A#1 Pet Nanny

08/10/2022

08/04/2022

Hey guys!

Did you know, the majority of dogs are actually considered to be chronically dehydrated?

Yep! Veterinary studies have shown that most dogs don't take in enough water throughout the day.

One way you can help your dog stay properly hydrated (and not just in the Summer months, but all year long) is to make their water a bit more appealing.

You can add a splash or two of...
- Watermelon Juice, Carrot Juice, Orange Juice (fresh squeezed, not from a bottle), Tangerine Juice (same as orange), Peach, Nectarine etc.. (Avoid bottled juices if possible as they tend to contain a lot of sugar. Also remember dogs cannot have grape, cherry, or raspberry juices )
- Low Sodium Beef or Chicken Broth
- Juice from a can of Tuna (Low Sodium and Packed in Water only)
- Lactose Free Milk (most dogs have a lactose intolerence, but regular Dairy Milk works too if you know your dog does okay with dairy), Soy Milk, or Goats Milk (if your dog is okay with dairy, Goats Milk has the added benefit of probiotics which are good for a dogs gut health)

Does your dog eat Kibble? Another great way to help your dog hydrate is adding a little water to their kibble and letting it sit for a few minutes. With Merry, we also microwave it for 15-30 seconds, stir it, and let it sit, because she's a princess of course. The heat helps the food absorb the water a little better, so if you have an older pup with chomper issues, it can make it easier for them to chew the food as well.

You can also feed your dog one of their meals, or a small snack, of Wet Dog Food.

Just like you and I, it's important for your dogs to stay properly hydrated, especially in this nasty hot weather!

If you haven't already, go ahead and LIKE/FOLLOW us on here and on Instagram!

We hope you have a pawsitively wonderful day 🐾

08/02/2022

08/01/2022

Through the month of August we're running a special promotion where you can get $10 off a spay/neuter for your cat through our S.N.I.P. program while appointments last!

We are also continuing our $25 microchip special for your pet (cats OR dogs) as well!- No S.N.I.P. surgery is required to take advantage of this offer!

To make an appointment, please call (314) 951-1534, or fill out our online S.N.I.P. Request Form below:

https://amcma.org/forms/spay-neuter-request

07/31/2022

REACTIVITY MISUNDERSTOOD
Reactive dogs are often misunderstood. A dog that is reacting to a situation is not trying to be difficult, they are having a difficult time coping with that particular situation and are trying their best to make the scary thing go away.
Reactivity is generally triggered by the emotion of fear. The fear of whatever is scaring them, a fear of a valuable possession being taken away or a fear of a strange person or animal coming into their territory. Anxiety, stress, over excitement, over stimulation, feeling overwhelmed, trigger stacking, or a dog that is tired, in pain or even has chronic itching will often feel irritable and may be reactive in certain situations. If their reactivity is successful in making the scary thing go away, it becomes a rewarding behaviour because it’s something that works for them and it makes them feel better.
It’s not easy to be the owner of a reactive dog. One of my dogs is reactive and I know first-hand how dogs like this can leave you feeling embarrassed, ashamed, angry or frustrated. Why do they have to be so difficult, why can’t they just behave normally? Everyone is looking at me, judging me, thinking that I’m a bad owner, have no training skills, can’t control my dog or have a vicious dog that shouldn’t be taken out in public.
As hard as it may be, we need to take the focus off how we as owners feel about their reactivity and focus on how our dogs are feeling and what is causing their reaction. Whatever it is, it’s not something our dogs can overcome on their own and we need to take steps to help them cope. Reactive dogs need compassion, understanding, management, force free, positive reinforcement interventions and decompression – (a return to a normal, more relaxed state after a period of intense stress, psychological pressure, or urgent activity). These techniques take time and patience but are so important in helping our dogs to feel safe and learn more acceptable ways of coping.
I have learnt through many mistakes, to recognise what triggers my reactive dog and take steps to either avoid those situations, provide enough distance, or provide her with an alternative choice where she feels safe and in control of her environment. There will always be unexpected triggers around the next corner that are not within our control, but doing all we can to manage these triggers has immeasurable benefits.

07/22/2022

07/22/2022

PSA!!

PLEASE CHECK UNDER YOUR CARS for community cats seeking shade in the summer!

Most of the country is in an oven right now with no relief in sight.

Community cats may hide out under your car for shade, especially if they’re in an area without a lot of shady spots. Our property has a lot of trees and shade and the Yard Cats are still seeking shade under the Jeep.

Be sure to check under your car before going anywhere, even if you just popped into the store for five minutes. Doing so may just save a life. ♥️

PS..The cat in the picture is our very own Domino aka Dom Juan, who was under my Jeep rather than the hundreds of shady spots on our property.

07/16/2022

07/15/2022

07/14/2022

07/14/2022

07/13/2022

07/13/2022

Curious Rufus wants to know if you'd be interested in joining him for his morning walk, perhaps? He'll wait while you catch up!

07/11/2022

"Hello, my name is Brennan. I am here to help you get through your Monday morning!"