Do Pets Like People Music

Many dog and pet owners will leave the TV or Radio on for their pet during the day. If it were you, you would go a little crazy in silence and listening to the crazy neighbors scream all day. So, is it calming or relaxing to your dog or pet to listen to your kind of music? Dog have different hearing frequency and sound tolerances, so how do we know our music isn't screeching loud noise that is really killing them inside?

The following article expains a recent study on classical music and animal perception. The article also gives you a sneak peak at a melody your dog might enjoy...

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/pets-prefer-their-own-music.html

If your pet is having anxiety issues while you away at work or you can't seem to find anything to calm him/her down please consult your local veterinarian about solutions.

Bad Review Classy K9 Cut Frisco

I’ve never had a complaint about my dog groomers. Today I have one regarding Classy K9’s in Frisco. I do not want anyone else to feel as frustrated as I do about your dog’s hair cut. Today I took my little Teddy to Classy K9’s Grooming at 2995 Preston Rd, Frisco TX 75034. This is the first time I’ve been to this groomers and it was out of convenience because it is right by my work. The following are the events that took place.

Apt. Schedule

Last night I left a message asking for them to call me back if they had any spaces available this morning and they never did. I called again this morning and got an apt booked for 9:00 this morning. The staff was friendly enough, the admin gave me directions to their location and I dropped Teddy off. 45 minutes later they called me and I thought they were telling me Teddy was acting up and I needed to come get him. No, they said he was done. Red Flag! It never takes Teddy 45 minutes to get groomed, more like 3-3.5 hours.

Pick Up

I came and got him, he was excited, at first glance the cut seemed great. They didn’t even put a cute bandana on him but they might have ran out, I had one with me anywho. The total was $42.00 and I gave a $10.00 tip like usual and had to hurry home then get back to work. We’re walking out and it’s when I first noticed something was off. His face was butchered with a razor. I didn’t specify a scissor cut, I’ve never had to, and it is assumed with experienced groomers you take scissors to the face. Next, I’m sitting in the car and there’s hair all over me? I’m like they didn’t blow the hair off…wait??? They didn’t even bathe him!

Seriously?

I got home and I inspected him further. His ears and tail hair were in disarray, they didn’t flag his tail or even comb it. They didn’t scissor his ears and his hair under his chin was extremely uneven. I understand it is extremely hard to groom a dog, I’ve tried it myself. I didn’t ask what was in the package nor did they explain their services. A full groom is around $45.00 so the quote at $42.00 seemed normal. Now that I know a bath was not included it is overpriced and I did not receive what I expected. I will have to spend another $20-$30 bucks if I want to correct their wrong and take him to another groomers. I’m not one of those picky dog owners that complain because one hair is out of place. I did not feel I got the value for my money with this service. Now I sit here at work, itching and covered with dog hair. I know this issue won't die quickly because I see Teddy everyday and I'm just reminded how much I got ripped off. As of four days later I'm still pissed and will write a bad review on each directory they have submitted to. So far Google Places, Yelp and Yahoo Reviews. If they have also ripped you off and messed up your dog's hair with a razor please leave a comment below and help your fellow dog owners. I welcome the owners of Classy K9’s to contact regarding my experience, I will gladly remove this post, until then dog owners beware of Classy K9’s of Frisco.

Thank you,

Megan

megan.tegtmeyer@gmail.com
940-447-1777

What dog breed is right for you? Take the quiz!

Are you looking into getting a dog, just don’t know what breed will fit you and your family’s lifestyle. Here is a quiz you can take to help you decide. This quiz displays the results soon after you submit. The tests asked the obvious; size, hair, grooming, barking and energy level. The test also throws in “do you want to take your do hunting?”. I took the test and my results are as follows: http://selectsmart.com/DOG/

Mixed breed 100%. Obviously, I wouldn’t pay for a full breed. I don’t have that kind of money, even though some mixed breeds are more expensive now! Manchester Terrier. Sorta cute actually. The description shows they are very intelligent and playful. The Manchester looks very, very hyper! Might need to reconsider this pick.
My last pick by the quick is a miniature poodle. I really love poodles, they are allergy and shed free. The maintenance on poodles are very burdensome.  They  need to be brushed each day or knots and matts will form. A little to high maintenance for me!
Take the quiz and see where it takes you. Please consult your trusted vet to see if this breed would be a good fit for you and your family!

What Groomers do to Your Dog's Anal Glands.

Have you noticed when your dog is scared he will suddenly shoot this foul smelling odor all over you and whatever else is around? These are ‘anal sacs’ or ‘sent sacs’, these are commonly used to mark territory and the foul smelling liquid is expelled through defecation. These glands are expressed when your dog poops and also can be expressed manually at the groomers. These glands need to be expressed on a regular basis in order to prevent impacted glands that can lead to infection or impaction. If your dog has soft stools this can add to the glands not being released properly. Many groomers add this to their standard process during grooming as a value added service. Groomers should not express your dog’s anal glands if they are not full or the dog is not having trouble passing the liquid out of the glands himself. If the groomer routinely expresses your dogs anal glands within very short periods of time this could hinder the dogs ability to express the anal glands himself. The following are signs your dog is having problems with his anal glands.

There are several signs that your pet may need his anal glands expressed. A common, often misunderstood sign is scooting, or dragging the rear end on the ground. This is often believed to be a sign of intestinal parasites, however it is most often an attempt to relieve the discomfort of full anal glands. Many pets will excessively chew or lick at their hind end which can cause the glands to express a small amount of material and a foul odor may be noticed. Some pets will circle and chew at their tail, others may sit abruptly at times, which may be followed by scooting, licking, or chewing. These are all signs that the glands are full enough that they are causing the pet to be uncomfortable. If the pet is not given relief, complications can occur, sometimes in a short period of time. It's important to remember that individual pets will show different signs and watching for any sign of discomfort is important. 

This is a great article to cover what we’ve always been wondering. Why do groomers express our dog’s anal glands? Read More

Please contact your trusted Frisco pet groomer to ask them how they express your dog's anal glands and the frequency. Read more on the internal and external methods of anal expression.

How to Choose Pet Boarding in Frisco, TX

The toughest decision you'll have to make being a dog owner is where to board your dog when you go out of town. Not all of us have the luxury of leaving our dogs with a neighbor or friend who has pets. So when we leave town for vacation or a last minute meeting across the country, we all have to decide what boarding facility or kennel is going to be the best fit for our furry family member. The following are key elements to look for in your dog boarding facility and what to do if you feel your dogs health and well being are at risk.

Cleanliness

Many dog owners walk into the pet boarding facility and automatically judge the boarding by the cleanliness. Take a look around at the floors and the counters, do they look like they have been cleaned or wiped down recently? The outward appearance of the facility can give you a quick glimpse of behind the scenes, so more than likely your dog is going to be sitting in much worse than a dirty counter. Don’t be afraid to request to see the kennel area and the cages the dogs are kept. More importantly don’t be afraid to grab your dog and walk out, even if you have placed previous reservations. A sick or unhappy dog is not worth the slight embarrassment of you scurrying out the door.

The Staff

One major quality to look for in the boarding staff is an engaging attitude with your pet. Does the front staff welcome your dog and say hello or ask for his name? If the staff asks the minimal questions and are trying to rush you out of the facility take this as a warning. Miserable staff and unloving technicians will not keep your dog’s best interest at heart. There are plenty of boarding facilities in the Frisco area who love and adore animals, more importantly love their job. If you receive a strong vibe this is not a safe place for your animal, request to speak to the supervisor and if still hesitant take your family member and walk out immediately.

Do they walk the dogs?

This should be exhibited on all boarding information and included in all boarding packages. It is extremely unhealthy for any animal to be forced immobile for a long period of time. Look around to see if there is either a large play area or enough staff to properly walk the amount of dogs in the facility. It’s your right as a paying consumer to evaluate their services, if the boarding facility refuses to show you the grounds and is avoiding the dog walking requirements please leave with your dog.

Indoor vs Outdoor

Some boarding facilities are half in door and half out door, this allows your pet to lounge inside in the shade and has the freedom to run around with other dogs. This has pros and cons. Pros, your dog will get to play and have the freedom to run around. Con, you will get your dog back dirty. Covered in dirt the way dogs should be but shouldn’t be in your car or in the house. Half indoor/outdoor kennels are for larger breed dogs, small dogs should be kept in indoor only.

Happy and Healthy Doggie

The last thing to check for is if your dog comes back happy and healthy. The boarding facility should employ a on-call vet or have a full time veterinarian on staff. This ensures your dog will be seen by a veterinarian in case any unforeseen sickness or illness. We all can read our dogs and like one of our children we can tell if something is wrong. If your dog is lethargic and is a bad mood for the next couple of days call the boarding facility and see if they noticed any peculiar in his/her behavior. If the next time you take your dog to the facility if there is a huge struggle and whimpering, your dog is trying to tell you something is wrong. Take the warning and walk out the front door and never return.



If you have had a bad boarding experience please share and list the name of the boarding facility so other dog owners can save their pet from miserable boarding. Feel free to contact me at megan@seota.com to share your pet boarding story!

2012 Dog New Years Resolution

Have you made your New Years resolution this year? How about a new years resolution for your furry friends? Here are five new years resolutions that can help your pets live a long, healthy and happy life.

(1) Lose Weight

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, more than 50% of all household dogs and cats in the US are overweight. Even when a pet is just a little overweight, the added lbs. can have a dramatic impact on a pet’s quality of life. A long term study conducted by pet food manufacturer, Purina, demonstrated that lean dogs live almost two years longer than dogs that are overweight and lead a sedentary life. In addition, the extra pounds results in 80% higher incidence of painful arthritis. “Spoiling” your pet with treats and table scraps may seem like an act of love but why not make the resolution in 2012 to spoil your pets with exercise and attention. It will get you up and moving and your pets will thank you for it. If you are stretched for time, hire a local pet sitter or dog walker to get your pets up and out of the house.

(2) Pearly Whites

Periodontal disease is the most common condition in household pets. More than 80% of pets over three years of age have some degree of the condition. Inflammation of the oral tissues is caused by the accumulation of plaque and tartar from bacteria in the mouth. Some studies suggest that regular dental care can add two to five years to the life of a pet.

(3) Regular Check-ups

Is your pet up to date with his vet check ups? If not, January is a great time of year to get your pet's annual check-up, routine screening tests, and important vaccinations taken care of.

(4) Control Parasites

Keeping your pets on monthly prevention for heartworm, intestinal worms, and external parasites will help them stay healthy and happy. Look into heartguard or Frontline for your pet, if you do not already.

(5) Improve Nutrition

Have you discussed your pet’s food and treats with your Frisco veterinarian? Every year nutritional research helps advance the quality of pet food available. A good quality ration can reduce the risk of disease. Softer, shinier coats, cleaner teeth, and healthier joints are just a few of the benefits of optimum nutrition. Better nutrition, as with humans, will make your pet feel better and give them more energy to take care of the #1 resolution.

Cost for Heartworm Treatment

The cost of treatment is dependent on where you’re being treated; usually starting around $500.00 and can go well beyond $1,000. The risk of complications is also high; the worms being expelled can cause blockages in blood flow. Heart worm prevention medicine like Heart Guard or many others your vet can provide range from $30.00-$50.00, that’s $ 8-$10 dollars a month. This of course is much less costly than heartworm treatment injections or surgery. Schedule your dog’s exam and heartworm test today. 

Heartworm Treatment

Most common treatment for dogs is an injection of immiticide into the hip area. Immiticide kills the developed adult heartworms in the dog’s heart and destroys the worms into passable pieces. Heart worms can be treated with a few injections but with advanced cases surgery might be required. Your vet tries to avoid this route at all means necessary. Please schedule your appointment today to receive a blood test and heartworm medication. If your dog is infected with heartworm, contact a local vet with heartworm treatment immediately. 

Heartworm Testing

The most common test is the heartworm antigen test and is done before your vet can prescribe your dog any heartworm prevention medication. The antigen test is done by taking a small sample of blood and testing for adult heartworms. Taking only a few minutes your dog can test negative for heart worms and prescribed heartworm prevention medication. Owners have the option to opt out of the recommended yearly heartworm exam, but the dog is now at great risk for infection. Please schedule an appointment with a trusted Frisco Vet, to set up your Heartworm test and get heartworm prevention. 

Best Vet In Frisco

Puppy Shots

My puppy currently turned two this September and was in need of his shots so I took him to the Best Vet Clinic in Frisco, Paw Prints Pet Clinic. More importantly Teddy cannot get groomed without his Rabies and other vaccinations. I just moved to Frisco a few weeks ago, by Eldarado and Custer so I was online researching vets in the area. That night, I went to the gym and spotted Paw Prints Pet Clinic and Bubble and Bones Pet Grooming all in the same area. My lucky day, how convenient is this? My vet and groomers all a few blocks from my house!

Bubbles and Bones was still open so I stopped by to look at their pricing. Standard pricing and they had all new and shiny equipment and the place smelled great. They handed me a flyer for Paw Print Pet Clinic around the corner for a FREE initial exam.

The next week I scheduled an appointment for 8:30 for Paw Prints Pet Clinic off Custer. They gave me a reminder ring the day before, woke up early Wed. and headed off to the vet...


Best Vet Clinic, Frisco
The best Vet experience I've ever had was at Paw Prints Pet Clinic, the first time I haven't felt like I'm in a shot-and-go vet clinic. The staff upfront and technicians were super sweet. Even to a puppy who hates getting his nails trimmed, sorry you guys. The doctor was great, I learned more about dog care in 30 minutes than reading articles online. He explained easy oral care for a puppy who does not like his teeth brushed, importance of heartworm treatments and much more. He explained their neutering procedures and the steps they take to secure a healthy and happy pup after surgery. He went over pricing structures and optional testing for the procedure.


Value
I went to pay, and the vet tech listed all the charges and my total was $130.00 for the full line of vaccinations, heartworm testing and a six-month supply of heartworm prevention. This is totally worth knowing my puppy is healthy and meeting such great people. I received much more value than $130.00 from this visit. As I was leaving the technician through in a bag of Science Diet training treats and dental treats for his teeth.


Follow Up
The next day, I received a phone call from the doctor checking to see if Teddy had any side effects to the vaccines and if he was back to his normal self. My own doctor doesn't even do this. This morning I received a letter from Paw Prints, welcoming me and Teddy to the clinic. One of the pages listed the results of the exam and things me and Teddy needed to work on. It also listed the next suggested appointments dates and the cute picture they took of Teddy at the clinic.


Reviews
Paw Prints does not have a Yahoo or Google business listing yet, so I was unable to post this review on their profile, but will be glad to post were ever would help spread the word how great they are. I encourage other lucky patients to do the same.

Next step off to Bubbles & Bones for his grooming, can't wait!

Symptoms of Heartworm

Early symptoms of heartworm infection exhibits no signs or symptoms. After maturity, the parasites first reach the dog’s lungs and shoot up into the heart. The heart worms grow and spread blocking circulation in the heart. Mild infection symptoms include a nighttime cough. A full blown heart worm infection includes cough, extreme fatigue, loss of consciousness, abnormal heart and lung sounds. Untreated cases result in artery blockage and eventually death. Please schedule your quick heartworm evaluation today. 

What is Heartworm? Winter Months

According to the Heartwormsociety.org, environmental changes by humans have increased heartworm population drastically. Domestic dogs are the main hosts for these parasitic nematodes. These parasites are delivered by mosquitoes who have consumed infected material. There’s a current misconception about heartworm preventative treatment is not needed during the colder months because of the small mosquito population. Taking the risk of not protecting your dog in the winter months is not worth the pain and cost of treatment. Please schedule your next exam today.