As you know, we here at VIP Pets love Diatomaceous Earth! In case you weren’t aware, DE is fossilized algae, made up of a concentrated chemical compound, called Silica. You can sprinkle it over treatment areas – including your pet! The microscopic shards of fossils that make up DE are sharp enough to cut up the flea’s body and kill them.

However, there are SO many benefits to feeding Diatomaceous Earth to your pets. Silica has been known to help with parasite control, injuries to bones and ligaments, and filtering out viruses during digestion. This is what makes Pro Pet Powder a great natural alternative to expensive over-the-counter treatments.

In addition to D.E., Pro Pet Powder contains a long list of vitamins and nutrients essential to your pet’s diet. Check out the ingredient list!

Vitamins & Nutrients in Pro Pet Powder

• Probiotics
• Lactobacillus Acidophilus
• Digestive enzymes – Amylase and Proteases
• Yeast culture
• Chelated trace minerals
• Iron
• Copper
• Zinc 
• Manganese
• Vitamin 
• Vitamin D-3, 
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin C
• Thiamine 
• Riboflavin
• Calcium
• B 12
• Vitamin K
• Biotin
• Folic Acid

The best thing about Pro Pet Powder is that one single tub feeds a large dog for about four months. And, lasts even longer when feeding it as a supplement to small dogs and cats! While it is rare to find a supplement that packs all these benefits into a single scoop, it is not impossible.

VIP Pet Services cannot recommend Pro Pet Powder enough! But, don’t just take our word for it. Please give it a try yourself! And, don’t forget to let us know what you think.

Currently I own a 15 month old English Bulldog (Franklin), Moxxi a 6 year old Chow/Shepherd Mix, Norman Bates who is a 6 year old Staffy/Sharpei/Beagle Mix and finally  Vixen a Chihuahua Terrier Mix, who is the senior of the bunch at 11 years old.

What is the funniest or most memorable experience you’ve have with an animal?

I began “collecting” animals as my parents would call it during elementary school. While walking home, if I found an unattended dog or cat I would try to coax them to follow me home, this usually worked, and I ended up with random dogs and cats in my house and yard when my parents would return from work. My local vet office and animal control knew me by name because I was always finding lost and displaced pets.

Why you became a pet sitter/dog walker!

I worked for a dog rescue as a lead foster and adoption coordinator, helping to determine which dogs fit best with which people, and also helping to ready the dogs medically, emotionally and with limited training to be the best they could be once they were adopted.

Why do you love working with animals?

I decided then that I wanted to do more. I enrolled and attended The Animal Behavior College out of Santa Clarita California, and graduated with honors with my Dog Training and Handling Certification.

All different types of pets you’ve worked with.

I love to work with all animals not just dogs. I have experience with cats, birds, arachnids, hamsters, chinchillas, ferrets, bearded dragons, and an assortment of other lizards, bugs, and snakes. Not much fazes me, I’m a lover of all living things.

What you think your pet(s) would say about you!!

“Our mom loves us a lot, she even makes sure we are always taken care of no matter if she has to go take care of other dogs!”

Can my pet get the Coronavirus?

With Coronavirus in the news, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the facts. While it can be scary to read about, this post is meant to inform over anything else. I want you, your pets, and everyone in your life to be happy and healthy. Let’s jump in and address what we know right now:

Let’s start with the basics… What is the Coronavirus?

According to the CDC, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) was “first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. The first infections were linked to a live animal market, but the virus is now spreading from person-to-person. Unfortunately, there are still many unknowns at this point. 

Can my pet get Coronavirus?

As a pet parent, I understand your concerns! While dogs may be at risk to contract certain types of coronaviruses, (ex. The canine respiratory coronavirus), COVID-19 is NOT believed to be a threat to pets.

The World Health Organization stated there have been no reported cases of coronavirus in domestic animals. Of course, it’s still early days and this could change. Be mindful to keep up with the latest news to monitor for any updates. Of course, if you notice any changes in your pet’s health and/or behavior, take them to your local vet just to be sure.

How can we prevent Coronavirus?

Unfortunately, there is no current vaccine to prevent COVID-19. Naturally, the easiest way to prevent illness is to avoid exposure – however, we can’t lock ourselves inside forever! Plus, our furry friends love the outdoors.

As you go about your daily routine, keep these simple reminders with you:

• Stay home when you are sick.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Regularly wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using regular household cleaning sprays or wipes.

While these may be actions you already practice every day, it’s always good to keep in mind and encourage others to do the same!

Business precautions we’re taking…

As your trusted pet sitter, please know that we are doing everything we can to keep a safe and healthy environment for YOU, your pet’s, and our employees. It’s one thing to worry about yourself and your family with the spread of disease, but it adds another layer when you have a business to run and staff members to think about.

How we’re keeping our employees healthy…

To keep YOU safe, we’re encouraging our staff members to stay home/work remotely if they’re feeling ill. We’re also mindful to provide things around the office to encourage healthy habits; from hand sanitizer to alcohol wipes, we strive to provide a healthy and happy environment.

In running a pet sitting/dog walking business, we know that our employees need to be super cognizant not to spread germs from house to house. Our basic protocol is for pet sitters and dog walkers to always wash their hands at the beginning and end of each visit.

As a business owner, my job isn’t to create panic but I do want to be mindful of the situation. Don’t jump to conclusions, but be ready to take action.

Policy for cancellation of Acts of God

An “Act of God” is a legal term for events outside of human control, such as sudden

floods or other natural disasters, for which no one can be held responsible. While illness is an unusual reason for declaring this policy, it certainly isn’t out of bounds.

As our loyal client, if you have to cancel last-minute due to COVID-19, we’ll work with you on any refunds/rescheduling. We ask that you please let us know sooner rather than later – and if you believe someone in your home or your pet to be ill, we’d prefer you to cancel any services you have booked.

Resources to stay up to date!

Luckily, there are plenty of great resources so you can stay in the loop as more news comes out regarding COVID-19. These are the top two websites for official information:

• World Health Organization
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

It’s easy to become overwhelmed with conflicting news reports, blogs, and personal anecdotes – that’s why it’s crucial to keep up with the latest official information. If you have any other concerns or you’re looking for more tips and ideas, feel free to reach out to me. Be safe and stay healthy!

I have been a dog owner and dog lover my entire life! I grew up with 3 schnauzers, and since then I have had a black lab, a pug, and a couple of loveable rescue mutts. I currently have two rescue Pit mixes, and they are the loves of my life!  Their names are Luna and Ringo.  Luna is my beautiful, spoiled little princess and Ringo has more personality and energy than any pup I’ve ever known!

What is the funniest or most memorable experience you’ve have with an animal?

My husband and I moved from New York City to Austin a few years ago.  We drove 1800 miles with our two 70 lb pit mixes and a U-haul trailer attached to our tiny car.  Being raised in NYC, our pups were not used to riding in cars, and they refused to lie quietly in the backseat. They insisted on riding in my lap the entire trip while my husband drove.  That’s 140 lbs of panting, drooling Pitbulls in my lap for 2 days straight. In a tiny car. In the middle of summer.

Why do you love working with animals?

I find it extremely important to keep mind, body, and spirit in balance. However, society is constantly reminding us just how unbalanced and disconnected life can be. Working with animals helps to keep me grounded and re-establishes the healthy balance that we struggle maintain in our busy lives.  Their accepting and unconditional nature is truly a wonderful gift that I cherish daily.

What is your ultimate goal in life?

My dream is to someday own a home on a few acres of land, that my husband and I can turn into a doggy sanctuary.  There are too many wonderful dogs in shelters that deserve a chance at a great life.  I hope to be able to provide a happy forever home to as many dogs as I can manage!

Taking our kitties on short trips, either back and forth to the vet clinic, or just to Grandma’s for a day visit, can be a traumatic experience if your cat hasn’t traveled before and isn’t used to riding in a carrier. You will need to start preparing for the trip at least four or five days in advance to allow your cat to become acclimated to her crate, and to prepare both you and her for the jaunt.

Crate Training for Kitties

The best way to get your cat used to her crate is also the easiest.

Place her kennel in the room where she sleeps, or where she spends the most time during the day. Open the door, or completely remove it, so that she can see into the crate, sniff and explore. Set her favorite blanket or kitty bed in the crate and then walk away. Leave her alone to walk around it, look at it, and go inside when she’s ready. Cats love to hide in small, enclosed spaces, so at some point she will walk into the crate on her own.

Keep the crate out where she can see it until she’s walking in of her own free will, then either replace the door, or close it when she’s inside. By then, your kitty should be totally unafraid and willing to stay on her bed. If she appears a little anxious, sit in front of the crate and talk soothingly to her until she relaxes. She can’t be pushed into going into the crate without traumatizing her, so practicing patience is a necessary component in this part of her training.

You can also use this technique with any outside cat, unless the animal is feral, in which case, you may need to borrow a humane trap from your vet to get her to the clinic.

For Short Trips

Make sure your carrier is large enough to fit your cat, and any bedding or blanket you wish to take with you. Before you leave with your cat in the carrier, lay old newspapers under the kitty bed to catch any messes. If you know your cat gets nervous in the car and is prone to bouts of carsickness or diarrhea, you may want to position a small litter box in the crate with her. A box top lined with foil, or an aluminum pie tin found at the grocery store will suffice for short trips.

At the Vet Clinic

Once you get to the veterinary clinic, you may have to wait to see your veterinarian. Leave your kitty in her kennel, both for her safety and your own. Waiting rooms can often be chaotic, and you don’t want her becoming entangled with any loose dogs that may be about. Also, cats feel safer and less nervous inside their crates.

Inside the examination room, your veterinarian and a veterinary technician are typically in charge of your kitty. If blood, urine, or feces need to be examined, the tech will probably take your cat still in her crate into another room to get samples.

Because the crate is the safest way to transport your cat from room to room, she may be taken out and put back in it several times during your visit. Veterinarians and technicians are trained in handling and restraining cats in this manner, so you need to allow them to do their jobs without interfering.

After the examination is completed, allow your vet or technician to place your cat back into her kennel. If she is reluctant to go in on her own, they can stand the kennel on end and gently drop her in. Another method to use is to break the kennel down into its two halves, place your kitty in the bottom half, then close the top half on top of her, replacing the clasps.

Tips at the Veterinary Clinic

• If you’re seeing a new veterinarian for the first time, make sure and take all your cat’s medical records from your old vet with you. This gives the new doctor an idea of any issues with your pet, and means the staff won’t have to call the old clinic and ask for a record transfer.
• Make note of any recent behavioral changes before your next clinic visit. A cat that suddenly becomes lethargic, urinates inappropriately, or begins drinking or eating more than normal is showing signs of some kind of disease process that needs to be looked at and treated.
• Always transport your kitty in a cat carrier when going back and forth to the vet. A loose, anxious cat in the car can be a distraction when driving, and you don’t know what kind of animals will be in the clinic waiting room with you while you wait for your appointment.
• Don’t attempt to hold or restrain your cat while the veterinarian is examining her. Vets and vet techs are trained in restraining animals during any kind of clinical procedure and will not harm her. They can also protect you against getting bitten or scratched if kitty becomes overly frightened or disturbed.
• If you know the vet is going to want a feces sample for testing, save a fresh sample in a plastic bag in the refrigerator before the appointment. Get the newest sample possible – preferably one less than 4 hours old. This saves the vet or vet tech from using a probe to get the needed feces.
• For a urine sample, many vets provide plastic litter for you to use at home. Once kitty uses the box, you can draw the urine up in a plastic syringe and take the sample to the clinic for testing. Doing this at home saves your vet from using either a needle or a catheter to get a sample.
• Have your vet or vet tech show you how to give your kitty medications at home. Whether it’s a simple pill or liquid medication, or something as complicated as insulin or subcutaneous fluids, there are things you can do at home that allow you to keep your pet in a stress-free environment, plus save you money on clinic fees.
• Prior to any surgery, don’t let kitty eat solid food for at least 8 hours. She can have water, just no food. This is to prevent her aspirating any undigested food during anesthesia and suffering possible breathing complications.

Home Again

At home again, set the crate in a quiet room and allow your cat to come out on her own whenever she is ready. Once she realizes she is home, safe and sound, she’ll be back to her usual feline self in no time.

Have questions about your next trip to the vet or need someone to watch another one of your furry friends while you go? Contact us and let us know!

That is why “National Pet Fire Safety Day” on July 15, sponsored by the National Volunteer Fire Council, the American Kennel Club, and ADT Security Services, is so important.

Here are some important tips to prevent fires and keep your pet safe:

Remove Stove Knobs

Believe it or not, a cook top or stove is the number one piece of equipment involved in pets starting a fire, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Before you leave home, simply remove the knobs or protect them with covers.

Extinguish Open Flames

Never leave your pets alone near an open flame. Their curiosity can cause disaster. If you enjoy lighting candles, use flameless ones.  This way, if your playful pet knocks one over, there is no fire hazard.

Don’t Use Glass Water Bowls on a Wooden Deck

If the sun’s rays filter through the glass, they can heat up, causing the wood to catch fire.

Crate Your Animals

Crate your pets when you are not home. This will prevent them from getting into mischief that could ignite a fire.

Leave Pets Near an Entrance

When you’re not home, it’s best to leave your pets in a room that has easy access to the outside. This will help firefighters reach them quicker.

Create an Emergency Kit

Prepare an emergency kit for each pet. It should contain some food, treats, veterinary records, prescription medication (if applicable), and a photograph of the animal.

Have a Window Cling

Put a window cling on one of your front windows that states the type of pets you have as well as how many. This is very helpful to firefighters if you are not home. Remember to update the cling if you add a new pet to your family or if one passes away. The ASPCA offers the clings free of charge.

What to Do if There is a Fire in Your Home

In the event your home catches on fire, try to leash your pets or place them in a carrier before you get outside (don’t attempt this if the fire is severe). Pets tend to panic during a house fire and often run off as soon as the door opens.

It’s best to keep the leashes or carrier next to the door for easy access. If you can’t find your pets before it is necessary to evacuate, leave the door open and call for them once you get outside. They may be able to make their way out on their own (this works better for dogs than cats).

If you have any questions about National Pet Fire Safety Day 2015, or if you would like to learn about our pet sitting or dog walking services, contact us.

My current pets are Chewbacca, a Shih-Poo who is 18 months old, Miss Cleopatra a 9 year old Maine Coon cat, King Tut – American short hair, orange tabby, who is 9 years old and Hansel an American long hair, black cat also 9 years old.

What I Enjoy Most About My Job

The no stress effort of being with animals!

Funniest Pet Experience

Coming out of a pet store a gentleman stopped, looked at me with my gray hair and them my dog Chewbacca who is gray and commented…you really do look like your dog!

What Our Pet Friends Teach Us

Patience & unconditional love, my doggy and cats love me no matter what!