TARC TALK

Animal Tidbits

2021 BUCKET LIST IDEAS FOR YOU AND YOUR PET

The New Year is here and it is the time for new ideas and new adventures! Have you ever thought of creating a list of things to do with your pet? Then to try and check them off one by one before the end of the year? Here are a few ideas that may be fun to add to that bucket!

 

  • PET YOGA – It could be amazing how much your pet (and you!) may enjoy stretching and relaxing during a cat or dog online yoga session.
  • VISIT THE BEACH – Chasing waves, digging in the sand and foam frolicking could be amazing especially for the first time! 
  • WARM UP BY THE FIRE – Not much can top hanging by a nice, toasty fire on a cold day. Warm snuggles and fuzzy love is hard to beat.
  • HIKE A NATIONAL PARK – Take in our country’s beautiful outdoor spaces by visiting a national park. Do research and make sure they are pet friendly.
  • VISIT LOCAL PARKS – It is amazing the hidden gems that may be in your own city! Break out of the normal walk routine and go exploring with your furry friend.
  • TEACH A NEW TRICK – Spend quality time with your friend mastering a fun new trick.
  • START A PET FAN PAGE – Not many people can resist the fun antics of our furry friends. Makes someone’s day by sharing your sweetie!
  • CREATE A SPECIAL DAY – Do some fun dressing up, make some pet friendly goodies, and have a great time doing some of their favorite activities (then post on your fan page!)

CANINE CHAOS – DOG SAFETY TIPS

When taking your dog to go visit and playtime with others here are a few tips:

 

  • KEEP VACCINES UP TO DATE – Protect against diseases like distemper and Bordetella (kennel cough), which spread easily from dog to dog. and leptospirosis, which may be found in park’s water features like ponds or creeks.
  • USE ROUTINE PARASITE PREVENTATIVES – Stop fleas, ticks and intestinal worms from following your dog home from the park.
  • BRING PLENTY OF WATER – A bottle and a collapsible water bowl can keep your dog hydrated through their playful exertions
  • LIMIT TREATS AND TOYS – This can avoid conflict with the other park patrons who may love to snatch these from your dog.
  • ALWAYS SUPERVISE –  Catch a problematic situation before it escalates.
  • OLDER AND YOUNGER – Make sure your dog can handle other personalities and their exuberance. In example, puppies are not only at risk for infection, they may also find this form of socialization overwhelming. While elderly, arthritic dogs may not appreciate being barreled into by their younger, rowdier counterparts.

COVID COCOON – KEEPING YOUR TEAM MEMBER ENGAGED AND ACTIVE

Us humans are all wanting to get back to our normals. But what about our furry friends? Have you been noticing them becoming bored? Acting out of the norm? Possibly disruptive?
Without their client visits we may need to compensate them in other ways. A few tidbits for interaction from our members to help keep your pet acclimated:

  • Allow the neighborhood children to play with your pets.
  • Take them to Home Depot, Lowes or other places that allow animals.
  • Play hide and seek with treats/toys and have them search out and find.
  • Place food/treats in a Snuffle Mat, puzzle games and boxes.
  • Review “Hunger for Words” training on the web.
  • This is also a good time to teach new tricks to your pet.

     

    THE TARC TEAM SHARES!

    Ideas to help share your furry team member with the facilities you would visit in normal times. A few ideas from our members:

    • Take a picture of your pet, write a few words and sign with a paw print. Then mail or drop off.
    • Create a trading card with a photo of your pet and/or you and your pet for client distribution.
    • Take pictures of you and your pet while holding a written paper/sign saying hello, sending hugs etc. and email to your Facility connection.
    • Create a Pen Pal interaction with your dog and a client.
    • For a fun twist create a video of your pet reading a short book. Or record your pet using the “My Talking Pet” App.