20 Ways to Spoil Your Pets

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1. Make homemade treats for them. There are recipes all over the place! For dogs. For Cats.

2. Take your dog to the park. They especially love the off-leash areas!

3. Decide from this day forward, you will give your pets 15 minutes of extra attention every day; whether it’s brushing them, lying next to them, or singing to them. They LOVE your attention. Additional bonus: it’s good for your blood pressure!

4. Throw a ball for them in the house or get them a fun, new toy to play with – My kitty loves her moving box.

5. Brush them! Oooh, does my cat love to be brushed!

6. If it’s cold outside, get your pup a little sweater.

7. If it’s hot outside, be sure they have plenty of cool water, and definitely bring some with you on your walks.

8. Take them with you on a car ride. Have you seen Bolt?

9. Change their food to a high-quality brand. This will give them more energy and help them live a long, healthy, happy life.

10. I’m a little embarrassed to say, my cat actually has her own heating blanket. =)

11. We get massages… why don’t our pets?

12. Give them a little pet pampering at your local pet salon.

13. Let your pup have “play dates” with your neighborhood dogs.

14. Purchase a soft, comfy, large bed for them. You’ll be thankful you did every night when bedtime comes around.

15. When the weather warms up, let them run through the sprinklers.

16. Go for a run or hike with your furry friend. You’ll get your vitamin D, some fresh air, and beneficial brain chemicals flowing through your system. It’s great for you, and your dog!

17. If your pet has to be indoors all day due to your busy work week, hire someone to give them a potty break and a bit of special attention during the middle of the day.

18. Purchase a cat tree and set it by a large window. During the warm, summer months, they’ll love to sprawl out in the heat.

19. Brush your pets’ teeth. Though they may not like it at the time, this should prevent oral disease; a commonly diagnosed problem in pets.

20. Rather than getting upset with your cat about scratching your furniture, make sure your kitty has a scratching post.

~ There are SO many other ways you can spoil your pet! Be creative and remember they give you unconditional love in return.

Dog-Friendly Seattle Destinations

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For those pet owners that love to bring your furry friends along with you wherever you go, here is a list of my top picks for dog-friendly parks, restaurants and shops in the Seattle area.

Parks & Off-Leash Areas

  • What: Green Lake Park
  • Where: 7201 E Green Lake Dr. N. Seattle WA 98103
  • Why it’s Great: Greenlake is a 2.8-mile path around a lake which provides the perfect recreational spot for runners, bikers, skaters, walkers and pets.

 

  • What: Warren G. Magnuson Park
  • Where: 7400 Sand Point Way NE Seattle, WA 98115  
    • The Magnuson Dog Off-Leash Area is located in the center of the park.
  • Why it’s Great: Magnuson Park is a former Navy airfield and is Seattle’s second largest park at 350 acres.

 

  • What: Golden Garden’s Park
  • Where: 8498 Seaview Pl. NW. Seattle, WA 98109
  • Why it’s Great: There is 2.2 acres for your furry friends to roam free. It also includes an area for smaller and shy dogs.

 

  • What: Woodland Park
  • Where: Aurora Ave. N and N 59th St. Seattle, WA
  • Why it’s Great: Woodland Park has a 2 acre Off-Leash Area located west of the tennis courts at Lower Woodland Park.

 

  •  What: Marymoor Park
  • Where: 6046 W. Lake Sammamish Parkway NE Redmond, WA 98052
  • Why it’s Great: A HUGE playground for dogs of all shapes and sizes. Big open fields and lot’s of walking paths. Definitely keep in mind though, it is not an enclosed park.

 

  • What: Robinswood Off Leash Dog Corral
  • Where: 2430 148th Ave SE Bellevue, WA 98007
  • Why it’s Great: Great park for folks in the Bellevue area with a 5 foot fence and a single gated entry.

 

  • What: Luther Burbank Park
  • Where: 2040 84th Avenue Southeast, Mercer Island, WA
  • Why it’s Great: There’s an off-leash area at the North end of the park. This is a great park for those little pups that are a bit more timid.

Dog-Friendly Restaurants:

  • What: Dining Dog Cafe and Bakery
  • Where: 9635 Firdale Ave N Edmonds, WA 98020
  • Why it’s Great: “You and your dog can enjoy dinner out together!” Simply put. Never been there, but it looks like a lot of fun!

 

  • What: Portage Bay Cafe
  • Where: 4130 Roosevelt Way NE Seattle, WA 98105
  • Why it’s Great: Organic, Healthy, Yummy. Allows dogs at their outdoor tables.

 

  • What: Madison Park Cafe
  • Where: 1807 42nd Avenue East, Seattle, WA 98112
  • Why it’s Great: Dogs on leash are allowed at this restaurants full-service cobblestone Courtyard.

 

 

Dog-Friendly Stores: (All of these locations carry the high-quality brands of recommended food)

  • What: All the Best Pet Care
  • Where: Located all throughout Seattle and the Eastside making trips there super convenient.
  • Why it’s Great: Natural Foods, Treats and Toys for Dogs and Cats.

 

  • What: Dooley’s Dog House
  • Where: 1421 Market St, Kirkland, WA 98033
  • Why it’s Great: The workers are super knowledgeable on pet care and pet food. They also occasionally hold pet adoption events.

 

  • What: Mud Bay
  • Where: Located all over the Puget Sound
  • Why it’s Great: They carry over 600 unique formulas of dog and cat food.

 

You Can’t Visit Seattle Without Visiting These Dog-Friendly Locations:

 

  • What: Seattle Pier or the “Central Waterfront“
  • Where: The Seattle Pier runs from the Pioneer Square shore, past Downtown Seattle and Belltown and ending at the the Olympic Sculpture Park.
  • Why it’s Great: Fish and Chips, amazing views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, horse-drawn carriages – Seattle at it’s finest.

 

  • What: Kirkland Waterfront
  • Where:  25 Lakeshore Plaza
  • Why It’s Great:  I believe it’s one of the Northwest’s most delightful cities. Quaint shops, great restaurants – perfect area for first dates!

How Often Should Dogs Be Walked?

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Unfortunately, this question is not black and white. I, personally, believe all dogs should be taken for a walk three (3) times a day.  The walks themselves will vary depending upon the following situations: 

  • The age of the dog
  • The breed of the dog
  • The size of the dog
  • How active the dog is indoors
  • The weather

Age: Starting with the age of the dog; just as humans become less active when they become older, senior dogs follow that same path. They do not necessarily require as much activity as say, a 1-3 year old pup does. However, something to keep in mind with this situation is senior dogs may have a more difficult time holding their potty in. So where puppies need to be taken for longer walks, senior dogs may need shorter walks more often.

Breed: Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, and your walks should adjust accordingly. Some breeds require much more exercise than others. Biggest advice to you is; do your research before adopting a dog! It is so important to adopt a dog that will be a good fit for you, your family and your home.

Dogtime.com has a really great link where you pick a certain characteristic you want in your future dog, and voila! – A huge list of dogs with that characteristic appear. If you have any questions or concerns regarding a certain breed, any veterinarian would be happy to discuss this with you.

Dog Breed Characteristics

Size: A Great Dane will obviously need a much longer walk than a chihuahua. If you have less time in your day to devote to taking care of a large dog, look into getting a smaller breed. There are many great small breeds out there, that are still willing to fetch a ball.

Activity Level: Depending on how active you are with your dog indoors, two longer walks; one in the morning and one in the evening may be sufficient. This means that you play with your dog, whether it’s tug-o’-war or throwing a ball for him/her down the hall, or just wrestling, they simply need to release their energy. Please note: your dog will still need to be let out for potty breaks!  

Weather: Without a doubt, weather will certainly affect the length of your walks. When you walk your dogs; puppies, teenagers or seniors, ALWAYS be aware of any unusual behavior or personality shift (i.e. fatigue, exhaustion, panting hard, etc.). If you do notice a change in your pets behavior, take them immediately to a veterinarian. If the weather is scorching hot, that probably means the ground is as well. This could potentially cause some serious damage to your dog’s paws. Make the walk quick and provide a lot of water. If the weather is freezing cold, be sure your dog is bundled up!

Final Note: Dogs are such an amazing addition to a family; however they can also be a ton of work as well. Do your research, and find a dog breed that best suits yours and your families needs. If, due to a busy schedule, you are not able to provide your dog with enough attention, love and walks, hire someone who can help provide this.

How Natural Disasters Effect Pets and What Steps to Take to Keep Them Safe

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Unfortunately, it is far too often that pets are lost during natural disasters. Because these disasters occur so suddenly, people are unprepared. This causes them to lose sight of the steps that need to be taken in order to keep their pets safe before, during and after the devastation has occurred.

I have been fortunate enough to live in a very safe and comfortable environment, away from extreme temperatures, common natural disasters; earthquakes, hurricanes and volcanoes… but the truth is, you never know when or where Mother Nature will decide to use her powers. No area is immune to this.

With that being said, here is a list of steps to keep in mind. Print them out, put them on your fridge – do whatever you need to do to make sure you don’t lose one of your best friends.

  1. Know your location; be aware of common natural disasters in your area. Watch the news, listen to the radio, and simply pay attention. Just being knowledgeable will help you be prepared.
  2. Develop a plan for the ENTIRE household, including your pet!
    • Know your house well and teach your children the evacuation plan and escape routes.
  3. Know ahead of time which hotels are pet-friendly and which family members are OK with your pet staying at their house. This will be important information in case something happens to your home.
    • Here is a list of pet-friendly hotels in the Seattle area: Seattle Hotels.
  4. Keep your pet up-to-date on vaccines and annual exams. The healthier every pet is the less disease will spread, as disease often increases after a disaster has occurred due to unvaccinated pets.
  5. Put together a “disaster kit” for your family, as well as your pet.
    • This should include; food, water, utensils, a can opener, pet dishes, extra means of identification for pets, photos, any medications, towels, plastic bags, extra leash and collar, flashlight and batteries, litter and box for felines, dish detergent, and a first aid kit.
    • Leave your pet’s carrier & “disaster kit” somewhere you and your children can reach it.
  6. Check your pet, after the catastrophe has occurred, for any cuts, limping, etc., and if you see any major problems, take them immediately to a veterinary hospital.

Keep in mind that stress may cause your pet to act differently. Just understand that this is their way of communicating that they’re scared. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your pets’ behavior, be sure to speak with your veterinarian.

Preparing your household for an unforeseen disaster can significantly improve your odds for survival. The more proactive you are the better. So definitely use these tips and be sure to share them with your friends and family!

George the Giant

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This is George, the 7ft tall Giant that was on Oprah yesterday. Guiness World Records has declared him the tallest dog in the world. He is a Great Dane and stands nearly 43 inches tall (7ft 3ins from nose to tail) from paw to shoulder and weighs 250lbs. Wholy Moly! My 7lbs. kitty would be squooshed by one of his paws. =/

Calendar of Upcoming Animal and Pet Events

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Local Upcoming Animal/Pet Events in the Washington State Area:

  • What: “PetSmart Charities Second Chance for Love National Adoption Weekend“
  • Where: All PetSmart Locations 
  • When: February 12 – 14, 2010

 

 

 

  • What: “My Furry Valentine” with Purrfect Pals: Cat and Kitten Adoptions
  • Where: Dooley’s Dog House
  • When: Saturday February 20, 2010 from 12:00pm to 4:00pm

 

  • What: “Spay Day,” put on by the Humane Society of the United States to help save animals by spaying or neutering pets and feral cats
  • Where: Homeward Pet Adoption Center
  • When: February 23rd, 2010

 

 

  • What: “Paws Wild Night“
  • Where: Sheraton Seattle Hotel
  • When: Saturday, March 27, 2010 at 5:30pm

Pet Friendly Hotels in the Seattle / Bellevue Washington Area

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If you’ve decided to bring your furry friend(s) on vacation with you, here is a list of pet-friendly hotels in the Seattle / Bellevue  Washington area. Hopefully this will help make your trip to Seattle just a bit easier.

If you need a break from your pets while vacationing here, be sure to contact,

Pawblem Solved Pet Sitting and Dog Walking                                  

 Pet Friendly Hotels in the Seattle/Bellevue/Redmond/Kirkland Area

For more extensive and detailed lists, definitely check out these sites

Hotel for Dogs

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If I could take all of the little homeless animals out there, and give them a 5 star hotel which includes massage, automatic ringing door bells, an indoor movie simulator as if they’re driving in car, and never ending love, I would be one happy and fulfilled human being!

BUT, seeing as that only happens in the movies, I’ll just continue to do what I can in real life.

If you have a soft spot for animals and sappy, cheesy movies, definitely check it out! Just be sure to mute it during the Lisa Kudrow moments.