Easy-to-Make Fall Treats For Your Dog

Have you ever thought about making your own dog treats?
You can save money and offer healthy snack fare for your
fur babies! 

And real pumpkin (which is on clearance sale at the groceries
after Halloween) is so easy to cook and puree.  Dogs love pumpkin!

Cut a whole pumpkin into two halves.  Scoop out the seeds and
stringy stuff.  You can clean and rinse the seeds for roasting
separately. Put the two halves of pumpkin cut side down on
a cookie sheet which has been lined with heavy duty foil.
Bake at 375 F. for about one hour. Time varies with the size
of the pumpkin.  Remove from oven, cool a little while,
and the skin of the pumpkin will come right off.  Puree the
pumpkin "meat" in a blender or mash through a colander.

Easy-to-Make Fall Treats For Your Dog

What can go wrong with Pet Sitting in Jackson, MS?

Many of you have asked me, "How long have you been doing this?"  I've been pet sitting since 2005, so a little over 7 years now.  I started the Priority Pets business in June of 2010, so I've been promoting my own business since then.  I've taken care of dogs, cats, guinea pigs, birds, fish, and there was one house with a snake (they promised I would not have to look at it, let alone feed it).

And some of you even want to know, "Have you ever had problems while pet sitting?"  Sure, and those learning experiences help us come up with our policies and procedures.  Here are some examples:

I locked myself out of a client's home one night.  My car keys, the client's house key, everything I had taken inside the home...were all inside on the kitchen counter.  I solved the dilemma by carding a back door.  If this had not worked, I would have had to pay a locksmith to open the door.  This led to our policy of requiring two keys from everyone. 

Two of my staff members broke a key in a door on two separate occasions.  The guys have big hands, what can I say?  Another very good reason for me to require two keys for every location.

A key did not work on a client's home just 3 days after I had tested the key in the door myself.  I usually always will test the keys in the doors at your "Meet the Pet" visit.  Either the house shifted (all the Yazoo clay in our area causes lots of this) or the lock just plain wore out.  In any case, I now have a great locksmith contact who can take care of me if this ever happens again. 

A homeowner left me a garage door opener for entering their home.  I asked for a key in addition to the opener.   Good thing I did, because the electricity was off on the very first visit to their home while they were out of town on vacation.  Garage door openers require electricity to work.

Another client who prefers the garage door opener had a bad battery in the g. d. o.  The spare key saved the day again.  Folks appreciate the fact that I've had these experiences and that I will do everything possible to be prepared for the unexpected emergencies that may come up.

What other emergencies have come up while you were away from your home?  Comment below!

Jackson Pet Sitter warns you about Nature's Recipe recall

Nature's Recipe Voluntarily Recalls Nature's Recipe Oven Baked Biscuits

Salmonella can cause diarrhea and/or stomach ache in your pets. 

The Nature's Recipe Oven Baked Biscuits may be contaminated with salmonella.  Click on the link
for more information.

Jackson Cat Sitter Weighs in on World's Best Cat Litter

I visit lots of cats and take care of the litter box chore
when I am there to play with the cats.  So I see my fair
share of different kinds of cat litter.

Let's see, there's clay based, clumping, non-clumping,
scoopable, crystalline, pine, wheat, and corn.
There's scented cat litter and unscented; there is some
with baking soda added for odor control.  There are
cat litters that advertise "multiple cats," as opposed
to single cats.

So when I saw a cat litter called "World's Best Cat
Litter" I was intrigued.  What was different about it?
How could they say they had the "World's Best?"

Here are the plusses:   World's Best Cat Litter is made
from ground up corn.   So it's biodegradable which
means it's friendly to the planet.
World's Best Cat Litter clumps so you can remove
the cat urine from the litter box.  (Please do that at
least once a day.)
The multiple cat variety that I used was scented
with lavender.  Nice touch if your cat likes the smell
of lavender.

And now for the minuses:  World's Best Cat Litter
has light weight particles and it's tracked all around
the litter box.  I recommend a towel or a rug or mat
under the box to make clean up easier.
Some people say it's expensive.  At $7.99 for a 7 lb.
bag, which may last an entire month, what do you think?

Give me your feedback below.  Have you tried the
"World's Best Cat Litter?"  Here's a coupon for a free
bag   FREE BAG OF WORLD'S BEST CAT LITTER

13 Reasons to Hire a Pet Sitter in Jackson, MS

1)    Your pets love to stay home in their own familiar
        environment.
 2)   They are a little (or a lot) stressed by the kennel
       or boarding facility.
 3)   Your pets got sick the last time they stayed at the vet
       from the kennel cough that was going around.
 4)   You have recently moved to Jackson, MS and don't
        have family here.
 5)   Your mother-in-law watched the dogs last time you
       traveled and she left the back door wide open.  :(
 6)   You want the added security for your home, having
       someone visit several times a day.
 7)    Your pet loves to play frisbee in your back yard and
         needs the vigorous exercise to stay happy and healthy.
 8)    Your plants need a little watering every day or so and
         the newspaper needs to be brought in.
 9)    Your fur babies need a lot of tender loving care!
10)   You don't have time to load up the pets and all their
         paraphernalia to take them to board somewhere and
         still make it to the airport on time.
11)    You have lived in the Jackson, MS metro area a long
          time and have imposed on your friends and family
          for pet care long enough!
12)   You want someone to stay in your home overnight
         with your pets.  (Yes, we can do that!)
13)   You want a professional pet sitting service rather
         than the neighborhood kid to take care of your furry
         family members.

Well, what are you waiting for?  Call 601-750-2896 today
 (or use our contact form on the upper right side of the page).
 You'll be glad you did!

Jackson Dog Walker and Pet Sitter helps Pet Owners New to the Area

Welcome to the Jackson, MS area!

As a pet owner who has recently moved to the Jackson metro area,  you will soon be needing to find pet services and supply stores, veterinarians and groomers, boarding facilities or pet sitters. 
I am happy to help you with that!  Please let the Vets and Groomers and Hollywood Feed know that
Julia of Priority Pets Dog Walking and Pet Sitting Services sent you!

If you are a pet business owner and would like to be listed on this page, please call Julia at 601-750-2896.

Feed and Supplies

Petco
175 Grand View Boulevard #600
 Madison, MS 39110
(601) 605-9844

PetsMart  2 locations
6333 N I-55
Jackson, MS(601) 956-4444

198 Promenade Blvd
Flowood, MS(601) 992-7076

Hollywood Feed natural and holistic pet food
1250 E County Line Rd
Ridgeland, MS 39157
(601) 977-6220

Veterinarians

All Creatures Animal Care Center
262 New Mannsdale Rd.
Madison, MS 39110

 Dr Kennedy,  Veterinarian
1530 East County Line Road
Ridgeland, MS 39157
Phone: (601) 956-2932

North State Animal Hospital
Dr. Whittington is our area bird expert.
5208 North State Street
Jackson, Mississippi 39206
(601) 982-8261

24 hour Emergency Vet:

Animal Emergency Referral Center
1009 Treetops Blvd.
Flowood, MS 39232
Phone: (601) 939-8999

Grooming

Margie's Grooming   
Margie Bunn 
2003 Stonehendge Drive

Brandon, MS 39042

(601) 829-9597

 

Madison Ridgeland Pet Grooming

Keith and Ira
739 Hwy 51

 Madison MS 39110

(601) 898-9594

 

Pet Sitting and Dog Walking

Priority Pets (of course)
Julia Cranford
601-750-2896

 

Choosing a new dog for your family

I was volunteering with CARA Shelter in PetCo this weekend.  Lots of people walked by with their kids and looked at the dogs and cats that were available for adoption from CARA.  Some parents said they were ready to get a pet for their kids after they get back from vacation.  That raises the question, How do we pick a new dog or cat that will be compatible with our kids, our lifestyle, our home, etc.

Here is an article that will help us answer that question:  How to Choose a New Dog

Taking Care of your new Bulldog

I am always looking for great tips for you to help you with your pets!  Check out this
 video about bulldogs.  (No Mississippi State fans were harmed in the making of this film.)

EXERCISING YOUR DOG | Daily Dog Walking in Jackson MS

DAILY EXERCISE RECOMMENDED Exercise is as important for your dog as it is for you. Young dogs and healthy adults alike need lots of it, and even senior pets need a regular daily workout to maintain their health. The type  of exercise you choose depends on the age and fitness of your dog and your own lifestyle.  Dogs are adaptable and are happy to play Frisbee in the park or take long walks in the  neighborhood. Exercise is one of the best ways to spend time with your pet. It's especially important for  large breed, working, and active breed types. Dogs are wonderful athletes and most adapt  to even strenuous exercise, provided they have had adequate opportunity to "train" and the  environmental conditions are not too extreme. RECOMMENDATIONS Daily exercise is recommended unless the weather is especially dangerous or a medical  problem limits your dog's activity. If there is a medical problem, consult your veterinarian  about exercise limitations. Keep in mind that obese dogs and those with heart and lung diseases may have a problem, and be sure to consult your vet before starting a new regime. Be certain your dog has plenty of water available at all times, and provide a place to cool down out of the sun. When the temperature drops below freezing, exercise should be limited, unless your dog is really used to this weather. This will often vary with the breed and hair coat.  If the wind picks up to more than 10 mph, be careful to prevent hypothermia or frostbite. If your dog is shivering, get him back indoors or in some form of warm shelter.If you live in an  area that gets cold and icy, remember that road salt can burn your dog's feet. Remember, even in cold weather, an exercising dog needs plenty of water. Almost all dogs, especially those with heart and lung problems and those with thick hair coats, are likely to have trouble with hot and humid conditions. It's better to exercise in the early morning or evening when the heat is less than 80 degrees and the humidity is less then 30 percent (avoid hot and humid conditions).

New Years Resolutions Your Dog Wishes You’d Make

In 2005, Veterinary Economics reported that 40% of U.S. dogs are overweight. And according to a report from the National Academies' National Research Council, 25% of pets in Western societies are obese. Our advice? Keep your dog moving!

Lose weight: resolution for your dog?

Forget going to the gym or learning Italian. Twenty-twelve is the year to let your dog make your resolutions for you. After all, your pup's life-long endeavor is to be your loving pet and loyal companion - the least you can do this year is bring an extra wag or two to his world. Besides, his resolutions will have you both feeling great, and the best part is, none involve spandex, spinning classes, or low-fat butter.

1. I resolve to take quality walks.

Chances are, your pup never says no to a walk, even if it's the same old stroll up the block and back. But know that your dog craves new scents and sounds as much as you enjoy new scenery. So mix up your weekday walks with new routes, unfamiliar trails, and uncharted side streets and explore new neighborhoods and parks on the weekends. Better yet, research dog-friendly hiking spots in your area and venture somewhere new once a month.

2. I resolve to give less hugs, play more tug.

Maybe you've noticed that squirmy, help-let-me-out wriggle your dog does during what you consider to be a loving embrace. Unlike us primates, dogs don't feel all reassured and gooey inside after a nice long hug. In fact, most likely they feel trapped - it's just a canine thing. A hearty round of tug however, played appropriately, can be a huge stress reliever and a nice bit of exercise as well. Note: If you intend to make tug a permanent activity in your repertoire, drop it and off are important commands to know.

3. I resolve to regularly introduce "new" toys into the mix.

Remember, they don't have to be store-bought new, just new to your pup - that is, something he hasn't seen before (or at least in a very long time). So, swap toys with your dog-owning friends and neighbors so that every few weeks there's something new for Fido to chase, charge, or chew on.

4. I resolve to throw a party.

We're not (necessarily) talking about a fancy birthday fete or a bark mitzvah - though those are fun too. A rendez-vous with a couple of his favorite people - or at least people who adore him - will do. Play a few of his preferred games or simply ask invitees to practice a couple basic commands with him. It's a chance for your dog to get praised, treated, and rewarded by someone else - great for socialization and a real boon to his confidence.

5. I resolve to bond outside the home.

Agility classes may just be the perfect combination of mental stimulation, physical activity, and most important, team building between you and your best friend. Dogs and humans both have a ball. But if weave poles and tire hoops seem too daunting, consider a Canine Good Citizen class, a program designed by the AKC (and offered in cities across the country) to promote responsible ownership and well-mannered dogs. You'll brush up on your training techniques and your dog gets a refresher course in good behavior.

6. I resolve to keep my dog physically fit.

And truly, this is the only one that requires any willpower - we know that pleadingpuppy eyes are harder to resist than any French pastry or sloppy cheeseburger, especially when there's a stash of treats at hand. But even though it seems like your dog is harnessing the world's entire supply of Cute Power to get you to surrender that big hunk of cheese, know that he really means this: Please do everything you can to ensure that I'm healthy, mobile, and comfortable for a long, long time.

Grated carrots and a game of fetch, here we come.

This article reprinted from Dogtime.com