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Be on Alert for your dogs! Toxic-Algae has returned

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  Be on Alert: Dog-Killing Toxic Algae has Returned to Austin Lakes  If you have a dog who loves water, then visiting a local lake or pond will be high on your list of summer things to do with your pupper. But beware of dangerous algae, parasites and other toxins that lurk in our Austin watering holes . They can not only make your dog sick, but also kill them. Read on to learn about Toxic Alga e , the symptoms if your dog comes into contact with it, what to do if s/he does, and how to avoid it.  What is Toxic Algae and its Symptoms?  Toxic algae can pose a serious threat to dogs and humans (especially children) that come into contact with contaminated water. Toxic Algae is caused by rapid growth fueled by excess nutrients in the water such as phosphorus and nitrogen. The toxins produced by these algae can be harmful or even fatal to dogs if ingested or if they come into contact with their skin. Water with Toxic Algae usually is present in stagnant water or bodies of water where you se
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Thinking of adopting a cat? Here are 10 things you'll absolutely need.

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Thinking of Adopting a Cat or Kitten? Here are 10 things you'll absolutely need! Congratulations on adopting a new kitty cat! As you prepare to bring your furry bundle of joy home, it’s important to have all the basics ready to go, but maybe you’re not sure where to start? No worries, Texas Ruff House has you covered! Here are 10 essential supplies to consider as you take your first steps.  1. Food and water bowls Get a set of sturdy, non-toxic bowls that won't tip over easily. Cats are particular about having clean water so make sure whatever water bowl you use has higher sides to prevent food and other items from getting in it. If your budget allows a little extra wiggle room, get a flowing water fountain for your cat. They love to lap it up from the stream, and the water stays fresher longer, which they also love. 2. High-quality cat food Choose a brand that meets the nutritional needs of your cat and is appropriate for their age and health. If you're in the North Aus
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Location: Austin, TX, USA
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How do I stop my dog from pulling on the leash?

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  How do I stop my dog from pulling? Love taking your fur baby on a walk? We do, too, but not so much when they pull. Pulling can harm your dog’s neck, gait, and not to mention it can hurt you as well. Poor leash handling can result in back pain, arm injuries, or aching knees. The worst part is, it may even reduce the amount of walks your dog receives. That's why leash training is so important, especially if your dog pulls or reacts while on the leash during your walks. Want to learn what we teach our Texas Ruff House pet sitters and dog walkers? Here are some of our pro tips to help you teach your dog to walk on a leash without pulling! Start with the right equipment A sturdy, non-retractable leash and a properly fittied collar or harness are essential for effective leash training.  Obedience basics Your dog should know basic commands like "sit" before you start leash training. We also may work with a cue signal that directs the dog to check in with you throughout the
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Location: Austin, TX, USA
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Pet Sitting vs Boarding, which is right for you and your pets?

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 Pet sitting vs. Boarding... which is right for you and your pets? You’ve booked your vacation and reserved your flight, all that’s left is to decide what to do for your fur babies. Should you board them or hire a pet sitting service and let them stay at home? Which is right for you and your pets? Let’s go through the details so you can make the best decision for your family. Benefits of Pet Sitting ● Less anxiety , your pets are safe and sound in their home                                                          ● You can find out how your pets are doing through daily texts and pictures ● Medications or a special diet can continue ● Your pets are given one-on-one loving attention several times per day ● In addition to play time, your dogs can also be walked ● You don’t have to worry about them catching a virus or fleas from other pets ● Save time by not having to drop off and pick up your pets on the way out of town ● You get a double benefit of both pet sitting and house sitting (T
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Location: Austin, TX, USA
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How to Clip Your Cat’s Claws

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Cats, just like people, have nails that grow continuously for their whole lives. Some cats can keep their nails from being overgrown by scratching, preferably on scratching posts. Others need a little help. Just like dogs and babies, they need their nails clipped. So you may be wondering.. How do I cut my nails at home? What happens if I don’t clip my cat’s nails? We get it. You're busy. And sometimes you may forget to do coat and claw inspection on your cat. But a regular check of the paws and nails can prevent pain and discomfort...and might save your furniture, your legs, and in extreme cases, prevent the claws from growing into your cat’s sensitive foot pads. Overgrown nails can also affect your cat’s ability to retract them, walk and climb. How often should I clip my cat’s nails?  Just like the number of times a cat likes to have his belly scratched, how often they need their nails clipped is different for each cat. You should clip your cat’s nails every two to three weeks, d
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Location: Pflugerville, TX, USA
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How to Choose the Right Pet Sitter

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  Our 5 Tips for Choosing the Best Pet Sitter Whether you’ve worked with a pet sitter before and are looking for a new one, or are hiring one for the very first time, finding the perfect sitter to care for your four-legged family members can be daunting! There’s a number of options on the market to sort through, and it might not be straightforward to tell which ones are trustworthy, professional, and reliable, let alone which one your dog or cat will like. We want to help you take the guesswork out of it, because we want your pet to get the best care possible! Here are our 5 tips for choosing the best pet sitter. 1. Do your research and look for sitters that are insured (to cover accidents and negligence) and bonded (to protect against theft) and are certified in pet first aid. Not only does this mean that they are business professionals and not just side gig workers, but are also fully prepared in the unfortunate and hopefully unlikely event of an emergency or accident. In addition, y
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Location: Pflugerville, TX, USA
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