Author: Susan

5 ways to recognise National Pet Day

With an estimated 30.4 million pets delivering a dose of love, loyalty and companionship in households right across the country, it’s no wonder that Australia is known as an animal-loving nation.

National Pet Day in Australia is celebrated on April 11, and it’s a time to recognise the role pets play in our lives each and every day. Research on the benefits of pet ownership tells a clear story of ways in which our pet pals can help boost our moods, improve our health, and truly become a member of the family. Continue reading “5 ways to recognise National Pet Day”

Fussy and frightful eating habits

Fussy eatersOur pets can have the most bizarre eating habits. Some prefer certain textures and flavours over others, and some choose to ingest things you rather they wouldn’t. We’ve listed tips from Dr Jo Righetti from Pet Problems Solved to help you work out how best to address your pet’s interesting eating habits.

Fussy eaters – Just like humans, our pets can have a preference for one food over another. However, it can become problematic if they aren’t having a balanced, diverse diet to suit their age, size, and health requirements. It’s best to speak with your vet about your pet’s diet. Some smaller dogs can be pickier eaters, and so too can some cats. If your dog or kitty is noticeably eating only certain textures and flavours, try mixing their preferred food with one that you would like them to eat. Then gradually increase the portions until they become accustomed to the taste and texture. Continue reading “Fussy and frightful eating habits”

Top tricks to teach your dog

pet sitting

Spending time with your canine companion can be a learning experience as well. Here are some basic tricks to teach your dog that will encourage good behaviour and also strengthen your bond.

Trick: Sit

  • Teaching your dog to sit is probably the most important trick for them to learn.
  • Get a treat in your hand and show it to your dog; without giving it to them.
  • Hold the treat above your dog’s head so they must raise their head upwards – making the action of sitting the only way to reach the treat.
  • As soon as your pet-pal sits, reward them with the treat and praise them for doing the correct action.
  • Introduce the word “sit” when you give the treat to your dog for performing the correct action.
  • Continue to practice, so your doggo understands how to respond when they hear the word “sit”.

Purina gives their tips about introducing hand gestures instead of treats once your pet has ‘sit’ down pat.

Trick: Shake Hands

  • Make sure your dog is in a sitting position to start this lesson.
  • Have some dog treats in your hand and hold the treat in front of them so they know the treats are there.
  • Some trainers recommend trying to put your dog off balance by holding their treats to one side so they raise their paw. At the point they raise their paw, use a cue or word to signal that they have done the right action, and give them a treat. For instance, the cue could be “shake hands”, “yes”, “good boy/girl”.
  • Repeat these steps until your doggo will raise their paw for a shake simply by hearing your cue/word.

Here are the Gentle Modern School of Dog Training’s tips for teaching your dog to shake hands.

Trick: Playing Fetch

According to Petbarn, the first two most important words that your doggo has to know before they learn to fetch are “come” and “drop it”.

  • Teach them to “come” by using the word with your pooch’s name, speaking in an upbeat, positive tone. Praise them when they come.
  • To teach them “drop it”, start in a contained area such as the laundry and have your pet’s favourite toy in one hand and treats in the other. Give your pet their favourite toy, then with the treat close to their nose, say “drop it”. They will soon realise that they need to drop the toy to receive the treat.
  • Now move to a larger area, such as the backyard, and throw your dog’s favourite toy a few metres. Say “come” and make it more enticing with a treat.
  • Repeat “drop it” when your pet returns, and provide a reward when they do. Once you pet gets the hang of the game, increase the distance you throw the toy and practice, practice, practice to ensure your pet-pal understands how to play.

Trick: Roll Over

  • Better Homes and Gardens has outlined a technique to get your dog to learn how to roll over, which involves your dog starting on their belly.
  • Put a treat in your hand and move your hand slowly behind your dog’s neck.
  • Aim to encourage your dog to turn their head backwards without standing up.
  • As your dog sniffs/goes for the treat, gently encourage them to roll. As soon as they roll over, give them a treat and praise them for doing the correct action.
  • Continue to practice. When your dog completely rolls over on cue, give them a treat. Again, practice is key to your doggo understanding what the word “roll over” means.

Pet sitters can reinforce any dog training pet parents are undergoing with their fur-kids. Browse the profiles of animal loving pet sitters to find the ideal pet sitter for your pet care needs.

Pet-Friendly Resolutions for the New Year

Pet New Year

The New Year is a time when we tend to make promises to ourselves and others about making the most of every day. This year, add a pet’s perspective to your New Year’s resolutions for a fur-friendly 2023.

Here are just some of the resolutions you might like to consider for this year, but the options are endless and can be designed specifically to suit you, your fur kids and your lifestyle. Continue reading “Pet-Friendly Resolutions for the New Year”

Avoid decoration disasters this Christmas

Pet Christmas

‘Tis the season for bright lights, colourful tinsel, glittery baubles and trinkets. While festive decorations set the scene for merry celebrations, here are some pet safety tips to ensure all members of the family have a good time.

  • Manage power cords – The number one tip for a pet-safe Christmas is to always keep power cords and power packs tidy and out of sight of your pet-pal. Lights will gain your pet’s attention and curiosity. Young pups and kittens may like to chew cords, so it’s best to take steps to hide cords, or eliminate the temptation all together.

Continue reading “Avoid decoration disasters this Christmas”

Those puppy dog eyes are hard to beat when it comes to leftovers

Pet Diet

We’ve all been tempted to sneak a morsel of meat to our wide-eyed, lip-licking, four-legged best friend under the table at dinner time. But are we doing more harm than good in giving them leftovers?

Animal Medicines Australia research reveals that a quarter of dog owners and one in ten cat owners give their pets leftover human food. Women are pegged as the main culprits of feeding table scraps to canine friends, particularly those in larger households and owners of medium-sized dogs.

But of course, the question remains… should we, or shouldn’t we? While overfeeding our pet-pals leftovers or making it a daily occurrence can have negative effects, Dr Simone Maher has said that it’s ok to give our pets leftovers if it’s more of a treat on a special occasion.

Of course, there are things we must consider when giving our pets leftovers. Specifically, if the food contains ingredients that are toxic to animals, such as onions, chocolate, macadamia nuts, caffeine, sultanas and grapes.

Studies suggest that more education and information needs to be available for pet owners to learn about the quantities and types of foods pet owners are feeding their pets.

When leftovers become a daily meal for pets or added to their meal routine, this can have significant health impacts, including leading to obesity, diabetes or pancreatitis.

Many of us want to share celebratory meals with our fur friends. Occasions such as Christmas, birthdays and New Year’s are all times when excess food might make it to Benny’s dog bowl. However, rich, fatty foods can’t always be handled by the gastrointestinal systems of our pet friends, which can lead to pancreatitis – a severe inflammatory disease.

When you notice that your fur-friend has increased in kilos and needs to go on a diet, eliminating the routine of feeding them leftovers is usually a good place to start. Speak with your vet about following a calorie-controlled diet that suits your pet’s breed and size to ensure they are on track for a healthy, long life.

Always seek advice from your vet if you have any health concerns about your pet.

When engaging a pet sitter, ensure all health-related information is shared and outlined to the pet sitter before they start the position to ensure your pet can keep to their usual routine.

Sources:

The places Aussies will be heading to this summer

Australian travelFrom the seaside to the mountain tops – these are just some of the places that will be drawing Australians to visit, stay and have pet-friendly fun this summer. Whether it’s cooling off at the beach, reserve or in the high mountainous altitudes, there’s always an abundance of choices when it comes to touring Australia. The best part? With pets being a member of the family in a majority of Australian households, our four-legged friends are also welcome to sightsee, frolic and enjoy our country’s natural wonders.

Beaches

With pristine sands as far as the eye can see, azure waters lapping at your feet and sunshine that warms the skin, it’s no wonder why many of us will be heading to the beachside this summer.

Renowned worldwide as a nation of pet lovers, it is also unsurprising that Australians of the four-legged variety also have ample opportunities to experience the sand and surf. Palm Beach Dog Beach on the Gold Coast is a popular hangout for pups and peeps alike, as is Noosa Spit on the Sunshine Coast and St Kilda Beach in Melbourne.

Bays, Coves and Lakes

There are a range of hidden gems to uncover that provide calmer waters and secluded spots to roam on your own or stroll along with your doggo. Dogs can run free off-leash, enjoying a splash in the water at Sirius Cove Reserve in Mosman NSW and Rose Bay Park and Reserve in NSW. There’s also dog-friendly swimming at the ACT’s Barrenjoey Peninsula, Lake Burley Griffin and Colmslie Recreation Reserve, Morningside and Nudgee Beach Reserve in QLD are also dog-friendly havens.

Mountains

Fresh air, the sounds of wildlife and nothing but nature to tantalise your senses, a trip to the mountains helps forget about the stresses of the everyday. The Blue Mountains in NSW offer an array of walks to do and scenic spots to take in the majesty of the natural surroundings. There are also dog-friendly walks to take your pooch. South Australia’s Flinders Ranges offer sensational walks and hikes, and if you’re staying in Adelaide and need to help your pooch expend some energy, the South East dog walking trail is sure to meet your needs.

House and pet sitting positions available in QLD, NSW, ACT, VIC, TAS, SA, NT, WA.

Find your ideal pet sitter across Australia.

Pet First Aid

First Aid

When our pets look unwell, injured or take a sudden turn for the worst, it’s the actions we take in the moments after realising that something’s not right that could end up saving our pet’s life.

We can face a range of emergency situations with our pets. They may have been involved in an accident with a vehicle, swallowed a toxic plant or substance, have something lodged in their airway, may be bleeding or burned, or experiencing heat stroke.

One of the first actions to take is to identify the severity of the situation.

  • Life-threatening – your pet requires immediate attention and assistance.
  • Serious but not life-threatening – your pet needs immediate attention at the vet.
  • Minor emergency

Australian Dog Lover provides a quick guide to pet first aid, which might be helpful to review.

The Australian Red Cross recommends regular health checks at home, so you understand when all is good with your pet and when you might need to take action.

  • Temperature – Cats and dogs generally have normal body temperature of between 37.5 degrees Celsius and 39 degrees Celsius. A higher body temperature could indicate a serious health issue and it’s time to take them to the vet.
  • Heart rate – Watch your cat or dog and note how many times their chest rises and falls in one minute. This will give you a baseline for what is normal for your pet and when they may be having trouble breathing.
  • Checking hydration levels – Some parts of Australia can experience sweltering heat. To check whether your pet is dehydrated, The Australian Red Cross recommends: ‘pulling up on the skin between their shoulder blades. When you let go, the skin should spring right back in place. If it stays tented this can be a sign of dehydration.’

There are several first aid courses and resources available. The Australian Red Cross offers pet first aid courses. There are also courses through TAFE and online and face-to-face options through the RSPCA. It’s best to check availability in your state or territory.

If you’re wanting a go-to guide when you’re out and about, there is also a first aid for pets Australia app that’s free.

Learning first aid for pets is a vital skill for both pet owners and pet sitters. Knowing what to do in an emergency will ensure you have the confidence to step up and take action which could prevent serious injury, long-term illness or even save a pet pal’s life.

Sources:

https://www.australiandoglover.com/2017/03/dog-first-aid-quick-reference-guide.html

https://www.redcross.org.au/firstaid/pet-first-aid/blog-pet-first-aid/

https://www.australiandoglover.com/2017/03/dog-first-aid-quick-reference-guide.html

https://www.moorabbinvet.com.au/first-aid-for-pets-australia/

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.boehringer.FirstAidForPets

https://www.rspcansw.org.au/what-we-do/training/basic-animal-first-aid/

5 pet play ideas for Spring

Our pet pals love to spend time with us, and Spring is the perfect time to embrace the outdoors for some quality fur-kid/pet-parent time. Here are some suggestions of what you can do to make the most of the warmer weather with your fur friend.

Go camping

It’s a great feeling to be surrounded by nature on a camping holiday. There are many caravan and holiday parks across Australia that welcome pet pals for holiday. Check with park managers for rules around pets that are allowed to stay. While dogs are generally not allowed in National Parks around Australia, check with your state-based park’s website to check for other options. For instance, there are regional parks in Victoria that allow dogs to join in the camping adventure.

Go for a walk or hike

As we mentioned, dogs and pets are not generally allowed in National Parks, and this is because we need to protect the native Australian plants and animals that find refuge in those environments. However, dogs are welcome in all NSW state forests, and in South Australia, there are 17 national parks where you can walk your dog, as long as they are on a lead for pawesome walk time.

Have a photo session

Spring brings a flurry of photo opportunities with flower buds blooming, greenery re-emerging after the winter and sun-filled days becoming longer. While some pet parents choose to book a professional pet photographer to capture precious moments with their pet pal, a compact digital camera or smartphone could be an alternative to capture candid moments on a walk or day out.

Combine exercise with social experiences

The start of Spring is always a good motivator for extra exercise. There are dog-friendly parks around Australia that include agility courses and obstacles to keep your pet-pal stimulated while also working on their fitness. These parks are also a great opportunity for your pooch to become familiar with other pups and people and learn positive social behaviours.

A Spring clean for your pet

Bathing and grooming might get a little overlooked during winter, so ‘Spring clean’ your pooch with a good wash, nail and fur cutting and overall health check-up. While this may not sound like a form of pet play, you can make bath time fun! End the wash with a doggie massage using pet-appropriate products and brushing your pet’s coat can also be a great way to bond with your pal.

Pet sitters walk, talk, groom and love pets while homeowners have to travel. Find a pet sitter to provide personalised care for your pet or become a pet sitter yourself!

 

 

Intrepid Pet Sitters

2 Pet Sitters

Best friends Inés and Ale are animal lovers through and through. After being housemates for several years in Melbourne, the friends decided to explore more of Australia and joined Mindahome in 2021 to begin their travels.

Heading to the sunny shores of Queensland, Inés and Ale house and pet sat around the sunshine state’s tropical Daintree region. Working from home allowed them to explore many natural wonders of the area, while also being around to give the pets they cared for copious amounts of love and affection.

After growing up with animal companions, Inés and Ale are always ready to step up as fill-in pet parents for the pet pals they meet – and end up adoring! – during their pet sits.

“Pet sitting has allowed us to explore many different places. But while staying for free is a great bonus to the pet sitting lifestyle, for us, it’s more about our love of animals. We both grew up around nature and surrounded by animals, so pet sitting gives us a chance to get the best of both worlds and meet new pets and people,” Inés said.

“Sometimes we get on so well with the pets that we care for that we checkPet Sitter with dog in with owners even after the sit to see how their dog or cat is going,” Ale added.

As pet sitters, the two friends have explored many places around Queensland, including Cairns suburbs of Trinity beach, Smithfield, Edmonton, and Mount Sheridan. They’re open to all house and pet sits, with caring for dogs and cats their speciality. They also find they connect best with pets over longer (multiple weeks) pet sits.

“On one pet sit, the pet parents asked that we take their dog to a different beach every day. Of course, we were very happy to oblige because it meant we could also discover new places while we ran around with our adorable doggie friend,” said Ale.

“We’ve cared for a dog that loved to play tennis, elderly pets, fish and of course, we’ve enjoyed lots of cuddles and playtime with the dogs and cats we mind,” said Ine.

“There’s never a dull moment – which we love! We feel really lucky that wecan meet all these different animals, get to know them and their family and give them the love and attention they need, especially when they might feel a bit uneasy because their owner is away,” Inés added.

Inés and Ale’s tips for anyone looking to start house and pet sitting?

  1. Make the care of the pets and the home a number one priority.

“It’s a big decision to leave your pets and your home in the hands of someone else, so we take this responsibility very seriously. We ask pet owners about their pet’s routines and stick to them. We also make sure that the house is clean and tidy when the owners return so they can just relax and unwind when they get back.”

  1. House and pet sit because you love animals.

“Most places we’ve stayed have involved caring for a pet, so you have to be a pet lover. It’s also best to be upfront about the animals that you’re comfortable caring for and your experience with different animals.

  1. Make house and pet sitting work for you.

“Pet sitting can be a win/win situation for everyone. We’ve been lucky enough to travel to different places and saved so much money because we’ve chosen to house and pet sit. If you have the flexibility of working from home to care for animals and are on a budget, house and pet sitting can be a great way to help out pet owners as well as achieve some of your own personal goals as well.”

Get in touch with Inés and Ale via the Mindahome website.