Texas Ruff House Blog

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...

  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...

 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 ●...

  New Pet Parenting Tips Courtesy of Texas Ruff House If you’re reading this, chances are that you or someone in your life has gotten a new pet in the last 18 months. In fact, pet ownership in the U.S. rose from 67% of households to an all-time high of 70% last year, according to the American Pet Products Association. That’s over 11 million households that brought home a furry companion in 2020. If you are a first-time pet parent or haven’t had a puppy or a kitten in a long time, it’s likely you did a lot of research online and asked questions on Facebook to troubleshoot along the way.   Our team of pet sitters and dog walkers at Texas Ruff House are experts in pet care and get a lot of great questions from our clients about health, nutrition, product recommendations, and services. We’re sharing essential things that new pet parents need to know and our favorite resources to help you care for your pet! Health Care for Pets Pet health is a top priority. It’s important that your...