Why my dog pees in the house

My dog is peeing in the house

Your dog may need to master his house training skills

Why is my dog peeing in the house?

When bad things happen to good people, we often ask ourselves: “WHY?” and this is the first thing pet owners say when they discover that their dog has peed somewhere in the house. When your dog pees in the house and you can find it, this is the best case scenario; the worst case scenario is when you can smell the dog pee in the house, but you just can’t find it.

Medical issues may cause your dog to regress

There is no simple answer why your dog is peeing in the house, because it could be anything from a lack of training or a case of  over anxiety to a bladder infection or diabetes. It is important to check with your vet to make sure there are no underlying health problems; this is particularly true if your dog was once house trained and now has regressed to having accident in the house.

House Training

The most common, non-medical reason that a dog may urinate around the house is a lack of proper house training. Dogs naturally develop habits of where they would like to pee. This means that when your dog finds a place where he prefers to urinate, he is likely to continue peeing in that same area; so it is very important that you teach him early on where he should eliminate.

If you have a rescue dog or a dog that has a long history of living in kennels – then there could be a higher chance that your dog hasn’t learned his house training lessons quite as well. It’s often easy for them to slip back into bad habits, especially if they’ve never mastered this aspect of their training or it wasn’t reinforced frequently enough.

Punishing your dog may cause additional peeing in the house

Emotional reasons that your dog may pee in the house:

• Excitement or joy
• Fear or submission
• Stress or anxiety

Because these issues are emotional, the difficulty you face in overcoming the problem will vary depending on the cause. Ultimately, patience and consistency will be essential for the best results. Punishing your dog can make him scared of you, and this will make him more likely to pee in different rooms and areas that you don’t know about.

Medical Issues

Dogs who pee in the house may need medical attention

It is possible that your dog has a medical condition that is causing this unwanted behavior.

There are a variety of medical issues that can make it difficult for your dog to wait to go outside. These include:

• Bladder infections
• Change in diet
• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Urinary infections

Many of the medical conditions that commonly cause inappropriate urination can quickly         become serious for your dog so it is important that you visit your vet to rule out a medical problem.

Moving Forward

Even after you have determined that there are no medical concerns, never punish your dog for inappropriate urination. Don't rub your dog's nose in it, shout or hit     your dog. Punishment will only make insecurities and anxiety worse. Much can be gained by understanding your dog and why this inappropriate behavior is happening.

Always remember that a dog learns faster from praise for doing the right thing rather than punishment for doing the wrong thing.

If you need further support in dealing with your dog peeing in the house, join the conversation in our Facebook Group.

Dog hygeine: Ear Cleaning

Cleaning dog's ears contributes to good health

Do I need to clean my dog’s ears?

Yes! Cleaning your dog's ears is an important way to keep your dog healthy, reduce the chance of ear infections and excess wax build up. The regularity with which you clean your dog’s ears depends on your pet's breed, coat, level of activity, age, and ear wax production. Most dogs with normal ears require cleanings at least once a month. Others may need more frequent cleanings, especially those that regularly swim or get their ears wet. We recommend that you take time each week to examine your dog’s ears.

Examining your dog’s ears. Look inside the ears for signs of irritation, infection, dirt and parasites. If you notice redness, discharge, dirt, or waxy build up, do not attempt to clean your dog’s ears; your dog likely has an ear infection and should be seen by a veterinarian. If there is no sign of an ear infection, it is safe to clean your dog’s ears.

Before cleaning the ears. Dirty, matted or excess hair should be removed from around the ear canal and the ear flap. In some dogs, excess hair may need to be removed from inside the ear canal; this must be done very carefully to avoid damaging the ear canal. If you feel uncomfortable or your pet is unwilling to cooperate, it may be best to have a professional groomer or medical professional remove the hair if needed.

Do not attempt to clean if you detect an ear infection

Now that you have examined and prepped your dog’s ears, you are ready to begin cleaning.

Here are two important things to keep in mind:

1. Dogs don’t want their ears cleaned.
2. If you are not careful, you can cause serious damage.

So how exactly do you clean your dog’s ears?

Step one: Prepare

Your Work Space. Because your dog does not want to have his ears cleaned, you should try and make the experience quick and positive. By having everything within arm’s reach, you can reduce stress for you and the pup.

Your Supplies. You will need cotton balls (NO Q-Tips) and ear rinse for dogs. You can purchase a rinse or make your own; make sure that you are not using any alcohol at all in your dog’s ears.

Your Dog. You might want to have treats handy to give to your dog to reward him for cooperating. Also, a nice belly rub before you start will help your pet to relax.

Step two: Clean

While you may feel like you want to scrub your dog’s ears, the most important tip we can offer you is: be gentle! The ear canals and flaps are sensitive, and overly aggressive cleanings may cause serious damage to your dog’s inner-ear.

1. Start on the outside and work your way in — but only until you start to feel resistance. If you try to push further in, you can damage your dog’s ear, so err on the side of caution.
2. Wet a cotton ball with ear rinse and wipe the part of the ear that you can easily see, the outer flap.
3. Then wet a new cotton ball to clean the inner ear.
4. Repeat as necessary.

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What pet should I get? -

Choosing the right pet

Pet ownership can offer real satisfaction to an individual or a family. However, choosing the right pet makes a big difference as to how satisfied you may feel. We would like to help you choose a pet and have a smooth transition. So we have put together 5 important things to keep in mind when you are considering a pet.

These tips are appropriate for you whether you choose to buy or adopt your pet.            

In the United States, some popular pets are cats, dogs, rats, fish and birds. Each of these animals has the ability to bring joy to the right family. Please continue reading to help you decide if one of these might be right for your family.

5 things that you should do before making a commitment to any pet:

Dogs are loyal and loving

1. Take your time. Don’t make a pet an impulse purchase. No matter how cute the animal or how inspiring their story may be. Pet stores, shelters and rescues all have a built-in bias, so these places are probably not the best places to seek advice on the pet that may be best suited for you. The pet you choose will become a member of your family, so you should give this decision all the thought that you would to any major purchase.

2. 

   Rats are smart, friendly and clean

   2. Research your options. If you are considering a dog, keep in mind that each breed has its own personality, needs and abilities. Do your research and make sure that you know what qualities are a good fit for your family. You should also do some research on the organization that you are considering to work with; find out about their reputation and how much support and information will they provide you with before, during and after the process. Lastly, if you are only familiar with dogs and cats, it will be beneficial for you to compare different animals that offer similar benefits; for example, rats may suit your needs if you are interested in an alternative to a dog. Click here to find out more about choosing a pet rat.

3. 

   Gazing at fish has proven health benefits

   Match your lifestyle. Do you rent an apartment in a professional building or do you have a large, private fenced yard? Will your pet be home alone for long hours or are you seeking companionship? Are you a night owl or a morning bird? There are great pets to suit different schedules, lifestyles and environments. If  you are looking to reduce stress and lower anxiety, you might consider getting fish for your home.  

4. 

   Birds can be life long companions

   Assess your needs. While it is a wonderful thing to provide a home for an animal, you also need to think about your family’s personality and what you hope to get from this new addition. Will the pet fill the empty nest? Are you hoping to have a playmate for your child? Do you hope that your pet will be independent and low maintenance? The answer to each of these questions will help lead you toward the right pet for you. If you need an animal that does well in a small living space, you may look into birds. While birds need less interaction than furry friends, they are very social, highly intelligent and can easily be taught new tricks.     
5. Consider the costs. After the initial expense, having a pet will continue to cost you both time and money. Food, bedding and toys are a few of the recurring purchases that you may have. Depending on the type of pet you choose, you may also need to budget for the groomer, vet and a pet sitter. In considering the cost, you must also remember that some pets have lifespans equivalent to humans. 

These are the basics to keep in mind when you are trying to choose the right pet. For additional support and ideas for pet owners, Follow us on Facebook

Senior pets FAQ's

Senior pets are always in need of adoptive families

Why adopt a senior pet?

While November is "adopt a senior pet month", it is always a good idea to adopt a senior pet. Senior pets are least likely to be adopted from overcrowded shelters and unfortunately, senior pets are among the first to be euthanized if they aren’t adopted in a timely manner. By adopting a senior pet, you are quite possibly saving it's life.

Adopting a pet in need is a win-win situation and getting to know the local adoptees can be lots of fun. When visiting your local shelter, please don't overlook the senior pets because they have so much to offer and the love they give you will be so rewarding. Many older pets lose their homes for reasons having nothing to do with their behavior or temperament. Some of these reasons may include death of a guardian, a new baby, a move and various other lifestyle changes. These seniors are often grateful for their new family and make wonderful household pets.

While no one can deny that puppies and kittens are super cute and playful, many potential pet owners are not really ready to have their lives totally turned upside down as they wait for their fur babies to learn the rules and mature. In the Unites States, senior pets are the least likely to be adopted, yet they have the best manners and are the least destructive.

If you are considering adoption, a senior pet might be just right for you. Here we will answer 3 FAQ’s about senior pet adoption. Please Click Here if you want to read some of the benefits of adopting senior pets.

Save a life - adopt a senior pet

3 FAQ’s about adopting senior pets

1. Q: When is a pet senior?  

A: It varies, but cats and small dogs are generally considered seniors at the age of 7. Larger breed dogs tend to have shorter life spans and are considered seniors when they are approximately 6 years of age.

2. Q: Can I get a purebred senior pet?  

A: Yes. If you really love a certain breed of dog or cat, chances are there’s a breed rescue club that can point you in the direction of older purebred pets in need of homes.

3. Q: Will an older pet cost more in vet bills?

    A: Veterinary attention and medication are needed at all ages and may or may not be

more costly for an older pet. Before you adopt a senior, be sure you get a health report

from a veterinarian. That way, if you discover that the animal has a health problem, you can decide if you are able to make the needed financial commitment before making an emotional commitment.

We hope that you can open your heart and home to a senior pet. If you do, we would love to hear your story. Please share your story with us

For more tips on pet adoption and pet care, Follow Us on Facebook

Pets and plant safety

Poisonous plants of spring

Gardening season is here and soon the flowers will be everywhere we look. While we are excited for the colors, we need to be aware of the dangers that spring plants can pose for our pets. This is not an all-inclusive list, but rather a list of some of the most common spring plants and their toxicities so you know how to pet-proof your garden and keep your pet safe.

Tulips and Hyacinth

Make sure your dog isn’t digging up the bulbs in the garden. When the plant parts or bulbs are chewed or ingested, it can result in skin irritation, depression,  drooling and upset stomach. With large ingestions of the bulb, more severe symptoms such as an increased heart rate and changes in respiration can be seen. Dogs showing any of the above symptoms should be treated by a veterinarian.

Daffodils

Every part of the daffodil is poisonous to dogs. Ingestion of the bulb, plant or flower can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite and even possible cardiac arrhythmias or respiratory depression. Crystals are found in the outer layer of the bulbs, similar to hyacinths, which cause severe tissue irritation and drooling. If a dog eats too many daffodil bulbs, it can die so if an exposure is witnessed or symptoms are seen, we recommend seeking veterinary care.

Lilies

Ingesting any plant in the lily family can poison cats, however the potentially fatal lilies are true lilies, and these include Tiger, Day, Asiatic, Easter and Japanese Show lilies. Even small ingestions (such as 2-3 petals or leaves) can result in diarrhea, dehydration, loss of appetite and depression. If left untreated, death can occur within 1 week of consumption. If your cat is seen eating any part of a lily, bring your cat (and the plant) immediately to a veterinarian for medical care.  

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Best pet care option: professional pet sitters

Who can care for the pets?

What is the best pet care option?

Common pet care options:

Friends and family

Kennel or vet’s office

Kid next door or hobby sitter

Professional pet sitter or service

At some point, nearly every pet parent is faced with the task of finding the best pet care option. The most common, comfortable choice is to have a family member or close friend care for your pet. However, there are times when the family/friend option may not be the best pet care choice.

 

One example of this may be when a medical condition makes it difficult or impossible to perform certain vital duties associated with caring for a pet, like cleaning the litter box or walking the dog. A friend or family member may be unable to come to your home every day, and visiting your pet more than once daily may cause a real hardship on your loved ones.

 

Many extended pet families plan their vacations in rotation, so that someone is always at home. For some, this is the only way they can imagine to avoid sending their pets to a kennel. For others, they are nervous about having the kid next door care for their babies and their home. 

Professional pet sitters help save parents time

Here are a few immediate benefits of hiring a professional pet sitting service:

• Teamwork - Professional pet sitting services function as a team and are able to work around client schedules, easily making multiple daily visits to homes.
• Peace of mind - Professional pet sitters reduce the stress and anxiety of pets and their people by caring for pets where they are most comfortable, in their own homes.
• Service with integrity - Professional pet sitters are not only animal lovers, they are trustworthy professionals qualified to look after both your pets and your home.

Regardless of the reason that you need to find pet care, finding someone to care for your precious pets can be a time consuming process and you may feel anxiety about leaving your pets and home in the care of someone else. We understand and we can help.

The top 3 reasons why you should choose AHB Pet & Home Care

#1. We will save you time and make your life so much easier - and what pet parent doesn’t need that? When our professional pet sitters enter into your life, you will probably begin to wonder how you ever managed without us. We can take care of all the things that make having a pet work (i.e. early morning walks, regular visits while you are away from home, yard waste cleanup, trips to and from the groomer and other things like this). Our services allow you to spend more time enjoying your pets.

#2. Your pets deserve professional care - they are an important part of the family, after all.

While there are often advantages to having a friend or family member care for your pets, the disadvantages can often cause real problems. By having a professional pet care service you can have peace of mind knowing that nothing will come before caring for your pet. We are a team and if anything ever comes up with your primary sitter, you can be sure that the secondary sitter is on their way to your home.

#3. We see things differently - your family is unique, and we want to fit your lifestyle. AHB does not take a “one size fits all” approach to pet care. We take our relationship with each human and animal client personally. When you initially contact us and during our initial consultation, we really listen so that we can provide the right care and learn the rules of your home. Our pet sitting software allows you to communicate easily with your pet sitter and get photo updates right to your phone so that you can be as involved in the visits as you would like.  

For more information about AHB Pet & Home Care and the services we offer, please visit us at www.AHBsitters.com , call (413) 310-3784 or Follow us on Facebook