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 ●...

  Why Reptiles, Fish, Birds, and Other Animals Need Pet Sitters Too   Welcome back to our blog sharing pet advice from our team of animal care professionals. We often give tips about caring for dogs and cats, but we’ve also seen our fair share of pigs, lizards, hedgehogs, chickens, and a variety of other companion animals. At Texas Ruff House , our talented and caring team has over 100 years of combined animal care experience in Pflugerville, TX and the surrounding areas of Round Rock, Georgetown, Hutto, and North Austin, so we’ve seen it all!   Your feathered, scaly, and finned friends need just as much care and attention as your furry ones, if not more in some cases. If you have guinea pigs, bearded dragons, lovebirds, puffer fish, or any other pet besides a dog or cat, read on!   Why Pet Care is Important   Our animal companions are our best friends, and we owe it to them to make sure that their lives are as happy and comfor...

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...