A Cat’s Visit To The Vet – Not The Car!!!

There are very few cats that actually don’t mind or even enjoy having to ride in the car. Clear the Air would like to share some car ride tips for your cat.

The most common car trip is usually to the vet, and that event causes enough anxiety by itself. Getting stressed out by the car ride to the vet may make it difficult to tell what is “normal” and what is stress-related on the physical exam for some cats. Here are some tips to reduce travel stress to the vet’s office and beyond.

Cat Transportation
For the safety of the driver and the cat, carriers should always be used for transporting cats (dogs too). Cats can startle easily, jump out of the smallest opening or basically interfere with the driver’s duties when they are stressed. The carrier should be cleansed after each use with a non-toxic soap or cleanser.

The Carrier
Letting your cat explore the cat carrier at their own pace and without any pending trip is always a good idea. Offering a treat or small amount of food in this non-stressed situation may incite some curiosity and comfort, too.

Get Rid Of Your Dog’s Bad Breath

Clear the Air likes to make sure everyone’s odors are eliminated with our product!  While we can’t always eliminate every odor, such as bad doggy breath, we can at least give tips on getting your dogs breath to smell good!

Below is an article from the ASPCA about dental hygiene for your dog.

Did you know that regularly brushing your dog’s teeth and providing her with a healthy diet and plenty of chew toys can go a long way toward keeping her mouth healthy? Many pooches show signs of gum disease by the time they’re four years old because they aren’t provided with proper mouth care—and bad breath is often the first sign of a problem. Give your dog regular home checks and follow the tips below, and you’ll have a very contented pooch with a dazzling smile.

1. The Breath Test

Sniff your dog’s breath. Not a field of lilies? That’s okay—normal doggie-breath isn’t particularly fresh-smelling. However, if his breath is especially offensive and is accompanied by a loss of appetite, vomiting or excessive drinking or urinating, it’s a good idea to take your pooch to the vet.

2. Lip Service

Once a week, with your dog facing you, lift his lips and examine his gums and teeth. The gums should be pink, not white or red, and should show no signs of swelling. His teeth should be clean, without any brownish tartar.

3. Signs of Oral Disease

The following are signs that your dog may have a problem in his mouth or gastrointestinal system and should be checked by a veterinarian:

• Bad breath
• Excessive drooling
• Inflamed gums
• Tumors in the gums
• Cysts under the tongue
• Loose teeth

4. The Lowdown on Tooth Decay

Bacteria and plaque-forming foods can cause build-up on a dog’s teeth. This can harden into tartar, possibly causing gingivitis, receding gums and tooth loss. One solution? Regular teeth cleanings, of course.

5. Canine Tooth-Brushing Kit

Get yourself a toothbrush made especially for canines or a clean piece of soft gauze to wrap around your finger. Ask your vet for a toothpaste made especially for canines or make a paste out of baking soda and water. Never use fluoride with dogs under six months of age—it can interfere with their enamel formation. And please do not use human toothpaste, which can irritate a dog’s stomach. Special mouthwash for dogs is also available—ask your vet.

6. Brightening the Pearly Whites

Taking these steps will make brushing a lot easier for the both of you:

• First get your dog used to the idea of having her teeth brushed. Massage her lips with your finger in a circular motion for 30 to 60 seconds once or twice a day for a few weeks. Then move on to her teeth and gums.
• When your pooch seems comfortable being touched this way, put a little bit of dog-formulated toothpaste or a paste of baking soda and water on her lips to get her used to the taste.
• Next, introduce a toothbrush designed especially for dogs—it should be smaller than a human toothbrush and have softer bristles. Toothbrushes that you can wear over your finger (or a clean piece of gauze) are also available and allow you to give a nice massage to your dog’s gums.
• Finally, apply the toothpaste to her teeth for a gentle brushing, as in step 7.
• A veterinary exam beforehand may be helpful to find out if your dog’s gums are inflamed. If your dog has mild gingivitis, brushing too hard can hurt her gums.

7. Brushing Technique

Yes, there is actually a technique! Place the brush or your gauze-wrapped finger at a 45-degree angle to the teeth and clean in small, circular motions. Work on one area of your dog’s mouth at a time, lifting her lip as necessary. The side of the tooth that touches the cheek usually has the most tartar, and giving a final downward stroke can help to remove it. If your dog resists having the inner surfaces of her teeth cleaned, don’t fight it—only a small amount of tartar accumulates there. Once you get the technique down, go for a brushing two or three times a week.

8. Know Your Mouth Disorders

Getting familiar with the possible mouth problems your dog may encounter will help you determine when it’s time to see a vet about treatment:

• Periodontal disease is a painful infection between the tooth and the gum that can result in tooth loss and spread infection to the rest of the body. Signs are loose teeth, bad breath, tooth pain, sneezing and nasal discharge.
• Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums caused mainly by accumulation of plaque, tartar and disease-producing bacteria above and below the gum line. Signs include bleeding, red, swollen gums and bad breath. It is reversible with regular teeth cleanings.
• Halitosis—or bad breath—can be the first sign of a mouth problem and is caused by bacteria growing from food particles caught between the teeth or by gum infection. Regular tooth-brushings are a great solution.
• Swollen gums develop when tartar builds up and food gets stuck between the teeth. Regularly brushing your dog’s teeth at home and getting annual cleanings at the vet can prevent tartar and gingivitis.
• Proliferating gum disease occurs when the gum grows over the teeth and must be treated to avoid gum infection. An inherited condition common to boxers and bull terriers, it can be treated with antibiotics.
• Mouth tumors appear as lumps in the gums. Some are malignant and must be surgically removed.
• Salivary cysts look like large, fluid-filled blisters under the tongue, but can also develop near the corners of the jaw. They require drainage, and the damaged saliva gland must be removed.
• Canine distemper teeth can occur if a dog had distemper as a puppy. Adult teeth can appear looking eroded and can often decay. As damage is permanent, decayed teeth should be removed by a vet.

9. Chew on This

chew toys can satisfy your dog’s natural desire to chomp, while making his teeth strong. Gnawing on a chew toy can also help massage his gums and help keep his teeth clean by scraping away soft tartar. Ask your vet to recommend toxin-free rawhide, nylon and rubber chew toys.

P.S.: Gnawing also reduces your dog’s overall stress level, prevents boredom and gives him an appropriate outlet for his natural need to chew.

10. Diet for Healthy Teeth

Ask your vet about a specially formulated dry food that can slow down the formation of plaque and tartar. Also, avoid feeding your dog table scraps, instead giving him treats that are specially formulated to keep canine teeth healthy.

San Diego Humane Society Featured Pet

Check out one of the latest Pets of the Month at the San Diego Humane Society!  This guy, Unger, has a special story and is an employee pick.

Rebecca S., an Adoptions Counselor at the San Diego Humane Society Central Campus, simply adores Unger and his goofy & lovable personality. She was first drawn to the 2-year old Pit Bull Terrier when she saw his remarkably good spirits during his recovery from a leg amputation surgery. His spunk and sweetness was an inspiration. “Unger only has 3 legs, but he never lets it hold him back!” shares Rebecca. In addition to his happy-go-lucky nature and zest for life, this playful pooch loves to cuddle; offering yet another reason that Rebecca thinks Unger is simply the best. As Rebecca puts it, “Unger is a 60 lb., 3-legged lapdog who is ALWAYS willing to cuddle. What could be more awesome than that?!”

Doing his happy wiggle dance, enjoying a toy, and playing fetch are all beloved activities of Unger’s… But even greater is his love for people. Now, all he wants is to find some people of his very own who would let him be a part of their family and share his abundance of love with them daily!

If you are interested in meeting this happy guy, come on down to the San Diego Humane Society Gaines Campus for an introduction! Or, please feel free to call Customer Service at (619) 299-7012 if you’d like some more information.

Let’s work together to get Unger a new forever home!

Tips To A Happier Dog

There are several ways you can help to ensure that your dog is feeling happy and staying active while you and your family are away during the day.

A good idea is to do some fun activities with your dog before you leave the house.

Try making some time in your routine for a walk together before you leave for work or the kids go to school. That way both dog and humans will be getting exercise and you’ll be spending some quality time together.

If there isn’t enough time to go on a walk in the morning, try having a play session before you leave the house. You can give your dog some exercise and tire her out so she’ll spend at least part of the rest of the day relaxing until you return.

The following are some tips to help enhance your dog’s home environment:

Introduce a new toy. A new toy can add some excitement during the day while your dog is home alone. A tough chew toy that can’t be torn apart while you’re gone is best, just in case your dog likes to gobble things up. Also rotate toys: After a day or two, put one toy away so it’s out of sight and mind, and bring out another to replace it. This will keep all of your dog’s toys fresh and exciting.

Fill up a treat-dispensing toy. Coaxing a toy to dispense treats may be a fun “alone time” activity for your dog. The treat toy will help entice your dog to stay active and the rewards will enforce good behavior during your absence. Even the laziest dog may not be able to resist a toy that gives out yummy treats when you play with it.

Add a fountain. Making sure your dog has enough water for the day while no one is home is very important, and a dog fountain can provide a constant supply of clean fresh water while also piquing your dog’s interest. Many dogs love water and the running water of a fountain can create a diversion for your dog. Be sure to have the regular bowl of water out just in case your dog does not take to the fountain while you’re away.

Use sound and video media. Pleasant sounds and video images in the home help your dog from feeling like he or she is alone when no one else is around. On some days, you can play a soothing classical CD. On other days, you can leave the TV on and put in a “for dogs only” video that will let your dog enjoy the sights and sounds of the great outdoors without having to leave the doggy bed.

Create a comfortable napping place. It’s inevitable that your dog will want to snooze part of the day away while you’re gone, so set up a comfortable place for your dog to relax. A soft bed in a darkened room is always calming. If your dog has been crate-trained, you can leave the crate door open and put a bed inside the crate, making it the perfect doggy den for napping.

Use a dog pheromone. If you sense that being alone causes anxiety in your dog, try using a dog-appeasing pheromone diffuser, spray, or collar. The pheromone released by these products is similar to one that a lactating mother would emit to calm her newborn puppies. This pheromone will be familiar to your dog and create a sense of relaxation. You can place the diffuser in a room that is usually occupied by your dog, apply the spray to a dog bed, or have your dog wear the collar.

Install a dog door. If you have an enclosed yard in which your dog is safe to roam around while you’re gone, consider installing a dog door. The door will allow your dog to leave and re-enter the house at will, and to enjoy the sensory delights that your neighborhood has to offer.

Hire dog caretakers. This is a good option for dogs who are going through training or who suffer from separation anxiety. You can take your dog to a day care facility where your companion will be under constant supervision, or you can have a dog sitter or dog walker come to your home and make sure that your dog is getting the attention and exercise he or she needs while you’re out. Your dog may greatly appreciate the mid-day exercise and visit.

Consider a second dog. Deciding whether to get another dog—and integrating a new dog into the household—are major undertakings that are beyond the scope of this article. But if Resident Dog and New Dog get along, each may benefit greatly from having company during parts of the day that would otherwise be spent alone.

Odor Eliminator Testimonials

Clear the Air testimonials from happy customers.

Here at Clear the Air we love hearing success stories from our products where odors which otherwise could not be removed were finally eliminated with our products.  Check out what they had to say:

Good Afternoon Bill, I hope all is well with you.  I just wanted to reach out and let you know how impressed I am with your products.  You were absolutely correct, the dog urine smell in our living room is gone thanks to you.  I will certainly recommend your products to anyone who is in need.  Have a wonderful afternoon.

– Greg V.

Greetings, My name is Mark Myers.  I am an outside sales rep. for Forshaw Distribution.  I have been asked to kick off the Kentucky 3 day Pest Control Short Course held annually in Lexington Kentucky by lecturing on new products in the pest control industry.  Awhile back you sent me a case of the odor eliminator bags to “show and Tell” to my customers which I did and thereby resulted in several sells.  To show my gratitude for the samples you sent me I have decided to showcase your product before 500+ attendees at the seminar.  I will relay my first person true story how I tested one of them in my dog’s “potty pen”;  It can become rather offensive if I have to be gone all day and can’t clean it till I get back. Your product has always removed the odor and never let us down. Thanks for the samples.

Sincerely, Mark M

Another Hidden Gem From The San Diego Humane Society

We do a lot of fundraising with the San Diego Humane Society and always love sharing special animals with our followers.

We’d like to share another hidden gem from the San Diego Humane Society, Benji.

Been looking for love? Meet Benji…

Benji is a sweet, one-year old Pit Bull/Lab Retriever mix who is as lovable as he is cute! Still an exuberant pup, Benji approaches life with enthusiasm and plenty of curiosity. Although he had a tough start in life that has left him a bit shy, he is becoming more and more social daily, and Benji’s current foster mom reports that he is doing very well, having fun, and wagging that tail of his more than ever!

This sweet guy will need some extra time and patience from the lucky family who adopts him. The world around him can seem very new and scary, so Benji appreciates slow introductions and lots of love to help him overcome some of his fears. In addition to playing with tennis balls and being his energetic and goofy self, Benji also knows how to relax with the best of ’em and enjoys spending plenty of quality time snuggling on the couch.

Benji’s adoption fee of $75 includes his neuter, current vaccinations, permanent microchip identification, and a certificate for a free veterinary exam! This very special hidden gem of ours is currently in foster care. If you are interested in meeting him or getting more information, please contact San Diego Humane Society‘s Customer Service at (619) 299-7012.

How To Get Rid Of Carpet Odor

Eliminate Carpet and Furniture Odors.

Unfortunately, once in a while our beloved pets have accidents in the house.  It is especially common when we just get a new puppy or the kitty is in his or her older years.

Fortunately, Clear the Air will completely remove any odor, GUARANTEED.

We would like to share with you some tips on removing urine and feces odor from your carpets and furniture.

Absorb pet urine and feces odors from carpet, furniture and leather without chemical or fragrances.

This unique form of Earth Care Products Mineral can be sprinkled on carpet and furniture as needed to eliminate odors. Odors will be completely eliminated. Clear the Air does not have to come into contact with the odor producer; it will pull the odors from the entire area. It works well for old soaked-in urine odors. Clear The Air draws in odors like a powerful magnet. The odors are absorbed, and neutralized without any fragrances.

Even if you have moved into a home where the previous owner had an animal which frequented the carpet, you can still completely eliminate the odor.  Clear the air does not cover up odors; it literally pulls the odors from carpets and furniture leaving the air fresh and clean.

Clear The Air is made from an all natural mineral, is non toxic and biodegradable and safe for Planet Earth. It is also safe around children and pets even if eaten.

DIRECTIONS TO ELIMINATE PET ODORS

1. Remove feces and excess urine.
2. Sprinkle on carpet, rugs, tile, linoleum or hardwood floors.
3. Leave on overnight, then sweep or vacuum. Clear The Air pulls odor from carpet, padding and sub-floor.
4. Sprinkle directly on furniture. Leave overnight, then vacuum or shake off. Will not harm upholstery or leather.
5. Sprinkle on pet bedding or clothes. Leave over night, then shake off.

Typically one application will eliminate all odors; occasionally a second application is necessary. The 14 oz canister covers up to 100 square feet while the 21 oz canister covers up to 150 square feet.

How To Keep Your Pets Off The Furniture

Teach them from the beginning that paws stay on the floor – As adorable as it is to bring that tiny little puppy on the couch, if you want to create a household with a “no pets on the furniture” policy, think twice. Just like kids, pets are creatures of habit, and allowing them to hang out on the couch or your bed at a young age is likely to create a habit that is hard to break when they’re older. Instead, try snuggling them on the floor or get them a posh pet bed and sit on the floor for those great belly rubs.

Give them a place of their own to play – If the only place your pets have to hang out is in your living room, with that cozy couch or chair taunting them at every move, it’s understandable that they’re going to want to climb up when they’re ready for a snooze. Make sure that your pets have their own dedicated space to play and sleep. Not only will it help keep them off of your furniture, but pets need that sense of ownership over a spot they can call their own.

Invest in toys that will keep them interested – Bored pets make for naughty pets, there’s no doubt about it. Give your pooch or kitty something else to play with and keep them entertained — other than your precious furniture — by investing in some toys that will keep their interest. Cats who love to scratch, especially on the legs of that gorgeous vintage chair you just bought, need a scratching post to get their clawing out. Dogs love things to chew, toss, hide and slobber on — try out a variety of fun stuff and put them all in a basket to see what they pull out to play with over and over again.

Wear them out! – Put the time into keeping your pets exercised and it will pay off in a big way, when it comes to keeping them off of your furniture. Pets who are taken on walk regularly or to the dog park to run their legs off will come home happy … and exhausted! For muddy trips to the park or walks in the rain, invest in some good pet cleaning towels. Keep them in your car or by the back door to clean off muddy paws as they come back in the house — it will help keep down on the dirt in the house and your furniture.

Take your pick — a house full of animals or a house full of untouchable furniture – In reality, sometimes having pets at home also means sacrificing having a picture-perfect home. Pets shed, drool, sometimes relieve themselves in places they shouldn’t and track in mud. If those things freak you out, or you aren’t prepared to deal with these things from time to time, then maybe you should reconsider being a pet-owner. Having a pet at home is a life-long commitment that should be taken very seriously, and if the joy of owning a pet doesn’t outweigh the potential problems, think twice.

San Diego Humane Society’s Hidden Gem, Poodie

Check out one of the Hidden Gem from The San Diego Humane Society.

Poodie…Talk About a CUTIE!!

Poodie is a 4-year old Border Collie/American Pit Bull Terrier mix who is as gentle and sweet as they come! She has it all: brains, looks, kindness…you simply can’t go wrong with a doggie like Poodie at your side. While Poodie can be a bit shy at first, once she’s had some time to get comfortable with her surroundings, she will be quick to show you how unbelievably loving & affectionate she is.

And did I mention her smarts?! She knows a bunch of impressive tricks: sit, down, shake, stay, and come …just to name a few. In addition to flexing her brain muscles, Poodie enjoys snuggling, taking in the tranquil sights and sounds around her as she goes on walks, and spending special playtime with a canine companion. In fact, Poodie would love to go to a home where she might have a doggie friend to play with.

Poodie’s adoption fee of $75 includes her spay, current vaccinations, permanent microchip identification, and a certificate for a free veterinary exam!

If you would like to arrange an introduction or get more information about this amazing gem of a dog, please contact Customer Service at (619) 299-7012.

What To Do When Leaving Your Pets With A Sitter

Make sure your dog, cat, or other pet are at ease when you travel.  Clear the Air would like to share some helpful tips to ensuring your pet is happy at home with a pet sitter.

When it comes to hiring a professional pet sitter are you a helicopter parent that leaves detailed pooping and walking spreadsheets? Or are you more of the hands-off type who feels perfectly comfortable letting your sitter do his or her own thing?

A well-prepared sitter can keep your pet happy and anxiety-free while you’re away, greatly reducing the number of chewing, scratching, and/or bathroom accidents occurring in your home. The question is: How do you ensure that you’ve given your pet sitter all the necessary tools to keep your animals relaxed and healthy?

Check out these helpful tips:

Spell Out The Animal’s Daily Schedule: Pets are creatures of habit.  Figure out how to maintain their routine while you are away.  If you take your dog for a walk every morning, ask the sitter to do the same.  If your cat likes to have you throw his little toy, make sure to let the sitter know.

Explain What Makes Your Pet Happy: A good professional pet sitter should ask what your pet likes to do, then maybe over-satisfy them in that way. You schedule an in-home consultation with the sitter so they can interview you and meet your dog, cat, bird, etc.

Make Sure Favorite Items Are Handy: When it comes to the actual items to leave for the pet sitter, having things like an old t-shirt, bedding, and their favorite toys to keep the familiarity there for the pet. Ideally, the pet sitter will be visiting your pet at your home, but these items are even more important if you plan to board.

Keep Your Exit Low-Key: A little exercise before you leave can help keep your pet’s mind at ease. They’ll be napping instead of worrying about where you are. Whatever you do, refrain from breaking into the tearful ‘I’m going to miss you so much’ routine.