On my way to give one of my dogs her CBD oil, anticipating the booms to come later from the neighbors setting off firecrackers.

DID YOU KNOW …

Every year on the 4th of July there’s a 30% increase in lost pets.

Lots of dogs are afraid of loud noises including fireworks. Out of fear they are more likely to try and run away in search of a safe place. 

According to animal control, July 5th is one of the busiest days of the year at animal shelters across the United States.

Keep your dog safe this weekend.

I just successfully completed the class and the assessment for the COVID-19 for Pet Sitters and Dog Walkers that was offered by Pet Sitters International.

Would like to take this opportunity to review the following COVID-19 safety protocol that is used by Critter Sitter.

1. Face masks will be worn when entering a client’s home.
2. Hands will be washed before and after each visit.
3. Shoes will be taken off prior to entering a client’s home.
4. In the home, will avoid touching surfaces. If necessary, surfaces that are touched will be wiped down with a disinfectant.
5. If dogs are coming to daycare or going to be boarded at Critter Sitter, please review list of items that will be provided (that we normally had you bring like a leash).
6. When doing an initial consultation, we will practice social distancing of at least 6 feet (to humans).
7. PLEASE call or email if you, someone in your home, or someone you have had contact with is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Homes with potential exposure or high risk of exposure (i.e. EMTs, doctors…) will be visited last. If I am sick, I will contact you and not be visiting.

This certifies that
Amy Muzzy
has completed PSI’s COVID-19 Certification for Professional Pet Sitters and
Dog Walkers course and successfully passed the course assessment
on June 27, 2020.

Pet First Aid Kit, provided by Pet Poison Helpline®.

Dog and Cat Pet First Aid Kit contents:

• Hydrogen peroxide 3% (within the expiration date)
• An oral dosing syringe or turkey baster (for administering hydrogen peroxide)
• Teaspoon/tablespoon set (to calculate the appropriate amount of hydrogen peroxide to give)
• Liquid hand dish washing detergent (i.e., Dawn, Palmolive)
• Rubber gloves Triple antibiotic ointment with NO other combination ingredients—NOT for use in CATS!)
• Vitamin E oil
• Diphenhydramine tablets 25 mg (with NO other combination ingredients)
• Ophthalmic saline solution or artificial tears
• Can of tuna packed in water or tasty canned pet food
• Sweet electrolyte-containing beverage
• Corn syrup
• Vegetable oil

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), recommends you should also consider including these items:

• Gauze
• Nonstick bandages (or towels/cloth strips)
• Adhesive tape for bandages (Do not use human adhesive bandages.)
• Milk of Magnesia
• Digital thermometer

Having an extra leash in your kit is also a good idea, and make sure that you always have the phone numbers for your veterinarian and the local emergency veterinary clinic handy. Pet sitters, its important you also have this information from your clients.

Remember, before you attempt anything with your new pet first aid kit, it is always important to speak with a poison control specialist before you try any therapies at home. You will never want to administer the hydrogen peroxide to a pet without checking with a veterinary professional first. In some situations, it is not appropriate to induce vomiting at home. You should also never administer over-the-counter human medications to pets without first speaking to a toxicologist or veterinary professional. One helpful resource is the Pet Poison Helpline: 1 (800) 213-6680 or www.petpoisonhelpline.com.

According to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), 25 percent more pets would survive if just one pet first aid technique were applied prior to getting emergency veterinary care.

After you’ve administered first aid, it is still extremely important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible. Many emergencies cannot be managed—even in the initial period—with simple pet first aid procedures. Call your veterinarian (or, if pet sitting, the client’s veterinarian), an emergency veterinary center or poison control immediately—and remember, above all, to STAY CALM.