Category Archives: Dog Health/Safety

Apr
24

Rover.com Teams Up with Leader in Pet Safety 1-800-HELP-4-PETS

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Pet Safety with Help-4-Pets

Today, our Rover.com team announced an extension of dog safety for our sitters by partnering with 1-800-HELP-4-PETS, a national leader in pet safety, to include their Pet Protector ID as part of our Sitter Protection Package.

Now when Rover.com sitters sign-up for the Sitter Protection Package, which is $49.95 per year, they will receive a 1-800-HELP-4-PETS Pet Protector ID tag to attach to their Rover dog’s collar during their stay. The tag has a unique ID number that is connected to the sitter’s profile and contact information. Dogs wearing the tags will be connected to a 24/7 live emergency hotline with expert support from 1-800-HELP-4-PETS in addition to the support provided by Rover.com.

Ultimately, the 1-800-HELP-4-PETS Pet Protector ID tag is a lifesaving link to a 24/7, nationwide “911” system for pets. And because it’s visible on the pet, it’s the fastest, easiest way for the pet to get help in any emergency.

“This extension of dog safety allows us to ensure our sitters have the ability to take the utmost precautions while dog sitting,” said Kristen Forecki, Director of Customer Experience at Rover.com. “Dog safety is our number one priority, and we’re excited to have such an experienced, qualified partner like 1-800-HELP-4-PETS to support us in this commitment.”

In addition to the 1-800-HELP-4-PETS Pet Protector ID tags, Rover.com sitters who enroll in the Sitter Protection Package will also get:

  • Subscription to Ask a Vet: With this sitters can contact a licensed veterinarian anytime, day or night.
  • Protection badge on their profile: The badge is added directly to their profile and shows dog owners that they can offer an increased level of safety.
  • Eligibility for Peace of Mind Plus: Sitters who subscribe and maintain an average rating of 4.5 stars or higher are eligible for Peace of Mind Plus, which reimburses up to $5,000 of emergency vet bills in excess of $200.
  • Eligibility for Rover Pack: Rover Pack members are the best of the best, and are more likely to receive requests and repeat bookings. Enrollment in the Protection Package is a prerequisite to be part of this group.
  • Priority for last minute stays: The Rover Concierge team looks for excellent sitters available for last minute stays. Enrolling in the Protection Package along with responsiveness and a flexible schedule, will prioritize their profile.

 

To find out more about Rover.com, please visit www.rover.com. And to learn more about the 1-800-HELP-4-PETS Pet Protector System, visit www.Help4Pets.com.

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How dog lovers board.

Apr
22

Happy Earth Day – Tips for Reducing Your Dog’s Carbon Paw Print

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Happy Earth Day! Every year on April 22, people across the world reflect on their impact on the environment and many take part in activities to show their greenness. This year, Rover.com is encouraging dog owners to not only think about ways to reduce their own carbon footprint, but also their pooch’s carbon paw print. To help, the Rover.com team has pulled together some tips on easy things one can do to make their dog greener.

  • Invest in a reusable water bowl to take on the go. There’s nothing more frustrating than being out on a walk with your dog and not able to find a bowl or cup to give them water in. Many restaurants and stores will only provide you with a paper or plastic one so they can throw it away. Investing in a collapsible or foldable bowl is the perfect solution and you can keep on reusing it!
  • Use compostable doggie bags. All dog owners know they should never leave the house without the roll of doggie bags to pick-up after their pup while outside. There are tons of options out there, from cute prints to ones that smell good, owners should also look into the option of buying compostable ones, so they can rest assure it will breakdown at the landfill.
  • Buy all-natural toys and organic treats. It’s no secret that dogs loves toys and treats. Owners can go the extra mile to keep their pups happy by buying all-natural toys and organic treats. There are tons of options out there and these treats and toys contain fewer chemicals and typically are made in more eco-friendly environments.
  • Find a dog sitter within walking distance of home or work. Finding the perfect boarding solution for a dog can be difficult and finding one within a mile or two of home or work can be even more challenging. Luckily Rover.com has dog owners covered, with an abundance of sitters across the U.S., that many people can find a five star sitter within a mile or two of their home, which is not only convenient but also cuts down on carbon emissions.

 

These are just a few ideas of how dog owners can help reduce their dogs’ carbon paw print. We’d love to hear more, so please leave a comment below with your tips and tricks!

Join Rover.com and find your own alternative to traditional dog boarding.
More fun for dogs, less guilt for pet parents.

Mar
21

How to Check Your Dog’s Vital Signs

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Guest Post By Dr. Rebecca Jackson

If your pet is ever in distress, it is helpful to be familiar with your dog’s vital signs. Knowing how to periodically check and record normal vital signs is a smart idea; not only will it give you and your dog some practice doing it, but you’ll be able to use the numbers as a baseline of what is “normal” for your pet in case of an accident or illness. The three main vitals you want to measure are the heart rate, breathing rate and body temperature.

Dog's Vital Signs

A normal heart rate for dogs is between 60 and 140 beats per minute. To determine your dog’s heart rate, put your hand to his chest and count how many pulses you feel in 15 seconds, then multiply by 4 to get the number of beats per minute. If you have trouble detecting heart beats in the chest area, try placing two fingers on the middle of your dog’s thigh near where the leg joins the body. There, you should be able to feel the femoral artery pulsing each time the heart beats.

Next, you want to determine your dog’s rate of respiration, at rest (in other words, not right after a game of Frisbee). A healthy dog takes between 12 and 24 breaths per minute. To measure breathing rate, count the number of times the chest expands in 10 seconds and multiply by 6. You can do this either by watching your dog or resting your hand on the ribs. Normal respirations should not make any noise, and should require very little effort. Of course, if you have a brachycephalic breed like a Pug or English Bulldog, a little snort from time to time can be expected!

The final vital sign to measure in your pet is body temperature; a normal temperature is around 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. And yes, the best measure of true body temperature is taken rectally, so you might want to distract your dog with a treat or toy while you take the temperature. If you (or your dog) aren’t comfortable with that particular method, the next best tool is an ear thermometer or “touch-free” infrared thermometer that is made for animals.

Once you have taken your dog’s vitals, keep a log of his normal numbers in your pet first aid kit, in the event you ever need to grab it and go. You can also store this information, along with more details about your pet’s medical history, using many smart phone apps. There are a number of nice apps available that let you save all of your pet’s information so it is always at your fingertips.  As important as your dog’s vitals can be, his medical history (including ALL medications he is taking) is just as, if not more, important to the treating veterinarian.

Knowing how to take your dog’s vital signs is an important key to monitoring and managing your pet’s health, it takes less than five minutes to do, and it is one more way you can become a better, more responsible pet owner!

 

Dr. Rebecca Jackson is a staff veterinarian for Petplan pet insurance, and works as a relief veterinarian for a handful of hospitals in the Philadelphia area. She has also practiced in Tacoma, WA , and Richmond, VA, where she served as a civilian veterinarian at the Fort Lee Veterinary Treatment Facility.

Join Rover.com and find your own alternative to traditional dog boarding.
More fun for dogs, less guilt for pet parents.

Jan
7

January Is Walk Your Dog Month

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Tips for Safe, Healthy and Fun Outings with Your Dog

Sure, you adore your pooch, but lately are you feeling less-than-thrilled when walk time comes around? That’s probably because you’re having trouble controlling your dog’s behavior—or you (and your dog) are tired of the same old routine. This month, focus on making those daily excursions more enjoyable for you and your dog.

Be the pack leader. Be in charge when you walk your dog. Use confident body language—head up, shoulders back—and don’t let your dog walk in front of you. You dog should walk beside you or slightly behind. If your dog pulls ahead, shouting won’t get him to return to your side. Reinforce good behavior by rewarding with a treat when he’s walking by your side and that will help keep them in the best place for them.

Practice leash lessons. Many of us live in cities and neighborhoods where leashes are a must. Choose the right one for your dog. There are many types of leashes, and the one that’s best for you is the one you feel most comfortable holding. Whichever type of leash you use, keep it short, but not too tight. Your dog will be discouraged from bolting, dawdling or wandering, and you can maintain close communication and control. Until your dog knows how to walk without pulling, view walks as training sessions, and keep them short, frequent and low stress. Again, reward your dog with treats when she stays by your side.

Bring the necessities. Make the walk pleasant for you and your dog. Always carry bags for cleaning up and disposing of doggie poop—leaving dog waste is not only a health hazard, but in many cities, it’s a code violation. Don’t forget to hydrate, carry water for yourself and your dog, especially in warmer weather. Dogs can lap water from your cupped hands, or you can carry a collapsible water bowl.  Don’t forget to pack your dog’s favorite bite-size treats for rewarding good behavior or good old hunger pangs!

Change it up. To make walks more fun for you and your dog, rove a little—and travel off the beaten path by taking your dog on different routes, going to cool places like the dog park or a friend’s house (preferably a dog owner!), and taking walks with buddies—borrowing a friend’s dog or asking another owner to join you on your walk.

Know how far to go. How much walking time is enough for your dog? HealthyPet.com says every dog’s exercise needs are different; there is no single right answer for all dogs. Factors to consider are your dog’s size (especially the length of his or her legs), breed, age, general health, and the walking environment. Watch your dog while you’re walking—if he starts panting and slowing down, you’ve gone far enough. Did he used to go for miles and now he can do only a few blocks? Check in with your vet.

And most of all enjoy your walk with man’s best friend, you’ll be glad you took the time.

Join Rover.com and find your own alternative to traditional dog boarding.
More fun for dogs, less guilt for pet parents.

Dec
28

Winter Safety for Dogs

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Five Cold-Weather Concerns

In the chilly depths of winter, we might envy our dogs’ ample fur coats, but don’t be fooled. Canine fur does not provide fool-proof protection against low temperatures, particularly when thermometers dip below freezing. What are the most common winter-related canine hazards, and how can we keep our dogs safe and healthy? Check out theses tips for winter safety for dogs from Rover.com.

Winter Safety for Dogs

Fur isn’t enough. If it’s so cold outside that you’re uncomfortable, your dog, even with a thick coat of fur, probably feels the same way. All dogs are vulnerable to temperature extremes—especially short-haired breeds, puppies and older dogs, and those that are sick or fragile. And if a dog’s fur gets wet, much of its insulating properties are lost. A dog’s basic winter needs are similar to ours: warm and dry shelter, protected from drafts.

Stay close. More dogs get lost during the winter than any other time of year because they can lose their scent when the ground is covered in snow, frost or ice. During a walk or a romp in the snow, keep your dog in sight at all times, and preferably on a leash, especially in a snowstorm. Pets should always wear ID tags.

Vehicle-related hazards. Don’t leave dogs in the car in chilly weather. Closed vehicles trap the cold and your pet’s body temperature can drop dangerously low. Another winter danger for dogs is antifreeze, which accumulates on roads and driveways—and its sweet smell and taste can be attractive to pets. But the ethylene glycol in most brands of antifreeze is poisonous to pets, even in small amounts. Clean up spills from your car, or better yet, use antifreeze that contains propylene glycol, which is less toxic (although still unsafe) and has a bitter, less alluring taste.

Paw and pad care. When your dog comes in out of wet weather, towel-dry him and clean his feet. Your dog can ingest rocksalt, as well as antifreeze and other dangerous chemicals from asphalt and concrete surfaces, when licking his paws. Rocksalt irritates paws and foot pads, as do moisture and cold. Repeated exposure can cause pads to crack and bleed. Trim fur around your dog’s toes and foot pads so they’ll be easier to keep clean and dry. Applying petroleum jelly or Bag Balm helps soften and soothe pads and prevent further irritation and cracking. The ASPCA advises the use of dog boots to protect dogs’ feet and keep them warm.

Frostbite and hypothermia. In extreme cold, it’s best to keep dogs inside, particularly if they’re puppies, and older dogs, or have health issues. Young, old, and sick dogs lack the body fat, metabolism and dense coat needed to keep adequately warm. Even very hearty dogs should not be kept outside in the cold for long periods. Wind chill makes frigid temperatures feel even colder, and a dog’s body temperature (usually between 100 and 102.5) can take a lethal plunge.

Frostbite occurs when a part of your dog’s body freezes—often the tail, ears or foot pads. Frostbite signs include pale, shriveled skin that later turns red and puffy, and ears, paws or tail that are painful to the touch.

Hypothermia, or low body temperature, depresses the dog’s central nervous system, causing symptoms including severe shivering, weak pulse, muscle stiffness, difficulty breathing and lethargy.