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

Handled With Care: Special Needs Pets Part 2

Good pet sitters do a lot more than just feed and clean up behind your pets when you're away from home. They provide comfort, play, exercise, and emotional support, as well as much needed stimulation, and in some instances, administer medication.

In the September Petit Pet Care blog post we delved into The Special Care of Special Needs Pets. This month we're going deeper into the topic, specifically as it pertains to the medications and senior pet needs of some of our own clients.

Our client, Stevie, is fed a special high fiber cat food for issues with hairballs and constipation. His liquid medication, administered every other day, is given to him by mouth with a syringe.

Sometimes managing the care of a special needs pet is easy, such as just making sure they get what they need at a scheduled time, and sometimes it can be challenging such as when a pet resists being given their medication.

Most medication comes in pill form. With dogs you can generally put their pill in some food and they will happily gobble it up. Cats are another story and may require a more creative approach such as hiding their medicine in a pill pocket or crushing their pill into a powder.

Our client, Noelle, a senior kitty, has Intestinal Cancer and requires a steroid pill which she gets in a pill pocket, and chemotherapy that has been compounded into a chew. She also has probiotics mixed into her wet food.

Our client, Jackson, (featured on the blog in August) requires medication for seizures and heart problems. He lives with two other dogs, so medication time becomes treat time for everyone. He gets his pills in a blob of cream cheese, and the other two dogs also get blobs so they don't try to eat his. 

Our client, Tillie has hyperthyroidism*, and because cats have such a fast metabolism requires her medication twice a day. Like many cats, she fights being given a pill and even figured out how to eat the pill pocket and spit out her medicine. As a result her medication has been compounded into a transdermal cream that now gets rubbed into the inside of her ear twice a day.

*Our client, Ramona, pictured in the September blog post, also has hypothyroidism and gets her pill in a blob of cat food.

If you've followed the Petit Pet Care blog for a while, you probably remember our client, Winnie, who gradually lost control over her back legs and bladder. She had to wear special diapers with a hole for her tail indoors and her person got her a set of wheels so she could maintain some mobility.

Having trouble getting your fur kid to take a pill? For dogs Christy recommends hiding it in either peanut butter, cheese, cream cheese, or wet food, especially cat food. For a cat who can be coaxed into letting you open its mouth, try and drop the pill as far back of the mouth as possible, then close the cat's mouth and stroke it's throat to encourage it to swallow. 

If your cat is still uncooperative you can try a pill gun like the one in this You Tube video:

Looking for resources on special needs pets? Check out these links

Caring For a Pet With Special Needs

Choosing a Pet Sitter

Hiring Someone to Watch Over Your Pets?

Want to find out if you are in the Petit Pet Care Service Area? Click Here

The Special Care of Special Needs Pets

This month at Petit Pet Care we're shining the spotlight on special needs pets, those sweet, unconditionally loving companions that require just a little bit more of our time and attention. Medical issues such as diabetes, behavioral issues such as anxiety, even old age, all present a unique challenge in caring for these very special animals.

One of our special needs clients, Ramona.

Once upon a time there were limited options for just about everything from what pets ate to the type of medical care they received. Fortunately, today's modern technology and the many advances in veterinary care mean that our furry, feathered, and finned family members can live longer and enjoy a much better quality of life than pets of the past.

Finding someone to care for your special needs pet when you have to be away from home presents yet another unique challenge. You need someone comfortable with administering medications, able to read body language, identify signs of distress, skilled at calming anxious animals, patient enough to manage potty accidents with compassion... the list goes on.

Senior pets may have issues that make boarding a non-option. Companion animals that require medication need someone patient to drop in on them who isn't squeamish. Dogs are easy; hide the pill in some food and they don't even notice it's there. Cats are a different story; they may require some coaxing, and because of their fast metabolism, those with certain illnesses will likely require a dose of medication during the workday.

Our client, chad who requires an insulin injection twice a day.

Most medication comes in pill form, but some animals may require an injection. At Petit Pet Care we have attended to a variety of special needs animals including Christy's own beloved Gonzo who suffered from cancer and had to have her leg amputated. If you have perused our web site at all you may have read that Christy started pet sitting for others while training to be a Veterinary Technician, and early on worked at Zeus' Place as well. 

Though Christy decided to leave the Vet tech program to be a full time pet sitter, she is pet CPR certified and has a wealth of special needs pet experience including bottle feeding, administering medications in pill form as well as topical creams and injections, pets with dental issues and mobility problems, as well as those with incontinence issues.

Our client, Winnie, had mobility issues and had to wear a diaper indoors.

In-home pet sitters minimize stress for companion animals and provide peace of mind for their pet parents. In New Orleans in particular, where we live with the ongoing threat of storms, flooding,  and the possibility of power outages, having a sitter who can accommodate pets with special needs is a huge bonus for anyone who works long hours or travels often.

At Petit Pet Care we understand a little extra time and effort may be required in taking care of a special needs pet, "Loving care when you're not there," isn't just a slogan. We can also give our established clients a ride to the vet if needed.

For more information on the health, needs and care of special needs pets please visit:

Special Needs Pets
Pet Health and Safety
Senior Pet Central
Pet Adoption, Training, and General Care


Useful links:

Pet Sitter Instructions: What They Need to Know

Understanding the Special in Special Needs Pets

Summer Survival of the Furriest

In case you haven't noticed, summer is here. It's been so far so good with regard to hurricane season, but that good ole NOLA heat and humidity is making it really tough to want to spend more than a very short time outdoors. This month at Petit Pet Care, we're bringing you tips on how to beat the heat.

Our Client, Bee, ready for fun in the sun.

Take walks early and avoid hot pavement and asphalt. If you wouldn't walk barefoot on a surface, it's probably no good for your pet either. Also, because your BFF is much lower to the ground, those paved surfaces can actually increase their body temperature causing them to get overheated quickly.

Just like in the spring, you'll want to steer clear of areas with tall grass and weeds on your walks; chances are there are parasitic insects hiding there that you don't want hitchhiking back home with you. The same goes for areas near roadside gutters and ditches with lingering puddles and standing water - need we say mosquitoes? After an outing always check between the pads of your pet's paws to be sure there are no pebbles or burrs lodged in them.

Always carry water with you on walks and outings with your Pet. (Did you know July is Pet Hydration Month?) Proper hydration is just as important for your four-legged friend as it is for you, and many pets don't get enough clean water on a regular basis. This means that when the heat starts to climb they are at an even higher risk for dehydration. If your fur baby becomes dehydrated it can lead to a host of serious health problems, including brain damage.

Because your pet's body is made up of 80% water, to stay fully hydrated s/he needs to consume a minimum of one ounce of (preferably filtered) water per pound of body weight on a daily basis. Yep, that's right, daily. If your cat or dog is 20 lbs, for example, he or she needs to consume the human equivalent of 2 1/2 glasses of water per day. (You can also add broth to your dog or cat's diet to help them consume more liquid and stay better hydrated.)

Does your cat snub the bowl in favor of drinking from the faucet? While it may seem cute or curious how much cats seem to love sinks, Fluffy might actually be trying to tell you something. Water bowls should be emptied, cleaned, and refilled daily to avoid the growth of bacteria.

Our client, Gehrig, knows how to stay hydrated.

In managing your pet's exposure to hotter weather it is also important to pay attention to the heat index. The actual air temperature is one thing, but how you and your fur baby experience the heat and the effect it has on you will also depend on how humid it is. For instance, if the air temperature outside is 90 degrees, due to all that added moisture in the air, the feels like temp will be a whopping 132! That's hot enough to cause a stroke.

It's also possible for some animals to be at risk in warm temperatures. Small dogs, for instance, start to be potentially unsafe at a mere 75 degrees; this is because animals are unable to cool themselves in high humidity. When planning outdoor activities always keep in mind the humidity level as well as the air temperature.

We highly recommend not leaving your companion animals outside in the summer heat, and especially not leaving them chained or tethered. If you must leave your pet outdoors for extended periods of time, especially when you're away from home, make sure they have access to shade, as well as a place to be able to get in out of the rain. It should be noted that a dog house does not provide relief from heat.

See also:

Summer Safety Tips

The Heat is On

June Means Hurricane Season - Are You Prepared?



Recommended Links:

ASPCA Hot Weather Safety Tips

How Does The Heat Index Effect My Dog?

Dehydration and Water Needs in Dogs

Pet Hydration Month - Is Your Pet Drinking Enough Water?

Summer Hazards and Your Cat

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

The Benefits of Hiring an In-Home Pet Sitter

Companion animals aren't just pets, they are part of the family. Unlike the rest of the family though, they tend to spend a lot of their time home alone while everyone else is away at work and or at school. This means they are left to their own devices to get into all manner of mischief until someone returns home to feed, play with, exercise, and entertain them. Even the most loving and well-behaved of pets can engage in less than desirable behavior when left alone for several hours at a time.

Our client, Della waiting patiently by her bowl.

So how can you make sure your fur (or feathered) baby isn't bored or engaging in destructive behavior when you're away from home during the day? Hire a pet sitter! (And we know a really good one!) The average home visit is about 30 minutes. When you schedule a visit from a certified pet sitter to pop in on your BFF during the workday, you're actually providing them with a social life and the necessary stimulation that will help to keep them healthy and happy.

If you're gone for long periods during the day, you really don't want your dog to have to "hold it." It's not any better for their bladder than for yours, and let's face it - being regular and staying healthy means having the opportunity to go as needed. Even a quick let out for bathroom business and the ability to romp around for some brief exercise will go a long way to the quality of your dog's day (and prevent unnecessary accidents for you to clean later.)

Our client, Benjamin, patiently awaiting a treat after a walk.

Cats may seem like finicky loners, but they really do crave affection and attention. A bit of quality time with a trusted caregiver after you've been gone a few hours will go a long way in keeping them out of trouble. Also, cats need regular exercise just as much as dogs do, and even though they can be pretty good at entertaining themselves, it's always more fun to play with a pal than on your own.

Our client, Sidney enjoying a little play time.

There are additional advantages to having someone reliable pop by for a pet play date as well. Your sitter can bring in your delivered packages, administer medications, and send you text updates and photos to provide you with the peace of mind that everything is okay at home. This can be a huge advantage parents of senior pets, those with health concerns, or animals recuperating comfortably at home after minor surgery.

Our client, Olive, in her car seat on the way to daycare.

Petit Pet Care also offers pet taxi service for our established clients to get pups and kitties to their veterinary appointments so moms and dads don't have to miss work to take them. We can also drop your baby off to daycare for you so you can get to work on time. In addition, we offer lockout service for pet parents who have misplaced their keys and can't get into the home back to their babies.

If you happen to be outside our service area, or if your pet is larger than 40 lbs, we will happily refer you to another sitter. Just like a nanny or home health worker, a pet sitter visit provides quality time - play, exercise, stimulation - as well as a second pair of eyes to let you know if anything is amiss with your pet.

For more information about Petit Pet Care's services and pricing, or to book a sit, please visit our website: http://www.petitpetcare.com


Please also see:

What Your New Orleans Pet Sitter Can Do For You


For more information on playtime and stimulation:

The Importance of Play and Your Cat

Playtime 2016: Some of Our Favorite Pet Toys

There's an App For That Too - Pets

There's an app for that - a phrase you've heard countless times over the years, only now it seems there really is an app for just about everything under the sun, including companion animals. Nothing is more important to devoted pet parents than the health and well-being of their babies. They give them the best of everything they can, and now technology helps take things a step further.

One of Christy's babies, Scout

Most people who are smart phone or tablet users already know that mobile apps can help us get from place to place, exercise, find restaurants, "name that tune," and even chat with friends, but they can also help pet parents gain access to everything from important, life-saving health information to the ability to set up playdates.

If you follow us on Twitter, you'll occasionally see an update that says "Not sure what your pet ate?" with a link to the Pet Poison Hotline. A follower once responded to that tweet that sure you could call, but you'll pay a substantial fee for assistance. Enter the mobile app. At the cost of $1.99, it allows you to get answers quickly when you do know what substance your pet ingested. Internet access is not required to access all features and it also provides one-touch access to the veterinary staff 24/7 if you need it. Unfortunately, it's still only available for ios.

On the other hand, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center offers a free app that provides quick access to the information pet parents of dogs, cats, horses, and birds need to know about over 300 substances potentially harmful to their babies, as well as a calculator to help determine the health threat based on the amount consumed. Not only is this one free, it's also available for Android devices. We included a link to a review of the app in a previous blog post on pet health care and first aid last summer.

The Red Cross also offers a valuable app pet parents can download for free. Features include access to text and video information for dozens of common pet first aid issues, including instructions for pet CPR, as well as emergency preparedness.

Does your pup like to have fun with other dogs? Meet the social network for your BFF that Barkpost says is reinventing the play, er pupdate. Pupular is a locally created app that helps friendly, outgoing canines connect with other Nola area dogs. The app's creator, Harry Boileau, was inspired by his own dog, Bobbie, who he said is always happier when she gets to have a good play session with another dog.

A "safe, easy, and comfortable way for awesome dogs and their humans to connect and meet up for positive social interactions," the app is only available on ios devices.

Do you have a favorite app that helps you and your fur/feather baby navigate through the week? Leave a comment below and let us know about it!

Apps:

Pet Poison Holpline app

ASPCA Mobile app

Red Cross Mobile app

Pupular

The Truth About Black Cats

It's October in New Orleans and that means transitioning to fall weather and routines, the impending end of longer daylight hours, and the kick off to the holiday season with the arrival of Halloween. Pumpkins are making their way onto porches and front steps around town while skeletons and the like are popping up on lawns of particularly enthusiastic households.

This time last year we talked about Feline Fitness and posted information on Fall Pet Health and Safety shortly after in November. While autumn specific topics and holiday safety are still very important issues which we can't say enough about, we thought we'd focus this month's blog post on an age old October icon - the black cat. Celebrated in some cultures, maligned in others, human history with black cats goes way back - at the very least, all the way back to ancient Egypt.

Christy's cat Gonzo regally reclining.

For centuries black cats have been at the center of an array of superstitions and blamed for any number of maladies from deadly plagues and night dangers to flat out human "bad luck." Somewhere in the Middle Ages (mid fourteenth century) in Europe black cats began to be associated with fairies and witchcraft. As a result, a plethora of misinformation as well as widespread fears has led to a host of inhumane horrors, including the persecution of caretakers of these poor humble felines.

The irony in this is that in many European countries, black cats are actually symbols of good luck. In Scotland, for example, (home of the soul stealing Cat Sith legend) black cats are a sign of prosperity. In parts of England, black cats are considered a bridal good luck gift. Also, English sailors once found black cats to be so lucky that acquiring one became cost prohibitive and their offspring were sometimes victims of kittnapping.

Our client, Merlin perched atop his tower.

Black cats get their coloring from a pigment called eumelanin. However, the dominant fur pattern in cats is tabby; that means in order for a cat to be born "truly black," both its parents have to have the dominant color gene. Interestingly enough, more black cats tend to be born male than female.

The earliest "domesticated" cats, descended from the African Wildcat would likely have had tabby markings like their ancestors. That would have made the first occurrences black cats pretty special.

In ancient Egypt (around 3100 BC) black cats were revered and kept as pets as an homage to the goddess Bastet. These beauties (and all other cats) were held in such high regard that it was even illegal (a capital offense, no less) to intentionally kill a cat. Of course their excellent abilities in pest control were of huge benefit as well to keep such undesirable critters such as rodents and snakes out of food stores and from threatening human life as well.

Our client, Nubba.

Asia has its fair share of ideas about cats and luck as well. For instance, it's believed in Japan that single ladies who keep a black cat companion will attract more than their fair share of suitable mates. In Chinese Feng Shui, placing your black cat's bed in the north portion of your home can ward off evil.

Ever wonder about those waving cat figurines in Japanese restaurants? Maneki Neko lucky "fortune cats" come in a number of colors (each with a different meaning) with the black ones being used to ward off all manner of evil, including stalkers. Have a friend who's allergic? Send some luck their way with a black cat figurine.

Our client, Stumpy, apparently aghast.

The most common/easily recognized black cat breed is probably the Bombay. Of the twenty-two breeds of cats than can possibly have a coat of black fur, this yellow-eyed hybrid beauty, nicknamed the "parlor panther" is the only breed of which there are only black cats. It may surprise many to learn that black cats are believed to have a better immune system than their otherwise colored counterparts. In fact, their genes may some day help solve some of the medical problems associated with human health.

Since it's October and the month of Halloween, we'd be remiss in not mentioning that according to thespruce.com, black cats are still the number one costume choice for elementary aged school girls as well as college freshmen. If you have little ones at home (the two-legged human variety), cater to trick-or-treaters, or plan on entertaining grown up style, be sure to keep alcohol and sweets - especially chocolate, out of reach of your fur babies.

Being that we're also a few weeks into autumn, we'd also be remiss in not mentioning that fleas reach their height at this time of the year. As the weather changes so do concerns for fall allergies, acorns, and other potential hazards. For information on fall pet care be sure to see our Pinterest board, Autumn Pet Care.



Useful links:

5 Pawsitively Fascinating Facts About Black Cats

8 Hair-Raising Facts About Black Cats

Black Cat Breeds and History

The Mystique Behind Black Cats

7  Ways Black Cats Bring Luck Around the World

Nola's House Call Veterinarians

An animal doctor that makes house calls? You bet! The greater New Orleans area now has a number of veterinarians that will come to you in your time of need to treat your pet with a range of services from annual exams to vaccinations, and even hospice-type care.

This growing trend in pet health care is a huge advantage for non-drivers and others who have difficulty getting their animals to a veterinary office. It is also of particular benefit for households which have multiple pets. Older animals, particularly those that are arthritic and have difficulty getting in and out of a vehicle can benefit immensely from a vet that comes to them instead of the other way around.

Any number of things from illness to managing kids, to tight work schedules can make it difficult to get an animal to a non-emergency clinic appointment in a timely manner. Having the option of your pet being seen at home is more than just convenient, it's practical and efficient.

Visiting a patient in the comfort of their own abode allows the vet to get a firsthand look at the home environment and easily asses lifestyle, usually at a time that is more convenient for the pet parent. Not having to struggle to get an animal into the car, and then inside a veterinary clinic in turn, makes the house call option a lot less stressful for everyone as well.

House call veterinarians tend to have more flexible schedules than clinic-only pet doctors. Because they work solo or within smaller practices, you and your animal will most likely see the same care giver at each appointment.

Ready for a veterinary house call visit? (See the sampling of local providers below.) Confine your four-legged child to a small area such as a bathroom just before their scheduled appointment. This will save time as you won't have to spend the beginning of the session corralling them. Budget an additional thirty minutes in your calendar just in case your care provider gets delayed in traffic (or Nola street construction!)

New Orleans area mobile vets:

Metairie Small Animal Hospital

Canal Street Veterinary Hospital

Fur de Lis Mobile Veterinary Service

Healthy Paws Mobile Veterinary Service

Pamela Doskey Mobile Vet - Gretna


For more information on pet health and veterinary care, please be sure to see the Petit Pet Care Pinterest boards, Pet Health and Safety.


Useful links:

Is a House Call Vet Right for You?

Heals on Wheels

Mobile Veterinary Service For Dogs and Cats

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

Walking in a NOLA Wonderland

Audubon Park uptown provides a great space for a winter afternoon walk.

When we think of winter pet care, what immediately comes to mind (besides shivering) is images of animals outdoors in the cold encountering snow, rain, and other horrors of frigidity, but for those of us living in the deep south in the U.S., the reality of winter is something altogether completely different.

Believe it or not, New Orleans averages just six nights of freezing temperatures per year. Because our subtropical climate generally spares us from harsh temperatures and snow, it can be easy to forget that in many places, this time of year winter really is winter. It can also be easy to forget how to be prepared when real winter does happen. For us in New Orleans, winter is a constant cycle of do we wear a sweater today or a T-shirt?

Ironically, January is National Walk Your Dog Month. While the average daily temperature this time of the year is 61F for New Orleans (our coldest month), it's not nearly that pleasant in most of the rest of country. That leads to the question, who decided that January should be walk your dog month? Had to have been a southerner.

Our client, Lulu, pausing to brace herself in the wind.

Since New Orleans is green year-round, taking walks in winter when it's not oppressively hot is great for both dogs and humans (especially on those days when it's in the 60s). Regular walks allow dogs of all ages to get exercise as well as learn about and interact with the world around them.

For most dogs, outdoor temperatures in the 50s don't pose much risk, but for small breeds there is some potential for unsafe conditions beginning at about 40F. All breeds are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia so don't take it for granted that your BFF doesn't need a sweater or booties. Also, don't forget about the potential effect of wind chill on your fur babies.

Some older pets, puppies and kittens, as well as animals with health issues can all have trouble regulating body temperature. When it's windy out, the natural body heat given off at the skin's surface will be reduced, making it harder to stay warm enough. In extreme cases, strong winter wind can even cause eye damage.

Our client, Sam, all bundled up for his outing on a chilly day.

We covered a number of important winter pet care tips in a previous blog post, but there a few points worth repeating: Never leave animals in a car for any length of time. Just as a car can heat up to oven temps on warm days, it can get refrigerator frosty during cold snaps.

Make sure pets are able to stay hydrated both indoors and out, and keep them away from space heaters which can cause serious burns. Not everyone has central air and New Orleans is full of drafty old houses so if you must use a space heater, purchase one that automatically shuts off if tipped over.

Provide beds with sides for both cats and dogs, and consider adding pads that use the animal's own body heat to help them stay warm without electricity. Special pads and extra blankets can be especially useful for older pets with mobility issues or those with short legs.

Our client, Biscuit, chilling out on his nice comfy bed.

We've already mentioned the benefits of walking at any time of year - and we'll continue to do so in the future - but if your New Year resolution was to exercise and be more fit, your four-legged BFF couldn't be a better partner. Who better to keep you motivated than someone who always wants to go out?

While fitness is essential to good health, the second most important reason for walking your dog regularly is the mental stimulation it provides. Dogs who aren't bored during the day and who get to burn off excess energy will automatically be better behaved, especially when you have to be away from home for several hours.

Our client, Benny, all set to explore.

Be sure to change things up on your route from time to time to provide different sights and smells. If time allows, consider venturing to another part of town. Your dog will be in ecstatic with an entire new set of sights and smells to experience.

Whether it's National Walk Your Dog Month, or any other time of the year, taking your dog (or cat) out for an ambulatory excursion is a great opportunity to get in some real quality time. If you and your BFF have a favorite place to hang out in the New Orleans area, we'd love to know about it! Leave a comment below and tell us your favorite place in the area to explore, walk, run or play.

For specific information on winter protection, be sure to see our Pinterest Board on Winter Pet Care.


Useful links:

Winterizing Pets Can Take the Chill Away

Keeping Your Indoor Cat Warm in Winter

5 Ways to Protect Pets This Winter

Cats and Cars in Cold Weather

An Explanation of Wind Chill

2016 Year-end Pet Care Roundup

December in New Orleans is wholly unpredictable. You never know if you'll wake up to snow or if you'll be walking around in shorts. Of course warm weather is usually followed by rain and the return of cold air, but it's a cycle we in the Crescent City put up with gladly as fall transitions into winter.

Along with the official calendar start of our coldest season, December is a festive time filled with a multitude of celebrations and holidays. All that fun and festivity can mean stress or potential hazards for your baby. (Did you know there are almost two dozen internationally celebrated holidays in the month of December?)

Our client, Max, pausing to pose out on a walk.

Christmas trees, decorations, and gifts, Hannukah and Kwanzaa candles, as well as holiday foods and drinks, all need to be handled with mindful care in order to avoid unnecessary pet distress and expensive emergency vet care. Be sure that visiting guests in your home know about these risks as well when they come over during the holidays.

Our client, Winnie, posing near her Christmas tree.

We've covered pet safety around poinsettias and Christmas trees in previous posts, as well as some of the potential dangers when we deck our halls with boughs of holly, etc., but while poinsettia are only mildly toxic to companion animals, ingestion of holly or mistletoe can be much more serious. 

Our client, Chester, hamming it up for the camera in true holiday spirit.

Always keep the number for the pet poison hotline handy in case of emergencies: 1-800- 213-6680. For specific tips on how to have stress-free holidays in December as well as during the rest of the year, be sure to visit our Pinterest board Having Happy Holidays.

Last month we took you on a visit to Little Paws Dog Park in the upper 9th ward to continue our series on local dog parks (we started the series off last year with a visit to the Wisner Dog Run uptown). Earlier this year it was the Crescent Dog Run in the Bywater, and in spring of 2017 we'll be visiting City Bark.

A view across Little Paws Dog Park from the shade. 

Recently we also shared some Fall Safety Tips with you to help keep your fur babies healthy and happy throughout the autumnal season. As we're now heading into winter, we'll be sharing cold season care tips next in January for taking care of pets both indoors and out.

We've mentioned the importance of play before, and last spring we told you about some of our favorite toys. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 58% of cats and 54% of dogs in the United States are overweight or obese. It might also surprise you to know that obesity is the number one health problem in birds.

Our client, Benny, out for a walk in the fall air.

Obesity in pets can cause arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, heart and respiratory disease, and even some forms of cancer. We touched on feline fitness in the October blog post, and how to judge the exercise level for your dog in our June post on dog walking.

Last, but certainly not least, a few months back we playfully asked if New Orleans had gone to the dogs, and told you about places around town from coffee shops to big box stores that were not only pet friendly, but kept treats on hand for four legged visitors.

These pups were out shopping for wine in the Marigny with their mom.

There are a surprising number of bars around town that allow dogs - mostly during the non-busy hours. Then again, it is New Orleans...

As we approach the end of 2016 - a year for the history books - we'd like to take a moment to remind you that Christmas trees and pets don't mix! Be sure any lit candles in your holiday decor won't come in contact with fur or be knocked over, and that all holiday food and drinks are kept well out of reach.

Happy December!