End of Year Review​
Happy Holiday Season! As we close out another trip around the sun I feel like I have learned a lot over the past year and would like to start sharing information on a regular basis. Topics will stem from questions that clients have come to me for advice on over the past 10 years and also tidbits you may not even be aware that you wanted to know! Let’s learn and grow together. 

Did you know?
Mental stimulation helps:
-Decrease boredom
-Releases pent-up energy
-Increases confidence
-Keeps the memory sharp
-Improves trainability
-Strengthens your bond
-Gives the feeling of accomplishment
 
Mental stimulation examples:
-Nose work
-Hide and seek
-Obedience & trick training
-Agility/obstacle course

​Pet Spotlight - Bosch

Over the course of the past 10 years I’ve been privileged to meet and work with so many different pets of all sizes and species. Mr. Bosch is one of the original Bandito members! We first met in 2011 when I worked at a kennel in Duxbury. It didn’t take long for his family and I to form a solid connection with each other that led them to staying with me as I started and grew my own business. They consider me extended family and the feeling is mutual.

Bosch is about 10 years young now and was a rescue from down south. He did struggle for a long time with separation anxiety and he is definitely the happiest surrounded by his people. He loves long walks on the beach, hide and seek, treats of many varieties and LOVES car rides to anywhere. He was visibly saddened when Bandit died, as they were best buddies and we helped each other to heal. He is a gentle giant in more ways than not and I look forward to caring for him during his retirement years.  

Holiday Plants 101

The following plants can cause stomach upset, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, perforated stomach or throat (from sharp needles), head shaking, lip smacking, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, lack of appetite, increased or decreased urination, seizures and even death.

Seek immediate veterinary help if you believe your pet has been exposed and/or ingested any of the following: Christmas cactus, Christmas rose, Christmas trees, Holly, Lilies, Mistletoe and Poinsettias.

Here are some safer alternatives: Autumn Olive, Bromeliads, Roses and Rosemary.

Enrichment Zone - Sniffari

What the heck is a sniffari? A sniffari is a type of dog (or cat!) walk where they can spend as much time sniffing around as they like. The walk length may be very short but by letting your dog sniff everything they will burn as many calories as if they had been on a long walk and mentally will be very satisfied!

Pro tip: use a long leash for sniffaris. Recommended lengths: 10 ft, 15 ft or 20 ft. Need guidance on handling a long leash? Send me a message, I can give you a lesson!

Yesterday morning Bandit and I had our first encounter with a skunk.

As some of you know, Bandit just underwent surgery to her ACL and meniscus three days prior to the incident. I took her out on a leash at 4:00am and she was about two feet away from me while doing #2 when a skunk (unprovoked) came around the side of the house and sprayed. I immediately picked up Bandit and ran up onto the deck and proceeded to freak out while I called the vet to see what I should do because she had the stitches in her leg!

Since it was 4:00am, no stores around me were open for at least another two hours. I want to share with you what the vet told me to do so that you can hopefully be better prepared than myself and have these items all in one spot ready to use instantly, no matter what time of day.

First, if your pet has stitches (probably a rare occurrence) cover the area with a trash bag. If the stitches get damp, it's ok, but try not to submerge in water.

You'll need these items to make a wash to use on your pet:

- 1/2 cup baking soda

- 1 tbsp dishwasher soap

- 1 quart (4 cups) hydrogen peroxide

**Important** Do not leave these items pre-mixed in a bottle! They will cause a chemical reaction and will explode.

Mix all ingredients and wash the affected area, do not wet with water beforehand and try not to spread it all over the body if only the neck, for example, was affected. Truth be told, you'll most likely need to do this multiple times before the smell is gone. I also ran Bandit's collar through the dishwasher and was able to get rid of the smell that way.

Hopefully you find this helpful! It's always better to be prepared :)

Pet Sitter or Dog Walker

Pros

· If you’re leaving town for any period of time, the advantage of having a professionally insured and bonded Pet Sitter visit your house regularly is an added benefit. A Bandito Pet Sitter or dog walker will watch over your house, turn on or off any lights, bring in the mail, and generally ensure that the house looks lived in. This alone can be a big deterrent to possible burglars.

· A Professional Pet Sitter will most likely have general knowledge of many different kinds of pets and not just cats and dogs. Bandito Pet Sitting has cared for birds, turtles, hamsters, fishes, and rabbits.

· Dogs and cats generally feel safer, less anxious, and more secure in a comfortable and familiar environment as opposed to being transferred to a kennel.

· Pets can get extra play time and individual attention with a Pet Sitter without the extra charge that is often billed at kennels.

· A Professional Pet Sitter or Dog Walker will be First Aid and CPR certified and qualified to deal with most emergencies as well as be able to administer medication on a regular schedule.

· Certain pets such as puppies, kittens, seniors or disabled dogs, or those on medication may require a more regulated schedule and intense care and supervision.

· A dog who has separation issues or is reactive to other dogs will certainly be better off with a Pet Sitter than in a kennel.

Cons

· A dog that does not take well with other humans, at least initially, will have a difficult time adjusting to a stranger.

· Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers charge by the hour or by 30 to 15 minutes increments of time. This can add up and ultimately become more costly than boarding.

· The Pet Sitting business market has little restrictions and few regulations. This means that there are many unprofessional, uneducated, smooth talkers who are looking to make a quick buck in addition to the highly qualified, caring professionals. Be sure to thoroughly research your Pet Sitter, ask for references and be sure your pets are comfortable with them.

Kennel

Pros

· Some of the newer kennels are more like resorts for your pet and operate very differently than the old variety of kennels.

· Some dogs do very well in kennels and love the interaction with other dogs.

· Basic rates could be more cost effective than hiring a professional Pet Sitter

Cons

· A busy kennel can be loud and high energy. This can over stimulate your dog and contribute to heightened stress levels.

· Staffs at kennels are not always properly educated in dog behavior and body language making them unable to detect when a dog is giving off signs that indicate stress and anxiety.

· Not every dog or cat gets the attention they require. Some are left alone for extended periods of time in highly stressful environments. In some cases added attention or play time are billed as extras.

· Cats are typically far more stressed at kennels than they are in their own homes. Pets at kennels are at a higher risk for contracting and being exposed to infections and viruses such as Kennel cough, distemper, and other intestinal parasites.

· While some kennels can be professional, caring operations, others are not and can go a long way towards worsening any fear or anxiousness or separation issues a dog may already have.

In the end, you want to select a service which you feel is the best option for your pet. We are passionate about caring for animals and expect to be in this profession for the long term. We plan to continue to educate ourselves in all areas of pet care so that we always know of ways to take the best care of your pets that we have come to know and love.