risk of exposure, and never bring a bird's nest found outdoors into the home.

--If your pet is scratching a lot, repeatedly licking and chewing its paws, don't just blow it off; have a look - even if they are not suffering from a parasite reaction/infestation it be sign of an allergy.

--Make your yard less hospitable to ticks by keeping the grass cut and keeping weeds under control.

--By the way, all those feral chickens roaming around the city? They could be carrying bird mites.

--If you live in an apartment building pests can spread to your home from other units.

--While many allergies are seasonal for both pets and people, your fur baby can experience year round symptoms.

--Anything you put on your skin, from sunscreen to mosquito repellent, can end up on your pets as well and even potentially in their mouths.



See also:

Spring Has Sprung

The Heat is On

Springtime Pet Care



Useful Links:

Spring Health Tips

ASPCA's Hot Weather Safety Tips

Favorite Hiding Places of Fleas and Ticks

What Does a Flea Bite Look Like?

5 Ways Indoor Cats Can Get Fleas or Ticks

7 Ways to Mosquito-Proof Your Apartment

Pet Microchips: What You Need to Know

August 15 is National Check The Chip Day, so this month on the Petit Pet Care blog we're providing you with the information you need about pet microchipping. If your fur baby already has a chip, now is the time to be sure your registry info is up to date. If your four-legged (or feathered) family member doesn't yet have a chip, read on - there are a number of good reasons for you to consider getting one.

It's a pet parent's worse nightmare - a fur baby gone missing. No one wants to ever be in that position and yet thousands of families experience this heartbreak every year; in fact, it is estimated that somewhere a pet is lost every seven seconds. Thankfully, technology has a solution that can help return lost animals safely to their homes.

A door or gate left ajar, even an open car window can provide an easy escape for a curious pet to dart out and to take off - usually to give chase after another animal, and end up well away from home. All it takes is a split second when no one is looking for a beloved family pet to slip out of eyesight or even be snatched up by someone.

Heartbreaking, stressful, traumatic, frightening, and yet preventable. Microchips are implantable computer chips that transmit an encoded number to a special scanner that allows a pet to be easily identified. They take moments to insert under the skin and last for the lifetime of your pet.

While many have questioned the health safety to animals of microchipping, it is a widely held belief in the veterinary medical community that the risk of cancer from chip implantation is "very, very low," and that the benefits outweigh the risks.

The process is quick and fairly simple; a vet places a tiny microchip about the size of a grain of rice under the animal's skin with a needle. It should  not cause your pet any more pain than receiving a vaccine. After implantation, you register the chip, which contains a special digital number that can be used to identify your pet and obtain your contact information.

Here's a great video from ExpertVillage with Jenn Fadal explaining all about the microchipping process:

According to the ASPCA, lost cats are less likely to be found than dogs. In a study conducted by the agency, it was determined that 15 percent of found dogs had been located through their implanted chips. Microchip ID Systems, Inc. claims that over 38 percent of cats and and 52 percent of dogs in shelters found to have chips have been reunited with their caregivers.

Dogs and cats are not the only animals which can be microchipped. Fish, ferrets, horses, alpacas, birds, even laboratory and zoo animals such as elephants and snakes can and do get chipped. If you travel with your companion animal(s) regularly, you will more than likely want to get them implanted with a microchip. In some countries, it is actually now a requirement that animals be chipped.

More and more, microchips are becoming an important identification tool for pet parents. Collars break, tags get lost, but chips are long lasting and the cost has gone down (on average around $10), making them more affordable. Chips are quickly becoming an essential part of disaster preparedness as well.

While chips and scanners can be purchased online, implanting them is not something that can or should be done casually. Believe it or not, anyone can learn in a brief online course how to implant a microchip. However, the only way to be sure a chip is implanted properly - and therefore will not migrate or cause problems - is to have it done by a vet or properly trained shelter personnel.

Because your fur baby's safety is paramount, always ask about credentials, and always choose an experienced hand. An improperly implanted chip can be difficult to get a read from in addition to causing unwanted medical problems. And again, once a chip is implanted it absolutely must be registered.

Microchips do not replace collars and tags, and most importantly they are not lowjack. They don't work with GPS, but they can interact with pet doors and feeding dishes to allow pets a little more independence.

If ever you misplace your microchip paperwork or number, all you will need to do is have your vet scan the chip to recover the digital ID number. You can then input the number in the online lookup tool for a national registry such as AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup to find out which company your chip is registered with. Note that you will have to contact that company directly.

While most shelters now have universal scanners to detect the three main chip frequencies commonly used in the United States, it is still possible for there to be an error reading a chip. Microchips are built to last 25 years, but like all things, it's possible for them to fail and that is how "Check the Chip Day" came about.

In New Orleans, the Louisiana SPCA is holding a Walk-in Microchip Clinic on Saturday, August 19, 2017, from 12-4 pm. They will implant chips for $10 or scan existing chips free of charge. If you would like more information on the clinic, you can visit the Facebook Event, or call 504-368-5191.

Even though microchips are an important means of protecting your four legged family member, a collar is still the best way for someone to identify that he or she belongs to someone should s/he somehow get away from you. And while a chip is one important tool in your toolbox, it should be noted that merely having a chip does not provide proof of ownership of an animal.

Useful Links:

Microchipping 101: Why is it Important to Microchip My Pet?

How Safe Are Pet Microchips?

Do Microchips Migrate?

The Facts About Microchipping Your Dog

Keep Your Microchip's Info Up-to-Date

Bonus Benefits of Microchipping Your Pet

Free Pet Chip Registry

HomeAgain National Pet Recovery Database

Frolic Under the Oaks: New Orleans City Bark

Continuing with our spotlight on New Orleans' dog parks, this month we're taking you on a visit to Nola's largest dedicated, off-leash, canine space, City Bark.

Modern dog culture is steadily transforming the way people live with their animals, and New Orleans is no exception. Over the last decade, the city has seen a significant rise in dog accessible venues, and when it comes to dog parks, City Bark is top notch.

Prior to hurricane Katrina, there were a number of unofficial spaces that people were using to exercise their animals off-leash, but only a few of these were actually fenced in, and many lacked any type of significant amenities. In addition, the use of these unofficial spaces was often a source of tension for surrounding neighborhoods.

Seven years after the storm, city officials made a commitment to create several new dog parks and runs throughout the area. That plan was scaled back to half, however, and only a fraction have actually been realized, the first being the Wisner Dog Run uptown on Laurel Street, which we featured on the blog in November of 2015, and the second being The Crescent Dog Run in Bywater/Marigny, which we told you about this past summer.

Fast forward to 2017, and the city now boasts four sanctioned off-leash dog parks (with number four being Little Paws downtown, which we posted about on the blog this past November), with hopefully a few more on the way.

New Orleans is a gorgeous city with plenty of green spaces, and as parks go, City Park - the home of City Bark - is as lush as they come. Sitting on a 4.6 acre plot of land just off Zachary Taylor Drive on the Marconi side of the park, City Bark first opened it's gates in 2010. Since then, it's been voted the favorite dog park in the city (though to be fair, there isn't much competition), and upon visiting it's easy to see why.

Unlike the city's three other existing dog parks/runs, however, entrance to City Bark requires a keycard. This security measure limits who can enter the park at any given time, as in order to obtain a card, you must first purchase an annual permit from the office in order to use the facility, and in order to obtain a permit, your dog(s) must be properly vaccinated as well as spayed/neutered.

While the permits are good for a full year, keep in mind that it's a fiscal year with a calendar end date of March 1. If you'd like to check out City Bark with your fur baby and are not sure you want to spend the $48 on the permit  ($53 for two or three dogs), you can get a temporary two-week pass for $15.

Hours for permit registration and pick up are 8 am through 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday. The office is located at 1 Palm Drive in the City Park administration building, which is just across the 610 expressway from the dog park (near Tad Gormley Stadium).

Signage stating dog park rules is clearly posted on both the front and side gates, as well as park etiquette and operating hours. It's a good idea to read City Bark's Safety Information page before visiting the park for the first time, as it has some great tips such as the best way to enter the park and what to do if other dogs are near the entry gates. It might also be prudent to have the dog park coordinator's telephone number handy (504-483-9377) in case of an incident.

Once inside the gate, you'll notice there is ample shade in the park for when you and your BFF find yourselves needing to take a break from the sun via the many trees and the large shade pavilions. There are also wading pools and a hydrant fountain for cooling off.

The very spacious park has plenty of grass with room for dogs to romp, roam, and run, including graded areas which allow for running uphill. All dogs inside the fence are expected to be off-leash so you'll want to teach your dog appropriate ways of interacting with other canines.

City Bark has a separate fenced in area about the size of a dog run specifically for small dogs under 25 lbs. The entrance to the smaller section is on the Diagonal Drive side of the park.

Amenities offered by the park include restrooms, benches, fountains, an agility course, a quarter mile paved walking path, wading pools, a washing off area, and of course, poop bags.

City Bark is open daily from 5:30 am to 9:00 pm year-round, however the park is closed weekly on Tuesday mornings until 1 pm for regular maintenance. The park's Facebook page is updated regularly with information about happenings and accessibility.

Important City Bark Safety Rules:

-- Smoking is NOT allowed

-- No children under the age of 8 years old.

-- Food and drinks are NOT allowed in the park.

-- Minimal cell phone use only.

-- Full attention must be paid to dogs at ALL times.

-- Only three dogs per household allowed at one time.

For the full list of park rules see: 

City Bark Permits and Rules

To stay abreast of updates on the park visit:

City Bark on Facebook

Please note: If you are visiting City Bark from out of town you MUST have a visitor pass to enter the dog park. Information on obtaining a temporary permit can be found here:

Tourist/Temporary Permit

Useful Links:

Yelp Nola City Bark Review Page

5 Tips for Socializing Your Dog

22 Dog Park Etiquette Tips

For more info on dog parks, socializing, and other dog culture topics, be sure to see our Pinterest board, Doggie Domain.

What Your New Orleans Pet Sitter Can Do For You

Our furry family members hold an important place in our lives and taking care of their needs is a top priority. Unfortunately, because many pet parents are forced to spend much of their day away from home due to work and other obligations, their babies are often left unattended for hours on end without entertainment. This is where having a pet sitter to call on can come in handy.

Is your fur baby getting enough quality time? These days most of us have come to realize that having a pet at home involves quite a lot more than just feeding, occasional bathing, and picking up after an animal. We understand that dogs, cats, and other cuddly critters have some of the same need for stimulation that their human caregivers do. They crave attention and affection, and keeping them active is important to both their physical health and emotional well-being.

Our client, Harold, enjoying a good head scratch.

Having an insured pet sitter visit your home at least once a day while you're working ensures that your fur baby avoids boredom - and doesn't engage in destructive behaviors. It will also keep your BFF from being too sedentary - which can lead to obesity and other unwanted health issues.

In New Orleans, Petit Pet Care provides in home service to households with "petit" pets up to 40 lbs. Dog walking services are available in the morning, afternoon or evening, and pet sitting services are provided 7 am to 7 pm all seven days of the week. Insured and bonded, we are members of Pet Sitters Associates, and we're Red Cross certified in dog and cat first aid as well as pet CPR.

Our client, Benson, after returning from a walk.

Many pet parents work full-time jobs and are up and out very early in the morning on weekdays. That can mean a quick let-out in the morning with your pup is all there is time for. Having a professional pet sitter come over to walk and play with your BFF is a great way to make certain he won't have to wait all day to relieve himself again, and he'll get to have fun and even enjoy some beneficial exercise.

Hiring an in-home caregiver is an especially good idea for those living in apartment buildings without the benefit of a real back yard. Your New Orleans pet sitter can pick up your dog while you're at work and take him to City Bark or one of the other local off-leash dog parks for a good tiring out. As everyone knows, a tired dog is a better behaved dog.

Our client, Tillie, looks suspicious because she knows her pill is coming. 

Older pets in particular, and those with special needs, can especially benefit from the personalized care a professional, in-home pet sitter provides. At Petit Pet Care we have experience caring for pets with medical needs and can administer your pet's topical and oral medications, as well as insulin injections.

In-home pet sitting isn't just for when you're at work. In the event that you have to travel, in-home sitting offers a number of advantages over boarding. Your fur baby gets to stick to her routine in her own familiar surroundings where she's most comfortable and be a lot less stressed while you're away. In addition, you get the peace of mind of knowing she won't be exposed to any of the potential risks that can come with kenneling.

Our client, Olive, taking advantage of pet taxi service.

Petite Pet Care doesn't do pack walks; that means your pet gets our full attention. We also provide additional services for our established clients such as pet taxi and lockout assistance. On extended sits we also bring in mail, water plants and will turn lights on and off as needed.

For more information on our dog walking and pet sitting services please visit our web site.

Useful links:

The Benefits of Hiring a Pet Sitter

What to Expect From Professional Pet Sitters

Choosing a Pet Sitter

Why Your NOLA Dog Might Need Additional Walking

One of the great things about New Orleans is that it is green year round, which makes it a great place to walk with your dog. From our gorgeous, oak-lined avenues and grassy "neutral grounds" to our large lush parks, the city provides a wealth of places to get out and give our four-legged best friends a little fun and some exercise.

Parks are a good place to walk because they usually have lots of shade.

Parenting a dog is a lot of responsibility, possibly even more so than raising a human child. Dogs have needs that are not always obvious, and unlike human children, they do not become more independent with age. Properly addressing your dog's needs will ensure you have a healthy, happy, and well-behaved pet.

In providing for their quality of life it's important to make sure that dogs have proper nutrition and daily exercise, as well as mental stimulation. In our previous blog post on Play Time we mentioned some of our favorite toys for entertaining and exercising pets. This month we are focused specifically on dog walking.

One of dog walk clients, Reilly ready to get going.

Many people think of dog walking merely as a time for their pet to "do it's business," and some dogs are actually quite particular about their elimination and won't "go" in their own yards. A quick trip around the block or short stroll through the neighborhood may be the extent of the dog's daily exercise.

Many of us lead busy lives. As a result, some dogs may be let out into the yard while their parent gets ready for work and only walked in the evenings. This may be okay for older dogs or low activity breeds, but most dogs will need a bit more time out of the house, not just for walking, but to explore and play a bit.

Here's our client, Lizzy happily rolling in the grass along Bayou St. John.

While taking a stroll is great exercise for both you and your dog, the benefits of daily walks also include mental stimulation and better socialization. Walk time is also an opportunity to have your dog practice desired behaviors like sitting and calmly waiting for further instructions (or a treat!), as well as how to interact appropriately with other dogs or people.

So how much time should it take? Celebrity Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan recommends setting aside thirty minutes to an hour in the morning for a walk. (Don't have 30-60 minutes in the morning? That's where Petit Pet Care comes in!) Of course the timing and frequency will depend on the age and breed of the dog.

Puppies and young dogs have a lot of energy and getting them out of the house for a stimulating walk keeps them from getting bored or engaging in destructive or otherwise unwanted behaviors. Some dog breeds, regardless of age, such as terriers and those bred for herding need more time outside than others to burn excess energy. These dogs could need up to 60 or even 90 minutes of exercise per day.

Our client, Max on a walk in Uptown New Orleans.

If your dog needs a little more time to burn off energy than a thirty minute walk can provide, you can bring along a favorite fetch toy to throw for them to retrieve. Be sure to bring along a bottle of water and a drinking bowl for your BFF to rehydrate. Also, vary the route of your walk; dogs like a little variety just like people do.

It's important to remember that the physical activity you choose for your dog needs to be appropriate to it's size, age, and breed. While many small breed dogs are prone to obesity, they just aren't made for trotting along beside you on your crosstown bike ride or 20 mile run. If your dog's recommended activity level doesn't match yours, you may want to hire a dog walker. (Fortunately, we can help you out with that!)

***

As we approach the official start of summer (and hurricane season) we want to remind you to take extra care with all your pets now that The Heat Is On!


For more information on walking and it's benefits to your dog as well as activity needs by breed, see the links below:

The Importance of Walking Your Dog

How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?

Exercising With Your Dog 101

Exercise Needs (by dog breed)

Dog Breeds Prone to Obesity

Play Time 2016 - Some of Our Favorite Pet Toys

Our pets provide us with countless hours of entertainment as well as a wealth of unconditional love and affection. They are members of the family with their own personalities, and as such we dote on them as if they were human children. Just like human children they tend to have an ever increasing collection of toys in order to keep them busy when we're away, or with which to have fun with us and other members of the family.

Pet toys have come a long way from the random fetching sticks and tennis balls used by previous generations of pet owners. Today's dogs have a variety of assorted toys to play with ranging from stuffies to cuddle with to active toys such as tug ropes, and even other toys to prevent boredom and keep them active when they're home alone.

The photo above is shows one of our canine clients, Jerry Lee, with his Kong, a chew-friendly rubber toy that holds treats (and we know how much dogs love treats). These are great toys to have as the dog has to work a little to get to the treat. Kong toys come in different shapes and sizes, though the Classic is the most popular.

If you put peanut butter inside the Kong, it can keep him or her busy for hours -- perfect for when you're headed out to work or plan to be away from home for a few hours. Just be sure to choose the right size Kong for your dog, it's important that it not be too big or too small. Like any other toy, if it's too small it could present a choking hazard for your dog; likewise, a toy this is too large could frustrate your dog or possibly even cause them to be injured.

Jerry Lee LOVES his Kong! He carries it around with him, and he's learned that if he pushes it off the couch, sometimes a treat will pop out!

Contrary to popular belief, not all dogs like to fetch. For dogs who do, it's a great bonding exercise that helps to work off excess energy. The photo just above shows our canine client Max and one of our favorite toys for active play, the Chuckit! ball launcher. The great thing about this low-tech gadget is that it allows you to throw farther, and then you don't have to pick up a dirty, slobbery ball with your hand when it's time to throw again. Also, we prefer rubber balls to fuzzy tennis balls; they throw and roll farther, and wash off easier, and come in different sizes. We also find that dogs prefer the rubber balls over tennis balls as well.

When it comes to play time and cats there's one tried and true item that never seems to fail - the laser pointer. For some reason cats just go crazy trying to catch that little red spot on the floor, and it's hilarious to watch them try. As most pet parents already know, cats will pounce on just about anything that moves, including a foot under the covers. As well, anything that dangles, from the cords to our electronics and appliances, to fringe on anything, or even stray shoe strings, to them is fair game.

While we want our kitties to have fun and keep themselves occupied, we also want them to be safe and healthy at play. As much as cats love any kind of string, balls of yarn (or rubber bands or anything that frays) are a bad idea. If swallowed, yarn can get stuck in their intestines, and if tangled in their claws... ouch!

Above is one of our kitty clients, Harold, with an assortment of cat toys for interactive and individual play. It's important to remember that not all cats will take to all toys; while kittens will play with practically anything, older cats tend to be more discerning. We find Feather Flips to be a real favorite; they are soft and throw well, and cats seem to like the feathers. Feather teasers are also popular. They allow you to play with your cat and avoid being accidentally scratched.

On some levels, when it comes to toys cats are easy to please. Many are happy pouncing on an empty paper towel tube and others will play with wadded up newspaper. Some cats will even play fetch if they have a favorite toy they can chase when rolled or tossed.

Playtime isn't just about keeping your pet (or yourself) entertained. It's an important part of keeping them fit and healthy and providing necessary daily stimulation.


Petit Pet Care Important Pet Toy Tips:

--There should be a variety of toys for solo play as well as for interacting.
--Always make sure toy size and texture are appropriate.

--Regularly inspect all toys to make sure there are no tears or loose parts your pet could swallow.

--Cats and yarn is a big no no.

Remember that ALL pets need toys to provide mental and physical stimulation and alleviate boredom, not just cats and dogs. Ferrets, rabbits, birds, turtles, hamsters...

Visit our Playtime Pinterest board for links to playtime ideas and pictures of some of our furry friends at play with their favorite toys.


More Pet Playtime Resources:

6 Steps to Teaching Your Dog to Fetch

Dog Toys: How to Pick the Best and Safest

Games to Play With Your Cat

My Furry Valentine

February in New Orleans is the height of sweet decadent indulgence. First, it's carnival season, and then of course there is Valentine's Day smack dab in the middle of the month. That means after we've consumed our weight in all the delicious (ever-growing) varieties of king cake, those who haven't given up sugar for lent (pshaw!) get started in on the delicious delights of chocolate and all manner of other sugary treats. (We need something to tide us over until Easter, right?)

The problem is, all this decadent delight is dangerous to our furry, four-legged family members. While some baked goods are perfectly acceptable for pets, those containing certain fruits are not. Grapes, raisins, and currants, for instance, can cause kidney failure in dogs, cats, and ferrets. Of course any baked goods containing chocolate such as cookies or brownies are a definite no-no. What makes chocolate toxic to dogs? The same thing that can make it potentially toxic to humans if too much is consumed.

Chocolate contains theobromine, a cardiac stimulant and diuretic. which can have some health benefit to humans, as long as we don't over do it. (Note: While it takes a lot of chocolate, like 100 g, too much theobromine can cause sweating, trembling, severe headache, nausea and anorexia in humans.) Chocolate also contains high amounts of fats (as do nuts!) which can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and possibly even pancreatitis.

While it isn't technically a poison, and toxicity depends entirely on the size of your pet, animals are much more sensitive to the effects of caffeine and theobromine than their human companions, and it's better to be safe than sorry.

It's good to remember the darker the chocolate, the larger the amount of theobromine, and while milk and "white" chocolate contain lesser amounts, they still aren't healthy for your pet, so be sure not to leave any of your Valentine goodies lying about where animals can get to them.

Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in gum, candies, and some baked goods, is even more toxic to dogs than chocolate. It can cause the release of  insulin, leading to liver failure, and higher insulin levels can also lead to hypoglycemia. According to Preventive Vet, Xylitol poisoning cases are on the rise, so much so that the FDA issued a warning in 2011 about the danger.

Note: Xylitol is also used to sweeten some peanut butters, so be sure to read the label before giving your pet any of this popular treat.

Other potential Valentine pet hazards include flowers, candles, cocktails and other alcoholic beverages, as well as decorations. Lilies in particular are toxic to cats, as are tulips and other bulbs, and thorns on roses can present problems to paws or injure the mouths of pets that like to chew. Make sure roses have had the thorns removed (petals are okay) and see Teleflora's list of pet-friendly flowers so see which ones are safe for pets.

Each year the ASPCA's poison control experts see a rise in cases around Valentine's Day, where well meaning pet parents have not realized that something harmful, usually lilies or chocolates, was not kept out of reach of Fido or Fluffy. While you and your sweetie are celebrating the season of love don't forget about the other love(s) of your life! Keep pets away from chocolate and other harmful substances! If your pet has consumed something potential harmful, call the ASPCA Poison Control Center Hotline (24hr) 1-888-426-4435 or call or visit your vet right away.


Useful Links:

ASPCA Valentine's Day Safety Tips

Pet-Friendly Flowers and Plants

The Curious (Toxic) Chemistry of Chocolate

5 Valentine's Tips All Pet Families Need to Know

Dog Chocolate Toxicity Meter

Lily Toxicity in Cats

Xylitol: The "Sugar Free" Sweetener Your Dog NEEDS You to Know About

Gearing up for Mardi Gras

Mardi gras Countdown

Oh, because it's carnival time... If you're from New Orleans, you not only know what that means, you're likely singing the rest of that phrase in your head right at this moment. If you're not, you're about to find out just what you've gotten yourself into coming to this strange place with the crazy weather, where people live for any opportunity to dress up. In costume, that is.

Yes, that time has come again. The holidays are finally over, King Cakes are on the shelves, and all over the city people have started scrounging around thrift stores and garage sales (if they weren't already) looking for all manner of items and garments to incorporate into their 2016 Mardi Gras Costumes.

Shrove Tuesday, Fat Tuesday, whatever you choose to call it, the period between Epiphany (Twelfth Night) and the beginning of lent (Ash Wednesday) has been celebrated in some form or fashion for hundreds of years, and New Orleanians take this particular party very seriously. Naturally, our pets are not exempt from this annual festival of spectacle.

In fact, twenty-three years ago, Mardi Gras went to the dogs. That's when the Mystic Krewe of Barkus was conceived one fine autumn day in a French Quarter bar. The almost all-canine carnival club parades through the French Quarter with a different theme each year. (This year it's "From the dog house to White House.")

King Barkus 2016

Photo borrowed from the Barkus Facebook page

There are two other canine krewe parades in the metro area; the Krewe de Paws of Olde Town in Slidell, and the Mystic Krewe of Mardi Paws in Mandeville, though technically Mardi Paws will roll on Valentine's Day 2016, five days after carnival. It isn't all just fun and games; all three krewes are dedicated to fundraising efforts, and anyone can register their pet and walk as an escort in the parades. (Click one of the krewe links for more details.)

Just as with humans, not all animal krewes hold a parade. Such is the case with the Krewe of Endymeow. The annual Bal Masque (marking 14 years this season) is by invitation, but to snag one you merely have to email a photo of your furry feline family member in their "finest Mardi Gras regalia." Your pet might even be chosen for the royal court!

If you're stumped for your pet's costume this year, take a look at these photos from our Because It's New Orleans Pinterest board:

Unfortunately, the rest of Mardi Gras overall is for humans only. A 2015 blog post from BestofNewOlreans.com specifically mentions reptiles not being allowed within 200 feet of a parade, and not along the parade route either two hours before or after a parade rolls. Dogs are also not allowed within 200 feet and can not be on the route one hour before or after a parade. It doesn't mention other animals, but we can assume these rules extend to all pets. Besides, why stress them out with the huge crowds and craziness?

It goes without saying that Fido and Fluffy need to be kept away from the king cake, but there are other potential dangers pet parents need to keep in mind and be sure that kids are aware of. Many Mardi Gras throws present a choking hazard, and according to the Pet Poison Helpline, glow jewelry is poisonous to cats.

There's a lot of partying and drinking that goes on this time of year so be sure no cups are left sitting around with alcohol in them, and ask guests to be mindful as well. If you're prepping for your costume or organizing your supplies for a parade, be sure not to leave loose items around that pets might get into. Also, if you live on or near a parade route make sure your dog gets a walk well in advance of parade time!

Have a safe and happy Mardi Gras!

Helpful links:

2016 Mardi Gras Parade Schedule

Will Biting Into a Glow Stick Make My Pet Sick?

Having a Pet-Friendly Mardi Gras

Winter Pet Care Points

It's December in New Orleans, at least that is what the calendar is telling us. With temperatures creeping into the eighties though, and ridiculously high humidity, some folks may be finding it hard to believe that it is actually winter and not the second coming of August. Of course we all know that cooler air always returns soon enough, and when it does our furry, four-legged friends will need some extra care, just like they do in the height of hot summer months.

Here in the deep south there are a number of safety concerns for busy pet parents in late fall and early winter, ranging from the potential danger posed by popular holiday plants such as poinsettias, to the inescapable chill that comes with the draftiness of old houses. Of course winter pet care and safety will vary somewhat according to the size and breed of your pet, but some of the basics are the same, chief among them being temperature concerns. In general, if it's too cold out for you it's probably too cold for your pet as well which means important precautions are in order.

Does that mean your dog or cat will need a sweater this winter? You might be surprised to learn that many smaller breed dogs and those with shorter hair can actually benefit from wearing sweaters and vests in cold weather. Fortunately in New Orleans snow is a rare occasion, but just like in summer, you also want to be mindful of paws. Pups and kitties coming in contact with frosty pavement can experience a range of issues including chapped paws and itchy skin. Also, frostbite can occur when paws have been submerged in cold water.

We can't say enough about not leaving pets in the car in the heat of summer, but did you know a car can act as a refrigerator in winter? Animals can't keep warm in cold cars despite their coats, and by holding in the cold air your vehicle can actually cause your pet to freeze to death.

When it's cold outside we naturally crank up the heat inside, but this means that drier air conditions indoors can potentially contribute to itchy, flaky pet skin and even too-dry paws (not to mention dry, cracked sinuses for pet parents). Consider keeping a humidifier on hand and check paws regularly to be sure they don't need attention.

Hydration is just as important in the winter as it is in the summer, so always be sure pets have plenty of water to drink. If leaving a water bowl outside for a pet in cold weather, be sure to use a plastic one and not a metal one.

Space heaters and heat lamps are a no-no! Pets can suffer burns if their bodies or tails get too close to flames or heat elements, and if a pet knocks a heater over your home could catch fire. While snow storms and hurricanes are unlikely in New Orleans in the winter, power outages are a real possibility so be sure to plan ahead.

In review:

Don't leave pets outside in freezing temperatures.
Don't leave pets in a cold car.
Don't leave space heaters on for pets.

Do make sure pets have adequate warm shelter when spending time outside.
Do provide beds with sides for both dogs and cats indoors.
Do protect your pet's paws and check them regularly.


For more tips, be sure to see our Pinterest board Winter Pet Safety and Care!


More info:

Frostbite in dogs

8 Tips For Caring For Your Pet This Winter

SPCA Cold Weather Safety Tips

How to Care For Outdoor Cats in Winter

A Glimpse at the Dog Run at Wisner Playground

This month at Petit Pet Care we're taking a run at New Orleans' dog parks. The city currently has three officially sanctioned places for pet parents to let their dogs off the leash to run and play. Two are free to use and the third requires the purchase of an annual permit. Over the next several months we'll discuss the features of each.

Prior to 2010 the city had acquired a number of unofficial spaces from levee banks to public playgrounds, and even empty lots, where people had been bringing their dogs and letting them off the leash to get some exercise. Most of these places, with the exception of the playgrounds, were not fenced in and lacked amenities such as fountains, shade areas, or restrooms, and often their use was the source of much controversy within the surrounding neighborhoods.

Even in places that were fenced in, dogs (and some of their owners) were not particularly welcome for a variety of reasons from trampled playing fields to excess pet waste not being picked up by negligent owners. In 2012 the City of New Orleans announced plans to create as many as twenty official dog parks across the area. One year later, that plan was cut back to ten parks. So far, two have been realized: the dog runs at Wisner Playground uptown, and at Crescent Park in the Bywater, It's the former we are focusing on here.

Located at 4876 Laurel St., the Wisner Dog Run opened in December of 2013, and was the first official place in the city where pet parents could legally let dogs of the leash without paying for an annual permit in order to use it. Prior to this time, the park had been one of those unofficial sites that occasionally was the source of controversy. Fortunately, the park was already slated for renovations, and since it was already being used as an unofficial dog park, area residents were able to successfully advocate for a separate area for dogs to be included in the park upgrades.

With the creation of the 8.500 square foot dog run, (technically, since the area is less than an acre, it isn't considered an actual dog park) the park now has a separate area between the playground and sports fields where does can legally be let off the leash to roam and romp and do their business.

Within that space are benches where pet parents can sit, drinking fountains for dogs and humans, and even complimentary pet waste bags.

Unfortunately, there are no separate areas for large and small dogs at the popular Uptown spot, and while there are some trees planted in the area, there is no real shade, as of 2015. The run isn't well maintained and tends to get muddy when it rains. There are also no restrooms, and children under eight years old are prohibited from the run area.

Puppies under six months are also prohibited, and all dogs visiting the park must be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and wearing collars and tags. There is a limit of three dogs per household visiting the run at one time. No food, (including human) treats or chews allowed, or glass containers, and no smoking, booze, drugs, or firearms as well. Park hours are 6 am to 10 pm. 

UPDATE: Fall 2016
NORDC has stepped up the maintenance of the dog run this year.  Holes have been filled in and crushed rock was added in areas where water pooled, so it doesn't get muddy after it rains. 

Helpful links:

Wisner Dog Park - Facebook

Friends of Wisner Park

NORD/Wisner Playground and Dog Run


More on the Wisner Dog Run:

Uptown Gets First Off-Leash Dog Run

New Orleans' Dog Park Plan

Wisner Dog Run opens signalling new day for dog parks in New Orleans


Important note: Always remember, unless a park is a designated official dog park, leash laws still apply!