This is our second newsletter so please take a look and feel free to offer feedback. If you missed the first one, you can view it here: March 2008 Newsletter

Newsletters will contain pet care tips, special offers and announcements related to our business.


Announcements

We have updated our website so please take a look. The client login feature is something we are currently working on and will hopefully be up and running by May.

We have also added a PayPal link so we can accept MasterCard, Visa, American Express and Discover online. We are glad to offer this option if you want to pay by credit card, however, due to the fee per transaction we are charged, we will not accept bank account transfers or debit cards via PayPal.

Are you or someone you know looking for a new companion? We are trying to find a home for a great dog we rescued. You can see pictures and read his story on the adoption page of our website.

Adopt Me


April is Prevent Lyme Disease in Dogs Month

ImageTicks are small spider-like acarids that carry a number of diseases, including Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever which can sometimes be transmitted to humans.

Ticks live exclusively on the blood of animals for three of the four stages of their life cycle. Once they find a food source, they crawl on and embed their mouth parts into the animal’s skin and proceed to suck up its blood.

You should inspect your pet regularly for ticks, especially if they have been outside in areas where there are woods or tall grasses. A thorough combing within 4 to 6 hours of exposure to such environments can help prevent ticks from attaching themselves to feast on your pet.

Should you find a tick, it should be removed immediately, as the longer it is attached to its host, the greater the chance for disease. Do not touch the tick. Wear gloves and use tweezers to carefully grasp the exposed section of the tick’s body near your pet’s skin. Gently pull until the tick lets go. To dispose of the tick, wrap it in several tissues and flush it down the toilet. Do not crush, burn or suffocate it, as any one of those actions may spread infectious bacteria.

Veterinarians recommend year-round heartworm, flea and tick preventatives for the life of your pet, for all areas of the country. For more information, visit

www.dogsandticks.com


You can also watch a 7 minute video about ticks by following the link below.

Born to Infest Video


Common Cat Problems to Watch For

ImageObesity is a big health risk. An older cat is a less active cat, so adjustments to your pet’s diet to reduce caloric intake are imperative. This will relieve pressure on his joints as well as manage the risks of heart failure, kidney or liver disease, digestive problems and more. Other changes to his nutrition should include increasing fiber, fatty acids and vitamins while decreasing phosphorus, sodium, protein and fat.

Arthritis’ severity can range from slight stiffness to debilitation. You may detect this problem when he becomes less attentive about his grooming and litter box habits. These signs may also indicate the slowing down of his cognitive functions. Anti-inflammatory medication can help relieve the pain. Your veterinarian will prescribe any necessary medication.

Intolerance to hot and cold temperatures occurs because your cat produces less of the hormones which regulate the body’s normal temperature. Move his bed closer to a heat source. If he is an outdoor cat, avoid letting him out on cold days.

Tooth loss or decay not only makes it harder to chew but also increases the likelihood of infection or tumors. Cats are very sensitive to oral pain. Brushing and cleaning the teeth will keep tartar, gum disease and gingivitis at bay.

Constipation may point to colon problems or hair balls. A diet that is easily digestible and rich in nutrients is essential.

Skin or coat problems in aging cats means the skin loses elasticity, making your pet more susceptible to injury while the coat’s hair thins and dulls over time. Regular grooming to maintain the coat’s luster and fatty acid supplements are highly beneficial.

Frequent colds and infections may indicate an impaired immune system. Bring your cat in for a check-up. Your veterinarian may suggest a test for Feline Leukemia Virus and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus.

Increased thirst is a possible sign of diabetes, kidney failure or hyperthyroidism. Your veterinarian will determine this and prescribe the appropriate medication.

Decreased sense of smell may drastically reduce your cat’s appetite. Try serving smaller portions more often throughout the day. Ask your veterinarian about foods formulated for geriatric cats. They may have a stronger concentration of aromas.


Get a Free Pet Safety Pack

You can receive a free pet safety pack from the ASPCA by filling out a short form on their website. Click the link below for more information.

ASPCA Offer



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Earn an easy $5.00 towards your next reservation!
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We hope you found this newsletter enjoyable. Don't hesitate to give us your opinions and ideas! Do you want us to write about a specific topic in the next newsletter? Do you have question we can research for you? Maybe a cute picture of your pet? We're always looking for new and interesting material so send it our way.

Tail wags,

Amanda Gomez & Gina Vidal, Owners
AGV Pet Sitting & More
Flagstaff, Arizona
(928) 221-1565
www.agvpetsitting.com
www.myspace.com/agvpetsitting



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