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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Pet Sitting Meet and Greet

AHB Pet & Home Care

Initial Consultation

Initial Consultation = Meet and Greet

Everything you need to know about

Meet and Greets 

AHB Pet & Home Care requires an initial consultation with every client before we begin pet sitting services.

There is no cost for the initial consultation and this meeting does not imply an obligation for us to work together.

This consultation is beneficial for both the clients and the sitters and we believe that is has much to do with providing our clients with the best possible service.

This brief article will provide you with an outline of what you can expect from our initial consultation, which we also call a “Meet and Greet”. Please let us know if you have any additional concerns.

AHB Sitters don't want you to be surprised. Let us answer your questions.

Why do we need a meet and greet?

Due to the nature of pet sitting, this meeting is often the only time that human clients ever see their pet sitters; so we take these meetings very seriously. This meeting gives clients the opportunity to see their pets interact with the new sitters and get to know more about the sitters themselves. This visit also helps all parties to see if AHB Pet & Home Care is the best service for the pet family.  

No matter how easy the pet care instructions are, we like to ask questions. During the visit our sitters will take notes of client instructions, the locations of supplies and other important details. We encourage all potential clients to make notes of questions they may have before the meet and greet. All sitters are capable to go into detail about pricing, policies and company procedures. 

Should a potential client decide to choose AHB Pet & Home Care, the meet and greet is the time when we will get a copy of the house key and possibly, the initial payment.  

When can I schedule a meet and greet?  

After you have an active Time to Pet account, you are ready to schedule the initial consultation. On Time to Pet, potential clients are able to review our policies.

When potential clients complete the online profile before our meeting, our team is able to review all of the basic information before we go to the home; this means that we can spend the majority of our time learning about specific pet care needs and instructions, not filling out paperwork.. This also allows our office to make a best match of sitters to clients.

Our team schedules initial consultations Sunday - Saturday, from 9am to 6pm. Once you have an active Time to Pet account, you can use the portal to schedule your consultation.

Who will come to my house?

AHB sends 2 pet sitters to each initial consultation. The primary benefits to this  method are:

• Client meet both their primary and secondary sitter in person
• Both primary and secondary sitters receive their instructions directly from pet parents

Before the initial consultation, potential clients will receive an “AHB Bio” for each of the sitters in their Time to Pet portal, so that they can know a bit about their new sitters. When the sitters arrive at the meet and greet, they are easy to recognize in their AHB attire.

How long is the meet and greet?

AHB Sitters value your time. Our average consultation is a 30-minute visit, but we will always follow the lead of the client; some clients need less time and some need a little extra.

Where can I get more information?

If you would like to know about us, please feel free to:

• Request current client references from our office
• Visit us our website at www.ahbsitters.com
• Follow us on Facebook @ahbsitters

We are happy to help you with your pet care needs.  We welcome any questions that you may have.

What is the next step?

Request a Time to Pet account and/or a meet and greet. You can do this by phone or online.

We recommend scheduling an initial consultation as early as possible so that you can begin benefitting from our pet sitting services right away. 

You can contact us by phone at (413) 310-3784 or by email at ahbsitters.office@gmail.com.

Contact us today!!! What are you waiting for?! 

Contact AHB Pet & Home Care today for a free consultation

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

My new dog sleeps all day

Understanding your new dog

Let sleeping dogs lie - and don't worry about them

Bella, photo by Katherine Kraus

Many people contract with our professional pet sitting service after they have added a new furry friend to their home. This new lifestyle change can be as scary as it is exciting. This is some of the information we share with our new clients.

New dog anxiety

Hunter, photo by Leanne Fortini

The good and bad news is that new dog anxiety is a real thing that many new pet parents experience. The good part is that you are totally average should you experience this. The bad part is that you can really become stressed out.

Many people expect to have an immediate close bond with their new dog. Don't take it personal or worry if it takes some time for you and your new best friend to look like you've been together forever. Even if you know of someone that had the immediate BFF experience, that doesn't mean that anything is wrong with you and/or your dog.

One of the biggest worries after an adoption: I think my new dog is depressed.

Two observations that often lead to this worry are:    

• My dog stays in the crate even when the door is open

• All my dog wants to do is sleep           

 If you have either of these concerns, please keep reading.       

The purpose of this article is to help relieve concerns linked to new adoptions and rescue pups and their sleeping habits.

Remo, photo by AHB Pet & Home Care

Dogs who prefer their crates

Despite the whole family being in the living room, your pup may go right into his crate and take a nap. This "disinterest" in the family is not necessarily disinterest at all and it definitely does not confirm depression. Many dogs just really love their crates! Also, depending on the age and background of your new friend, he may not be into play time all of the time. In his crate he can be undisturbed and feel safe.

If you have set up a nice comfy crate that your pup loves, then good job to you. The fact that your pup has a place that he considers his personal space in the home is great.

Bailey, photo by Ashley Obara

K.C., photo by Courtney Kraas

How long should my dog sleep?

The average adult dog sleeps between 12 and 14 hours each day. This can be spaced out over any number of naps. Typically your pet will adjust to your sleep pattern; so if you sleep for 8 hours at night, she will nap for 4 to 6 hours throughout the day.

If you have other dogs, you may be worried because of the differences in their sleeping patterns, but breed, age and background have lots to do with their sleep.

Jasper and Mylie, photo by AHB Pet & Home Care

Puppies - Young dogs need more sleep because they are growing. Also, while they are potty-training, they are often up a number of times during the night.

Seniors - Because of their life expectancies, different breeds are considered senior at different ages (ranging between 6 and 11 years old). However, all senior dogs require more sleep. Don't be alarmed if your senior adoptee sleeps as much as 20 hours every day. This may involve more rest than deep sleep.

Working dogs- Both active working dogs and those bred for service work, such as German Shepherds and Golden Retrievers, often require less sleep during the day, even if they are companion dogs.

Brodie, photo by Margaret Ann Hillesheim Timmons

A new life for your new friend will require adjustments for everyone, but especially for the new dog. Patience and love will work wonders. However, please contact your vet if your pup seems to be experiencing symptoms that may require medical attention.

Toby, photo by Jenn Dunn Zollo

AHB Pet & Home Care would like to give a warm thanks to all of the Western Mass families that let us include photos of their sleeping beauties in this blog. THANK YOU!!!

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