Winter 2018 News From Bart & Gabriel Pet Sitting

 

Important Pricing Update, Exercising Pets in Cold Climates, and Booking Ahead for 2018!

 

 

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Exercising Pets in Cold Climates

 

 

Take Safe Measures When Outside

Lab sits in the snow

It’s a cold winter’s day. Snow is gently falling, you’re snoozing on the couch in front of a crackling fire and then, like a surprise snowball attack, your dog pokes you awake with his cold wet nose.

He wants to go out for a walk. Now.

As much as you’d like to stay warm and cozy indoors, your pet still needs to exercise, no matter what the season. Most indoor dogs cannot tolerate being left outside in sub-freezing weather, as their coats or paw pads have not thickened.

First Gear Up

Put on your coat, hat and mittens, and get out there with your pet. There are simple ways you can keep him safe while you both enjoy being outdoors.

Just as you need a little warm-up to avoid injury before exercising in the cold, so does your pet. Get him moving a little bit before opening the door.

To keep a smaller pet or short-haired breed (boxersgreyhounds, Dobermans, or Chihuahuas, for example) warm, consider dressing him in a coat. Pet stores and boutiques offer plenty styles to choose from in all price ranges.

Caution in the Cold

More dogs are lost during winter than any other season, making a leash, a pet microchip and identification tags invaluable.

Once you start walking or jogging, be cautious of ice patches where both of you could slip and fall and possibly become injured.

If your dog is frequently lifting up his paws, crying or stopping while out on his walk, there’s a chance he’s trying to tell you his pads are cold. Check to make sure he didn’t step in salt or other ice-melting agents used on the streets as these chemicals can be very irritating to his pads.

One of the most common winter hazards to pets? Antifreeze, a sweet smelling poison that attracts pets.

Hazardous Solutions

Woman and dog play in the snow

Slip-on boots created specifically to protect a dog’s paws from the elements also provide traction — if you think your dog would tolerate wearing them, that is. Popular by growing demand, a variety of boot styles and sizes are available at pet stores and online. Be proactive — make sure your dog becomes comfortable wearing the bootsbefore winter comes around.

One of the most common winter hazards to pets? Antifreeze, a sweet smelling poison that attracts pets. Check your garage and driveway for any spills, and beware of parking lots and your neighborhood streets. Cat litter or sand absorbs the fluid and will prevent pets from eating it.

Pet-safe antifreeze made with propylene glycol is available at stores. If ingested in small amounts, the harmful effects are less severe, although its alcoholic nature does cause inebriation, so you still always want to be careful around pets.

Check Your Pet

Wipe your dog’s paws with a damp towel as soon as you’re back indoors, eliminating the risk of him licking them before you can wash off any irritants or toxins he may have been exposed to outdoors. If you have an anxious or impatient pup, consider keeping a container of warm water and cloths by the door so you can wash his paws without much fuss.

Look closely in between your dog’s toes for balls of ice that can form and become quite painful. Warm water will also help dissolve any lingering ice. Take preventive care before heading out in the snow: trim the hair around your dog’s pads and apply a small amount of Vaseline, cooking oil or spray between his toes.

Check your dog’s nails and pads carefully; snow can hide sharp objects that can cause an injury, and pads can become discolored from the cold, appearing red, grey or white with some peeling due to frostbite. Thaw your dog’s pads slowly by applying warm, moist towels until the area becomes flushed.

Exercise Good Choices

Use common sense: In extreme conditions, such as record low temperatures or a blizzard, keep your pet’s outdoor time to a minimum.

Otherwise, a brisk walk and some playtime make for a happy, healthy pet. If you suspect injury, contact your veterinarian immediately.

So, until your next outing, head back to the couch and soak up the warmth of the crackling fire…and your four-legged, furry companion curled up beside you.

If you enjoyed this story, you may like to read about pets losing holiday pounds or humans and pets battling obesity together.

 

 

 

New Pricing – Starting March 1st, 2018

We are increasing our short potty break visit to 20 minutes from 15 minutes to make sure we can provide some extra love and care to our dog walking and pet sitting clients. We appreciate being able to continue providing high quality of pet care to our clients across Southern Columbus and beyond! 

Grove City – 43123 Zip Code

$20 for 20 minutes
$25 for 30 minutes
$35 for 60 minutes

Other Zip Codes

$25 for 20 minutes
$30 for 30 minutes
$45 for 60 minutes

Thank you very much for supporting us in our growth!

We are celebrating more than 80 5-STAR reviews on Google, and 8 years of experience!

Please help us to continue providing the high quality reliable pet services by referring us to your friends and colleagues, we appreciate it so very much!

 

 

 

Upcoming Holidays for 2018

Easter Sunday – April 1st

Memorial Day – Monday, May 28th

Our holiday booking and cancellation policies are available here!

Send us an e-mail to book for these holidays!

 

 



 





 

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Costume Contest And Fall Newsletter

Halloween Costume Contest

Share the pictures of your pets in their favorite Halloween finery on Bart & Gabriel Pet Sitting Facebook Page, and get your friends to vote for them! The person whose pet's picture has the most likes on October 31st, 2017 at 10 am will win $50 in pet sitting services going towards their next booking!

Share here!

Holidays are coming - Booking now!

I hope you all are enjoying this fantastic fall! I am looking forward to seeing your pets during the holidays:

Thanksgiving
Thursday, 11/23 - Sunday, 11/26

Christmas
Friday, 12/22 - Monday, 12/25

New Year
Friday, 12/29 - Monday, 1/1

Please contact us as soon as possible to book service for these holidays, as we are at our busiest during these times!

We are also accepting weekday lunchtime dog walking clients in Grove City, German Village, and Grandview - any referrals are deeply appreciated!

 

Important Cancellation and Late Booking Policy Updates

We have reviewed and updated our cancellation policies and late booking policies.

Please review the new policies here!  We appreciate your trust and look forward to visiting your pets!



 

Happy Holidays!

 

NEW unavailability dates for 2017 - Last chance to book for the holidays - Best winter games for your pet


Warmest Wishes for
Happy Holidays
and a Happy New Year 

From Bart & Gabriel Pet Sitting

If you haven't booked your pet care for the holidays, please e-mail us as soon as possible, and we will do our best to be of service!

Christmas  - Saturday, December 24th - Monday, December 26th
New Year  - Saturday, December 31th - Monday, January 2nd

Holiday Cancellations: With the exception of severe weather, life threatening emergencies or a death in the family, any cancellations prior to a major holiday; ie: Christmas, New Years, Easter, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day and Thanksgiving with less than a four day notice will result in 50% of the total invoice for scheduled pet care to be paid. We request your understanding that holiday travel is a peak service time for pet care.

Last Minute Holiday Booking: While we do our best to accommodate all our clients to the very best of our ability, some periods of time such as the holidays tend to be much busier than others. As such, any clients wishing to schedule service within a week may be charged a $30 last minute booking fee depending on our availability. Please call us well ahead of time when scheduling holiday services!

Unavailability Dates for 2017 

Tuesday, January 3rd - Wednesday, January 11th
Saturday, February 25th - Sunday, February 26th
Thursday, June 8th - Sunday, June 18th
Friday, July 28th - Sunday, July 30th
Friday, August 11th - Sunday, August 13th

Please note: additional dates may be added at any time. You can view all the unavailability dates in our Calendar tab. During these dates service will be limited, and advance notice is required. We need to know at least 3-4 weeks in advance if you would like service during these times.  We appreciate your understanding and will do our absolute best to accommodate all requests!

Contact us now!

Indoor Games to Play with Pets on a Cold Winter Day

By Julia Williams

If you live in a frigid winter climate like I do now, you’re probably getting pretty tired of the cold and the snow. I know I am. I started dreaming of warm spring days in early November, and I think my cats did too. We’re used to mild California winters, where spending time outdoors in December is a pleasant experience. Not so these Montana winters!

So how do we keep our pets entertained when being outdoors seems more foolhardy than fun? Play games indoors! There are lots of indoor games you can play with your dog or cat that can help them burn off some energy and keep them stimulated. In addition to alleviating boredom, playing games with your pet can deepen your bond.

Indoor Games to Play With Dogs

Hide And Seek: Yes, the classic game that all children love is a blast for dogs too. Sneak away from your dog and go find a good hiding spot in your home. Once hidden, call your dog and stay there until they “discover” you (and perhaps get a tasty dog treat as their reward).

Find The Treat: This game entails hiding a biscuit or other treat somewhere in your home, and then asking your dog to find it. You’ll need to show your dog how this game works the first few times, but soon they’ll be sniffing out the treat on their own.

Dog Sports: Soccer balls and basketballs are ideal for some sporty fun indoors with your four-legged friend. Roll the ball, and encourage your dog to push it along with their nose or paws. Most dogs quickly comprehend that the object of the game is to roll the ball to you.

Indoor Agility: If you have a big basement or a large playroom, you can set up a mini agility course for your dog. Who knows, you might both enjoy this so much that, come spring, you decide to take up this wonderful outdoor dog sport!

Bubble Chase: You’ll need a lot of space for this great energy-burning game as well. However, leaping and pouncing at bacon-scented bubbles is something that every dog enjoys.

Teach A Trick: Cold winter days are the perfect time to teach your dog a new trick or two – indoors where it’s cozy and warm, of course. Although not exactly a “game,” teaching your dog tricks is a lot of fun and very rewarding.

Indoor Games to Play With Cats

Kitty Whack-a-Mouse: A youtube video inspired me to make one of these fun games for my cats. It’s basically a feline version of the classic Whack-a-Mole found at every carnival. You remember that game, right? To make one for your cats, take an extra large box and cut some holes in the bottom panel, big enough for you to fit your hand through. Put the box on its side and call your cat over to it. Stick a furry mouse cat toy through one of the holes, wiggling it to entice them to grab it. (Wear a thick glove or an oven mitt to protect your hand). Try to pull it back before your cat can get the toy, and immediately stick it out another hole. This game will entertain you, your cat and anyone watching.

Interactive Toys: you can buy a wide variety of cat toys designed for you and your kitty to play together. At the dollar store, I found a furry mouse on a string that was attached to a long wand. I bought a dozen because I was sure that the game of “chase the mouse” would go over well at my house, and it did. Another feline favorite is the “fishing pole” with feathers or a soft toy on the end.

Stairway Ball Toss: I play this energy-burning game with my friend’s kitten who loves to chase things. I throw a small cat toy ball up the stairs and she runs up after it. When she bats at the ball it rolls down the stairs, and she chases it all the way to the bottom.

With a little imagination, there’s virtually no end to the indoor games you can invent to play with your pets. I hope these suggestions inspire you, and help you to entertain your pets during the dead of winter.

Source: Canidae Pet Blog

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Winter News from Bart & Gabriel Pet Sitting – January 2016









Updated unavailability dates for 2016 and winter exercise tips for your pets!

View this email in your browser

Exercising Pets in Cold Climates

Take Safe Measures When Outside

Lab sits in the snow

It’s a cold winter’s day. Snow is gently falling, you’re snoozing on the couch in front of a crackling fire and then, like a surprise snowball attack, your dog pokes you awake with his cold wet nose.

He wants to go out for a walk. Now.

As much as you’d like to stay warm and cozy indoors, your pet still needs to exercise, no matter what the season. Most indoor dogs cannot tolerate being left outside in sub-freezing weather, as their coats or paw pads have not thickened.

First Gear Up

Put on your coat, hat and mittens, and get out there with your pet. There are simple ways you can keep him safe while you both enjoy being outdoors.

Just as you need a little warm-up to avoid injury before exercising in the cold, so does your pet. Get him moving a little bit before opening the door.

To keep a smaller pet or short-haired breed (boxersgreyhounds, Dobermans, or Chihuahuas, for example) warm, consider dressing him in a coat. Pet stores and boutiques offer plenty styles to choose from in all price ranges.

Caution in the Cold

More dogs are lost during winter than any other season, making a leash, a pet microchip and identification tags invaluable.

Once you start walking or jogging, be cautious of ice patches where both of you could slip and fall and possibly become injured.

If your dog is frequently lifting up his paws, crying or stopping while out on his walk, there’s a chance he’s trying to tell you his pads are cold. Check to make sure he didn’t step in salt or other ice-melting agents used on the streets as these chemicals can be very irritating to his pads.

 

One of the most common winter hazards to pets? Antifreeze, a sweet smelling poison that attracts pets.

Hazardous Solutions

Woman and dog play in the snow

Slip-on boots created specifically to protect a dog’s paws from the elements also provide traction — if you think your dog would tolerate wearing them, that is. Popular by growing demand, a variety of boot styles and sizes are available at pet stores and online. Be proactive — make sure your dog becomes comfortable wearing the bootsbefore winter comes around.

One of the most common winter hazards to pets? Antifreeze, a sweet smelling poison that attracts pets. Check your garage and driveway for any spills, and beware of parking lots and your neighborhood streets. Cat litter or sand absorbs the fluid and will prevent pets from eating it.

Pet-safe antifreeze made with propylene glycol is available at stores. If ingested in small amounts, the harmful effects are less severe, although its alcoholic nature does cause inebriation, so you still always want to be careful around pets.

Check Your Pet

Wipe your dog’s paws with a damp towel as soon as you’re back indoors, eliminating the risk of him licking them before you can wash off any irritants or toxins he may have been exposed to outdoors. If you have an anxious or impatient pup, consider keeping a container of warm water and cloths by the door so you can wash his paws without much fuss.

Look closely in between your dog’s toes for balls of ice that can form and become quite painful. Warm water will also help dissolve any lingering ice. Take preventive care before heading out in the snow: trim the hair around your dog’s pads and apply a small amount of Vaseline, cooking oil or spray between his toes.

Check your dog’s nails and pads carefully; snow can hide sharp objects that can cause an injury, and pads can become discolored from the cold, appearing red, grey or white with some peeling due to frostbite. Thaw your dog’s pads slowly by applying warm, moist towels until the area becomes flushed.

Exercise Good Choices

Use common sense: In extreme conditions, such as record low temperatures or a blizzard, keep your pet’s outdoor time to a minimum.

Otherwise, a brisk walk and some playtime make for a happy, healthy pet. If you suspect injury, contact your veterinarian immediately.

So, until your next outing, head back to the couch and soak up the warmth of the crackling fire…and your four-legged, furry companion curled up beside you.

 

If you enjoyed this story, you may like to read about pets losing holiday pounds or humans and pets battling obesity together.

 

Unavailability Dates for 2016
 
Tuesday, March 29th – Sunday, April 10th
Thursday, May 12th – Sunday, May 15th
Wednesday, June 15th – Sunday, June 19th
Friday, July 15th – Sunday, July 17th
Saturday, August 13th
Thursday, September 29th – Sunday, October 2nd

Please note: additional dates may be added at any time. You can view all the unavailability dates in our Calendar tab. During these dates service will be limited, and advance notice is required. We need to know at least 3-4 weeks in advance if you would like service during these times.  We appreciate your understanding and will do our absolute best to accommodate all requests!

 Contact us now!

Upcoming Holidays for 2016 – Book Now!
 

Easter Sunday – March 27th

Memorial Day – Monday, May 30th

Please note – our holiday per visit surcharge is now $15 per visit.

Holiday Cancellations: With the exception of severe weather, life threatening emergencies or a death in the family, any cancellations prior to a major holiday; ie: Christmas, New Years, Easter, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day and Thanksgiving with less than a four day notice will result in 50% of the total invoice for scheduled pet care to be paid. We request your understanding that holiday travel is a peak service time for pet care.

Last Minute Holiday Booking: While we do our best to accommodate all our clients to the very best of our ability, some periods of time such as the holidays tend to be much busier than others. As such, any clients wishing to schedule service within a week may be charged a $30 last minute booking fee depending on our availability. Please call us well ahead of time when scheduling holiday services!

Send us an e-mail to book for these holidays!








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