Keep Pets Safe This New Year’s Eve!

New Year’s can be fun for all family members!

Check out some helpful tips from the ASPCA about celebrating New Year’s safely with your pets:

Keep an Eye on the Alcohol (and Other Substances) – New Year’s Eve is a unique holiday, and it’s one time of year when a large number of pets get into alcohol. Alcohol ingestion in pets can lead to depression, unsteady walking, vomiting, and in severe cases, a serious drop in blood pressure and body temperature. Just one mixed drink can be fatal for a small dog. What’s more, pets (dogs in particular) love to sniff out seasonal chocolates that may be filled with alcohol—so be sure to keep any and all alcoholic substances safely out of paws’ reach.

Be careful of fireworks – While the Fourth of July is biggest holiday for fireworks, the APCC does receive a large number of calls about these potentially frightening noisemakers on New Year’s Eve. Not only will you want to ensure that your pet has a safe, comfortable place to find sanctuary away from the booming sounds of fireworks, but you should also remember that dogs will eat anything—even if does not seem like it would taste good! Be sure to monitor poppers, noisemakers and explosives before, during and after displays, and always keep a close eye on your pet to prevent any potential problems.  

Don’t be Taken by Surprise – You may be planning a night out with family and friends to celebrate the oncoming New Year, which means that your pet might be home alone with loud, confusing noises coming from outside. Before you go out, do a quick double check around the house to make sure that all exits are secured, and do what you can to make your pet feel comfortable and safe in your home. Don’t Forget to Have Fun! 

While we want you to be prepared for any potential dangers, we also want to make sure you have fun with your favorite furry friends as you wave goodbye to 2017 and say hello to 2018. Below is a list of activities you can try with your pet for a fun celebration:

• Don your dapper apparel. Dress up with your pet to make for a very Instagram-worthy New Year’s Eve. 
• Cuddle up for a movie marathon. This is the perfect activity for those looking for a comfortable night in. 
• Have a baking party. Invite some of your friends and their furry friends over and have fun baking some pet-friendly treats. 
• Watch the ball drop together! What better way to ring in the New Year than with kisses from your favorite furry friend? 

Stay safe this holiday season, and if you fear that your pet has ingested a potentially dangerous ingredient or object, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888)-426-4435 right away.

Credit: ASPCA

Colder Weather Pet Safety Tips

The colder weather is upon us, Clear The Air would like to share some cold weather safety tips for your pets from the ASPCA.

Exposure to winter’s dry, cold air and chilly rain, sleet and snow can cause chapped paws and itchy, flaking skin, but these aren’t the only discomforts pets can suffer.

Winter walks can even be dangerous from exposure to ice-melting agents if they are licked off bare paws.

Here are some helpful tips for keeping your pets safe this winter from the ASPCA:

• Repeatedly coming out of the cold into the dry heat of your home can cause itchy, flaking skin. Keep your home humidified and towel dry your pet as soon as he comes inside, paying special attention to his feet and in-between the toes. Remove any snow balls from between his foot pads.
• Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. If your dog is long-haired, simply trim him to minimize the clinging ice balls, salt crystals and de-icing chemicals that can dry his skin, and don’t neglect the hair between his toes. If your dog is short-haired, consider getting him a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs, this is regulation winter wear.
• Bring a towel on long walks to clean off stinging, irritated paws. After each walk, wash and dry your pet’s feet and stomach to remove ice, salt and chemicals—and check for cracks in paw pads or redness between the toes.
• Bathe your pets as little as possible during cold spells. Washing too often can remove essential oils and increase the chance of developing dry, flaky skin. If your pooch must be bathed, ask your vet to recommend a moisturizing shampoo and/or rinse.
• Massaging petroleum jelly or other paw protectants into paw pads before going outside can help protect from salt and chemical agents. Booties provide even more coverage and can also prevent sand and salt from getting lodged between bare toes and causing irritation. Use pet-friendly ice melts whenever possible.
• Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol.
• Pets burn extra energy by trying to stay warm in wintertime. Feeding your pet a little bit more during the cold weather months can provide much-needed calories, and making sure she has plenty of water to drink will help keep her well-hydrated and her skin less dry.
• Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.
• Remember, if it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet, so keep your animals inside. If left outdoors, pets can freeze, become disoriented, lost, stolen, injured or killed. In addition, don’t leave pets alone in a car during cold weather, as cars can act as refrigerators that hold in the cold and cause animals to freeze to death.

Information provided by ASPCA: Cold Weather Pet Safety Tips

Pets And Fires – Keeping Your Pets Safe

With all the recent fires in California, we wanted to share some tips for keeping your pets safe if evacuation is ever needed.

These tips are from the American Red Cross. Please remember to always have a plan in place for evacuation for you, your family and four legged babies!

In order to help firefighters find your pets, The Red Cross suggests the following:

• Keep pets near entrances when away from home. Keep collars on pets and leashes at the ready in case firefighters need to rescue your pet. When leaving pets home alone, keep them in areas or rooms near entrances where firefighters can easily find them.
• Affix a pet alert window cling and write down the number of pets inside your house and attach the static cling to a front window. This critical information saves rescuers time when locating your pets. Make sure to keep the number of pets listed on them updated.

Listening to evacuation orders is crucial. It is smart to practice what you would do in an evacuation with these helpful tips:

• The best way to protect your pets from the effects of a fire is to include them in your family plan. This includes having their own disaster supplies kit as well as arranging in advance for a safe place for them to stay if you need to leave your home.
• When you practice your escape plan, practice taking your pets with you. Train them to come to you when you call.
• In the event of a disaster, if you must evacuate, the most important thing you can do to protect your pets is to evacuate them, too. But remember: never delay escape or endanger yourself or family to rescue a family pet.

Check The American Red Cross for other helpful fire tips.

How To Eliminate Small Pet Odor

Do you have small pets?

Clear The Air can help you naturally eliminate their odors! Read the rest of this entry »

What’s The Best Tech For You, Your Pets, and the Environment?

Do you need help controlling litter box odors or keeping an eye on your pets while you are gone?

Clear The Air would like to share some of the best technology for you, your pets, and the environment.

When you think about technology that can save you time or make your life easier, tech for your pets is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. But there are many options available that can help you reach your goals while taking care of your pets and the environment. Here are a few ideas that all savvy pet owners can benefit from trying out.

Keep Your Furry Friend in Your Sights

Most people who have dogs consider their canine to be a part of their family, and the same sentiment often applies to cats too. So it’s understandable that one of the main fears of having a pet is them somehow getting away and you not being able to find them. You can easily put this fear to rest by using a GPS tracker to keep tabs on your pet’s whereabouts.

The Paw Tracker is an intuitive, lightweight tracker that can be clipped directly onto your furry pal’s collar. The tracking system is linked to your smartphone and you can quickly see the location of your dog or cat anytime you get concerned. Make the whole system environmentally friendly by clipping the Paw Tracker to an eco-friendly collar like one from Earth Dog and by using your smartphone of choice.

Freshen and Clear The Air

Ask any cat lover what the biggest downside is to owning these lovable companions and they’ll almost always answer, “litter boxes.” Although a necessary part of having a cat, the smell is unpleasant and cleaning them can be a hassle. The good news is technology has produced a solution.

Try the Litter-Robot, an automatic self-cleaning litter box that eliminates the need to scoop out the clumps in the litter box yourself. It helps you save pounds of litter and will also significantly reduce how much trash you throw out each year. Of course this doesn’t solve the odor problem, so you’ll want to couple the Litter-Robot with the Clear the Air Cat Urine Odor Remover Bundle. Our product is non-toxic and biodegradable, and therefore safe for the planet. Using these two items in tandem ensures that you will have a much more pleasant experience with the least fun aspect of cat ownership and the environment will benefit at the same time.

Upgrade Your Food and Water System

The daily chore of feeding your kitties and pooches can sometimes be difficult. You get stuck at work late one day, and they’re meowing and howling by the time you get home. Or you need to go on a short trip but have no one who can come by and refill your pets’ food and water bowls. Or maybe you’ve been told by your veterinarian that your furry best friend needs to lose a little weight for her health. Once again, technology to the rescue.

Have you considered an automatic pet feeder? The Automatic Pet Feeder from Toppy Pets is made from eco-friendly plastic and takes care of your creatures’ most basic needs when you’re not able to. Simply want to slow down your dog’s eating time, and help her get a little weight off? Try the Simply Pets A-Maze-In-A-Bowl Slow Feed Dog Bowl, which is made from eco-friendly bamboo fibers and helps manage canine obesity.

Whatever your goals and needs are for your cats and dogs, there’s likely a device that can help you achieve them. Give these products and systems a try and feel good about the benefits to you, your furry children and the environment.

Taking Your Pets With You On A Road Trip?

Road Trip! When traveling with your pets it is important to take extra precautions to make sure they have a good time too.

Clear The Air would like to share these tips to keep your pets safe while you enjoy your trip.

1. Prepare – If your trip isn’t right away, prepare your pets with short trips in the car to get them ready for the big day.

2. Pack – Bring your pet’s favorite toys and blanket to help calm them on the long trip. Also pack all the supplies you will need for you pet including their food, water, dishes, bedding, leashes, litter boxes, and any medications they need.

3. ID Please – Don’t forget to bring your pet’s identification. Make sure the identification contains your current contact information and it’s attached to a sturdy collar. This will be helpful in case they do get lost.

4. Be Safe and Secure – Pets are the safest in a carrier. Bring carriers for your pets to ride in while you are driving and make sure they are secured in your car. Sharp turns and sudden stops can cause your pets and their carriers to fall over and they can get hurt. Make sure the carriers are well ventilated and big enough for them to move around comfortably in.

5. Take A Break – Be sure to make several stops along the way so pets can get out of the car and go to the bathroom. Make sure pets are wearing their identification and are on a leash for their safety.

6. Bring Your Pets With You – If you need to stop for a snack, gas, or a meal, always take your pets with you. Don’t ever leave pets in the car even if it’s only going to be a few minutes. If you can’t take pets inside with you, take turns sitting outside with your pets so they are not left alone.

Keep Your Pets Safe This 4th of July!

The 4th of July is full of outdoor activities with your family and pets!

Clear The Air wants to remind you to keep your pets safe while you enjoy the holiday. Here are some food and water safety tips from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) to make sure everyone has a fun day.

Food Safety

• Never leave alcoholic drinks unattended where pets can reach them. Alcoholic beverages have the potential to poison pets. If ingested, the animal could become very intoxicated and weak, severely depressed or could go into a coma.
• Keep your pets on their normal diet. Any change, even for one meal, can give your pet severe indigestion and diarrhea. Foods such as onions, chocolate, coffee, avocado, grapes, raisins, salt and yeast dough can all be potentially toxic to companion animals.
• Do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellent product to your pet that is not labeled specifically for use on animals. Ingestion of sunscreen products can result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy. The misuse of insect repellent that contains DEET can lead to neurological problems.
• Keep matches, lighter fluid, citronella candles, insect coils and tiki torch oil products out of reach. Ingestion can produce stomach irritation and possibly even central nervous system depression. If inhaled, the oils could cause aspiration pneumonia in pets.

Water Safety

• Don’t let pets drink pool or ocean water. Drinking a large amount of sea water can lead to elevated sodium levels for dogs, which can cause nausea, vomiting, lethargy, tremors and potentially seizures. Pool water, on the other hand, can lead to low sodium levels. Signs of ingestion often start with nausea, vomiting and lethargy, and can progress to depression, unsteadiness, and even coma and seizures. Have your pet take breaks from playtime and drink lots of fresh water throughout the day. If a pet is exhibiting any neurological signs, get into a veterinary clinic immediately.
• Keep your pet away from ocean critters. Star fish, sea urchins, jelly fish and squid are just a few of the creatures that can pose risk for our pets. If your pet is in or near the ocean, keep a close eye on him or her, and make sure they stay in more shallow water.
• Avoid Algae. “Red tides” in the ocean are caused by a reddish-brown algal bloom that can be toxic to sea life, humans and our pets—leading to anything from eye and breathing issues to stomach upset, confusion or seizures. Blue-green algae can be found in fresh water like lakes or ponds, and ingestion can cause a serious problems like liver disease or affect the nervous system. Before letting your pet get in any water, check the area for postings and/or the presence of algae. If you see anything suspicious, it would be better to stay on dry land.
• Practice pool safety. When pets get into the containers of the pool chemicals before they have been diluted, it can lead to burns—both on the skin with prolonged contact, or in the mouth and stomach if ingested. If you have caught your dog ingesting any pool chemicals, give a small amount of water or milk to dilute and then call APCC or take to a local veterinary clinic for evaluation.

Halloween Safety For Your Pets

Halloween is an exciting time of year, but the excitement might be a little too much for your pets. It is important to take simple precautions on Halloween to keep your pets safe.

Clear The Air would like to share these safety tips:

• Don’t give your pets any candy and keep the candy bowl out of their reach. Chocolate, xylitol (a sugar substitute), and wrappers can be very dangerous for pets.
• Make sure your pets are wearing their ID tags even if you don’t plan on taking them out. They could accidentally get out while the door is constantly opening and be scared off by Trick-or-Treaters coming to your house.
• The loud voices, constant door bell ringing, and knocks on your door can stress out your pet. Keeping your pets in another room during Trick-or-Treating time will help your pets feel safe.
• As a precaution, bring your outdoor pets inside to keep them safe from any cruel Halloween pranks.
• Keep Halloween decorations away from pets. If you are going to display your pumpkins with candles, put them where you pets can’t reach or accidentally knock over.
• Keep the costumes simple! Make sure they fit and are comfortable for your pet. Check for any loose pieces that you pet may be able to chew off and supervise them while they are dressed in costumes.

New Product – Clear The Air Cat Bundle!

Clear the Air has a new product!! Keep your favorite furry friend happy with the NEW CAT BUNDLE!

• Clear the Air removes cat urine odors in carpets, concrete, wood floors, tile, furniture, and litter boxes with out chemicals or fragrances.
• Clear the Air does not have to come into contact with the odor producer; it will pull the odors from the carpet pad, and sub-floor.
• 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.
• 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 CAT URINE ODOR

Litter Box:

• Add granules to bottom of litter box, add litter then add additional granules on top.
• Add 1/2 cup of granules each time litter is changed or scooped or as needed.
• Clear The Air will extend the life of your cat litter!
• Hang one bag above or near the sand box.

Carpets, Wood Floors, Tile, Concrete, or Furniture:

• Remove excess feces and urine.
• Sprinkle granules on hard surface, furniture, or carpet.  Brush into carpet.
• Leave down 24 hours and vacuum or sweep up.
• Typically one application will remove all odors, occasionally a second application is necessary.

Success Story From The Humane Society

Do you have a happy success story about a pet you adopted? Comment on our blog!

The San Diego Humane Society helps many homeless animals find their new home. There are many senior cats in need of forever homes! Since November is adopt a senior pet month, here is a success story about Sia, a senior cat, who is very happy with her new family.

Sia’s Story:

I am attaching a picture of the lovely lady we adopted almost 1 1/2 years ago from SDHS on Airport Road. The senior pets are a passion of mine and I encourage people all the time to give one of these beautiful animals a chance and a home. They are typically easy to care for and just appreciate having a comfy place to nap, some food, and a little lovin.’

We adopted Sia (aka Saipao) in May 2013 and she was almost 15 years old. She will be 16 in November and is going strong. There are many days that I don’t think she realizes how old she is!

As you can see, she is a beautiful Blue Point Siamese and she has brought nothing but joy into our lives. There hasn’t been one day with her that we have regretted getting her.

I hope by sharing her story that we can encourage more people to take a senior pet into their homes – you will never regret giving them peace and love in their final days/years!

David & Gina D.