Why Does My Dog Bark So Much?

Dog barking can turn into a problem if it continues incessantly.

Clear The Air would like to share some information from the Animals Friends of the Valleys about the various reasons your dog barks and what you can do to stop incessant barking.

The first thing you need to do in order to quiet a chronic barker is to figure out why he’s barking in the first place. Is he lonely or bored? Do you spend enough time with him? Remember that dogs are pack animals and prefer the company of other animals and/or humans.

Most dogs will not be happy sitting by themselves in the backyard with nothing to do (except bark!) Make sure your dog has plenty of toys to occupy his mind and his need to chew. And make sure you spend quality time with him. Take him for walks and bring him inside the house every day for some “family” time. Dogs really love being with their people!

If your dog barks at night, bring him inside the house or garage. Most dogs prefer sleeping inside anyway (remember, dogs are not solitary creatures by nature.)  Relocating your dog away from immediate neighbors to another area of your yard might eliminate barking. Another good solution is to adopt another animal so your dog will have a companion.

Bark collars are a wonderful tool in training your dog not to bark. They can be purchased at pet stores or can be ordered online for a lower price. These new age collars do not hurt your dog in any way, they simply reprimand the bark. This may startle your dog at first but after a few times they associate the reprimand with the bark and learn to do their everyday activities without barking.

In extreme cases, you might consider having your dog “de-barked.” De-barking is a procedure in which the vocal cords are surgically removed. In most cases, the dog will come home the day of the procedure. The barking sound will still be audible but will be more like a whisper. Consult your veterinarian for more information about de-barking.

Barking is the number one cause of neighbor disputes. Remember, it is unlawful to allow your dog to become a public nuisance. Chronic barking is a serious problem but there are many possible solutions. Investing some time, money, and energy to solving the problem will be well worth the effort, for you and your dog

For more information visit Animal Friends of the Valleys website.

What A Happy Story About A Senior Dog Named Buddy!

Henry (formerly known as Buddy) found his forever home!

Clear The Air loves reading about success stories from the San Diego Humane Society. Check out one of the Humane Society’s success story about Buddy:

Sweet senior finds his new family!

“Buddy” seems to be the kind of name that is a reflection of an owner’s feelings of friendship toward his dog. Unfortunately, when we found Buddy, a senior English Coonhound, he seemed to have been abandoned by any such friends. The only indication that he had ever been cared for was in the form of a baggy attached to a string around his neck, containing 3 bottles of medication for “Buddy the Canine.”

At 11 years old, the big-eared, big-eyed canine was found wandering near the side of the freeway and brought to our campus. From that moment on, we did everything in our power to assure him that he had finally found a friend in us, and that we would not give up on him. Not surprisingly, senior animals can have a much harder time getting adopted. Despite his mellow demeanor, sweet personality and adorable face, Buddy spent several months at our Central campus, overlooked by potential adopters. That is, until Kristen S. and her husband came in. Kristen had seen Buddy on our website and quickly fell in love. Once they met him they decided this was one Buddy that they couldn’t live without.

Today, Buddy has been renamed Henry, and is doing wonderfully in his new home. He has a Labrador retriever as a brother, and two pet parents who couldn’t be happier with their new companion. “He brings a smile to our face every day,” Kristen tells us; and it finally appears that Henry has found some lifetime buddies, but more importantly, a forever family.

Kristen S. & Family

Proper Brushing Tips For Dogs

Do you groom your dog?

Clear The Air would like to share some helpful grooming tips from the ASPCA. Does your dog love being brushed?

Article taken from the ASPCA –

Regular grooming with a brush or comb will help keep your pet’s hair in good condition by removing dirt, spreading natural oils throughout her coat, preventing tangles and keeping her skin clean and irritant-free. And grooming time’s a great time to check for fleas and flea dirt–those little black specks that indicate your pet is playing host to a flea family.

If your dog has a smooth, short coat (like that of a Chihuahua, boxer or basset hound), you only need to brush once a week:

• First, use a rubber brush to loosen dead skin and dirt.
• Next, use a bristle brush to remove dead hair.
• Now, polish your low-maintenance pooch with a chamois cloth and she’s ready to shine!

If your dog has short, dense fur that’s prone to matting, like that of a retriever, here’s your weekly routine:

• Use a slicker brush to remove tangles.
• Next, catch dead hair with a bristle brush.
• Don’t forget to comb her tail.

If your dog has a long, luxurious coat, such as that of a Yorkshire terrier, she’ll need daily attention:

• Every day you’ll need to remove tangles with a slicker brush.
• Gently tease mats out with a slicker brush.
• Next, brush her coat with a bristle brush.
• If you have a long-haired dog with a coat like a collie’s or an Afghan hound’s, follow the steps above, and also be sure to comb through the fur and trim the hair around the hocks and feet.

The Tale of the Traveling Kittens

Have you heard of Mouse and Wifi?

Clear The Air would like to share an amazing story from the San Diego Humane Society about a pair of kittens who were found in one of the oddest places and had quite an amazing adventure!

A Cox Communications employee was shocked after he opened a box at work and found two newborn kittens clinging to life inside. The two kittens are now recovering after they were found inside a box packed with fiberglass equipment that arrived from Hollywood. We named them Mouse and Wifi.

“They actually came to us with their umbilical cord still attached,” said Jenny Bonomini, Manager of our Kitten Nursery. “What we think happened was the mom had the babies and she put them in a safe spot … and she left. Then they got boxed up and they got shipped.”

As one of the only around-the-clock kitten nurseries in the country, we’re committed providing 24-hour care that newborn, orphaned kittens need. Mouse and Wifi will live in the nursery for a few more weeks, where they will receive around-the-clock care. They will then go to a foster home. When they are eight weeks old, the kittens will be spayed and neutered and will then be ready for adoption.

Click here to receive updates on their recuperative journey during the coming weeks. We will also send a special announcement when Wifi and Mouse are old enough to be adopted with instructions on how to apply.

Selling Your Home? You Need To Read This…

Honestly, does your home smell??

If you are planning to put your home on the market, you may want to get a second opinion on the way your home smells.

Many times we get used to odors in our home…whether it’s cigarette odor, doggy smell or strong food odors. Did you know odors in a home will turn away a buyer in a heartbeat?

We have shared this before but since it is coming into the season to buy and sell homes, Clear The Air thought it would be appropriate to share this article from Coldwell Banker again.

One of the top mistakes a home seller makes when trying to sell their home:

A recent survey of real estate agents by ActiveRain has confirmed that there are certain things a seller should avoid if they are trying to get their home sold for the best price in the least amount of time. Out of 1000 real estate agents interviewed by ActiveRain, 28% said Unpleasant Odors are the number one turn off to a potential home buyer. (Coldwell Banker’s recent article)

Here’s what they had to say:

Unpleasant Odors in the House – “Mr and Mrs. Seller, your house stinks!”

Most agents aren’t going to be this blunt. But in some cases they wish they could be. They’ll take a more tactical approach and say something like…..’during the time your house is on the market, it might be a good idea to smoke outside’.

But what they know is that nothing will stop a potential buyer in their tracks faster than a strong odor of any sort. In some cases this could just be the left over smell from last night’s dinner. In more extreme cases, agents tell horror stories of entering homes that have a bad smell of pet urine or smoking.

The main concern for the buyer is, of course, “is the house going to smell like this once we move in?” Real Estate agents confirm that many a buyer has passed on a home after coming to their own conclusion on that answer.

Your agent isn’t suggesting a fresh coat of paint and new carpet because they don’t like how things look. They are making this suggestion because they realize that the smoke odor in your home is going to be a major turn off for anyone thinking about buying your home.

Sweet Dog Looking For A Home

Mutt Monday’s pick of the week.

The San Diego Humane Society is featuring Luda, a sweet dog looking for her forever home. Find out why Luda is an employee pick:

A beloved Canine Companion who has been volunteering at our North Campus for quite some time, Dana O., simply loves Luda! And she has selected this adorable pooch as her volunteer pick:

What do you like best about your pick’s personality? “She is very laid back, smart and affectionate.”

What first drew you to your pick? “Her wiggly butt greeting!”

Is there something special about the way your pick looks? “She has a white hourglass-shaped pattern from her nose to the back of her head.”

What is your pick’s coolest/silliest/most fun trait? “After a game of fetch she likes to come and sit on the bench with me (sometimes in my lap) and watch the world go by.”

Anything else? “She is super smart and willing to learn anything you want to teach her.  She knows all the basic commands with shake and roll over thrown in for good measure.”

Pet: Luda (132249)

Volunteer: Dana O.

Meet Hercules At The San Diego Humane Society

Hercules…a Dog of Mythical Proportions!!

We love sharing stories about animals looking for their forever homes. Today we would like to share a story for Mutt Monday about Hercules. Do you have it in your heart to give him a forever loving home?

For most, the name “Hercules” brings to mind images of a certain Greek god.

…Well, around here, the name “Hercules” instead brings to mind images of a certainly Great dog!

Yes, my friends, it’s true. Be it the mythical or canine Hercules to whom you are referring, either way – the subject is indisputably divine! And, like his namesake, the 1 & 1/2-year old American Pit Bull Terrier is a pillar of strength and has a most adventurous spirit!

Always at the ready should he hear the cry of a damsel in distress, Hercules is eager for action! His enthusiasm knows no bounds!

His playfulness? Contagious!

His spirit? Courageous!

His athleticism? Outrageous!

It’s true, this energetic doggie is full of the kind of personality, handsomeness, and charm that myths are made of!! All who encounter this canine king are quick to see that they are indeed in the presence of greatness.

Are you looking for a strapping young dog with whom you can pursue outdoor adventures?? Well, look no further!!

Are you ready for a pooch who is full of life and, I daresay, gusto?? Ummm…look to the photos on the right and just try to tell me that Hercules doesn’t fit the bill!!

He’s handsome, he’s energetic, he’s just so darn lovable, …he’s Hercules! And he is ready to become the hero of YOUR story!

To meet this awesome guy, give us a call at (619) 299-7012 to arrange an introduction!

Happy Customers’ Testimonials

Why do you love Clear The Air?

Clear The Air loves our happy reviews! Our product truly works when it comes to eliminating bad odors! Don’t take our word for it, find out what consumers have to say:

I have 3 cats who used by bedroom as their personal litter box. I sprinkled the product on my carpet and the next day the odor was gone completely and my carpet looks wonderful. Now I don’t have to replace it. ~Kacee

We have a problem with cats peeing on our carpet in our bedroom. We tried everything I’d found before to get rid of the smell or discourage them from doing it again. I put this powder all over the room and the next day ran the vacuum and all the smell was gone! I highly recommend it. ~Cat

This made a HUGE difference in my carpeted stairs. The dog smell is gone. ~Soobie

3 cats, 2 dogs. Accidents happen. Works great. Even use it in the litter box to get rid of odors. ~Baxter

St. Patrick’s Day Safety For Your Pets

Happy St. Patrick’s Day to everyone!

How are you celebrating this holiday? Are you wearing green? We hope so!

This is a fun holiday filled with lots of food and drink but it is important to make sure your pets stay safe during all the festivities. Take a moment to read the following St. Patrick’s Day safety tips:

• Don’t give or let your pets have access to alcohol. It is toxic for your pets and it can make them extremely sick.
• Dress your pet up in green! If you dye your pet green, make sure to use all natural, non-toxic vegetable dye. If you dress your pet up in cute green clothing, make sure it is not too tight and does not constrict any areas of their body.
• If you are bringing your pet around town or participating in a parade, make sure your dog is not too frightened or overwhelmed and make sure to always have plenty of water available for him or her.
• If you plan to throw a party, make sure to confine your pet to a smaller area if he or she does not like big crowds.
• Don’t let your pets get into any party treats or favors. Chocolate is extremely toxic to dogs and can kill them. Make sure to put all snacks up high so animals cannot reach them.

Don’t You Love A Story With A Happy Ending?

Here at Clear The Air, when it comes to animals, we love a happy story!

The San Diego Humane Society does a wonderful job of finding pets’ forever homes and we love to share success stories from them.

Charlie & Diego – Bonded Pair Provide Love and Warmth

Charlie and Diego are brothers.  When my husband and I saw them at the Central shelter we noticed they were VERY bonded.  We had never had two cats at the same time but we didn’t feel we could separate them.

That was two years this past Sept.  They have continued to express love for each other while maintaining decidedly different  personalities…this makes them even more fun to observe.

I could talk for hours about what a wonderful experience this has been for us, but what would Charlie and Diego say?  See Picture… caption’s would be: “We are so glad we were adopted by a quilter mom who lets us lay on every new quilt she finishes and sleep in a box of scraps in the sewing room, and a dad who built a cat condo and potty box area adjacent to a window so we can sit outdoors and be safe and NO potty smell in the house. We also enjoy nap time with him!”