On the Spot In-Home Pet Sitting

To My Valentine

2012-01-19T14:46:00.001-08:00

To my Valentine,

Hi my name is Daizy Dook and I am a Heeler/Labrador mix. Iam 6 months old and love to go for walks, play ball or chew on bones and toys.My foster family at See Spot Eat has loved and cared for me the past fewmonths. For Valentine’s Day I would love to have a family of my very own, so Ican be their Valentine every day of the year. I promise to be a “good dog” andlove them every day. My foster parents said I have to be spayed with my lastset of vaccinations before I can be adopted. Please help me by sponsoring myadoption or taking me home. Call or come and visit me anytime at See Spot Eat,84 S. 700 E. American Fork, UT 84003 – (801)709-3410. Thank You.

A “Good Dog” Daizy Dook

Spay Fee $65

Vaccination Fees $17

Microchip Fee $20

Signs of feline diabetes

2010-09-16T12:45:00.000-07:00

This is a very informative article about cats and diabetes.

Read about: What is feline diabetes
Signs of diabetes
Diagnosis
Treatment and more...

http://www.felinediabetes.com/diabetes-info.htm

2010-09-16T12:21:00.000-07:00

This is Arura. What a beautiful cat! She is so full of love- she even purrs when she has to get a shot!

Arura has diabetes. Twice a day she has to have her blood sugar levels checked. To do this she has to have her ear pricked with a needle. She doesn't like that part!

She then gets a shot according to her blood sugar levels. She hardly notices the shot and just keeps on purring :)

Arura is one special Cat!

Meet Pepper

2010-09-09T15:23:00.000-07:00

This is Pepper. He is a really great cat. I have been visiting him once a day to make sure he has food, water, and plenty of attention.

Unlike alot of cat's; he loves to be petted and doted over. He is very affectionate right from the start. He also loves to be outside. There is a really nice breeze today and he is enjoying our time outside together. He sticks close to home and doesn't go running off... my kind of cat!

Mia

2010-07-31T17:07:00.000-07:00

What can I say about Mia? She is quite the gal! She is really well behaved and alot of fun to spend time with. She can be a bit feisty at times; so I wasn't sure how she would react to having a play date with dogs she hasn't met before.

But I took Panda and Peanut over to meet her and they had a blast running around in Mia's back yard. I was really proud of Mia for being such a polite hostess!

Fun In The Sun...The Safe Way

2010-07-28T09:18:00.000-07:00

Should your dog wear sunscreen?

There are a few factors that come into play when answering this question. Do you have a short haired, or light haired dog? How long is your pup exposed to the sun? Is your pup’s skin pale?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, you should definitely use a sunscreen.

Most vets recommend you use either a children’s sunscreen, or an all natural sunscreen with UVA and UVB protectants. Remember that dogs love licking themselves and will probably graze upon the lotion, so be sure to read the labels before application.

Apply the sunscreen to the ears, nose, groin, and belly of your pooch, as these are the most vulnerable areas for burn. If you are still worried about the health of your pet’s skin, embellish your pup in UV protecting clothes. (Yes, there is such a thing!) Also, hats are always a good idea, not to mention ADORABLE!

Many parents cut their dog’s hair short in the summer season in an attempt to keep them cool. This actually has an adverse effect as the dog’s hair is meant for shielding the pup’s skin from heat and damaging sun rays.

In closing, be sure to provide your pooch with lots of shade. Remember, if your skin is burning, so is his!

Now go have some fun in the sun!

CS

Play Date for Keiko!

2010-07-25T10:17:00.000-07:00

I visit Keiko once a day while her people are traveling. She has a doggie door and everything she needs; but I think sometimes she gets a little lonely.
So today we had a puppy party! The guests included Panda, Zoey, Peanut and of course... me.
There was plenty of sunshine and romping around. Ice cold water and Puperoni treats were served.
All in attendance had a great time!

4th of July Pool Party

2010-07-12T17:42:00.000-07:00

Many pet owners travel during the month of July. On the Spot Sitting gets to care for the pets left behind. Some we visit in their own homes and some get to come stay at our private boarding homes. We thought it was only fair to have a 4th of July celebration for our furry friends.

We had a great time with a pool party! It was so hot outside, it was a great way to cool down. We served puppy popsicles (see July recipe of the month) and ice cold water!

The dogs splashed around and played but it actually ended up being a bath and brush day for all the dogs!

July Recipe of the Month- Puppy Posicles

2010-07-05T18:30:00.000-07:00

This month will get pretty hot for our furry friends so... If your dog likes ice cubes - they will love these!

1 package skinny rawhide sticks (the rolled kind)
Beef Boullion cubes
Popsicle molds or ice cube tray

Prepare the boullion according to directions.
Allow to cool completely. Fill Popcicle mold or cube tray nearly to the top.

Put in freezer - when the boullion gets really slushy, place the rawhide stick in the middle of the liquid. You want the liquid slushy enough to hold the rawhide in place. After completely frozen, pull the plastic cup off and viola! Puppy Popsicles!

Dog Bless America!

2010-07-01T10:04:00.000-07:00

Attention Pet Parents: Fourth of July warning for your furry kids….

According to FidoFinder.com, more dogs become lost during the Fourth of July celebrations than any other day of the year. Dogs become panicked when they hear the traumatizing booms of our beautiful light shows and grow eager to find their owners. From hopping fences to actually opening a sliding glass doors with their paws, pups have tried many escape tactics to find their masters. Even those that secure their dog indoors have come home to find their well behaved pup has chewed up the furniture, torn down the window treatments, and left a nice “surprise” on the rug for them.

Here are a few tips to ensure your four legged friend enjoys the holiday as much as you plan to:

1. NEVER take your pet to a fireworks display. As appropriate as this may seem, it can traumatize your pet. Aside from just being nervous and afraid, these behaviors can cause dogs to lash out and bite you or someone else.

2. Leave your pets indoors, preferably in a room with no windows. Be sure to stock the room with their favorite toys and familiar items. If possible, leave the TV or radio on to drowned out the sound of fireworks.

3. Be sure your pet has their identification tags on in case they do escape. This makes it much easier to find your runaway pooch.

4. Consult your veterinarian if your pet tends to panic. They can offer additional tips, as well as prescribe medication to sooth your pet’s nerves.

5. If staying at home, be sure you keep fireworks and flammables out of reach of pets. The same goes for alcohol. Any of these items can be deadly if ingested by your pet.

And remember, if you see a potentially lost pet, return them to the owner listed on the tags, or your nearest animal shelter.

On the Spot Sitting Services wishes you a happy Independence Day!

Brush em!

2010-07-01T08:57:00.000-07:00

You want me to brush my pet's teeth?

The answer is.... yes.

Improper care for your pet's teeth and gums can have serious side effects. As you can see in our posting from earlier this week labeled "Peanut's Story Continued," bad dental hygiene can lead to your pet losing some, if not all their teeth!

Here are a few tips to caring for your canine/feline's pearly whites:

1. Start by gently massaging your pet's gums for the first week, just so they get acquainted with you having your hand in their mouths.

2. Take them to their favorite place in the house or yard for their brushings. This helps them feel more calm and comfortable with the procedure.

3. Brush at least twice per week, taking care to brush the plaque along the gum line.

4. Only use toothpaste manufactured specifically for your cat or dog. Human toothpaste is not to be consumed by humans or their pets!

5. Be sure to feed your pet special dental treats between brushing to keep bacteria and plaque build up at bay.

98% of all dogs suffering from halitosis (bad breath, not puppy breath) will be diagnosed with periodontal disease.

If you suspect your pet may already have dental issues, schedule a trip to the veterinarian's office immediately.

Happy Brushing!!

***On The Spot wants to see your furry friend's pearly whites!***

Please email us your smiley photos at info@onthespotsitting.com.

(All photos will be posted on our blog in an upcoming article)

Smokey and Onyx

2010-06-30T19:59:00.000-07:00

Smokey and Onyx are just a couple of old gals that spend most of their time laying around enjoying each other's company. They have a hard time getting around on their own; but once they get outside they LOVE to spend as much time as possible laying in the shade!

Peanut's Story cont...

2010-06-28T21:59:00.001-07:00

I went to the hospital last Friday morning to have surgery on my teeth. I don't remember much about it, but when I woke up on Saturday morning my tongue was hanging out of my mouth- floppin around like a fish out of water! As soon as I could stop my tongue from doing the “wet noodle”, I realized they took out all of my teeth! All of them! I don't have ANY teeth!

I overheard my lady and the doctor talking. My teeth were too rotted and loose. They were so rotted that my jaw bone has started to rot away too. It's not even connected to my jaw anymore.

I feel a little self conscience about my new smile :-0 Just look at me in this picture at the hospital! My tongue always hangs out and I have a permanent smirk now... and a crooked one at that! I look like the cat that ate the canary! And I hate cats... and canary's too for that matter! I guess it doesn't bother people though cuz everyone still fusses over me and loves me. There is surely no shortage of baby-talk that's for sure! Why do people talk baby-talk to dogs anyway? Soooo annoying!

Anyway... I feel alot better just like my lady said I would. I knew I could trust her. She hasn’t let me down yet! - Even when the nice woman at the front desk made her cry- I don’t know what she was saying to my lady, but it was something about a twelve and something about a hundred. As soon as my new lady could catch her breath- she still took me home with her!

I still hurt a little and I have to take lots of medicine; but I am happier- and more playful too! The doctor said I would get feeling better and better. I was glad to hear that because I will need all of the energy I can find for playing with my new brothers and all the dogs my lady is always taking care of!

That's One Hot Pup!

2010-06-28T09:00:00.000-07:00

Summer is finally here!

With all the fun in the sun, it's easy to forget that the nice weather can have adverse affects on your dog. Your pet can go from regular panting to heatstroke in a matter of minutes!

Here are some warning signs that your four legged pal might be suffering from heat stroke:

Early Stages

Heavy panting

Bright red gums and tongue

Difficulty balancing

Anxious expression

Vomiting

Advanced Stages

Gums become white or blue

Unwilling to move

Increased rectal temperature of 106 degrees or more

If your pet shows any signs of heat stroke, remove him from the sun and heat immediately, follow any or all of these tips to decrease his temperature:

Hose him down or apply cool, wet cloths in the armpit and groin area.
Apply rubbing alcohol to his foot pads.
Offer water and ice chips but do not force your pup to drink
Also offer Pedialyte to restore his electrolytes

Call your veterinarian in extreme cases

Remember, heat stroke can easily be avoided by never leaving your dog in a vehicle, never vigorously exercising him during hot hours of the day, and always keeping fresh cool water for him to drink.

Special warning for Pug and Bull Dog owners: These pups have extremely short snouts which makes their panting a less efficient way to cool down. Be sure to take extreme precautions with your four legged friends.

Enjoy the sun safely with your pup!

CS

Little Lost Luci- What to do when you lose or find a pet.

2010-06-27T19:37:00.000-07:00

Earlier this evening, while on a potty break, Luci took off after the neighbors poodle. In an instant she was gone. She seemed to just disappear.
Luckily she was found a little later just a few houses away.

Sadly, no matter how careful you are, if you have a dog chances are he has come up missing or has run off at least once or twice. It happens to us all; even professionals! The most important thing is that you know what to do in situations like this.

If you find a dog:

Obviously the first thing you would want to do is check the collar for tags, address or phone number. If there is no phone number address or if you can't reach the owner - don't just leave the dog and hope he makes his way home. He could get hit by a car or wander even farther from home.

Don't take her inside your home. You never know how a dog will react to unfamiliar people and surroundings. Instead, tie the dog up safely in your front yard. Make sure it has plenty of shade and water. This way if the owner is looking for him- he can be easily spotted.
Call your local police department. Don't ask to have animal services pick the dog up. Simply report that you have found a dog, give them a good description, and leave your phone number so they can contact you.

Taking the dog to the shelter should be the last resort. This can be a very traumatic experience for them, and they may contract an illness.

If you lose a dog:

Call you local police. Let them know you have a lost dog. Give as many details as possible and leave your phone number so they can reach you when someone calls to report finding you dog!

Check your local shelter. If the dog catcher has picked up your dog, he or she will take it to the shelter. It is important that you visit in person as the workers don't know of every dog that may come in. Also, check back daily; even if your dog was picked up early in the morning he may not be delivered to the shelter until late afternoon. It is actually possible that it could take a day or two before you dog actually makes it to the shelter.

Continue to walk your neighborhood or the area where you dog was last seen. Chances are that you will find him taking full advantage of his 'freedom' by visiting as many places as possible.

Distribute fliers, post adds on sites such as KSL.com, and facebook.com - It does work!

And most importantly... never give up! She is out there somewhere!

Cowboy and Noni

2010-06-26T10:52:00.000-07:00

Noni

Cowboy

Noni's snout :)
Cowboy and Noni are two great dogs that live in Sandy. They have been clients of On the Spot Sitting for a while now.

We have been taking them on walks while their owners are out of town and also when they work long hours.

Cowboy is a very strong guy. He thinks he is taking me on the walk. Noni is the faithful little sister. She let's Cowboy make his "stops" first; she sniffs the area and then does her business where ever Cowboy does.

We take basically the same route each time we walk and they make their stops in the exact same places every time!

These two are so sweet and we love our visits with them. They are pretty smart. They don't like their pictures taken and are very good at avoiding eye contact with the camera!

Breaking News...

2010-06-25T08:58:00.000-07:00

On The Spot has an exciting announcement:

We are now offering Pet Taxi Services!

Does your groomer work the same hours that you do? Does wasting time in the waiting room of your vet cause your blood to boil? Then you’ll want to take advantage of this great new service.

Our qualified pet sitters will arrive at your door, pick up your furry friends, and take them wherever they need to go: groomer, veterinarian, airport, play date, you name it!

Our taxis have state of the art harnesses designed with your pet’s safety in mind to ensure your loved one arrives safely at his or her destination.

To schedule a taxi pick up or for additional questions give us a call: 801.318.8127 or visit our website http://www.onthespotsitting.com/.

Remember, safety is no accident when it comes to your pets. To purchase your own safety equipment for your car please visit http://www.onthespotpetstore.com/

Peanut's Story

2010-06-22T21:30:00.000-07:00

I want to introduce you to Peanut. AKA: Peanut Brittle, PB&J, Peanut Butter Cookie, Nutter, Nutter Butter Peanut Butter Sandwich Cookie, Nutty Buddy.... and so on.

Peanut has an interesting story to tell:

Hi, I'm Peanut but I will answer to any variation of that. My new owner is a bit silly when it comes to my name but I am very happy that she found me and brought me into her family.
I am about 5 years old. My first owner wasn't very nice to me. As a result I only have 3 leggs. I hardly notice anymore that I have a disability and I get around just like any other 3 lb. Chihuahua.
After my first mean man, I was lucky enough to get a new Lady that loved me very much! The only problem there is that she indulged my cravings for table food every day. In fact, I hardly ever had to eat dog food! I stayed with her for 3 years until sadly, she passed away.
Soon after, some of her family moved into the house. They tried to care for me but I made them so allergic they had to take daily injections just to be around me.
That's when I found myself suddenly an outside dog. I had no idea about how to live outside! I found a shed to stay in most of the time; but I was so scared and lonely :-(
One day all of the new people were having a BBQ at my house and there was this lady I had never seen before. I reluctantly went to her to give her a good sniffing and check her out. She picked me up, gave me some lovin' and BINGO! I found my new owner! Happy Happy Day!
She took me home where everyone there instantly fell in love with me. I even have two new brothers. Ralphie the Cocker Spaniel and Kuzco the .... I'm not sure. But he really likes to Play rough!
A couple of days later my new lady took me to see the doc and dentist. I checked out OK with the doc, but the dentist... not so much! Remember I told you about the people food I like so much? Well, it turns out it is not so good for puppy teeth! Especially when my teeth have never been brushed. All of my teeth are rotted and loose. They were so covered in tartar that the dentist couldn't even tell where my teeth were. I also have infection in my whole body because of them. Now I have to have surgery to try and fix them. I am a little nervous but my lady told me I would feel so much better after I am fixed up. I trust her, so I am going to be brave. No wonder I have been feeling so sick and hurting so much! My surgery is on Friday so I will let you know how it goes.
-Peanut

2010-06-19T19:38:00.000-07:00

This was a fun day! I took 4 of the dogs on a walk all together. This is Sadie, Piper, Sam, and Baxter. It was a beautiful day so we had a long walk and didn't return home until they all got a chance to stop and pee on every single fire hydrant, pole, sign, bush, and yard we past!

2010-06-19T16:57:00.000-07:00

Finnagan is a Baby German Shephard with emphisis on "baby". He is scared of other dogs (even the little ones) and likes to be treated like a lap dog. Love Him!

This is Keiko. Her name is Japanese for "Blessing". She is the cutest, chubby, little thing. I always look forward to spending time with her.

Circus enjoying a meal out of the reach of the dog!

Happy Earth Day!

2010-04-21T21:24:00.000-07:00

Today is a perfect day to make a pledge to become a more eco-friendly pet owner. Since approximately 63 percent of all households in the United States own at least one pet, as a group we are very powerful and can certainly make an impact. Making simple small changes in the way we care for our pets will make a huge difference!

Here are a few ideas to get involved in the "greening" of our pets and at the same time, aim for a healthier environment!

Purchase pet toys that are made from sustainable materials.

Make your stuffed toys by recycling old cotton socks and filling them with catnip.

When cleaning your litter box or taking your dog for a walk, instead of flushing your pets wastes down the toilet, which has a negative effect on the environment, start a composting bin. Once the compost is "ripe" and ready for use, it makes an excellent fertilizer for ornamental plants around your home.

Use litter made of corn or cedar shavings. For example: Worlds Best Litter is virtually dust-free, clumps great and helps to keep unpleasant odors at bay. Our cats love this product. Used cedar shavings can also be safely disposed of in the garden.

Buy biodegradeable pet waste bags.

And most importantly...

Recycle a Pet
Adopt -- don't buy -- one of the millions of pets in shelters that would jump at the chance to get out of the cage at the shelter and under the covers in your home!

Baxter, Sam, Panda, and Brownie

2010-04-19T09:38:00.000-07:00

This is Baxter. He is so funny! He loves going for walks and playing in the yard; but as soon as I took out my camera he suddenly became shy! He didn't want his picture taken. Check out the look on his face in every picture! He is annoyed and trying to avoid looking at the camera. He was also trying to hide behind the couch, chairs, or anything else he could!

This is Sam. He didn't mind the camera so much. In fact you see here that he is quite board of it! His mom told me he was an escape artist; she was sooo right. After our walk I put him and Baxter out the back door while I ran for a very quick potty break (I didn't get to "go" during our walk like the dogs did). When I came back Sam was gone like a flash! I went out front and asked some of the many many kids playing in the neighborhood if they had seen a little dog. They answered "oh, you mean Sam? Did he get out again?" I had to laugh that all the kids knew him by name. Baxter and I went for another walk to get him. He had just gone over to the next street. Probably looking for a place where no one knows his name!

This is Panda and Brownie. They are just a couple of little Guinea Pigs hanging out together!

2010-04-16T12:28:00.000-07:00

Meet Chance one of our new friends at On the Spot! What a cute little guy. He is full of energy and personality!

April Recipe of the Month

2010-04-06T11:06:00.000-07:00

Spring is a time that we all think of getting in shape and eating healthy. And, we know that the more natural food we can eat the better we feel. Research has told us that natural vegetables and meats promote a healthy lifestyle and reduce the risk of developing disease.
If you have a pet the same thing goes for him or her. Pets need pet food that gives them the nutrition they need to stay as healthy as possible. Your pets will love this recipe!

Barkley’s Best Casserole
1 cup boiled poultry, chopped
½ cup cooked brown rice
½ cup boiled mixed vegetables
3 to 4 Tbsp unsalted chicken broth

(Note: Salmon may occasionally be substituted for boiled poultry, with chicken broth omitted.)
Stir together and serve at room temperature. A good doggy multivitamin/mineral supplement may be added for good measure. Be sure to store unused portions in a covered container in the refrigerator and discard remains after 3 days.

All recipe's featured by On the Spot Sitting are Bone-A-Patite' origionals by: Jordan Hardy.

April [Snow] showers bring...

2010-04-06T10:01:00.000-07:00

Wet, Muddy, Mongrels!
When they are cute - they're my boys! When they are a muddy mess they are mongrels! This was during our last snow storm (last weekend). Notice the walls around them too! Needless to say baths and clean up were quite the chore! I can't wait until it stay's sunny and dry outside!

Another great weekend!

2010-03-28T16:51:00.000-07:00

More sunshine, riding around with the top down, and more fun with our Pet Pals! This is Ralphie relaxing under the shade tree...

I spent the weekend at Porter and Abigail's home with them while their "parents" were out of town.
They love to play catch and fetch the ball. They also really look forward to their walks!

Bentley (or Boo for short) has been spending the past few days with us. It took him a day or two to warm up but now he is the cutest, funniest little guy! He has alot of little quirks that make him totally unique! He is a blast to have around!

Spring is in the air!

2010-03-23T12:06:00.000-07:00

What a great weekend! This is Teva and Raider. We had so much fun going for walks in the sunshine and playing in the yard! Teva is a black lab mix and she will fetch a ball for hours if you are up to it! Raider is happy just watching the action and biting on Teva's tail every once in a while!

Recipe of the Month for March!

2010-03-08T09:45:00.000-08:00

Benefits of Pumpkin for Dogs

Using canned pumpkin for dogs, is not just for flavoring. Pumpkin is actually quite good for dogs.

•Veterinarians are now recommending canned pumpkin for dog diarrhea and also for dog constipation. It seems that the high water content and the roughage of pumpkin can help either condition.

•Overweight dogs - More and more often a pumpkin diet for dogs is being recommended for obese or overweight dogs. You can substitute up to 1/3 of your dog’s food with canned pumpkin (Make sure it’s not canned pumpkin pie mix, which contains sugar and other ingredients.). Pumpkin is very low in calories--and high in nutrition.

•Urinary tract health - For dogs like the Bichon Frise, who are prone to bladder stones and urinary problems, a few pumpkin seeds on top of their food daily will help to keep the urinary tract lubricated and healthy!

•Pumpkin seeds - are a great preventative for dog parasites. However, if you suspect that your dog has a parasite problem, don’t try to treat this at home, without the help of a vet.

Pumpkin Dog Treat Ingredients

•1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
•2 tablespoons dry milk
•1 1/2 teaspoons dry yeast
•2 tablespoons vegetable oil
•1/3 cup canned pumpkin
•1/2 cup water, + 1 tablespoons water
•1 1/3 cup white flour
•1/4 cup oats
•2 teaspoons green food coloring
•2 tablespoons chopped pumpkin seeds
•1 tablespoon anise seeds

Directions

•Place everything in your bread machine and set it for the dough cycle. Or, alternatively, use your mixer with a dough hook to get a nice elastic ball of dough.

•When the dough is ready, roll it into sheets that are 1/4“ thick and cut out the pumpkin dog cookies.

•Bake at 275 degrees F for about an hour, making sure that the pumpkin dog biscuits don’t get too browned.

•Turn off the oven, and let the dog cookies sit in the oven overnight--so that they will get nice and dry. They will be hard to the touch can crunchy when your dog eats them.

These dog biscuits will keep for at least a month at room temperature in a covered container.
Enjoy making the pumpkin dog treats for St Patrick’s Day--but don’t just make them for this holiday! Use the recipe to make different shapes and serve these yummy treats to your dog--year-round!

All recipe's featured by On the Spot Sitting are Bone-A-Patite' origionals by: Jordan Hardy.

What's happening at On the Spot Sitting in March?

2010-03-01T17:39:00.000-08:00

Look for our add in the Add Bag this month. It will be mailed out to many homes in the Highland, Alpine, Cedar Hills, Pleasant Grove, American Fork, and Lehi areas around the 1st of the month.

It can also be seen at this link:
http://www.localadbag.com/page23a.html
Just click on the March/April add.

February Recipe of the Month- Heart Shaped Liver Treats

2010-02-09T09:43:00.000-08:00

Your dog or cat will love these liver treats any time of the year! But the heart shape makes them ideal Valentine's Day treats!

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:
· 1 lb fresh raw organic beef liver or chicken liver
· 3 free range eggs
· ¼ cup canola or other vegetable oil
· 1 clove fresh garlic, crushed
· 2 cups instant oats
· 1 Tbsp applesauce (optional)
· 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast (optional)
· 3 Tbsp powdered kelp
· Filtered water sufficient to make a batter

Preparation:
Process the liver in a blender or food processor until completely pureed. Beat the eggs in a bowl and pour in the oil. Add the liver. Mix in the dry ingredients slowly, stirring continuously so they are thoroughly combined. Add water gradually, until you have a "batter" consistency. Pour this batter into a loaf tin. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes. Cool in the tin until able to be handled, then gently turn the loaf out onto a rack and refrigerate to cool completely. Slice with a sharp knife and then dice into bite sized pieces, or cut with heart-shaped cookie cutter. Store in a sealed container.

Remember that treats should never make up more than 5-10% of your dog's diet. Use caution when feeding these or any treats to pets with sensitive stomachs or food allergies.

Bone- a- petite' from On the Spot Pet Sitting!

Valentine Safety Tips for Dogs

2010-02-09T09:09:00.000-08:00

Valentine’s Day is Sunday February 14. It's a time for cupid, chocolates, roses and candlelight dinners with your sweetheart. The heart-filled celebration may also bring hazards to our canine companions. On the Spot Pet Sitting wants you to remember to keep your dogs safe by following these Valentine safety tips:

1. Keep Valentine chocolates out of your dog’s reach as chocolate contains theobromine, which if ingested may cause vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst, hyperactivity, tremors or even death. The darker the chocolate the higher the concentration of theobromine and higher the risk; a ¼ ounce of baker’s chocolate or 20 ounces of milk chocolate can cause serious problems for a 10 pound dog. White chocolate does not contain theobromine but still contains a lot of sugar and fat which may cause stomach upset if ingested.

2. Unsweetened Valentine candies may contain xylitol which may cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, resulting in vomiting, weakness, depression, loss of coordination and seizures if ingested by dogs. If candy wrappers are also ingested, intestinal blockages may occur.

3. Roses are not toxic themselves, but the thorns may cause cuts and scrapes to a dogs’ nose, paws and mouth if your dog gets too close and best to keep out of your dog’s reach.

4. Do not allow your dog to accidentally drink wine and other alcoholic drinks during your intimate dinner as this may cause weakness, vomiting and if ingested in abundance, even coma and death.

5. Lingerie gifts including lacy underwear, under wire bras and robes with ribbons can be enticing for your dog if found around the house and may cause intestinal blockages if chewed and swallowed; keep out of your dog’s reach.

6. Keep liquid scented potpourri out of your dog’s reach as may be potentially toxic if ingested and can cause skin & eye irritation.

7. Candles create romantic settings but may cause intestinal blockages if ingested and burn the dog’s nose, hair and paws if they get too close while exploring – and watch that wagging tail so it doesn’t knock over a burning candle and put everybody at risk.

Happy Valentine's Day from all of us here at On the Spot Pet Sitting!

© 2009 DOGSAFE Canine First Aid. Reprinted with permission.

It's a new year!

2010-01-16T08:19:00.000-08:00

January is a month for new beginnings. On the Spot Pet Sitting is making a few changes too! We have added our new Private Boarding Service! Visit our website for details www.onthespotsitting.com

We also want to announce the opening of our new pet supply store! Visit Onthespotpetstore.com for thousands of products delivered right to your door!