I don’t claim to ever be a food expert – but have always respected those who are.

This week, Mark from Doggie Steps Dog Training came by to meet my ROCCO the Rockstar. He saw the Bil-Jac Liver Treats for Dogs that I was using for Rocco’s potty reward (he goes potty outside all the time!) and did a “tisk tisk” shaking his finger at me.

I was like, “WHAT??? He (Rocco) likes them!”
“Danielle,” he said, “these cause cancer. Check out this BHA thing…and he points to the ingredients.”
“Huh?” I said.
Concerned mother instinct kicked in and I started my research.

Are you hearing what she is saying?

One google search of BHA resulted in all I needed to know. These “treats” just got a one way ticket to the trash can. I posted on our Bella’s House & Pet Sitting Facebook Fan Page and Sabine added to my discussion. What I found out from her site has been so valuable and I wanted to encourage you all to take a serious look at what is in your pets food and treats. When they are being fed the same thing, day in, and day out… well – I hope you catch my drift.

For instance…. According to www.dogfoodproject.com here is what I was feeding Rocco with these treats:

Chicken Byproduct Meal
AAFCO: Consists of the dry, ground, rendered, clean parts of the carcass of slaughtered chicken, such as necks, feet, undeveloped eggs, and intestines — exclusive of feathers except in such amounts as might occur unavoidably in good processing practices.

Chicken byproducts are much less expensive and less digestible than the chicken muscle meat.The ingredients of each batch can vary drastically in ingredients (heads, feet, bones etc.) as well as quality, thus the nutritional value is also not consistent. Don’t forget that byproducts consist of any parts of the animal OTHER than meat. If there is any use for any part of the animal that brings more profit than selling it as “byproduct”, rest assured it will appear in such a product rather than in the “byproduct” dumpster.

Phosphoric Acid
A clear colorless liquid, H3PO4, used in fertilizers, detergents, food flavoring, and pharmaceuticals. A harmless but unnecessary ingredient, used in inexpensive, poor quality dog food as flavoring, emulsifier and discoloration inhibitor. Used for example as a flavoring for Coca Cola.

Propylene Glycol
A colorless viscous hygroscopic liquid, CH3CHOHCH2OH, used in antifreeze solutions, in hydraulic fluids, and as a solvent. Used as humectant in semi-moist kibble to keep it from drying out. May be toxic if consumed in large amounts, and should definitely not be an ingredient in a food an animal will eat daily for weeks, months or even years of its life. In countries of the European Union, propylene glycol is not cleared as a general-purpose food grade product or direct food additive.

BHA
Butylated Hydroxysanisole – a white, waxy phenolic antioxidant, C11H16O2, used to preserve fats and oils, especially in foods. Banned from human use in many countries but still permitted in the US. Possible human carcinogen, apparently carcinogenic in animal experiments. The oxidative characteristics and/or metabolites of BHA and BHT may contribute to carcinogenicity or tumorigenicity.

Still think this is a TREAT? Think again. I bought this at PetSmart.  I think I will be going back to FETCH Doggie Store later this week. I am grateful to have such wonderful friends and resources in my life to help make sure that my FUR CHILD stays happy and healthy.

Curious to know if you are feeding your pets any ingredients that are on the AVOID list as seen on the Dog Food Project? Check it out here.

Pet Food Nutritionist – Sabine, The Dog Food Project www.dogfoodproject.com
Dog Trainer – Mark, Doggie Steps Dog Training www.doggiestepsdogtraining.com
Pet Food Store – Dawn, Fetch Doggie Store and Kitty too www.fetchdoggiestore.com

Recently, I was trying to get Rocco, my puppy, to enjoy his bath. I ended up getting a bath by the time we were done because he was wiggling around so much.  So, I posted out to our loyal facebook fan page (www.facebook.com/bellashouseandpets) for tips and suggestions. With their suggestions and a little research, I came up with this nifty list:

1. Gather all your supplies together before you start the process. Having the shampoo, treats, and towels close by will only help you in the long run .
2. 
3. Smear peanut butter on the side of the tub that they can lick. Then they will associate bath time with peanut butter time!
4. Feed them treats while they are in there so they know they are being rewarded.
5. Do not leave the faucet running. Your pup may think that he will have to fight to stay a float eventually or might be turned off to the loud noise. Instead, grab a plastic cup and fill the tub up a few inches so that it is less of a noisy moment.
6. Wash his face with a washcloth. Pouring water on your dog could frighten him. Also, their ears shouldn’t get wet, and should be carefully cleaned and DRIED out.
7. Pet Shampoo is a must. Human Shampoo is a lot different and serves different purposes. The PH Balance is different, pets skin is more sensitive, and there are different ingredients. (http://happytailsspa-blog.com/2008/04/12/is-there-really-any-difference-between-dog-shampoo-human-shampoos/)

Lets hear your tips!  What is bath time like at your house? Do you take your pet to the groomers? Do you take them to a dog washing store where you do it yourself?  Tell us your tips and tricks!

July 5^th is known as the most busiest day at valley shelters because so many pets freak out and escape from their homes sue to the July 4^th festivities.  If you will be leaving your pet at home during the 4^th of July – try doing these tips to ensure they have a safe and stress free night.

1 – Secure all GATES, DOORS, and LOCKS. You do not want anything blowing or pushing open, giving your fur kid an easy way out.

2- If you are leaving the home, leave a TV or radio on loud in efforts to drown out the noises that may be going on outside.

3- Make sure your pets IDs are on or they are micro chipped. If your pet escapes, often times it is your only hoe of finding them.

4 – Be sure to close all doggy doors.

5- Leave them in a secure area with lots of chew toys and dog proof the area. Sometimes when stressed, pets will chew. If your baseboards are attacked – we have a handyman we can recommend J

6 – Do not give your pets any leftover bones. Cooked bones are the worst for your pets and could split in their intestines and cause internal bleeding. Please also be aware of guest feeding your pets.

7 – Do not take your pets to firework displays and keep them far away from those who might be lighting them off.

8 – Do not leave alcoholic drinks where pets can reach them. It could be fatal. Instead think about Bowser Beer! (www.3busydogs.com)

9- Be careful if you want to “decorate” your pet. The glow sticks could be toxic if they chew them and if they are not used to bandana’s, they can get caught on things.

10 – If your pet gets scared easily, try Rescue Remedy or consider staying home with them.

If you follow these tips your pet should have just as an enjoyable 4^th of July as you have.

Memorial day is a time for family, BBQs, official kick off to summer, and a day of remembrance. Pets can be a part of this relaxing and fun weekend – lets make sure it stays fun and doesn’t turn tragic with these tips:

Charlie playing in the backyard

1. Pets can get sun cancer. Breeds that are most susceptible to it include: boxers, Scottish terriers, bull mastiffs, Basset hounds, Weimaraners, Kerry blue terriers and Norwegian elkhounds.  http://www.petplace.com/dogs/skin-cancer-in-dogs/page1.aspx
2. Remember to keep your pets hydrated. Just because you may be out in the sun BBQing, doesn’t mean your pets are cool too. Make sure their water bowl is filled and there is plenty of shade for them.
3. Don’t EVER let your pet drink beer or liquor. These are toxic to pets and could kill them. You will not be laughing when your pet ends up in the ER or worse. Instead let them join in the fun with Bowser Beer. http://bowserbeer.com/
4. Cats and dogs will want to run and hide. Make sure the doors and gates stay locked and closed to avoid any LOST CAT or LOST DOG posters the next day. (If this does happen, check out these tips)
5. If you are BBQing, be careful if you give your pets scraps or bones. Bones can break and cause tears inside your pets intestines, or the food that they may not be used to could cause them to become sick.
6. If in the backyard with a pool – watch your pets around the pool. Some pets are great at it, others are not. When in doubt, be cautious.
7. If your pet isn’t completely okay with people of all shapes and sizes, you may want to give them their own “space” if you have a get together. Often times little boys are the highest risk for dog bites. They are at the same level as the pets.

Bella’s House & Pet Sitting wants to wish everyone a safe and happy three day weekend. Kick back, relax, enjoy this amazing weather… and consider grabbing a beer for you, and your dog (Bowser Beer that is!).

My fav Pet Sitter in Scottsdale is Bella's House & Pet Sitting!

If you are traveling – we have you covered and are having our own party and love with your pets while you are off elsewhere having fun!

If you lost a dog in Scottsdale, Az, or anywhere for that matter it could be a really scary time.  Holding back the tears, you are crazed with what you should do. Time is of the essence and it is time to kick it into high gear to get the word out to everyone you know. Here are some tips to consider if this horrifying occurrence ever happens to you.

1. Immediately start posting on websites like: www.findingfido.com, www.petfinder.com, www.craigslist.com
2. Contact the local vets, groomers, and pet shops in your area.
3. Contact guard gates if you have them in your community.
4. Announce it on your Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin. These days you can really get your alert to spread virally.
5. If you are a client of Bella’s House & Pet Sitting contact us and we will help get the word out for you. You are a part of our family and we want to help. We will help put the word out on our social media and help you hang fliers.

Time is of the essence in these situations. To ensure that your pet IS returned to you safely please consider micro-chipping them. If your pet IS micro chipped confirm that your correct information is on record and that the company is still in business

Dog Tips Rattlesnake Aversion Trainingby Mark Siebel – Owner – DOGGIE STEPS Dog Training

Dogs are man’s best friend…NOT rattlesnakes. Snakes are an intricate component to our AZ desert ecosystem but can pose a threat to our dogs if confronted. As prey driven animals, dogs are naturally curious and driven to new scents, sounds, and motion.

If confronted with a snake, it is our goal to have control of our dog to ensure a snake bite does not follow.With this said, there are a few basic commands and procedures to take that better the odds of having more control of your dog upon meeting a snake.

Given the odds are higher of a snake encounter when living in the Southwest, take time to learn about the specific area in which you live and time of year when snakes will be more active. Below are a few tips to better your chances of a safe rattlesnake encounter:

1. “Leave it” and “stay” commands. “Leave it” is a simple “halt” or “wait” command. We want the dog to hear this and cease forward motion. Practice by gently holding your dogs collar, command “leave it”, drop a treat, wait 2 seconds, pick up the treat, pet your dog and reply “good leave it”. Also, the “stay” command is very effective in stopping your dog. Have your dog sit and then raise your hand and command “stay”. Walk to your dog and praise “good stay”. Both these commands will prove effective in controlling your dog from critters. If your dog is ever bitten by a snake, give them 1 Benadryl tab (25mg or less) and get them to the closest vet ASAP.

2. Simulated role play. Most snake training methods will use an E correction (shock) collar in the training of snake confrontation. I prefer to use this as a LAST resort. I’d recommend buying a $5 rubber snake from your local store. Then, with a metal pot and metal spoon, time it to where your dog approaches the snake and is within 4 feet of it, then RING THE POT WITH THE SPOON and command “leave it”. You want to condition or scare your dog into making the connection that snakes are not favorable to approach.

3. I always recommend LEASHING your dog on any desert hike for safety. Also, always look ahead on the trail for any visible movement OR sounds/rattles of a potential snake. So, lace up your boots and leash up your dog and hit the trails! Just be aware of any slithery varmints that may be out for a cruise.

Mark Siebel has trained over 900+ Arizona Valley dogs, has dog training tips published monthly in various AZ magazines, appears on NBC Arizona Midday, ABC Sonoran Living, Channel 3-AZ FAMILY, FOX 10 News, speaks regularly with local schools youth groups about the importance of dog safety and ownership, and donates time to kids who want to learn more about dogs. He is a member of APPSA (Arizona Professional Pet Sitters Association) and ASC of Arizona (Australian Shepherd Club of Arizona). Mark owns (2) Australian Shepherds named Leinie and Kugel. Voted 2008 runner-up, and 2009 WINNER “Best Dog Trainer in Phoenix” by SonoranTails Pet Magazine. DOGGIE STEPS Dog Training has services in Phoenix, Las Vegas, San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. For more information or general dog questions, go to: http://www.doggiestepsdogtraining.com/index.html or call Mark @602.318.0122.

It is said that it takes more energy to be angry than to be happy. Being in the pet industry, how could one ever be angry? Personally, I am greeted by wagging tails, sloppy kisses, and purring kitties most of the day. It is great!

As some of you may (or may not know) I am also a business coach. I coach people all over the United States and Canada on how to perfect their small home based, service providing business. (www.jumpconsulting.net) A few weeks ago I was helping a person with a billiard company and we “shopped” his competition by calling his biggest competitor. The first five minutes of the conversation was this other business owner trash talking his “competition.” I was appalled and honestly turned off listening to him. This person spent so much energy on being negative, and not highlighting the positives about his business that he actually came off as insecure. Next, we explored the advertising mediums. As suspected, this same person’s “cheery” disposition  was also reflected in the print media they were utilizing (NOT).

Most recently, I was searching through pet sitting websites. I am sad to say that I found a similar incident. It surprises me how some want to focus on (what they perceive to be) the negative’s of other businesses, while ignoring the fact that they should be spending their time, energy, and advertising opportunity to positively highlight the caliber of their business. How about highlighting the good things about your business and why you are different rather than bashing other companies? Take the high road. Be confident. Set yourself apart from the rest by being unique. Slinging mud is for the playground. Slinging mud shows immaturity in oneself, their business, and their integrity.

I am not sure how you all feel, and would love to know, but wouldn’t you feel a little put off if you were trying to research or buy from a company and all they were doing was bashing the other businesses in the industry? I don’t even want to call it competition, because clearly, the the two are on different levels. My impression was that this other billiard company (and pet sitting company) was highly insecure, and perhaps even bitter about something?

In any case I would not want either one working for me if I was looking for a company to hire. I would wonder how credible their business is if they are making the decision to invest their time into slinging mud on other companies instead of improving their own. Lets face it, in the world we live in…who needs more negative energy?

More energy spent on being angry =  less energy spent on the business?

One reader commented on this blog as soon as I posted it to my Facebook page saying,

“When I am talking to a business owner and all they want to do is slam their competition I get annoyed. There is a level of defensiveness that goes on in that situation that makes wonder if said business owner is doing that just to cover his own shortcomings JUST to make the sale. I am almost always 100% less likely to do business with someone who acts like this.”

Hmmmmm?

What do you think?

Ok, so this was actually just a MORNING during Spring Break (March 10th) week when we were REALLY busy. I had tweeted most of the morning and shared pictures.  Here is what transpired:
——————————————————————————————————->>>>>>>>

Today, (esp this morning) I will have one of the most busiest days of pet sitting> Folow my adventures on Twitter… http://bit.ly/9iC7p4 5:21 AM Mar 10th via Facebook

THIS IS SHASTA EATING BREAKFAST….

Sidney and sharta CHECK! Picked up the newspapers, potty and fed.
Checkt the picture 5:58 AM Mar 10th via web

Now walking bailey. Does ur dog pull? Try a gentle leader and leash it is like night and day.
See pic of bailey. 6:02 AM Mar 10th via web

Its cold! Like 45? Can wait for the 80s next wk! 6:04 AM Mar 10th via web

Look at the pics! Kitty and the birds are talking a lot. Had to pick up #1 again this morning for marco n polo
6:40 AM Mar 10th via web

CAN YOU SEE THE FROGS?

Feeding the birds! 6:41 AM Mar 10th via web

Kitty was really talkative so I meowed back…. 6:49 AM Mar 10th via web

Letting little ms sophie the maltise walk ME. This is nothing like two visits ago power walking w bailey the boarder collie! 6:59 AM Mar 10th via web

Starbucks line took ten min in the grocery store! ugh…. Next up the handsome golden…jack for a walk! En rt now! 7:28 AM Mar 10th via web

I think this is the busiest day of my pet sitting career!!! 7:32 AM Mar 10th via web

SO JACK WAS TOO FULL OF ENERGY FOR A WALK SO I THOUGHT THROWING THE BALL AND PLAYING SOCCER WITH HIM WOULD KEEP HIM BUSY. SEE THAT TONGUE HANGING OUT? MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

I hope I just tired jack out w the ball and soccer bc he tired me out! Starbucks coffee in the car!
8:25 AM Mar 10th via web

Walking two collies sadie and murf. They have been clients for yrs. We love them!!!
8:52 AM Mar 10th via web

50′ now…. Keep warming up please! I want my top down in the mini!
8:58 AM Mar 10th via web

Thank god for the ranger rover in front setting the pace. Cop w radar detector didn’t get me
9:01 AM Mar 10th via web

With jack the cat now…time to feed and scoop litter and sweep up around the area!
9:17 AM Mar 10th via web

Walking max n rosie now. Max just lunged at another dog and almost ripped my arm out! I held on.
9:30 AM Mar 10th via web

3 cats two dogs… Furballs everywhere. Went potty ot lots of love and treas! Got out the vaccume to clean! next stop potty break! 10:27 AM Mar 10th via web

Potty break for sammi went well and jake and maggie the goldens had fun too!
11:41 AM Mar 10th via web

Sidney and shasta are great! They went potty and got their treats. Off to see rosie and max to walk and feed them THEN I can eat and go hm! 12:08 PM Mar 10th via web

BOY am I tried just re–living all that! Please know that the times are close but not accurate. I had some issues at some points when “upload failed” when i was trying to tweet from my Blackberry to Twitter. My Twitter handle is @Bellas_Pets

Did you enjoy this blog entry? I tried hard to make it fun and let you see into what it is like being a professional pet sitter during one of our most busiest days. What do you think?

A majority of veterinarians recommend brushing pets’ teeth —they know it’s important. Most will also recommend dental pastes and gels for teeth brushing of their patients. However, when a large number of veterinarians at a national veterinary conference were asked if they brush their own pets’ teeth, only four out of 400 said they performed the task daily. If even the experts don’t know everything, it’s important for you to collect all the information you can.

Top 5 Pet Oral Health Care Myths

1. My veterinarian is not concerned about my pet’s dental health

Dental care of dogs and cats is one of the most commonly overlooked areas of pet health care. In fact, a recent veterinary study showed that approximately two-thirds of pet owners do not provide the dental care that is recommended as essential by veterinarians. What’s more, the American Veterinary Dental Society reports that 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats show signs of oral disease by age three.

2. Oral disease is not a serious problem for pets

Dental disease doesn’t affect just the mouth. It can lead to more serious health problems. Periodontal bacteria can enter the bloodstream and travel to major organs and begin new infections. Research is suggesting this may contribute to the development of heart disease, increase the risk of vascular diseases and pose a serious threat to animals with other disease conditions like diabetes.

3. Doggie breath is likely caused by pet food

Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissue surrounding the teeth that takes hold in progressive stages and can cause bad breath. It starts out as a bacterial film called plaque. The bacteria attach to the teeth. When the bacteria die they can be calcified by calcium in saliva. This forms a hard, rough substance called tartar or calculus, which allows more plaque to accumulate. If left to spread, plaque can lead to gingivitis — an inflammation of the gums — causing it to become red and swollen and to bleed easily. Volatile sulfur gases produced by this process and are very irritating to the gums and have the characteristic smell of doggie breath. As plaque and calculus develop below the gum line, professional cleaning will be needed to help manage it. If the plaque and tartar buildup continues unchecked, infection can form around the root of the tooth.

4. Dental cleaning is enough for my pet’s oral care

Even if you commit your pet to dental cleaning every 6 months, ultimate dental care requires good home care. This may include an oral rinse, a dental gel and dental diets and treats. Unfortunately, the average pet visiting a veterinary practice will likely not have their teeth scaled and polished more than two or three times in their lifetime even though they need dental cleaning every 6 to 12 months. There are a number of factors that contribute to the lack of dental compliance, including expensive procedures, fear of the general anesthetic, wrong recommendations for procedures, and owners not knowing the importance of dental cleaning.

5. Occasional brushing is good enough for my dog’s teeth

Veterinary dental specialists recommend that you brush your pet’s teeth daily in order to maintain their oral hygiene. Most pet owners are not very good about this and try to brush their pet’s teeth infrequently. Unfortunately, although any oral care is better than no oral care, brushing once in a while is not as effective. The combination of brushing, oral rinses, oral care diets and professional veterinary dental cleaning will give your pet the best chance of maintaining optimum oral health.

Closing Thoughts
Obviously, having knowledge about what is best for your dog does not mean you have the time and the commitment to perform this difficult task daily. So, as a pet owner, how committed can you be to providing ultimate oral care for your dog and cat? We all have busy lives and we want to do the right thing whenever possible. Consider using some of Oxyfresh’s great pet oral health care products to help you take proper care of your pet.

This article has been taken from: http://pets.azwsn.com/2010/03/10/educate-yourself-about-pet-oral-health-care/

How many of you have a security system that is monitored? Have you ever thought about what would happen if God forbid there was a fire in your home and either you didn’t have a security system, or it was unmonitored? We care about your pets. If this tragedy ever struck your home, who would know to save your pets? If it was just a noisy alarm and wasn’t connected to the local fire department, the results could be fatal.  Just something for you to think about. We care about your pets best interest.

If you are interested in helping to protect your pets, we have a great contact with a local alarm company that has been around for a long time. Just email me at: info@bellashouseandpets.com and we would be happy to provide you with this reference as they are a part of Bella’s Concierge Program.

Also on Bella’s Concierge Program is Furry Friend Alert. These aren’t just any stickers. These are stickers with your pets picture on them that are placed in the window near your entry way to help emergency crews know who to look for. http://www.furryfriendalert.com

This is something that everyone should consider.

This information has been provided to you from Bella Vasta, the Pack Leader for Bella’s House and Pet Sitting in Scottsdale AZ. For more information please cal 480.330.4552 or go to: http://www.bellashouseandpets.com