Busy people who love and enjoy their pets, yet may not always have the proper time to care for them due to hectic work schedules, traveling for business or pleasure, or those who may not have the capacity to care for their pets as they used to. Hiring Calvert Ways as your pet sitter is a smart, safe and stress-free solution. Our mission at Calvert Ways is to treat your pets and home with the same love, care and respect we treat our own.
Easy To Follow Preparation Guidelines for Pet Sitting:
Make reservations with us early, especially during holidays and summer months.
Remember, you are the most important part of your pets care plan. You know your pet better than anyone, so we work with you to create a care plan to fit your pets lifestyle!
In-Home Care or Kennel? Deciding whether to kennel your pet or not is an individual decision that only you make. Many pets do quite well at kennels. Most kennels have quick access to veterinary care that can also be very important in certain situations. Our customers and we agree that the pets we look after, are much happier and calmer staying at home. Even though it is usually quieter when you are away, we find that most pets settle into a comfortable routine within a day or two after you depart. For our "regular" clients, the adjustment time is usually much shorter or even non-existent as soon as they see our familiar smiling faces. You are the only one that knows what is best for your pets, as everyone's situation is different. Just like you, your pet is an individual and has their own likes and dislikes. Before making your final decision, please read over the Benefits to Your Pet and the Benefits to You on our Home Page
Who is Not a Good Candidate for In-Home Care Pets must have a reasonably friendly temperament. Most dogs will bark at a stranger entering their home, but your pets and Calvert Ways should have established a good rapport during the initial interview. Make sure you’re making the right choice in deciding to leave your pet at home alone for most of your time away. If your pet has medical or behavioral problems such as aggression or history of biting and needs close supervision, a kennel would be the best option.
Things to ponder Before getting a Pet Whether you are looking for your first pet or just to add another one to your family, Please do Not take the decision lightly. We have compiled a list of questions and helpful hints to assist you in your extremely important decision.
Obedience Training Tips Obedience training is extremely important for you and your dog. Training a dog can be an ongoing and lengthy process but is very rewarding and well worth all your time and effort. Remember, when it comes to training, size does Not matter. Even a 'Lap Dog' needs training. We have compiled some helpful hints and commands to get you on your way. And Yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks.
Beware of Dangers for your Cat and Dog Some foods which are edible for humans, and even other species of animals, can pose hazards for cats and/or dogs because of their different metabolism. Some may cause only mild digestive upsets, whereas, others can cause severe illness, and even death. These common food items should not be fed (intentionally or unintentionally) to cats (Click Here) and dogs (Click Here). These lists are, of course, incomplete because we can not possibly list everything your cat or dog should not eat.
Allergies Just like allergy in humans, pet allergies too have similar symptoms. For instance, itching is something we relate to the habits of a pet but consistent itching or obsessive scratching should be considered as a warning bell. Other symptoms include coughing, eye and nose discharge, hair loss, excessive licking, vomiting and breathing problems. These signs should be regularly observed and must not be taken lightly. The reasons for allergies in pets are also similar to those of humans, the most common being allergy from a particular substance in the pet food. Another kind of allergy is caused by Atopy which is environmental factors such as dust, mites, feathers or pollen. Apart from these allergies, your pet may be allergic to fleas (caused by flea saliva) or to bacteria’s. These allergies must be consulted directly with a vet so that proper medication can be provided. However, in no case should you delay in consulting with a vet because your pet is suffering.
Food allergies affect both cats and dogs. Unlike atopy, there is no strong link between specific breeds or males and females and affect neutered and intact animals equally. They can show up as early as five months and as late as 12 years of age, though the vast majority of cases occur between 2 and 6 years.
With the numerous amount of pets that we have had throughout our life, we have been very fortunate not to have a pet with allergies......until Garrett. After he turned one year, he slowly developed a licking and scratching pattern that steadily got worse. With the aid of his vet, we tried everything to find out what was causing it, changing food, different shampoos, Benadryl, Prednisone, allergy tests, an air tight container to prevent food mites (Vittles Vault)....anything we could think of to give him relief but it kept getting worse. Fleas were ruled out first because we use Frontline Plus. His vet believed it was a food allergy since his allergy test came back negative so we kept changing food. In order to find out if it is a particular food, it takes 10 to 12 weeks to flush the previous food out of their bodies. We tried Purina One lamb, Royal Canin (rabbit, duck and venison) and then......a very good friend told us that the Southern Maryland Golden Retriever Rescue highly recommended Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance so we tried the Salmon and Sweet Potato allergy formula with no results. Since we had been through almost every kind of meat there is at this point, we decided to go vegetarian and after about three weeks we started to see the relief and now Garrett is a happy puppy! We can not express how delighted we are that he is now sleeping, playing, walking....just being a normal dog without stopping to scratch every two seconds. His fur has grown in nicely and now has a shine to it. He now eats Natural Balance Vegetarian Formula for breakfast and dinner. For snacks he gets fresh cut carrot slices and green beans from a can....and for dessert, banana bits....he loves it. Needless to say, we highly recommend Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance food! It is all natural, no preservatives, fillers, colors and all of that nasty stuff that your dog does not need. Click Here for the allergy foods page on his website and not to forget the kitties, Click Here. On the other hand, we do NOT recommend Royal Canin. It is soooooo ridiculously overpriced and is not even all natural! Natural Balance is a bit more than your normal grocery store dog foods (worth every penny) But about half the cost of Royal Canin! You can order on line or buy it at Petco. We are hoping that this information will help someone else from going through all we did. Even if your pet does not have allergies, have you ever read the ingredients list on the food bag? It may shock you! Good food and proper exercise will help your pet live a long happy life......just the same as you.
Toys and Treats
Choosing the correct toy for your pet is very important. Always check them (just like you would for a baby) for choking hazards. Make sure the toy is size appropriate for your pet. There are sooooo many choices, it's hard to find the right toy or treat that your pet will like without ending up with a box full of neglected toys and treats. Here are just a couple suggestions.
For dogs, the one toy that we find irreplaceable is the Kong or the equivalent such as the Walmart Fireplug. These not only are great to play fetch with but also as entertainment and a treat dispenser. When you are about to leave home, give your dog a kong filled with treats and it will help keep them entertained and less stressed by your departure. You can put a variety of treats in them. Garrett, just like most dogs, loves cheese. We used to squirt some 'Easy Cheese' from the can into the small hole end of the Kong or we coat some peanut butter on the inside walls and let the licking begin but now we use carrot slices (see Allergies above). You can also put a few treats in the Kong and use peanut butter to close them in. Keep a couple in the freezer and when you are ready to leave, just pull one out and instant happy dog.
For cats, it is more difficult to specify one item. We have found that most cats like Pounce but the one treat that even the most finicky cat will eat is the Whiskas Temptations. So far, we have not found a cat that does not like the Temptatuons but will snub a Pounce. Playtime is always fun with a laser beam or a feather on a stick. You can go out and spend lots of money on a variety of toys but don't overlook the value of a free paper bag from the store....hours of fun.
Your Pet and The Law There are many laws designed to protect your pets.
For Maryland laws, visit http://www.animallaw.info/statutes/stusmdcode11_501_514.htm
For Calvert County laws/Animal Control, visit http://www.co.cal.md.us/residents/animal/
Our biggest 'pet peeve' in our day-to-day travels is unleashed pets. There is no reason to let pets off-leash in public. It's against the law and infractions have become so bad that the county is starting to step up enforcement. We see the Animal Control van looking for pets that are unleashed off of their property and pets that have become road statistics every day and it breaks our heart. Please, Please, Please...If You Love Them, Leash Them.....Yes, that means cats too. It's such a small request to protect so much love. Please use a leash if they are not in a contained area while they are outside. Your dog may be 'trained' but they all have a mind of their own and can break command anytime and your cat will probably not like it but they do not think about getting hit by a car, getting lost, stolen or getting attacked by another animal....it is your job to keep them safe. It is also your job to be considerate to your neighbors. Whether your neighbors have pets or not, they do Not want to clean up your pets droppings.
As the law states....Calvert County has a leash law for dogs, meaning if a dog is off the owner's property it must be on a leash; and a control law for cats, meaning if a cat is off the owner's property it must be under a person's control.
Some pet owners may not like it when they are told to restrain their dogs, but the law is in place to keep everyone safe, especially your pet. If your dogs are friendly is not the point. No matter how well-trained, animals are unpredictable and anything is possible. If you do not have a fenced in yard, live on a farm or large parcel of land where your dog can run, there are two Dog Parks nearby where your dog can run and socialize with others;
Calvert County
Grays Road Dog Park
2695 Grays Road
Prince Frederick, MD 20678Large Dog Area and Small Dog Area, Fenced. Directions: From MD Rte. 4, Turn onto MD Rte. 506 Sixes Road 1.9 miles. Turn left onto Grays Road 0.5 miles
St. Mary's County
John G Lancaster Park
21550 Willows Road
Lexington Park, MD 20653The new dog park is open daily with one large dog run and one small dog run. Water is available on site along with waste disposal bag. Pet owners are responsible for the actions of their pets and must clean up after them. Directions: Route 246 to Willows Road, park is located 1/2 mile on the left.
GREAT NEWS FOR YOU AND YOUR DOG! The Maryland Park Service has revised the Pet Policy effective 4/9/10. The new policy offers expanded opportunities for pet owners to visit and enjoy their State Parks. For more information and further details, visit the website.
Happy Healthy Pets Your pet will rely on you to keep them in good health. A proper diet, regular exercise and grooming, and routine check-ups at the veterinarian will help keep your pet in top form. It's also important for you to get to know your pet's habits - eating, drinking, sleeping, and so forth - since sometimes a variation in those habits can be an indication that they are not feeling well.
Proper Diet - There are many brands of food to choose to feed your pets properly to ensure they are healthy and live a long happy life. Beware of foods that have a variety of colors, red, yellow, green, etc. These foods are loaded with fat and are the equivalent of you eating fast food every day. The best food is brownish color (please read the 'Allergies' section above). If you are unsure about food portions to feed your pet, please check with your vet. Please do Not overfeed, food does not equal love. Obesity in pets causes a lot of the same problems it does in people. An overweight pet is prone to a host of related problems, including: diabetes, joint, ligament and tendon difficulties, breathing and heart challenges. Overweight cats can even develop skin problems from not being able to groom themselves properly. The overall impact on comfort and longevity can be dire. The good news is that it's not as difficult to trim down pets as it might be to fight your own battles with the bulge. After all, pets can't open the refrigerator on their own, what pets eat is wholly dependent on what we give them. If your pet is overwieght, please check with your vet about the proper method of reducing your pets individual bulk. Do not put them on a 'Crash Diet'. It took them time to get that way and should not be expected to change overnight. If you feed your pet dry food, we recommend an autofeeder. There are several brands and styles to choose from. We purchased the Ergo Medium Autofeeder for our Woogie because he had no limit when it came to food and would eat until he became sick. It worked great and is still working now for Garrett. We set the timer to when and how much, fill it once a week and that's it....now we have more quality time for other things like playtime, grooming, walking, etc. The autofeeder is also great for puppies that inhale their food in a gulp. The food comes out slowly which gives them no choice but to eat slower. If you have a standard water bowl, don't forget to give them fresh water at least once a day. Plenty of fresh water is just as important as the proper food. Remember, your pet has a waistline too. If it gets closer to the floor every day, it's time to act.
Proper Exercise - Your pets need exercise just as much as you to maintain a long healthy life. They love to move, especially if you are moving with them. Playing with your pet is essential for bonding, weight control and for helping your pet develop muscle tone, agility and stamina. Leash walking is one of the best exercises...Yes, even for your cat. How long you walk will depend on your pet and your pet breed. No less than a 30 minute walk is recommended every day for all pets. Larger, stronger breeds of dogs should be at least a one hour walk every day. If you have a 'puller', we use the Easy Walk Harness which has the 'D' ring on the strap that goes across the chest. When you use the leash attached to the regular neck collar or harness with the 'D' ring on their back, it gives them more power to pull. If you have is a standard collar, keep it high on their neck like they do in dog shows, the lower the collar is on their neck, the more pulling power they have. Are you walking your dog OR is your dog walking you? Whoever is in front is in charge or the 'Leader of the Pack'. Always walk with your dog beside or behind you....never in front. When the weather is bad and you have a treadmill in your home, don't be selfish...share it with your pets. Once they get used to it, you will have to fight for your turn.
Proper Health - Shop around before choosing a vet for your pets the same as you would for your own doctor. Take your pet for regular check-ups and necessary shots. Heartworm is very prevalent in this area and your pet will need medicine year round to prevent it. Seasonal flea and tick medication will also be necessary. Depending on the vet you choose, the usage period may vary with the change of the seasons. As the weather stays warm for a longer period of time, so do the pests that prey on your pets.
Proper Grooming - A very important part of your pets requirements for a long healthy life is proper grooming.
Coat: Your pet needs to be brushed daily, no matter how long or short their fur. It not only makes your pet look better but contributes to their physiological and psychological health. It is best to start brushing your pet at an early age, but do not despair if your pet is an older animal. It is possible to train one to enjoy grooming, proceed slowly, and be sure to use treats and plenty of praise to make the experience fun! To keep the shedding to a minimum, we use and recommend the FURminator. It works great on both dogs and cats and sooo much better than a 'standard brush'.
Nails: Your pet needs their nails trimmed at least once a month. If they grow too long, it is not only uncomfortable for them but the potential of a nail breaking is much higher. If you do not like the traditional nail clippers, a dremel tool is very handy. If you would like more information on dremeling, visit http://homepages.udayton.edu/~merensjp/doberdawn/index.html and click in the left column on 'How To Dremel Dog Nails'. Don't forget the dewclaw (if your dog has one). We use the cordless dremel for Garrett because he hates the clippers.
Bathing: Bathe your pet once every two months or as often as needed. In the past, the generally accepted advice was that frequent bathing of your pet would damage the coat. If you use the proper shampoo, you can bathe your pet more than once a week and not damage the coat. The first decision to make is where. Kitchen sinks or laundry utility tubs work well for small pets, while bathroom tubs or portable pet tubs are best for larger pets. Outside hoses, while convenient, are not a good alternative since the water is so cold. Water should be lukewarm for the shampoo to work best and for your dog's comfort. Insert a cotton ball in the ears to prevent water from entering the canals. There are many shampoos to choose from depending on your pet's hair coat, skin condition, or desired result. DO NOT use shampoos made for humans. They contain harsher detergents, are not pH balanced for pets, and could damage hair or sensitive skin. Be sure to brush them before and after each bath in order to get all of the mats out of their coat, especially long haired breeds. Keep pets warm and away from drafts while the hair dries and do not let your pet outside until hair is completely dry. A damp coat is a magnet for dirt.
Teeth: Pets can get cavities and develop periodontal disease, so their teeth should be cleaned with a pet toothpaste at least once a day. It is best to use a small toothbrush that has soft bristles. Brushing your dog's teeth should not be a chore for you or your dog. Instead, it should be an enjoyable time for both of you. If you take things slowly at the beginning and give lots of praise, you and your dog will start looking forward to your brushing sessions. Make sure you use a pet toothpaste. Toothpastes designed for people can upset your dog's stomach. Cleanings performed by a veterinarian may also be required but daily brushing will minimize this action and your pet will thank you with love.
Ears: Ear care is also an important part of grooming. Ear infections can not only be painful, but lead to permanent hearing loss. The signs of a problem include redness, constant scratching, head shaking and odor. Clean your pet's ears twice per month. The skin inside and on the flaps should be pale pink. Moisten a cotton ball with warm water or a little mineral oil and use it to clean the opening into the canal and the flaps. Do not probe too deeply into the canal If there is a foul odor and/or any red, brown or black skin, have a veterinarian examine your pet's ears.
Disclaimer: All information on this website is provided for you as a courtesy only. We do Not receive any compensation from any products that we recommend, it is simply our way of sharing our experiences. As with anything else on our website, if you have any questions, suggestions, ideas or comments, we are glad to listen. We are always looking for new ways to make pets even healthier and happier. Whether or not you use our services, we would still love to hear from you. Be sure to check back time to time, we try to add information as we obtain it.
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Send us an e-mail: info@calvertwayspetsitting.com
Fax Us: (410) 326 - 9738
Calvert Ways Pet Sitting
Lusby, Maryland 20657
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For Professional Pet Sitting, Dog and Cat Walking, Pet Transportation, House Sitting, Poop Scooping and Errand Services in Southern Calvert County Maryland, Call Calvert Ways Pet Sitting at 410 326-3326 for a Kennel and Doggie Day Care Alternative and happy healthy pets and people * Pet Sitter, Dog and Cat Walker, Pet Taxi, Potty Breaks, Kitty Litter Clean Up, Poop Scooper, 'Lived In' look House Sitter for Home Security, Errand Service and Special Requests