Snaggle Foot Myrtle Beach

PET SITTING / DOG WALKING / HOUSE SITTING / IN-HOME PET CARE

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Let Sleeping Dogs Lie, But How Much Sleep Do Dogs Need? - Daily Dog Tag

Sloan McKinney reveals why how dogs sleep and why you should let sleeping dogs lie.

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As the summer winds down and it's time to say good-bye to family and friends, please remember that a back to school and back to work schedule can be hard on your pets. A busy house with lots of company will soon be changing to long, lonely days awaiting someone to return home. Mid-day dog walks start at just $22 for a 30 minute visit. Discounts apply for consecutive visits. Call us today [phone] for a free consultation.

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Lexie was happy with hanging out in a shady spot today. We even caught a breeze now and then.

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Hot Weather Tips For Your Pet

Summertime is a time for fun and frolicking but it’s also fraught with danger for our pets. When the temperature rises, we need to take extra caution to make sure our pets are okay in the heat. Here are some key tips to help keep your pet cool and safe.

DON’T LEAVE YOUR PET ALONE IN THE CAR ON A WARM DAY

Despite the warnings, every year, pets die after their owners leave them in a parked car that overheats. Within just a few minutes, a car can get extremely shot, stifling, and deadly. Dr. Ernie Ward did an experiment on a warm summer’s day in which he sat in a parked car with the windows cracked. He wanted to see just how hot it would get. Within 30 minutes it was 117 degrees inside the car. “Never, ever leave your dog in a parked car on a warm day,” he pleads at the end of the video he made to document his experience. That goes for any pet, by the way!

BE VIGILANT ABOUT VET CARE

When it starts getting warm outside, take your dog or cat to the vet for a full check up. The check up should include a heartworm test and a flea and tick protection plan. These are year-round issues but in the summer months, with much more outdoors time, it’s especially important to monitor them.

AVOID WALKING YOUR DOG IN THE HEAT

Aim for mornings and evenings when letting your dog outside, cautions Dr. Marty Becker in his article, “Beat the Heat Tips for Your Dog.” Sometimes, though, it’s just hot all day long and Dr. Becker says, “Even in the coolest part of the day, watch for signs of trouble: Glassy eyes and frantic panting indicate a dog who needs help. Get to a veterinarian immediately if you see these symptoms!”

KEEP YOUR HOME COOL FOR YOUR PETS

When the temperature outside gets hot, it can be harder to keep the indoors cool. Some people turn their air conditioning off when they leave for the day. If you have a pet at home, this could put him in danger. A Vetstreet.com article, “Summer Hazards and Your Dog,” advises: “Instead of turning off the air conditioner, try leaving it on a conservative but comfortable setting (perhaps 76°F) while you are out.” The article recommends you make sure your pet has water and, “consider closing curtains to reduce the heating effects of sunlight through the windows.”

GIVE YOUR PETS ACCESS TO SHADE AND PLENTY OF WATER

Pets can get dehydrated or get heatstroke quickly so any pet outside needs to have plenty of water and access to shade.

KNOW WHICH DOGS ARE LESS TOLERANT OF HEAT

Dr. Becker reminds us that some dog breeds are less tolerant of the heat than others. “Remember that older, obese or short-nosed dogs (Pugs, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Pekingese, Boxers, Shih Tzu’s and French Bulldogs) are less tolerant of heat.”  Also, older dogs, puppies and dogs with health issues can also be more susceptible to hot weather. Of course, you should keep a close eye on your dog in the heat, no matter what his breed, age or state of health.

Our pets rely on us to protect them and keep them comfortable and safe year round! Remember, if you’re hot, your pets are definitely hot.

by Caroline Golon

Check out petfinder.com for more interesting articles

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Ultimate Checklist for Traveling With Your Dog

Just as you would not leave home without your furry companion, there are some essentials that you also should not forget when heading out on a road trip with your pup. Below you’ll find a list of items to pack before you hit the road!

1. Vaccination records

Keep a copy of all vaccination records in your doggy’s duffel bag. Should an emergency arise once you are on the road, you will have the important information you need. You will also need these records when boarding Fido for the day or overnight if you take in an excursion where your furry companion is not allowed. You should also check ahead and find out the vaccination requirements for any countries you’ll be visiting. You don’t want to show up and be denied entry (or worse) because your pup isn’t up-to-date on some of his shots.

2. Collar and leash

Remember that taking Fido out of the car for bathroom breaks must include his collar being secured and him being leashed (don’t forget the poop bags). A foreign territory brings unique smells that are oh so hard to resist, and your little darling can escape before you can say, “Sit, stay.”

3. Tags

Fido won’t want to get lost, so be sure that he has a current tag with an emergency phone number firmly attached to his collar or harness. Most people travel with a cell phone, making this the perfect number for your dog’s tag.

4. First aid kit

There are a number of doggy first aid kits on the market, and if you have the time, you can even put together your own. Some essentials to include are: tweezers to remove ticks, stypic powder to stop toenail bleeding, eye wash to flush wounds, gauze bandages adhesive tape, scissors and antiseptic moist wipes.

5. Food and water

Be sure to bring along Fido’s favorite food so as not to upset his stomach. There are great road-worthy foods and treats on the market. If you will be cooking for Fido, make the food ahead of time, and pack it along with your own goodies. Your dog is used to drinking water from your hometown, and when traveling it’s a good idea to bring along as much of Fido’s drinking water as you can, and rely on bottled water as back-up.

6. Seat covers and blankets

Vacations are supposed to be fun, and nothing says fun like four muddy paws…not! Protect your seats with covers and blankets made especially for your type of automobile. Be proactive: Always carry additional towels and wipes to clean off your rambunctious Rover.

7. Safety restraints

Did you know that in some states seat belts are now mandatory for Fido? When you think of your best friend as a projectile in case of an accident, you understand the wisdom of securing Fido to keep both of you safe.

8. Bed and crate

Don’t leave home without Fido’s favorite blankie or bed. You don’t want him sleeping on the guest bed…or do you? Bring sheets, too, so if your furry companion is accustomed to sleeping on the furniture, he won’t leave any tell-tail signs. If Fido calls his crate his den, then bring it along for a good night sleep during your vacation.

9. Fun stuff

Don’t forget the toys! If Fido is a nervous Nellie when staying away from home, help ease his discomfort by bringing as many toys from home as you can. Familiar smells and chew toys will help calm even the most anxious pet. If Rocky is a Rock Monanoff aficionado, by all means pack his favorite CD for his and your listening pleasure.

10. Double-check hotel reservations

You are ready to go—but before you back the mini-van out of the driveway, call your hotel to confirm your reservation and that they are expecting Fido. nothing says bummer like a newly implemented “no pets allowed” policy since you made your reservation.

Source: FIDO Friendly Magazine 

Check out more interesting articles on barkpost.com

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Happy National Bring Your Dog To Work Day! 

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Find Pet & Dog Friendly hotels in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina using TripsWithPets.com, the only website you need to plan a trip with your pet.

Check out this website for more information about pet friendly hotels and lodging in Myrtle Beach, SC. 

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Happy National Best Friend Day! - from Spur and Stevie 😸#snagglefootmyrtlebeach #bestfriends

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Visiting Myrtle Beach? Let us care for your pet during your beach time ! #snagglefoot #petcare #myrtlebeach #vacation #snagglefootmb #southcarolina

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Reason #6 to hire a pet sitter:

Traveling can be extremely stressful for your cat. Even a short ride can cause a stress-related illness. Let your feline companion enjoy the comfort of their own home while you're away. As an added bonus, your house gets looked after too.

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19 Dog-Friendly Stores Where You Can Shop With Your Pup

*Note: If your dog is not a service dog, do not bring them into a store that is not dog-friendly. Additionally, many chain stores (including ones on this list) leave it up to the manager to decide whether their individual locations allow dogs or not. The best way to ensure you can bring your pooch inside is to call ahead and find out that specific store’s policy.

The other day I was walking my dog when I walked past the most gorgeous coat in the window of Anthropologie. It was pouring rain. Of course, I didn’t want to tie up my pup… but then, a retail miracle occurred! It turns out that Anthropologie is a dog-friendly store! Which got me thinking, what other stores also welcome canine shoppers? So here it is: the ultimate list of national stores that are dog friendly! Petco and Petsmart were left off in favor of stores with slightly more obscure dog policies (but don’t worry! you can still bring your dog into them!)

1. Lowe’s

“No I will not help you put together that lamp, but I will judge you for trying!”

2. Home Depot

“Please choose the blue paint, it will look great when I step in it and walk all over the house!”

3. Pottery Barn

“My tail has broken 63 things in here today… is that a new record?”

4. Macy’s

“Is this where you disappear to on the weekends while I have to pee?? Smells weird”.

5. Bass Pro Shops

“Are those real fish??”

6. Barnes and Noble

“Not sure if green floor is grass or not, will pee on it anyway”.

7. LUSH Cosmetics

“Is this stuff edible? It smells like I can eat it”.

8. Restoration Hardware

“I mean… if I’m going to jump on the couch as soon as you leave anyways I might as well make sure it’s comfortable”.

9. Gap

“You…look… FABULOUS!”

10. Bloomingdale’s

“Those better be real diamonds! I’m allergic to peasant jewelry”.

11. Urban Outfitters

“Woahhh look at that guy’s mustache!”

12. Anthropologie

“Mom that dress looks great! Can we go now?”

13. Free People

“That. Does. Not. Fit. You”.

14. Foot Locker

“Are these the kind that make you jump higher? I need mad ups.”

15. Bebe

“My outfit still looks better #AuNaturel”.

16. Nordstrom

“We’ve been here six hours, I’m hiding in the basement next time I hear you say Half Yearly Sale”.

17. Old Navy

“Day 16, Humans still think I am part of display”.

18. Saks Fifth Avenue

“I always wear pearls while shopping at Saks… duh”.

19. Tractor Supply Co.

“I need 100 bags of dog food! No questions please! Oh, and throw in all that Turkey Jerky”.

by Marissa Rubenstein

Check out more interesting articles on barkpost.com

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How to Teach Your Dog to Fetch

Playing a nice, long game of fetch is a great way to tire out your pup while bonding with him at the same time. While some dogs love to play fetch naturally, many have trouble understanding the concept on their own. With a little help and the right toy, however, your dog can learn to retrieve and will (hopefully) learn to love it! 

Finding the Right Dog Toy

Some dogs may find fetch confusing and will wonder why you keep trying to toss their toy away from them, while others may not enjoy fetch because they've never been exposed to the game in a rewarding way, says Sarah Westcott, CPDT-KSA and owner of Doggie Academy in Brooklyn, New York. Sometimes it just takes a little experimenting to try and find the perfect dog toy to encourage retrieving. Any safe object that your dog enjoys will work perfectly, Westcott says.

Try experimenting with the following toys:

Tennis or rubber balls

Balls or toys that squeak

Hard of soft disc toys like Frisbees

Tug toys that can be played with after they’ve been retrieved

Stick-shaped toys (plastic or the real thing!)

How to Teach your Dog ‘Fetch’

Once you’ve found a toy that your dog likes engaging with, toss it a very short distance from you. As soon as your dog starts moving towards the toy, praise him verbally and continue to do so until he has the toy in his mouth, Westcott says. At that point, begin to encourage him to bring it back with lots of verbal praise and if, at any point, he drops it and seems to lose interest, stop praising him. If your dog makes it back to you with the toy, don’t immediately reach for it. Instead, give him lots of verbal praise, petting and even treats to encourage him. If he drops the toy on his own, pick it up and repeat the process again — just don’t play for too long during your first session.

“Try to stop the game before your dog stops wanting to play,” Westcott says. “That might mean that at first you only toss the ball once or twice before putting it away for next time. If you leave [your dog] wanting more, you’ll build is desire to play.”

When you play fetch, remember that chasing after a toy is a reward in itself for a dog, so you should only reward behaviors you like. If your dog begins barking or jumping on you to get you to throw the toy, withhold your throw until he stops, Westcott says. You can also ask your dog for a behavior — like “sit” or “down” — before you throw the toy then reward them for a job well done by tossing it and releasing him to go get it.

-Jessica Remitz 

Check out Pet360.com for more interesting articles

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Confessions of a Dog Walker

Finding a good dog walker is a bit like finding a good nanny. You’re trusting someone to take care of your entire world while you’re at work, and it never gets easier leaving your precious pup with a stranger. Add to that the idea of leaving the keys to your home in someone’s hands, and it’s enough to get your palms sweating. 

As a pup parent, I totally get it. So as a dog walker, I make sure I take care of those pups like they’re my own.

But there are some things I do keep from my clients.

1. You paid for a half hour walk, but I stayed with your pup an extra fifteen minutes.

Hazel the Cockalier

I do have a life, I promise. But leaving your pup behind is almost as hard for me as it is for you. You know better than anyone else that your dog is an expert at giving serious puppy eyes that will melt the coldest heart.

2. When we cross the street, I act like a school crossing guard.

Eva the Corgi

Drivers and bike riders can’t see your tiny pup, so I walk ahead out into the crosswalk and wait for your dog to strut his stuff like a little boss while cheering him on. I get some weird looks, but I don’t care. I’m all about getting your fuzznugget to cross the street safely. 

3. When you call to cancel a walk, I get a bit sad.

Stella the French Bulldog

Especially if I won’t see your pups again for a while. It means less snuggle time! 

4. I cheer when your dog does #1 & #2. More for #2.

Frankie the Miniature Australian Shepherd  

When I start walking a new pup, he might not poop for me our first couple of walks. So finally dropping a deuce is his way of telling me he’s comfortable enough to do his business in front of me. And that’s one of the best feelings ever.

5. Sometimes your pup doesn’t poop, and our walk time is up.

She’s probably holding it in so we stay out longer. Hazel the Cockalier

But I know you won’t be home for at least five hours, and an extra lap around the block might get the job done. I've never charged you for the extra time.

6. Sometimes you pay for a full hour, but I only walk your dog for half.

Che the French Bulldog

I know, but hear me out. Our scheduled walk happens during the hottest hour of the day in the summer. I will not force your dog to walk in 100 degree weather until her saliva is foamy. Instead, we find a shady spot to pee in, your dog drinks my whole bottle of water, and then we go home. The rest of our walk time is spent playing indoors. (If your pup likes baths, I’ll even run some water for her to cool her paws.)

7. Those pictures I take of your dog to share with you? I show them off to everyone I know.

My whole family’s seen this one of Pugsly the Pug.

Your dog gave me derpface today? I’m showing that to my friends. Your dog gave me a high five? Shared. I got your dog’s tail wagging and recorded it? Best believe I’ll be bragging to my friends about that, too. I love walking your dog, and I love telling everyone about her.

-Nicole Gabriel

Check out barkpost.com for more interesting articles. 

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Do you have a schedule or situation that leaves your dog home alone too long? We provide our dog walking service for a variety of clients in an assortment of situations.

Our Snaggle Foot Dog Walkers are more than happy to work out a visit schedule that meets your needs.

Typically, our dog walking service is provided mid-day, when dogs need to be let out the most. Each standard dog walking visit consists of a 20-30 minute walk. Every visit comes with a water refresh, playtime, and a treat.

Give us a call at 843-839-9090 and let us know how we can help you!

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Myrtle Beach Gets Rid of Annual Pet Fee 

May 12, 2015

BY MAYA T. PRABHU

[email protected]

Pet owners no longer have to pay Myrtle Beach annually to register their dogs and cats, though very few residents followed the law and City Council members said several residents didn’t even know the rule existed.

Starting last month, Myrtle Beach residents who own dogs and cats no longer have to pay the $5 annual fee for their spayed or neutered pets. Owners of pets that had not been spayed or neutered were required to pay $20 per year for a city pet license.

Pets are required to wear tags showing that the animal’s vaccinations are current, as well as a tag identifying the pet’s owner.

All money that has been collected through the licensing fees – $1,650 in the 2014-2015 fiscal year – went to the Grand Strand Humane Society for shelter operations. The law has been on the books since at least 2000.

But City Manager John Pedersen said the amount of money collected was marginal.

“I agree that it is primarily a nuisance to pet owners and that enforcement is not a productive use of the time of our animal control officers,” he said.

Pedersen said 284 animals were licensed in the city as of March 24. City Council members said it was clear the law wasn’t being followed and it was difficult to enforce because there are many more dogs and cats living in Myrtle Beach than 284.

Pedersen recommended that City Council increase its grant to the Humane Society by $2,000 in fiscal year 2015-2016, which begins July 1. During the city’s budget retreat last month, council discussed awarding the Humane Society $230,000. The grant amount will be set when the city adopts its annual budget sometime before June 30.

Councilman Mike Lowder raised the issue during a meeting earlier this year saying his neighbor – who did not know licensing was required – was stopped by animal control while walking his dog and asked if the animal had been registered. When animal control learned the pet was not registered, the owner was cited a fine.

“My dogs don’t wear a collar,” Lowder said. “My dogs don’t leave the home. I went and got a city license just to say that I had one, which was the biggest waste of money in my life.”

Council members argued that requiring pet and owner identification on a collar also likely would not be a law that is followed.

“It’s going to be the same situation, though, with registering the pets,” Lowder said. “More people aren’t going to do it than are.”

Read more here: http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com/news/local/article20788197.html#storylink=cpy

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6 Things You Don't Know about Itchy Pets

Itchy skin is more correctly referred to as “pruritus,” which is defined as an unpleasant sensation within the skin that provokes the desire to scratch. Itchy skin is the result of inflammation or irritation associated with the release of chemicals from inflammatory cells in the skin. When these cells are stimulated by a chemical trigger, they release a variety of chemicals that initiate the discomfort of itching. That is one reason that the more you scratch, the more you itch. The key is to break the cycle, let these 6 surprising itch facts help you with that.

1. Itching is not a disease.  It's a clinical sign, and every effort should be made to find the cause, not just treat. Skin diseases can be very challenging to diagnose and treat. This may result in some tests that seem a bit confusing to you: • Skin scrapings • Skin biopsies • Blood tests to check for hormonal diseases (such as thyroid deficiency) • Allergy testing and trial treatments

If you're confused by any of the testing, ask your veterinarian to clarify.

2. Different species may have different chemicals involved in itching The treatment for itching varies with not only the underlying cause, but also the species affected. Chemicals involved in the itching process include histamine, and other chemicals such as proteolytic enzymes (proteases), leukotrienes and other inflammatory mediators.

3. Itching may not be a skin problem at all. There are a myriad of things that can initiate itching or "pruritus." Causes can be primary skin diseases or secondary to problems not directly associated with the skin.

4. Parasites that can cause itching are not always visible to the naked eye.  Common causes of itching are parasites such as fleas, ticks, lice and mites; many external parasites are not visible to the naked eye. Mites and lice are very tiny and often live below the surface of the skin. Sometimes mites are not found, even if they are suspected. Your veterinarian may elect to treat them, even if the mites are not found.

5. Itching caused by infection may have varied clinical appearances Infections of the skin are a common cause of itching. Infectious causes of itching often involve the hair follicles (Folliculitis). While some cases of such skin infections produce obvious pimples, some produce only a minor rash and can be difficult to prove. They may require trial treatments with antibiotics or even biopsies to identify.

6. Itching caused by allergies can be topical, dietary or inhaled Allergies are often suspected based on the breed and age of a pet, as well as the localization of the itching (face, feet, armpits, etc.). Depending on the severity, your veterinarian may try oral or injectable medications, blood or skin tests to look for the cause or may try a restricted diet to demonstrate the allergy. Consultation with a veterinary dermatologist may be beneficial.

By Dr. Mike Paul, DVM

Reviewed by Dr. Peter Kintzer, DVM, DACVIM 

Posted April 10, 2015 in Dog Diseases & Conditions A-Z

Pet Health Network: http://www.pethealthnetwork.com

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