How To Move With Pets

Moving with your pets?

Whether you are buying a new home or moving into a new rental, if you have pets it is important to make sure the move is as uneventful as possible.

If you plan to move in the near future, check out our helpful tips to make sure your pets stay as calm as possible during the move:

• Stick to your routine – If you have certain times you feed, play and walk your pet, stick to them even during the move. On the day of your move, feed in the morning as you usually would and take your dog out on a walk before your move.
• Bring your pets’ toys – Bring along your dog and cat’s favorite bed, toys, treats and food and water dishes. When arranging their items in your new home, place them in places similar to where they were in your old home.
• Keep things calm – If you feel your pet will benefit being near you during the move, plan on that. If your cat would rather be away from all the hustle and bustle, keep him in a crate away from the madness until it is safe to let him or her out in your new home.
• Keep your pets confined – During the move and while you are packing and unpacking, it may be likely doors and windows will be left open. Avoid having your pet hide or run away and keep him confined to one room you know will not be bothered. It is also a very good idea to keep your pet’s identification and your contact info on your pet. Keep vet records with you as well.
• Be patient and provide plenty of love and reinforcement – It may take a while for your pet to get used to their new surroundings. Let your dog and cat explore and come out when they’re ready. Make sure your cat’s litter box is easily accessible and in the same room you let him out in. Give them lots of attention, more than usual. Change is difficult for your pets; let them know everything will be alright by paying extra attention to them!

How To Care For Pets In The Cold Weather

Cold weather tips all pet owners need to know.

The east coast of the nation is experiencing extreme cold weather conditions. During these conditions it is vital to make sure your pets are inside and warm.

Clear The Air would like to share some cold weather tips from the Humane Society:

• Keep pets indoors and warm – Don’t leave dogs or cats outdoors when the temperature drops. Regardless of the season, short-haired, very young, or old dogs and all cats should never be left outside without supervision. Dogs and cats are safer indoors, except when taken out for exercise. During walks, short-haired dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater.
• Help neighborhood outdoor cats – If there are outdoor cats, either owned pets or community cats (ferals, who are scared of people, and strays, who are lost or abandoned pets) in your area, remember that they need protection from the elements as well as food and water. It’s easy to give them a hand.
• Give your pets plenty of water – Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely check your pet’s water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen.
• Protect paws from salt – The salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet’s feet. Wipe all paws with a damp towel before your pet licks them and irritates his/her mouth.
• Avoid antifreeze poisoning – Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that may attract animals and children. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze (and all household chemicals) out of reach.
• The best tip of all: keep your pets with you – Probably the best prescription for winter’s woes is to keep your dog or cat inside with you and your family. The happiest dogs are those who are taken out frequently for walks and exercise, but kept inside the rest of the time.

Read entire article at the Humane Society’s website.

5 New Year’s Resolutions for Your Home

Of folks who make a New Year’s Resolution, 46 percent are successful at their resolution six months later, a study from the Journal of Clinical Psychology reports.

If you’ve been dragging your feet on putting the finishing touches on your home, why not make it a New Year’s Resolution to really create good cleaning and de-cluttering habits?

Use these 5 New Year’s resolutions to get your house in good order.

1. Schedule biannual deep cleanings: The proverbial deep clean is a mainstay of keeping a clean, comfortable house. Early January, when the weather is chilly and you’re full of resolve to stick to your resolutions, is the perfect time for a deep clean. Work room by room, cleaning out all the nooks and crannies. Wash the walls, steam the shades, clean out clutter and donate things you no longer need to Goodwill. When you put away winter clothes for the spring/summer, do another deep clean. For tough smells, Clear the Air odor eliminators will refresh your home so you can start the new year off right.

2. Replace home goods: Over time, you may forget that you never got around to buying curtains for the dining room or fixing the rips in the screen door. You simply don’t see these home flaws. As you deep clean, inventory all of the little things that need fixing — and then fix them. For example, if you’ve been putting up with cracked blinds or ugly, stained window treatments, make replacing them a top priority. You can learn more about the 11 common types of window treatments online at Theshadestore.com, and then buy the right ones with confidence. When you enjoy your shades, you’ll be more motivated to keep those windows clean.

3. Personalize your home: Paint instantly adds character to a house. If you’ve been living with white walls for too long, personalize your living room, dining room or bedroom with a fresh coat of paint. The Augmented Colors app for Windows Phone ($1) comes in handy when picking paint colors. Just point and shoot to capture a color and get its hexadecimal code and RGB profile. Then head to your local paint store to grab a gallon and some brushes.

4. Maintain appliances: It’s all too easy to take your dishwasher or hot water heater for granted. However, preventative maintenance can keep your appliances operating at maximum efficiency, which in turn will save you money off your utility bill. Schedule an appointment with your plumber, HVAC specialist or other appliance repair person. When the seasons change, have your home heating and cooling systems professionally serviced. Seasonally, clean out the dryer vent, change the filters for your air conditioning and home heating, caulk any leaks around your windows and doors, and clean out dishwasher drains to prevent clogs.

5. Keep it up: It’s all too easy to devote a whole weekend to cleaning your home, yard, closet or basement and then let things get messy again. To realize a clean home in June, you’ll need to keep it up. Try setting reminders on your calendar or in an app to perform the big tasks. Perform small tasks, such as loading the dishwasher or wiping the counters, while tackling larger projects like cooking a family meal.

How To Eliminate Cigarette Smoke Odor

Need to get rid of that pesky cigarette odor? Read on!

If you have bought or rented a new home and the previous dweller was a smoker, you are probably fed up with trying to get that sultry cigarette odor out of the house.

Did you know Clear the Air will remove cigarette odor from ANYWHERE? Cars, homes, carpets, rugs, clothes, offices and anywhere else cigarette odor has crept in to.

Unfortunately, cigarette odor has a way of creeping into the walls making it almost impossible to remove the odor completely.  Earth Care’s Clear The Air Odor Eliminator will pull these odors out of your house, 100% guaranteed!  Our product doesn’t even need to come in contact with the odor and it will remove the odors out of carpets, drapes, furniture, clothing and bedding.

Clear the Air is simple to use and is an inexpensive solution to odor elimination.  Here are the directions to removing cigarette smoke odor out of your home:

• Hang 1-2 Earth Care Odor Eliminator Bags in each room that smells like cigarette smoke. One bag will cover 50-100 square feet. Odor will be eliminated in 24 hours.
• A Bag will last 1-2 months, if room is heavily permeated with smoke odor the bag may need to be changed more often at first.
• If odors are particularly strong or room has been smoked in for years sprinkle Clear The Air Odor Eliminator for Carpet and Furniture granules on carpets and furniture. Leave down 24 hours and vacuum. Odors will be completely eliminated.
• One canister of Clear The Air Odor Eliminator for Carpet and Furniture covers 100 square feet; one bucket covers 900 square feet.
• Granules can also be placed in ashtrays and cigarette butt receptacles.

Of course, if you have any questions on removing cigarette smoke odor, please do not hesitate to call our helpful Customer Service Agent, Pat, at (800) 611-1611 or (760) 941-5302 or via email: pmolina@cleartheair.com

Meet Nelson From SD Humane Society

Meet Nelson, available for adoption!

Check out why he is an employee pick at the San Diego Humane Society:

Yes, it’s true. Nelson has MANY admirers around here. And one person on whom he has left a most indellible paw print is Adoptions Counselor, Rebecca. (Sharing a smooch with the special pooch, to the right.)

Mutt Monday’s Dog Of The Week

Check out Duke from the San Diego Humane Society.

Duke (#124538), is an American Pit Bull Terrier/Great Dane. He is 4 years and 6 months old and his Adoption Fee is only $95.00. Check him out:

Why I’d make a great companion: To know me is to love me or so I’ve been told! My name is Duke and I am an independent thinker who enjoys a bit of adventure. I am also devoted, loving and mellow as well. In short, I have a multifaceted personality that I believe that as you get to know me you will come to adore. I am well-mannered on walks and I take everything in stride, including passing dogs, skateboarders, bikes, cars and other distractions. Prepare yourself, as I am generally the center of attention when I am out and about because of and I quote ” stellar good looks and gangly long legs.” Although, I enjoy a moderate activity level, I am perfectly content with the occasional lounge session at the feet of my beloved pet parent where I can enjoy a chewing session with my tennis ball. I absolutely enjoy a good rub down and I L-O-V-E the sensation of ‘collapsing’ tennis balls in my mouth. But what I would really enjoy, is a family to call my own. I have been waiting to give my heart completely to my forever family and if that is you, than you can expect to rewarded a hundred-fold.

Type of home I’m looking for: I will do best in a house with teenaged children and without cats.

Other things you should know about me: My adoption fee includes my spay / neuter, current vaccinations, permanent microchip identification, a certificate for a free veterinary exam, a gift from Hill’s Science Diet, a license if residing in Oceanside or Vista, and limited veterinary medical coverage from VCA Hospitals up to $250!!

During the adoption process a San Diego Humane Society Trainer will be present to answer any questions and share how to best care for me and tips for continued training in the future.

Keep Your Pets Safe This Christmas

Christmas pet safety.

Your pet is most likely very curious about all the fun Christmas decorations that are out.  Here are some tips on keeping your pet safe around the holidays:

• Poinsettias, holly and mistletoe can be toxic to inquisitive pets.  It is important to keep plants up and out of reach of both your dog and cat.
• If part of your holiday decorations includes a live tree, remember pine needles can create a danger to any pet that may attempt to eat one.  Needles can puncture the intestines of your pet, so keep your tree watered and clean up fallen needles as soon as possible.
• It is in a cat’s nature to be very curious and usually find indoor trees very entertaining.  As any cat owner would know, cats love to go after things that sparkle and move.  Tinsel is in this category and is extremely dangerous if ingested.  Glass ornaments should be placed up high to keep noses and paws away.
• Be careful not to let your pet drink the tree water if you have put any type of additives in it.
• For anyone that has seen the Chevy Chase Christmas Vacation movie, you would know the danger caused by electrical cords under and around the tree.  It is important to tape down or cover electrical cords to keep your pet from chewing on them.
• If you are planning on hosting a party, make sure to keep animals in a back room away from guests and the door.  While people are arriving it is possible your cat or dog could escape.  Also, while enjoying your holiday meals with family, it is important not to let animals eat scraps from the table; especially rich food usually served during the holidays as it can cause stomach upset or even pancreatitis attacks.

Clear The Air wishes you and your pets a safe and fantastic Holiday Season!

No More Doggy Smell

Do you notice “doggy odor” lingering around your home?

Clear The Air prides ourselves on being able to completely eliminate doggy odor from any source, big or small, seen or unseen.

Clear the Air would like to share some helpful tips to completely eliminating that annoying doggy odor from anywhere in your home:

If you have doggy odor in your carpet: Simply sprinkle Earth Care Clear The Air granules on the carpet and hang Earth Care Odor Remover Bags to eliminate doggy odors from the carpet. Wait for 24 hours to vacuum up the granules from the carpet.

If you have doggy odor in your dog beds: Take the dog beds outside where there is plenty of air circulation and sprinkle our Earth Care Clear The Air granules all over the beds. Allow 24 hours for the granules to stay on the dog beds. You can then shake off the granules and your odor will be eliminated. If the odor is extremely strong, you may want to wash the bed first, let it dry then apply the granules to the bed.

If you have doggy odor in your car: If your car smells like your dog’s bed, it’s time to use our product! Simply hang or place two of our Earth Care Odor Remover Bags in your car. Our product works best when there is air flow in your vehicle. We recommend rolling down the windows when your car is parked and not in use. If the odor is extremely strong, sprinkle some of our Earth Care Clear The Air granules on the floor boards of your vehicle. Leave the granules for 24 hours then you may vacuum them up.

This unique form of Earth Care Products Mineral does not have to come into contact with the odor producer; it will pull the odors from the entire area.

Have questions about eliminating a pesky odor? Please comment on our blog or contact our customer service agent, Pat.

San Diego Humane Society’s Hidden Gem

Rudy – one of the San Diego Humane Society’s hidden gems.

Hidden Gems are wonderful companion animals that are not “on display” in the San Diego Humane Society’s public adoption gallery because they do best in a calm and quiet environment outside of the public adoption area.

These animals are readily available for adoption – check out Rudy:

Rudy. Rudy Pa-tudy. The Rudster. Poody Rudy. What does this special 2-year old Miniature Pinscher have even more of than nicknames?? PERSONALITY! …and BRAINS!…and ENERGY!!

It’s true, the only thing that’s remotely small about this doggie, is his size! In addition to his enormous amount of spirit, zest & zeal, he has one huuuuge brain. And that is very fitting you see, because he also possesses a ginormous heart with an abundance of love that he is ready to share.

This adorable boy is currently in a foster home where he has been making tremendous progress toward becoming the very best family member he can be. In addition to working on his manners and training, he is also having a blast with his foster siblings (as you can see from the photo to the right). But he would LOVE to have a home of his own in which his new family could continue to help him practice good behavior and keep that remarkable mind of his challenged. He will also need lots of physical activity as well. And when these two things are present – physical & mental stimulation – our cutie pa-tudy Rudy is at his very best & promises to be an unbelievably wonderful member of the family.

Check out more on Rudy here.

Keeping Your Pets Warm This Winter

The rainy season is upon us and for us Southern Californians, it is getting cold!

It is important to make sure your pets are warm and dry during the winter. Keep them safe, warm and happy with these tips:

• Pets should have a comfortable and clean, dry shelter to stay in especially if your pet spends the majority of its time outdoors.
• Check to make sure your shelter for your pet does not have any leaks and that falling rain cannot splash inside of the dry shelter.  It is important to place it in an area where water does not accumulate.  Bottom line: keep your pet high and dry!
• Continuous rain will usually decrease the frequency of your important walks with your dog. In order to compensate for less outdoor time, play with your pet more indoors either chasing a ball or playing tug of war just to get your pet the exercise he’s used to.
• Pets should always have access to adequate shelter and under no circumstance should you leave your pet tied up in the rain.
• Should there be an emergency you must have an escape or evacuation plan mapped out for your pets.  Prepare a first-aid kit for your pets in case they become wounded and never abandon them during a disaster.