Texas Ruff House Blog

  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...

  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...

How to Plan Your Pet’s Stay-cation It’s that time of year again! While you’re making plans for holiday travel, you may also be thinking about whether or not your pet is coming with you and how you will prepare for either scenario. During the summer, we shared our best tips for traveling with your pet and making it a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable experience for everyone. This time, our team of pet care professionals at Texas Ruff House is sharing their advice for getting your dog or cat ready for their “stay-cation”, or in-your-home pet care , while you’re away. There are certain situations where leaving your dog or cat at home with professional care is a better option for both you and your pet. Pets can find travelling to be very stressful, whether it’s from being in a new environment, having anxiety in in different modes of transportation, there not being enough pet-friendly activities available… the list goes on! We’ve already had situations where we’ve gotten calls from clients a...

Tricks and Treats for a Safe Halloween   Halloween is almost here and while it’s a fun and festive time for us, humans, we want to be mindful of our pets and make sure they’re enjoying it too! Our pet sitters and dog walkers at Texas Ruff House are sharing their best tips for a happy and safe Halloween celebration with your dog or cat.   Beware of Noisy Knocks and Strangers Halloween can be spooky for pets not used to seeing humans dress up in costumes, and just the busy night full of new people, smells, and sounds could make them nervous. This is especially the case with pets that have stranger danger or are wary of new people in general. Because you can expect to have a lot of strangers knocking on your door come Halloween, you want to establish a space where your pet will feel safe during trick-or-treating. This can be in a room further away from the front door with a work-to-eat toy or treat dispenser to keep your pet busy! As a precaution, you want to make sure your dog ...

  Pro Tips For New Pet Parents   Whether you are a first-time pet owner or haven’t had a dog or cat for a while, bringing home a new furry friend can be exciting yet challenging! While this is especially the case with puppies, kittens, seniors, and special needs animals, all pets and pet owners go through an adjustment period in the beginning. At Texas Ruff House, we get lots of questions from our clients in Pflugerville, TX and the surrounding areas of Round Rock, Georgetown, Hutto, and North Austin about health, behavior, and everything under the sun! Once you get into a routine that works for you and your dog or cat, you will find that the challenges you go through will actually help you become a better pet owner! When is the right time to call the vet? As new pet parents, we may constantly find ourselves questioning whether something is normal all the time. It’s very common for pet owners to overreact and run to the vet for an issue that can be managed...

How You Can Get Involved with Animal Rescues Besides Adopting or Fostering   As pet parents and pet care providers, it’s only natural that we have compassion for animals in need. There are thousands of animal welfare organizations in the United States alone, and millions of dogs and cats that need help each year. The numbers may be overwhelming, but every minute volunteered, dollar donated, and effort contributed makes a difference. Because it’s not always obvious how to get started, our team of pet sitters and dog walkers at Texas Ruff House made a list of easy ways you can get involved with local shelters and nonprofits.   1. Fundraiser Events Rescues operate based on the generosity of donors. To raise funds, rescues organize events for paid admission. Your ticket fee helps cover animal care costs such as critical medical bills, food, essential supplies, and shelter; as well as programs like spay/neuter clinics, vaccinations, and training. The next time you see an upcoming ...