Edible cards for cats and dogs – seriously. 

A heart-shaped box of cookies disguised as chocolates. 

There’s nothing better to give a cat then something they can destroy with their claws…

Eco-friendly leashed made of recycled materials.

A puzzle where dogs have to use their noses and paws to find and uncover treats.

Kitties loooove boxes.  So buy them one built into a chalet!

Of course, animals don’t know how much you’re spending on them.  They are happy with a long walk, a laser pointer and some cuddly lovin’.  Enjoy your Valentine’s Day and enjoy your pets!

In the hope to alleviate unnecessary stresses on these days please take note of the following:

1. If you observe such conditions please take the initiative to let us know via phone or email if you plan to stay home yourself to avoid unnecessary stops along the route.
2. For those that require essential service if we are not able to go for a walk we will at least make sure that the dog gets out for an appropriate bathroom break.

The holiday season is here!  This is an exciting (and maybe a little stressful) time of the year not only for us, but for our pets too.  Here are some helpful tips we’ve gathered from around the web to help your holidays go more smoothly:

-             Tire out your pets before the company comes.  Having visitors in your home will undoubtedly cause extra excitement and/or anxiety for your pets.  To ensure a well-behaved dog, go for a long walk before people arrive and things get busy.  To calm kitty’s nerves, ensure they have access to a bustle-free and quiet place they feel safe.  Keep in mind some people are uncomfortable around animals and having a tuckered out pet will help those people relax.

-             New items may be introduced around your home and safety will be a concern.  Don’t forget that poinsettias induce vomiting in dogs, so keep them well out of reach.  (Mistletoe, ivy and holly berries can be poisonous also.)  Similarly, treats with chocolate need to be sealed and kept out of reach because chocolate is poisonous for dogs.

-             Tinsel is oh-so-tempting for kitty, but it is very dangerous and can cut up your pets’ intestines.  Paper tinsel is a better option than plastic or metallic.  Place fragile ornaments toward the top of the tree and sturdy ones toward the bottom.

-             Keep your tree and presents safe from destruction (because our dogs will know what presents contain food, even if we don’t…) Use a pen as a mini fence around the tree and gifts.  It doesn’t have to ruin the theme; you can decorate it with fabric bows, paper ornaments, etc.

-             Unplug lights and other electric decorations when you leave the house in case pets decide chewing on them is a good idea.  They can also trip on cords, such as the one connected to your tree, which could cause greater injuries and damage.

-             Have fun and relax!  Our pets can sense when we are anxious and stressed out.  Remember that the holidays are meant to be enjoyed – so take a little time to cuddle up with your furry children and soak up the spirit.

Looking for gift ideas for your critters?  We’ve found a few useful products to consider:

If you have a busy dog that is easily bored, try using a doggy back pack.  Being able to strap a little bit of extra weight on them makes them feel like they are working, giving them satisfaction, focus and more exercise.  Visit http://www.cesarsway.com for more info.

For dogs with Anxiety, some of our clients have recently purchased the Thundershirt.  This shirt fits snug around your dog, gently calming their nerves while you are away, in the car, during storms, etc.

If your large breed dog is a puller and you would like to regain control, try Cesar the Dog Whisperer’s Illusion Dog Collar.   Normal collars rest on the lowest and strongest part of your dog’s neck.  The illusion collar holds the slip collar closer to the ears, maximizing your control.

Litter boxes don’t have to be smelly AND an eyesore… You can buy them disguised as furniture or plant pots!

Kitties love to scratch!  Here’s a funny twist to a regular cardboard scratch pad… hilarious.

Does your cat like to drink from a running faucet?  Here is a lovely unique handmade cat fountain.

Hope that gives you some ideas.  Enjoy the holiday season!

Love,

Creature Comforts

As the dreary coastal fall/winter season rolls in, you may start feeling less energetic and a little down.  Recent research shows that our furry friends experience similar symptoms (lethargy, reduced appetite, clawing or chewing, frequent barking or aggression) during this time of year.  The lack of sunlight affects the levels of melatonin, serotonin and other hormones our (and their) brains produce.

A great way for you and your pet not only to bond, but to increase your endorphin levels is to get at least 20 minutes of outdoor exercise per day.  Endorphin production usually begins about 15 to 20 minutes into exercise and peaks after about 45 minutes.  Repetitious movement, such as walking, running and cycling, increase levels of serotonin.

Leave some curtains open while you are out of the house during the day.  Light is tied to the functioning of the pituitary and endocrine glands and can stimulate the body to release hormones that have an uplifting effect on mood.  Even 30 minutes a day on a sunny back porch or window perch may do the trick.

On the weekend, try taking a trip to a different park in town.  The new sights and smells will help lift your pet’s mood.  For a list of off-leash parks in Vancouver, visit the Vancouver Parks Board website.  If it is too miserable outside to consider a walk in the park try introducing new toys and games.  Hide treats around the house or inside toys to entertain and challenge Scruffy.  Put a bird feeder by the window for the “hunter” in Fluffy to spy on.  ***Dog walker’s note: It is never too miserable for a walk in the park!  Chillydogs is a small Canadian company with Canadian-made products and materials.  They sell rain and winter gear for your pup.

Funny enough, you can buy movies specifically for pets!  These are designed to alleviate separation anxiety and boredom while you are out of the house during the day.  A movie for a cat might contain small animals such as birds and squirrels scurrying about their natural habitats making their glorious squeaky sounds.  A movie for dogs might show dogs playing with other dogs in the park, doing agility contests, playing fetch, etc.  I know my dog LOVES to watch “Dog’s With Jobs” on the Knowledge Network… Similarly, my cat likes to watch our parrot bathe himself and chew up his toys… I read about these videos at: http://www.themoviefordogs.com and www.cattv.com.

One more product I have read up on is the Thundershirt.  A couple of the dogs we know experience frequent anxiety with a number of different triggers: loud sounds, car travel, crating, separation from loved ones, etc. These shirts create a constant and gentle pressure which calms the nerves, much like swaddling a baby.  To watch the video and read more, visit http://www.thundershirt.com/.

Stay cheerful this winter and cuddle your critters!

Peanut Butter Pumpkins

Ingredients:

1 cup oat flour

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/4 cup peanut butter (Can substitute with almond butter)

1 tsp baking powder

1 cup water

Directions: Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Combine oat flour, rolled oats, and baking powder in a large mixing bowl. Add the peanut butter and water. Mix the ingredients together until dough forms. Roll the dough into 1/4″ thickness. Cut out cookies with a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter.  Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until desired “crunchiness”.

Jack ‘O Lantern treats

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

1/4 teaspoon each, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg

1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce

2 egg whites

1/2 cup pureed pumpkin (canned is fine)

1 tablespoon blackstrap molasses

1/2 cup water (more if needed)

Directions: Heat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl, stirring until just combined. Add flour to make them stiff enough to roll into balls in your palm. Place the cookie balls on a greased cookie sheet or parchment paper. Flatter with a fork in a crisscross pattern (dip the fork into flour or granulated brown sugar if it gets too gunky.) Bake 15 to 20 minutes, or until cookies are firm and lightly browned. Cool on rack or leave in oven with the door cracked open two to three hours or until biscuits are hard and crunchy.

Nobody ever got a Halloween treat without dressing up and working for it!  Here are some of our favourite animal costumes:

Dogs:

Silence of the Lambs                          Black Widow                                        King Mutt

Hot Dog                                                King of Pride Rock                              Skunked

Cats (if they are willing to cooperate…):

Puss in Boots                                       Chicken                                                 Hello Kitty

Holidays:

For the month of October, we will not be providing dog-walking services on Monday, the 10th, Thanksgiving.

Community Events:

S.P.C.A.

October 2:  Youth Workshop, “Canine Companions”

October 19:  Pet Behaviour Seminar with Dr. Pat Pryor

October 21:  Youth Workshop, “Fabulous Farm Animals”

October 22:  Beagle Ball

October 23:  Youth Workshop, “Canine Companions”

P.A.D.S.:

October 19:  Volunteer Orientation

S.A.I.N.T.S.:

No current events scheduled

After 20 years of providing pet care services, Creature Comforts is stepping into the 21^st century…  In addition to our Facebook page, Twitter account and updated website, we are starting a monthly blog.  We intend to bring you relevant information about pet health, happiness and resources.  Check us out!

“Like” us on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Creature-Comforts-Pet-Care-Services/160016334051321

Follow us on Twitter:  @ccpetservices

Sincerely,

CC

Welcome to the Creature Comforts Blog.

We love to interact, nurture and have fun with animals, and we are honoured every time a client entrusts a beloved pet to us. We believe that animals, like people, need a balanced life and we’re here to help make that happen by stepping in when you step out.

With 20 years of experience, a committed staff of highly trained pet lovers, and a fleet of trucks that give access to all our West Coast landscape has to offer, we offer the kind of convenience, flexibility, security and personalized, caring service that being a highly professional organization with a proven track record makes possible.

20 years … that’s a lot of wagging tales, feline smiles, and satisfied pet owners.