How to Change Your Dog's Food
I’ve had this happen twice as my dogs age. For some reason, they can no longer tolerate the food they’ve been eating.
So this post is all about how to change your dog’s food.
Certainly you should speak with your veterinarian first. You want to make certain your dog doesn’t have something else going on that could be causing his upset stomach. If your vet does recommend changing his food, this is what’s worked best for us.
Talk to your vet about what types of food she recommends. Do you research on the various options. Some are a lot healthier than others. Some are a lot more expensive than others. I don’t the most expensive is always the best choice but the least expensive probably isn’t the one you want.
My biggest recommendation once you determine which food you’re going to try is to make the switch gradually.
As long as your vet says it is okay to continue feeding your dog what he has been eating, cut back on his regular food by a small amount and replace the amount with the new food.
On day 2 or 3, start feeding him 75% of his old food and 25% of his new food. Feed him this ratio for a week. Then switch to 50/50 for a week. Then 75% new food and 25% old food. If he’s tolerating the 50/50 just fine, hopefully he’ll tolerate 75/25 and you can feed him 100% of the new food within a few days of switching to 75/25.
Switching his food over for some dogs may take a few weeks. Other dogs might tolerate a faster change.
In some instances you may need to change the food more quickly if you can no longer feed him his regular food. In that case, I’d recommend feeding him smaller amounts of food more frequently.
Be sure to monitor your dog closely as you are changing his food. Common symptoms that can occur if it’s changed too quickly are diarrhea, vomiting and lethargy.
Best of luck if you have to go through this and as always, be sure to consult with your veterinarian.
Dog Friendly Bars in Charlotte Where You Can Celebrate St Patrick's Day 2021
Who plans to celebrate St Patrick’s Day 2021 with your dog?
Let’s hope for nice weather on March 17th. I’m sure a lot of you would love to head out on St Patrick’s Day to one of the many dog friendly bars in Charlotte.
Who plans to celebrate St Patrick’s Day 2021 with your dog?
Let’s hope for nice weather on March 17th. I’m sure a lot of you would love to head out on St Patrick’s Day to one of the many dog friendly bars in Charlotte.
If we are lucky enough to get nice weather, hanging out with your BFLF (best four-legged friend) at a local dog friendly bar might just be the ticket.
I know some of you probably aren’t comfortable going out yet because of covid-19 but I know a lot of people are. If you are going out, supporting the locally owned, dog friendly bars in the area is a great idea.
(I am not passing judgement on anyone… whether you feel it is safe to go out yet or not. This is not a post to debate that topic.)
St Patrick’s Day falls on a Wednesday this year so while that’s not ideal, I’m guessing this year of all years, that’s not going to stop people from going out.
Remember St Patrick’s Day 2020? Life was pretty normal. If we knew then what we know now, the bars would’ve really been packed.
Here’s a list of popular dog friendly bars here in the Charlotte area that will probably be busy on St Patrick’s Day:
Frankie the English Bulldog pictured here was photographed by BARKography at Rosie’s Wine Garden. It’s an amazing spot for photos too!
If you have a favorite spot to go with your dog that I didn’t mention, please let me know. There are so many here in Charlotte, I know there are plenty that I’ve not been to yet.
As always, when you take your dog out in public, please keep him and others around you safe. Also remember beer is not for dogs. And lastly, don’t drink and drive. Keep yourself, your dog and all those around you safe.
Happy St Patrick’s Day 2021 everyone!
Hiring a Dog Walker or Pet Sitter
So many of us have been working from home because of covid-19. Since the world shut down in the spring of 2020, many families have taken the opportunity to add a new furry member since we’ve all been home so much.
But now it’s time to return to work so you need to hire a midday dog walker. Or perhaps you’re feeling comfortable about taking a vacation and Fido isn’t going along so you need to hire a pet sitter.
So many of us have been working from home because of covid-19. Since the world shut down in the spring of 2020, many families have taken the opportunity to add a new furry member since we’ve all been home so much.
But now it’s time to return to work so you need to hire a midday dog walker. Or perhaps you’re feeling comfortable about taking a vacation and Fido isn’t going along so you need to hire a pet sitter.
Perhaps your previous dog walker or dog sitter isn’t available any longer because so much has changed over the last year. Or perhaps you’ve never hired a dog walker or pet sitter.
If you are in the market for a new dog walker or pet sitter, here are the things I think you should consider:
Find someone credible. Perhaps that is someone who has been doing this for a while who can provide you with references from current clients. Perhaps you can get a referral from a friend of yours or from your veterinarian.
Check the dog walker’s references. Actually call and speak to or email their references. Ask them what their favorite things are about them. Ask them if they’ve ever had any problems with the person. If so, what were those problems and how were they resolved?
Find out where the person lives. I believe having someone who lives fairly close to you makes the most sense.
Find out what your dog walker’s backup plan is if for some reason they can’t come at the last minute.
Find out what the person’s backup plan is for when they take time off.
Find out what their experience level is with dogs, cats, hamsters, etc. Whatever type of pet you have, ask about his/her experience. If you have a pet with special needs, definitely discuss in detail what those needs are and how you expect your pet to be cared for. Is your dog sitter comfortable with what you need to have done?
Ask about how your pet sitter or dog walker will handle any type of emergency. Hopefully nothing will happen but what if something does?
Does the dog walker have liability insurance? God forbid, what happens if your dog injures another dog while out on the walk? What if your pet sitter loses the keys to your house and your home has to be re-keyed?
Ask the dog walker if the same person will always walk your dog. If you’re hiring a pet sitter, ask if one person will do all of the visits or if it could be multiple people. In my opinion, having the same person is best so your pet has that consistency.
These are just a few of things that I can think of off the top of my head when I think about things to consider when hiring a new dog walker or pet sitter.
Do your research. Trusting someone with your beloved pet and with the keys to your house is a big deal.
Here’s just one recent example of what I’ve had to do in a last minute emergency situation.
This was a few months ago and Charlotte was experiencing a windy, rainy day. Branches were coming down and sure enough our power went out. Our garage door is VERY heavy and I can’t open it by myself when the power is out. So I had to walk to my next dog walking client.
I texted my client and explained what happened. I told her I’d be about 20 minutes late but that I was on my way and I’d get there. I did. But I’ll admit, walking in that type of weather was a big scary. Branches were coming down as the wind was swirling around.
But my client and perhaps more importantly, her dog were expecting me and Poppy needed her potty break.
This is why in my opinion, it’s important that your dog walker or pet sitter lives near you.
I’ve had other instances where I go to hop in my car and it won’t start. That’s actually happened to me twice. Once I flagged down a neighbor and she graciously let me borrow her car. Another time I walked to the job.
I started my dog walking and pet sitting company in 2009. I’ve had hiccups happen and now all these years later, I’m pretty good at handling whatever comes up. Luckily it’s only been a handful of issues in all these years but it’s important that you have confidence in whoever you hire.
You want to hire someone who can handle whatever happens. Because things will happen. Even to the best dog walker.
If you have questions or would like to discuss your dog walking or pet sitting needs, please contact me. 704-340-4105 or kim@SeeSpotRunCharlotte.com.
The Best List of Pet Holidays 2021
Here’s my Best List of Pet Holidays for 2021.
As a pet photographer and regular poster on Instagram on my BARKography page, I am constantly searching for upcoming pet holidays and topics I can talk about. Recognizing the various pet holidays is fun.
See what you think.
Here’s my list of pet and animal related holidays. (Yes this topic might have made the most sense to post in December but I am just thinking of it…. could’ve, would’ve, should’ve.) LOL I do the best that I can.
I’ll list January just in case anyone wants to refer to this and be ready for January 2022!
January: Walk Your Pet Month, Train Your Dog Month, Unchain A Dog Month
Jan 5: National Bird Day
Jan 14: National Dress Up Your Dog Day
February: Pet Dental Month, National Cat Health Month, Spay Neuter Awareness Month
Feb 3: National Golden Retriever Day
Feb 20: National Love Your Pet Day
Feb 25: World Spay Day
March: Poison Awareness Month
Mar 13: Canine Veteran’s Day
Mar 23: National Puppy Day
Mar 23: Cuddle Your Kitten Day
April: Canine Fitness Month, Adopt a Greyhound Month, National Heartworm Month, Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month
Apr 6: Siamese Cat Day
Apr 11: National Pet Day
Apr 11: Celebrate Shelter Pets Day
Apr 11: Dog Therapy Appreciation Day
Apr 14: National Dolphin Day
Apr 19: National Cat Lady Day
Apr 25: National Pet Parents Day
Apr 30: Adopt a Shelter Pet Day
May: National Pet Month, Pet Cancer Awareness Month, Chip Your Pet Month
May 1: Purebred Dog Day
May 8: National Animal Disaster Preparedness Day
May 8: National Dog Mom’s Day
May 14: Chihuahua Appreciation Day
May 20: Rescue Dog Day
May 23: World Turtle Day
June: Adopt a Shelter Cat Month, Foster a Pet Month
Jun: 4: Hug Your Cat Day
Jun 8: World Pet Memorial Day
Jun 15: Lobster Day
Jun 25: Take Your Dog to Work Day
July: National Lost Pet Prevention Month
Jul 11: All American Pet Photo Day
Jul 26: National Pet Photography Day
Jul 31: Mutt Day
August:
Aug 10: Spoil Your Dog Day
Aug 17: Black Cat Appreciation Day
Aug 21: International Homeless Animals’ Day
Aug 26: National Dog Day
Aug 30: National Holistic Pet Day
September: National Service Dog Month, Responsible Dog Ownership Month, Pet Sitter Education Month
Sep 1: Ginger Cat Appreciation Day
Sep 18: Puppy Mill Awareness Day
Sep 22: Elephant Appreciation Day
Sep 23: Remember Me Thursday®
Sep 28: World Rabies Day
October: Adopt-a-Shelter Dog Month, National Animal Safety and Protection Month, National Pet Wellness Month, National Pitbull Awareness Month
Oct 1: National Black Dog Day
Oct 4: World Animal Day
Oct 17: National Fetch Day
Oct 17: National Black Cat Day
Oct 29: National Cat Day
Oct 30: Pitbull Awareness Day
November: Adopt a Senior Pet Month, Pet Cancer Awareness Month
Nov 7: National Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day
December: National Cat Lovers’ Month
Dec 2: National Mutt Day
Dec 9: International Day of Veterinary Medicine
Dec 13: National Day of the Horse
Dec 15: Monkey Day
Dec 27: Visit the Zoo Day
If I’ve left any days out that you celebrate, let me know and I’ll add them. Here’s to celebrating all of the 2021 Pet Holidays!
National Love Your Pet Day
If you’re here and you’re reading this, I’m guessing every day at your house is National Love Your Pet Day. I know it is at my house.
When you hire me as your dog walker or pet sitter, I’ll treat your pet like it’s National Love Your Pet Day every day at your house too.
If you’re here and you’re reading this, I’m guessing every day at your house is National Love Your Pet Day. I know it is at my house.
When you hire me as your dog walker or pet sitter, I’ll treat your pet like it’s National Love Your Pet Day every day too.
I’ve been a professional dog walker and pet sitter for almost 12 years. Every single day I get to work with dogs. Even after all this time, I still have to pinch myself that I’ve made this lifelong dream come true.
As a kid, I was the one who wanted to be a veterinarian. But as I grew older, I realized I didn’t have thick enough skin to deal with the sick ones. Knowing that I couldn’t save them all would’ve been so hard on me. Or dealing with the emotional side of the pet parents who need to have a procedure on their pet that they can’t afford. That kind of stuff just breaks my heart because I want to help them all.
So starting See Spot Run Charlotte Dog Walking and Pet Sitting was a perfect fit for me. I get to spend every day with a lot of different dogs (and a few cats here and there.)
I get to be part of the highlight of your dog’s day.
And do you know what? Your dog is the highlight of my day too.
When I open the door to your house and see your dog wagging his tail because he is happy to see me, it makes my day.
I will treat your dog as if every day is Love Your Pet Day.
So what do we do on my visits? Whatever you want me to do.
That might be taking your dog for a walk. Is your dog a fast paced walker? I love getting exercise.
Does he prefer to wander and sniff? We can do that too.
Do you have a fenced yard and he loves chasing a ball? If so, I hope you have a chuck-it because I don’t have the greatest arm. LOL
Tennis ball loving golden retriever Ace is pictured here.
The bottom line is, whatever makes your dog happy during our visits is what I’ll do. I’ll treat your dog like every day is National Love Your Pet Day.
#loveyourpetday #nationalloveyourpetday #charlottenc #dogwalker #petsitter
National Mutt Day
Today is National Mutt Day. It may be December 2nd but we celebrate this holiday every day at my house. I know a lot of others that do too.
Today is National Mutt Day. It may be December 2nd but we celebrate this holiday every day at my house. I know a lot of others that do too.
Here are my two mutts:
We call them labs but I really don’t know. We did a DNA test on Moose and it came back 100% lab. I think he’s lab / hound mix and some sort of scent hound because his nose gets him in trouble all the time.
I’m not sure what Molly is mixed with. She is the first dog that I’ve had that howls. When she gets excited… like when she knows she’s going for a walk, she howls. I love it.
I need to do some research on the breeds that howl. She has longer legs than a typical lab. She has a thinner frame and her hair is courser than Moose’s.
I really don’t know what she is… maybe greyhound??
She still doesn’t love my camera. I am going to work with her though and get some better photos of her. Some full body shots and then maybe I’ll do a poll: Guess her breed.
Happy National Mutt Day from Moose and Molly.