8 Tips to Keep Your Pet Happy & Healthy This Winter

8 Tips to Keep Your Pet Happy & Healthy This Winter

Whether your pet loves or hates it, winter is an inevitable part of all our lives. Knowing what is best for your pet is the key to keeping them happy and healthy through the cold and usually dreary months. Fun fact, when our pets feel safe and healthy they will naturally enjoy whatever season they are experiencing. So, let’s dive right in to eight great ways to keep your pet happy and healthy this winter!

1.      Know Your Pet

No one knows your pet like you do. Therein lies the joy and responsibility for using your best judgement when it comes to pet activities and outings during the winter months. Only you can discern if Lily the kitty can play out in the screened in porch a few minutes in the afternoons, or if Duke your Chihuahua should be indoors 100% of the time since he never stops shivering, or if Esmerelda the St. Bernard can spend hours enjoying the backyard and never get too cold. Trust the knowledge you have of your pet and keep a watchful eye on them so you can adjust as necessary.

A cat sitting on a windowsill inside to keep warm during winter

A cat sitting on a windowsill inside to keep warm during winter

2.      Paw Check!

Snow and ice and sand OH MY! After every outing be sure to wipe your pet’s paws thoroughly. Make sure you remove any snow/ice clumps and clear out grainy ice melt or sand as it can get embedded in their fur and paw pads making a simple task like walking extremely uncomfortable for them. Not getting anywhere with the typical towel cleaning? Try a Dexas Mudbuster to make life a little easier and ensure your pet’s paws are free of debris every time!

3.      Shine Bright

Surprise! It gets dark around 4:00 PM during the winter, so chances are at least one walk a day is in the dark. Always wear reflective gear (both you and your dog) along with a light (preferably flashing) to ensure you are visible to other walkers and vehicles. Why you AND your dog? Heaven forbid your dog gets away from you! Being able to SEE them is of paramount importance to getting them home safe and sound. Shine brightly and stay safe this winter!

4.      Leash up!

Did you know that pets have a greater chance of becoming lost during the cold season due to a lack of scents accessible to them? It is true! When heading out for a winter excursion or play date consider keeping your pet leashed up or making sure their play space is enclosed. In addition, always keep a collar with an up-to-date ID tag on them. Unsure about the terrain of a trail or what wildlife you may come across? Better to be safe than sorry, leash up and keep your loving companion safely by your side all winter long.

Cat hiding in car wheel to stay warm during the winter

Cat hiding in car wheel to stay warm during the winter

5.      Beware of hiding spots

Outdoor/stray cats and other small animals are always looking for places to stay warm during the winter. Before starting up your car or using a piece of machinery in your shed double check that somebody has not made themselves a cozy little home in there! Likewise, winter can be tough on nature. Pay close attention to where birds, squirrels, and other less “pet like” animals are nestling down on and around your property. Be mindful and do your best not to disrupt or destroy their winter homes.

6.      Grooming

The winter is for letting ourselves go a bit, isn’t it? Well, our pets are right there with us for that one. Much like the cracking finger tips we experience from excessive hand washing our pet’s skin dries out much more quickly in the winter. While bathing is important unfortunately it washes away helpful oils that keep their skin moist, thus causing itching, irritability, and even painful cracking. In addition, when it comes time for a trip to the groomer be sure to ask that they leave a little more length than they do in warmer months. Our pet’s fur is a natural and necessary part of keeping them protected during the bitter winter months.

7.      Antifreeze

Antifreeze is a deadly liquid that attracts pets due to its sweet taste. YIKES! Always clean up thoroughly after use and keep an eye out for any spills/leaking from your vehicle. Consider trying an alternative antifreeze that uses propylene glycol. Propylene glycol is less tasty, biodegradable, and does not cause kidney damage like ethylene glycol. No matter what product you use always keep out of reach of your pets to ensure their safety.

White dog with large stick enjoying winter snowfall

White dog with large stick enjoying winter snowfall

8.      Winter Rule of thumb

Remember, if it’s too cold for you, chances are it is too cold for your pet. There are always exceptions to the rule but even if your dog is the “made for winter” type, such as a Husky or Newfoundland, they all have their cold weather limits. A great way to discern whether your winter loving pet will be safe and comfortable outside is to put on your winter coat and head outside yourself. However long you feel comfortable in the current elements is probably close to the same for your pup. Never assume your furry friend can handle the cold, snowy, or icy weather, test it out to keep them safe.

Winter is unavoidable here in New England so we might as well make the best of it! Understanding your pet and their needs will help you decide what actions to take when it comes to outdoor activities, proper grooming, and knowing their limits. Always cleanup toxic spills, remain visible when out at night, be mindful of the nature around you, and do what is best to always keep your pet safely in your care. These 8 simple tips will have your pet enjoying winter all season long.

Just Around the Corner offers daily Dog Walking , Dog Hiking, and Pet Sitting in Plymouth, MA. To learn more about how Just Around the Corner can help, check out our Services Page. You can also Contact Us for more information. Be sure to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram!

 

Why Hire A Professional Pet Sitter?

Why Hire A Professional Pet Sitter?

Have you ever hired or thought about hiring a professional pet sitter? If not, get ready because the benefits are pretty AMAZING! What pet parent doesn’t love a customizable care option for their precious furry, feathery, or scaley family members? The wide range of benefits a pet sitter provides go well beyond delivering great care to the animals on their watch. Whether you are getting away on business or pleasure and no matter for how many days at a time, having someone you can trust to care for not only your pet, but also for your HOME is of paramount importance. Curious why you should hire a pet sitter in 2021? We are letting the cat out of the bag with our top 4 reasons to go with a Professional Pet Sitter.

1.      Reliable & Equipped

Family, friends, and neighbors are a wonderful option when it comes to pet care, but take it from us, sometimes it is more convenient and safer to hire the professionals. One of the many benefits of hiring an established pet care company is that no matter the circumstances there will always be someone to come in and care for your pet. No last-minute texts that read “I can’t make it today, something came up,” or “I have a family emergency and won’t be able to pop over for the dogs today.” Reading this while you are hours from home is a helpless feeling! Not only is a professional pet sitter reliable, they just so happen to be insured and are a professionally trained employee with extensive pet care experience. Why is this important you ask? Things happen: pets get sick, they chew on the wrong thing, or they may hide and refuse to eat when mom or dad are away. A professional pet sitter will be able to recognize potentially urgent behaviors as well as have tools to provide the utmost care for a nervous or scared pet. No one wants their pet to be miserable while they are away. Hire a professional pet sitter for the best care possible for your pet.

Dog enjoying being home with a pet sitter to care for them

Dog enjoying being home with a pet sitter to care for them

2.      Home Sweet Home

Let’s be honest, we are ALL most comfortable when we are in our own home doing all the homey things we like to do on a daily basis, right? Our pets are the same way, creatures of habit, they love the simple pleasures that come from being in their own home. Who doesn’t enjoy having their own food dish, that blanket with it’s special smell, and of course the spot next to the window where you love to lay in the afternoon. Boarding at a facility is great in some cases but for many of our fur babies there is nothing like the comfort of staying in the place they are most comfortable, home. Hiring a pet sitter allows your pet to keep all the comforts of their daily life (minus their human parents) and keep as much normality as possible. Skip the boarding next time and give in-home pet sitting a try.

Added protection for your home when you are away and hire a pet sitter

Added protection for your home when you are away and hire a pet sitter

3.      Extra House Security

Let me tell you an actual story.  How lucky that these clients wanted to have their fur babies stay in their own home.  Just Around the Corner was hired to do three visits per day to take care of Brady, their beloved Boxer, and his two feline sisters, Amber and Anabelle.  For the first two days, we visited, fed, and played with everyone, and all was going well.  On the third day of their 10-day vacation, as we drove down their road at 6:30 in the morning on our way to take care of them we could see smoke coming from their house.  Our hearts, of course, starting pumping ……and going through our minds were the babies in the house.  We ran right in and found all the animals waiting for us in the living room looking anxious.  We got all of them out of the house and put them in our car.  We called 911 and the fire department responded quickly.  On inspection of the house, the fire department found a faulty wire in the heating system.  They said in another hour it would have sparked a fire, which could have been a total loss.  Because we were there to pet sit, we were able to get the pets to safety, call the fire department and have someone come out and fix the heating system. No security system would have been able to bring that human element to this situation, which is what hiring a pet sitter can provide.  Here are 4 additional security measures a pet sitter can provide:

  • Bring in the mail and papers daily.
  • Rotate the lights through-out the home each day to give the appearance that the home is occupied.
  • Security check: doors, windows, and garages are all secured and/or locked.
  • Rotate blinds and shades.

4.      Peace of Mind

Want to relax on your vacation or be able to focus on your important business trip? Hiring a professional pet sitter will provide the peace of mind you and your pet deserve no matter your travel plans. The ease of knowing your pet will feel comfortable at home, that they will be taken care of exceptionally well, and that your home will have an extra layer of security are all ways a pet sitter provides peace of mind. Did I mention that pet sitters also send daily photos and messages to let you know how your pet is doing while you are away? Yep, they sure do! In addition, if you have concerns or just want an extra update at any point in your trip Just Around the Corner is just a phone call away. Say Yes to hiring a professional pet sitter for your next travel dates.

Just Around the Corner Pet Sitting in Plymouth, MA cares for ALL pets

Just Around the Corner Pet Sitting in Plymouth, MA cares for ALL pets

 Perks of Using Just Around the Corner Pet Sitting

  • Packages will be brought in daily
  • Not just for dogs and cats – All pets under your roof/on your property will be cared for including but not limited to fish, birds, bunnies. chickens and reptiles!
  • Bird feeders filled
  • Plants watered

A professional pet sitter is a no brainer when it comes to choosing the pet care option that keeps your pet at their highest comfort level possible (next to snuggling with YOU on the couch). So next time you are planning a trip of any kind and are in the market for pet care consider hiring a professional pet sitter. You can be sure that both you and your pet will have peace of mind the entire time!

Just Around the Corner offers daily Dog Walking , Dog Hiking, and Pet Sitting in Plymouth, MA. To learn more about how Just Around the Corner can help, check out our Services Page. You can also Contact Us for more information. Be sure to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram!

Pet Sitting Offers Peace of Mind for the Holidays

Pet Sitting Offers Peace of Mind for the Holidays

Let me ask you something…What is your peace of mind worth to you this holiday season? What if I told you that hiring a pet sitter would not only add to your peace of mind but check off some pretty big “to do’s” on your list not just one day but as many days as you need it! As the days get shorter and the lists get longer “peace of mind” seems to fly out the window for most of us as we go full throttle into the merry mayhem. All the while our pets just sit lovingly by and let it happen. Hiring a professional pet sitter is the greatest gift you can give your pet this year. Whatever your circumstances, there is always room for pet centered peace of mind.

What does your holiday season look like?

  • Working from home
  • Day Trip(s)
  • Checking off your “to do” list
  • Weekend getaway
  • Long Workdays (out of the home)
  • Simply not enough hours in the day

The holidays can be stressful but the care for your pet does not have to add to the strain. You may think pet sitting is only for when you are away on vacation or on a long holiday; hiring a pet sitter can actually transform your holiday season even if you never leave town! If you are like me, you have a to do list that is a mile long: gifts to buy, meals to prep, a house to decorate. Let’s not forget your non-holiday duties  -ahem-  work, clean the house, rake the leaves, help the kids, walk the dog, feed the cat, *DEEP BREATH* dinners to cook, work outs to do, friends to see, even if only on zoom…the list really does go on and on! So, we plan, make our to do lists, and then we divi up tasks, right? You give the “clean house” item to a professional, check. You’ve started letting someone else do the grocery shopping with that easy breezy “pick up” option, check. Now you can graciously give away the time consuming and repetitive pet duties to free up time for more fur baby snuggles! Don’t be a stressed-out pet parent this holiday. Just Around the Corner is here to do what we do best, take care of your pets!

JAC employee feeding a cat and dog treats.

JAC employee feeding a cat and dog treats.

JAC Facts

  1. We operate 365 days a year to be there for your pets whenever you need us!
  2. Visit times start as early as 7:00am and can be as late as 9:00pm and anything in between.
  3. Our pricing is based on the visit length, we charge the same for 1 pet as we do for 5 pets.
  4. Visit length options are 30 minutes, 45 minutes, and 1-hour
  5. Our scheduling is 100% customizable for you and your pets needs.

Ex. Up early and out of the house all day? How does this sound…

  • 7:00am visit to feed your pets and take the pup(s) for a walk (1- hour visit)
  • 11:00am-1:00pm visit to walk the dog (45 min visit)
  • 4:00-6:00pm visit for a let out in the backyard and dinner served to the dog(s) and cat(s). Just in time for you to come home from work and relax.

Check out JAC FAQ  here.

JAC cat client waiting for their breakfast to be served.

JAC cat client waiting for their breakfast to be served.

Customize Your Pet Care

Just Around the Corner offers customizable pet care options to create a sustainable schedule that works for both you and your pet(s). Whether you need early morning visits, have 4 dogs, your chickens need tending for the weekend or you are away on vacation and need 5 visits a day for a week, JAC has you covered! Below you will find 3 custom pet care schedule examples. Please note these are only 3 of hundreds of ways to establish visit schedules for your pets that are tailored to the needs of you and your furry family.

The Working-from-Home Dog Walk

  • 8:00am 1 hour visit to take the dog out for a nice walk to start the day and ensure they will sleep a good portion of it while you work.
  • 12:00pm 30 minute visit for an easy stroll around the neighborhood so you can enjoy your full lunchbreak without having to tend the dog.
  • 4:00pm 1 hour visit to take the dogs out for a nice walk followed by serving their dinner. This way when 5 o’clock hits you can settle in for the evening and just relax.

Long Days out of the home with Cats and Dogs

  • 7:00am 45 minute visit. Feed the cats and dogs. Then take the pups for a nice morning walk. (adjustable start time depending on when you leave the house)
  • 12:00pm 30 minute visit for lots of loving and play time for everyone!
  • 4:00pm 45 minute visit. Feed cats and dogs. Walk the dogs.
  • 9:00pm 30 minute visit. Provide love and affection to all before they settle in to bed and mom/dad get home.

Day Trips with Kitties

  • 9:00am 30 minute visit to refresh water and food as well as play and give lots of love.
  • 4:00pm 30 minute visit to feed dinner, play, and clean litter boxes.
  • You are home by 10:00pm and don’t have a single thing you need to do regarding the kitties except snuggle and tell them how much you missed them!
JAC group dog hiking clients enjoying a rest.

JAC group dog hiking clients enjoying a rest.

Benefits of a holiday season with JAC

  • Happier Pets
  • Great exercise for your dog(s)
  • Extra love and play for your pets
  • Pet meals served on schedule, even if you are not home
  • Less stress for you
  • Less stress for your pets
  • Peace of mind as often as you need it
  • More time for YOU to do what you need to this holiday season!

Whatever your life looks like this time of year there is a pet care option that will make you and your pet’s life merry and bright! Ensure that your pets are taken care of this holiday season with Just Around the Corner. Schedule your pet care visits with us today and head into the holidays with peace of mind and very merry pets!

Just Around the Corner offers pet care of all kinds, including daily Dog Walking , Dog Hiking, and Pet Sitting in Plymouth, MA. To learn more about how Just Around the Corner can help, check out our Services Page. You can also Contact Us for more information. Be sure to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram!

 

Preventing Pet Halloween Hazards

Preventing Pet Halloween Hazards

Halloween is a festive and fun holiday but for our pets it can be a dangerous and often scary one. The loud noises, spooky costumes, constant opening and closing of the door, and a plethora of harmful candy everywhere make for one hazardous holiday for our furry friends. Prevention is the key to giving our pets a truly Happy Halloween! Please remember that Halloween is not a typical day for your pet. Even if they stay home and inside the same way they do every day/night Halloween will undoubtedly bring something new and unexpected right to your doorstep. Create a plan and be aware of the-potential hazards of Halloween for your pet. Did you know black animals have a special part to play in this holiday? We are sharing  fun facts about our shadowy friends and their place around the world!

Ding Dong

Knock knocks and ding dongs are frequent sounds of an exciting Halloween. The flow of Halloweeners may be a little slower this year due to COVID-19 but you can probably guarantee at least one or two trick-or-treaters. Even if your dog or cat is usually great with visitors, the ghosts, goblins, cat woman, and possibly the president are sure to catch your fur baby by surprise. Keep your pet safely secured in their crate or in a bedroom towards the back of the house where they can remain calm and cozy on your bed. Give your pet their favorite treats or bone and make their space special this All Hallow’s Eve to help them stay calm and content.

dog in ghost costume with small pumpkin treat bag

Dog in ghost Halloween costume.

Costumes

Dressing up your pet this Halloween? There is nothing cuter than a dog or cat in an adorable costume but there are a few things to be aware of when dressing your fur baby.

  • Make sure the costume does not impair your pet’s ability to see, breath, move or hear. With all the excitement of Halloween night it is important that our pets can function at their best to avoid any added anxiety or confusion.
  • Don’t forget to check the costume for hardware such as buttons or closures as well as loose strings or pieces they can swallow. Avoid an emergency trip to the vet by double checking your fur baby’s costume both on and off before the festivities begin.
  • Costumes on pets are not a “set it and forget it” kind of thing. With all the movement our pets make things can shift and become dangerous quickly. Don’t forget to keep an eye on your pet throughout the time they are in costume to ensure their safety all Halloween long.

Trick-or-Treating

Planning to bring Fido with you trick-or-treating? Whether your pet has the best costume ever or they rock their usual fur coat, safety is key to making your pet’s trick-or-treating experience a positive one with a happy ending (home safe and sound). Here are a few tips for pet safety while out and about:

  • Always keep your pet’s ID tags on them. Even if Fluffy’s collar doesn’t match her costume keep it on for her safety.
  • The most well-behaved dogs can still be frightened by Freddy Krueger or Cat Woman and decide to run off, making it extra important that they wear a proper fitting harness and have a sturdy leash. Halloween is sensory overload for humans and animals alike. Stay aware of your surroundings as candy buckets will be everywhere. Bring a few Pumpkin Spice Pet Snacks to offer your pet as a distraction throughout their trick-or-treating experience.
  • Last, but certainly not least, you know how your parents always checked your candy before you could eat it?! Do the same for your pet! If a house offers them a treat don’t be afraid to ask about brand, ingredients, or anything else that is important to know when it comes to your pet and their diet. Happy trick-or-treating!

Click Here to download our FREE Preventing Halloween Pet Hazards infographic to share with your pet loving friends!

Pet-Friendly Homemade No Bake Pumpkin Spice Pet Snacks.

Pet-Friendly Homemade No Bake Pumpkin Spice Pet Snacks.

Chocolate, Candy, and Glow Sticks…OH MY

The hazards of choking and possibility of poison ingestion is real but avoidable! Always keep the candy buckets/bags out of reach of your pet. If your cat loves to jump on the table or countertop place the candy in a closed cabinet or closet. Glow sticks are probably the coolest thing your pet has ever seen and will undoubtedly get their attention. Unfortunately, if they chew on the stick they can ingest harmful material. Keep glow sticks and other intriguing, potentially hazardous, objects out of reach of pets. Likewise, if you choose to light candles keep them out of reach of your dog and cat. The last thing you want is an emergency visit to the vet because Sabrina’s tail caught on fire! To offset the things they don’t get to enjoy on Halloween have special treats of their very own on hand. They can experience the joy of Halloween just like you and the kiddos with delicious homemade pet-friendly treats. Want a yummy fall recipe your pet will love? Try our Pumpkin Spice Pet Snacks recipe. Pet satisfaction guaranteed!

The truth about black cats

Once upon a time black cats were considered bad luck, a curse to anyone who encountered them, and were strongly associated with witchcraft. These formerly distrusted animals are now a popular legend and staple for Halloween décor all over the world. Black cats and Halloween go hand in hand but not in the unnerving way they once did. According to the ASPCA, the United States Humane Society, and many others, the long running concern that black cats are used for satanic practices and ritual sacrifices on and around Halloween are in fact a myth. Old beliefs die hard and this one is no exception, but spreading the truth about black cats can help to mold a brighter future for our shadowy friends.

Interesting fact: Black animal features tend to blend into the background in photos, making them hard to distinguish. This is actually a big reason why black cats and dogs are adopted at a lower rate. Especially now, with COVID-19, pets are being adopted from shelters and adoption centers based on little personal interaction and lots of photo/video to potential new fur parents. Hard truth, but not showing well in pictures can be a death sentence for so many precious black animals. The reality is black cats are just as loveable and offer the same joy to one’s life as the next colorful kitty. Now more than ever it is important to spread the truth about black cats. Consider adopting a black cat or encouraging a friend to go black if they are looking for a new feline addition to their family. Together we can make a big difference for black cats everywhere.

Just Around the Corner Pet Sitting cat client enjoying some TLC.

Just Around the Corner Pet Sitting cat client enjoying some TLC.

Fun Facts About Black Cats

  • Worldwide there are dozens of countries that view black cats as good luck.
  • Ancient Egyptians worshiped black cats!
  • Japan considers black cats good luck, especially single ladies as they are believed to attract potential suiters.
  • The Russians say ALL cats are lucky! (Amen!)
  • Scotland: a stray black cat arriving at your door signifies prosperity!
  • For hundreds of years sailors have believed that black cats bring good luck to their vessel and ensure safe travel.
  • Black Cat appreciation day is August 17th
  • National Black Cat Day is October 27th

Looking to adopt a black cat of your own? Some shelters place a hold on the adoption of black cats this time of year to avoid any harm that may come to them around Halloween based on the history we mentioned earlier. Old beliefs die hard, remember? Please remain patient and do not get discouraged if you are required to wait a few weeks before taking your mysterious kitty home. This is an effort to protect the legendary black cats in their care.

Got Halloween Plans?

Do you have Halloween plans that don’t include your pet? Do you wish you did but feel guilty or anxious about leaving your beloved fur baby home alone? Maybe you aren’t into Halloween at all but would love to plan a fall adventure if only you had someone to take care of Fido and Fluffy. Just Around the Corner is here to help! We offer customizable scheduling to best fit you and your pet’s needs. With every visit JAC provides love, affection and even adventure for your furry family members We may not be mom or dad to them, but we certainly care for them like our own. Get out there and enjoy this fabulous time of year and leave the pet care to the professionals. Book a meet and greet today! Call or text 508-245-1389

Just Around the Corner offers pet care of all kinds, including daily Dog Walking , Dog Hiking, and Pet Sitting in Plymouth, MA. To learn more about how Just Around the Corner can help, check out our Services Page. You can also Contact Us for more information. Be sure to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram!

 

How to Have A Pet-Friendly Halloween

How to Have A Pet-Friendly Halloween

          Otis, Dog, of Plymouth, MA in his 2020 Halloween Costume. Follow him on Instagram @goldenotis0805

The leaves are at their peak, pumpkins have new homes on every porch in the neighborhood, and, if you’re like me, you have too many bags of candy in your online grocery cart. These seasonal traits mean Halloween is Just Around the Corner. This year we are making it a pet friendly Halloween for those precious fur babies who have been keeping us sane in 2020. This spooky holiday isn’t usually on the list of “Favorites” for our pets. In fact, trick-or-treaters, costumed kids and adults, and scary noises can add up to a stressful day or night for your dog or cat, in addition to your stress worrying about someone getting out of the house with all the door openings. But there are ways to make Halloween safe and exciting for your pet! Grab your bucket of overpriced candy and get ready because Halloween is coming up PAWESOME this year.

 

Poster for Tim Burton film, Frankenweenie.

Tim Burton film, Frankenweenie.

Fright Night Festivities

The best way to have a pet friendly Halloween is to include your pet in as much of the holiday fun as possible! Get your pet in the spirit of Halloween with a few of our favorite pet-centric games the whole family can enjoy. The public activities of your town may be cancelled this year due to COVID-19 but the holiday itself is not so let’s dive into some fright night fun to give your pet a Halloween they won’t soon forget! Be sure to scroll all the way down for our delicious Pumpkin Spice Pet Snacks recipe.

  1. Watch pet approved Halloween movies.

    Do you find your dog or cat watching along when you have the TV on? ME TOO! So, play them a movie they can see themselves in to really keep the All Hallows Eve spirit alive this time of year. Here are our pet must-sees for Halloween.

  • It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
  • Frankenweenie (Tim Burton version)
  • The Dog Who Saved Halloween
  • Scooby Doo: The Movie
  • Hocus Pocus (for our feline friends)
  1. Take your pet for a drive!

    If your pet loves the car take them for a socially distant car ride to enjoy the sights and sounds of Halloween in your town. From your Main St. to the neighborhood with the spookiest decorations hop in the car and take it all in with your furry friend. Halloween can be a dangerous time for pets who are out and about on their own, particularly our beautiful black cats and dogs (stay tuned for details on this in next week’s blog). Be sure to keep your pets close and have current ID tags on them at all times. Go for a family car ride and don’t forget to bring your Pumpkin Spice Pup Snacks.

  2. Play Halloween Games.

    If you are staying in or even having a few friends over this Halloween, why not play some pet friendly games with your dog or cat! It is time to get creative on this one. Think about what your pet enjoys and come up with a game that involves that “thing” or activity you know they love. While you are thinking about a custom game just for your fur baby try out one of our Spook-tastic activities your pet will die for.

  • Bob for Bones – Grab a bucket or basket and toss in a delicious bone or two. For cats make it their favorite toy or a few of their treats. Be sure to have a few other items in the bucket for them to “bob around”. You can make it as challenging or as simple as you want based on what your pet will enjoy most. Have fun Bobbing for Bones!
  • Costume Show – If your pet enjoys being dressed up, then chances are you have more than one costume. Let your dog or cat be the star of the evening and show off multiple costumes, even if it’s just the two of you. Don’t forget take pictures and tag us on Instagram @jac_pet_care. If your dog is like my Lola Bear, who thinks costumes are out to get them, skip this activity and try one that is more up their alley.
  • Tricks For Treats – Let’s get literal! Our pets love to please us so doing tricks is not a chore but something that gives them a real sense of belonging and accomplishment. Time to put those tricks to the test. Give your dog (or cat for those fancy felines) a command to do a “trick”, and when they perform it perfectly (we know they will) give them a treat! Have your bucket of treats or platter of Pumpkin Spice Pet Snacks close by all night long and play Tricks for Treats every time trick or treaters come to your house. No trick or treaters? Play as you please.
Pumpkin Spice Pet Snacks on a plate with small pumpkin

Pumpkin Spice Pet Snacks. Dog, cat, and kid-friendly Halloween treats.

Pumpkin Spice Pet Snacks

It’s Fall and the aroma of Pumpkin Spice Latte fills your nose and your heart like the gentle touch of a new flannel. Replace Pumpkin Spice Latte with your fall favorite and you get the picture. Now think about your pet and how much they would love to experience the excitement of seasonal sensations just like that. If there is one thing I know it is that the way to our pet’s hearts is through their stomach with a pet-friendly treat. These Pumpkin Spice Pet Snacks are quick and easy. With only 5 ingredients and no cooking involved these treats are a hassle free, make em’ anytime kind of recipe! YAY!

Ingredients

1 cup pumpkin puree (use canned for “hassle free”)

1/2 tbsp. cinnamon

5 tbsp. natural peanut butter (I use Teddie All Natural Peanut Butter)

1 cup coconut flour

1/3 tbsp. ginger, freshly grated

Optional: Use quick oats or powdered carob for rolling–if making for your cat we suggest a sprinkle of cat nip.

baby in high chair eating pumpkin pet snacks with her brown newfie sister

Lumi and Lola both approve of Pumpkin Spice Pet Snacks! Follow these two on Instagram @lumiandlola

Combine pumpkin puree, peanut butter, coconut flour, cinnamon, and ginger in a mixing bowl. Mix by hand, add additional peanut butter as needed to keep the dough from becoming crumbly. Once the contents are fully mixed it is time to roll them into balls. The size of these round snacks should be based on the size of your pet. For kitties and small dogs, we suggest marble size rounds, for large breed pups you can go for golf ball size if you like. Of course, the smaller they are the more this recipe makes. Once they are rolled into balls you can spice them up a bit by rolling them in quick oats or carob powder and…Voila! In 10 minutes or less your Pumpkin Spice Pet Snacks are ready for consumption by some incredibly happy four-legged Halloweeners.

Download our FREE Recipe Card for Pumpkin Spice Pet Snacks

Halloween at home with our fur babies is going to be a blast and we can’t wait! From delicious pet friendly snacks to bobbing for bones your pet is sure to fall in love with Halloween this year. Have recipes or games of your own planned? Share with us what you do to make this holiday a special one for the four-legged trick and treaters in your life.

Boston Terrier in Halloween orange witch hat

Boston Terrier in Halloween costume.

Got Halloween Plans?

Do you have Halloween plans that don’t include your pet? Do you wish you did but feel guilty or anxious about leaving your beloved fur baby home alone? Maybe you aren’t into Halloween at all but would love to plan a fall adventure if only you had someone to take care of Fido and Fluffy. Just Around the Corner is here to help! We offer customizable scheduling to best fit you and your pets’ needs. With every visit JAC provides love, affection and even adventure for your furry family members We may not be mom or dad to them, but we certainly care for them like our own. Get out there and enjoy this fabulous time of year and leave the pet care to the professionals. Book a Meet and Greet today! Call or text 508-245-1389

Just Around the Corner offers pet care of all kinds, including daily Dog Walking , Dog Hiking, and Pet Sitting in Plymouth, MA. To learn more about how Just Around the Corner can help, check out our Services Page. You can also Contact Us for more information. Be sure to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram!

Vet Tech Week: How to Thank Your Vet Tech

Vet Tech Week: How to Thank Your Vet Tech

Every year a week in October is dedicated to veterinarian technicians. This week is a time to celebrate all the wonderful things they do for our precious fur babies day in and day out. These special people are the first to greet us and our pets when we go to the vet. They work tirelessly to provide comfort in uncomfortable situations, and they hold our pet’s paws when they need it most. Their daily duties go well beyond the front of house smiles we see checking in and out. In fact, you might be surprised at what all falls under their job description.

Duties of a vet tech

  • Assess animal behavior
  • Monitor vitals (heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, etc.)
  • Help the Vet with physical exams
  • Prepare/assemble equipment and tools
  • Give injections and other medications
  • Take blood/stool samples
  • Assist surgeries
  • Maintain safe and sterile working environment (and, COVID-free as well)
  • Explain animal status to owners
  • Feed and care for animals who are staying at the Vet’s
  • Clean, bandage and wrap wounds
  • Collect and record animals’ medical histories
  • Perform diagnostic tests and x-rays
  • On Call for ICU
  • And so much more!

Tabby kitty with Vet Tech

How to thank your vet tech

The above list is but a fraction of the things a vet tech does to keep veterinary clinics running smoothly. Wow, right?! Not to mention our fur babies LOVE THEM, don’t they? A vet tech is the warm hug our pets receive to take that “vet visit” edge off. To show our favorite vet techs how much we appreciate them we have come up with 5 fantastic ways to thank your vet tech this week!

  1. Write a Thank You note

The classic Thank You note is a wonderful way to let your vet tech know how much they mean to you and your pet. Write down a few reasons why you believe they are excellent at their job and how much you appreciate what they do. We all need encouragement, especially when we work hard and passionately every single day. Reading a card that describes the type of positive impact they have had is a gesture your vet tech deserves.

  1. Send flowers

Who doesn’t love to be surprised at work with a bouquet of flowers? It is sure to be a bright spot for your vet tech and will set the tone for an uplifting workday. Let the florist know who it is for so they can spice it up with an animal theme. Sign the card from your pet to avoid “secret admirer” talk and keep it fun!

  1. Create a Gift Basket

Think “pet lover” and go nuts! Purchase things like poop bags (you can NEVER have too many), a collapsible water bowl, paw print socks, animal themed coffee mug, (these days) a facemask, pet supply store gift card, the list could go on forever. Put it all together and BOOM, you have a gift basket that will be the envy of all the other vet techs.

  1. Leave a positive review

Nothing goes further these days than a positive review online! Everyone is reading reviews nowadays to make their decisions of where to go, what to do, and when to do it. Recognizing your vet tech in the cyber world will go further than most any physical gift. It is something that will be noticed not only by clients but their superiors and future employers. A positive review for your vet tech is the gift that keeps on giving.

  1. Make a donation

Choose an animal charity that you love or know your vet technician supports and donate. Whether it is an animal rights group or a local shelter, we animal lovers find that a gift to our furry friends is a gift to ourselves as well. Make your thank you one of impact when you donate to an organization hard at work to aid the animal world. Don’t forget to send along a card making them aware of your donation and the reasons behind it. A donation is a thank you that reaches beyond you and your technician to have a greater influence on the planet.

Hands hold give sign

Whether you have had the same vet tech for the last 10 years or you had your first encounter with a wonderful tech last week now is the time to show them your appreciation. Write a thank you card for their hard work or put your thanks to work in a review online. Send them something to brighten their day whether it is beautiful flowers or a fun pet themed basket. You can even donate to animal organizations near or far to show your thanks. Whichever you choose take the time to appreciate your vet tech in a positive way.

Share a positive vet tech experience you have had with us! How did you thank them? Share your Thank You ideas, the more the merrier.

Looking for a Veterinarian in the Plymouth, MA area? Click here to download our list of local Vet Clinics in the Plymouth, MA area.

Just Around the Corner offers pet care of all kinds, including daily Dog Walking , Dog Hiking, and Pet Sitting in Plymouth, MA. To learn more about how Just Around the Corner can help, check out our Services Page. You can also Contact Us for more information. Be sure to Like us on Facebook and Follow us on Instagram!