Gingr Online Reservation Features
How to Care for Your Pet’s Nails
The Good and Bad of Retractable Leashes?
Know Which Foods are Toxic for Your Pets

Second Home Pet Resort now offers the ability to book your pet’s grooming or boarding directly online!

Just visit our website at www.secondhomepetresort.com/reservations.php.

If one of our staff members created the profile for you, simply choose the option to sign in with your email address or phone number. You will be prompted to create your own unique password for future logins.

If you do not yet have a customer profile with Gingr (if you have yet to use our services), create one from this page by choosing the “not a current customer link.”

The customer portal is very user friendly and easy to navigate. If you have any questions, please call us at 602-997-6600.

Please note: If you request a grooming appointment or boarding reservation, it is NOT confirmed until you receive an email from us.

What can you do on the customer portal?

• View and edit your contact info
• Upload files such as immunization records and photos of your pets.
• Add or remove credit cards on file.
• View and edit pet info, as well as add new pets.
• View past and future reservations, as well as cancel reservations, or confirm reservations after you’ve asked for confirmation.
• Make reservation requests.
• View a receipt by clicking on the “View” button next to any completed reservation, as well as any report card that was created for that reservation.
• Purchase store credit.
• Apply pre-payment to upcoming reservation estimates.
• Pay off balances from open invoices.
• Purchase Doggie Day Care Punch Cards.

How to Care for Your Pet’s Nails
Trimming your pet’s nails can be challenging. Some dogs and cats have no issues but some don’t like it at all. However, nail care is very important for them.

For dogs: Some do not need their nails trimmed. According to the article, “How to Clip Dog Nails” at PetMD.com, “Many will naturally wear the nails down, or the dried ends of the nails will simply flake away without you even knowing.” For certain breeds such as the Dachshund, the nails should be kept short. You’ll need to trim your dog’s nails “anywhere from once per week to once per month” depending on the size and breed of the dog, the article said.

Many people who are afraid to cut their dog’s nails are afraid of cutting the nail too close to the quick: “The pink area of the nail is the live part and has blood vessels throughout,” the article said. However, sometimes it’s difficult to see the quick especially with black hair and nails so check at the end of the nails. “The dead area usually is whitish and as you cut deeper into the end of the nail you will begin to see a dark area.,” the article said. “This dark area is where the live part starts.”

For cats: The pink part of the nail is the quick so don’t cut it. “Snip only the white part of the claw,” according to the article, “Cat Grooming Tips,” at the ASPCA.org. “It’s better to be cautious and cut less of the nail rather than risk cutting this area.”

Keep styptic powder on hand, just in case you do cut too close to the quick on your dog or the claw on your cat. If you have any issues, speak with your vet or your groomer.

The Good and Bad of Retractable Leashes?
While out walking your dog, you may see other people using a retractable leash with their canine. Or you may use one yourself. There’s been a lot of controversy about these leashes concerning possible dangers. It’s best to learn about them before making your own decision.

There are some pros and cons, according to the article, “Why Retractable Leashes Are Dangerous” at Petful.com:

Pros

• Retractable leashes allow dogs to move up to 20 and even 30 feet from their human. If a dog is trained well, this can be very positive.
• If done correctly, “these inventions give their dogs wonderful freedom without danger.”

Cons

• For just about all the cons of the retractable leash, it is usually human error that causes the problems.
• It’s extremely difficult to control a dog who is 30 feet away.
• “There is a warning right on the handle to take caution with your fingers,” the Petful article said. “Fingers have been amputated when entangled in these leashes. Humans have suffered serious rope burns and deep gashes as well.”
• Trauma can involve the leashes wrapping around dogs’ legs. “If you try to retract the leash, the leash naturally becomes tighter around the victim,” the Petful article said.

The retractable leash is not a good idea for certain pets or owners. According to the article, “Retractable Leashes: Are They Dangerous?” at PetMD.com, “Veterinarians say they see a lot of injuries related to retractable leashes.”

Injuries can include neck and dog fight injuries (for dogs who are too far away from their owner). Additionally, humans can become injured after being wrapped up in a retractable leash.

Many issues arise out of humans not truly knowing how to use the retractable leash. For any issues you may have, consider speaking with your vet and a trainer.

Know Which Foods are Toxic for Your Pets

There are so many food items that can harm your pet. While we often think about how to keep pets away from foods that can be toxic to them during holidays, there are many toxic foods in our home every day. So, it’s important to be aware.

Did you know that something called xylitol is dangerous to your dog? Xylitol is a sweetener that’s been used in everything from gum, toothpaste, and baked goods to candy and diet foods. “It can cause your dog’s blood sugar to drop and can also cause liver failure,” according to the article, “Slideshow: Foods Your Dog Should Never Eat,” at WebMd.com. “Early symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and coordination problems.”

A list of other toxic foods your pets should avoid include:
• Avocado
• Alcohol
• Garlic and onions
• Caffeine drinks such as coffee and tea
• Raisins and grapes
• Milk and dairy products
• Macadamia nuts
• Chocolate
• Persimmons, peaches, and plums
• Raw meat, fish and eggs

From household items that are poisonous to pets and the food you feed yourself that pets should not eat to household products that are poisonous, there are so many very poisonous items that can pose great danger to pets, according to the ASPCA.org.

“Macadamia nuts can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia in dogs,” according to the article, “People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets” at ASPCA.org. And signs typically appear within 12 hours. Then there’s raw or undercooked meat, eggs, and bones. “Raw meat and raw eggs can contain bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli that can be harmful to pets and humans,” the ASPCA.org article said.

If you fear your pet has gotten into anything toxic, call your veterinarian immediately. You can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. (They may charge a consultation fee.)

Cats are known for so many things, and those range from being particular to aloof. Felines the world over often have a reputation for not being as warm and fuzzy as dogs Sometimes, cats just want to be alone. Of course, those traits are not always true. Ask any cat lover, and they’ll tell you all about their adorable feline who loves to play or snuggle. And, just like with any animal, cats have individual personalities.

There are things cats do that are pretty common such as that they purr, they knead, sleep a lot, love boxes, and many love catnip, too.

So, what about things we don’t know about cats that might be a little surprising and amusing. According to the article, “5 Facts About Cats You (Probably) Never Knew” at PetMD.com, cats are talkative because of “their ability to make over 100 different sounds. Dogs, on the other hand, can make only 10 different vocalizations.”

Let’s talk some history: Did you know that Julius Caesar and Napoleon were not fans of felines? In fact, they were scared of cats. On the other hand, President Abraham Lincoln loved them so much “and had four cats during his time as president,” the article said.

According to the article, “14 Cool and Interesting Facts About Cats That You May Not Know About,” at PetHelpful.com, more interesting cat facts include:

• Kittens lose their baby teeth.
• One cat’s ear has 32 muscles! “A cat can rotate its ears 180 degrees and can turn in the direction of sound 10 times faster than that of the best watchdog,” the PetHelpful article said.
• Just like a fingerprint, a cat’s nose pad “has a unique pattern,” according to PetHelpful.
• A cat’s deep purr can mean an indication of pain.
• As with dogs, cats can become very sick and even die after ingesting chocolate. So, it’s best to keep it away from your cats.
• A cat may rub against a person to show affection, but it’s also to leave his scent. “In a way, it’s so your cat can communicate to other felines where they have been and that you are essentially already claimed,” the PetHelpful article said.
• We’ve heard that cats have great eyesight, and as a general rule they do. “To see properly at night, a cat only needs one-sixth of the light that humans need,” the PetHelpful article said.

Some other cool facts about cats are just that, pretty cool. According to the article, “Animal Facts: Fun Cat Facts for Kids,” at ScienceKids.com, here are some cool facts:

• The association between cats and people is about 10,000 years old!
• A clowder is the term for a group of cats.
• “The heaviest domestic cat on record is 21.297 kilograms (46 lb 15.2 oz), the Science Kids article said.

Even if you thought you knew cats or even your own cat, there’s always something out there that we just don’t know. And, there are tons of fun and amazing things to learn.

Spring Means Allergy Season; How To Help Your Pets
Spring Is a Great Way to Bring On the Outdoor Fun with Your Dog
Do You Own Your Pet or Does Your Pet Own You?

Spring Means Allergy Season; How To Help Your Pets
As spring approaches so does allergy season. It’s not just for people; our pets can be affected, too. It’s no fun for our furry family members. So, what can we do to help them?

Although our pets can have allergies throughout the year, springtime seems to be worse with “outdoor triggers,” according to the article, “Can Dogs Have Spring Allergies?” at Vetsreet.com. Those can include “weeds, trees, and grass pollens.”

For dogs, evidence of allergies is in itchy skin as well as ear and skin infections, which are unpleasant. Dogs typically itch in their paws, face and ears. “Because allergic disease in dogs so commonly presents in the skin, veterinary dermatologists are sometimes tasked with addressing atopy,” the article said, which is an allergic skin reaction.

Before managing the allergies, your veterinarian has to confirm the diagnosis of atopy. Treatment can include allergy shots or medications.

The primary types of allergies are food allergies and environmental allergies. For dogs and cats, “allergies more often take the form of skin irritation or inflammation – a condition called allergic dermatitis,” according to the article, “If Your Dog is Itchy or Your Cat is Wheezy, You Need to Read This” at Healthy Pets.

These types of allergies can include excessive scratching and chewing at the site among other things to relieve the itchiness. Many dogs will also get itchy ear canals that become inflamed. “Signs your pet’s ears are giving him problems include scratching at the ears, head shaking, and hair loss around the ears,” the article said. “If infection is present there will often be odor and a discharge from the ears.”

In order to ensure your pet doesn’t suffer from all the itchiness and being uncomfortable, it’s best to make an appointment with your vet to get started on treatment.

Spring Is a Great Way to Bring On the Outdoor Fun with Your Dog
Spring is in the air and what a great time to get outdoors with your dog for some fun activities. It’s not too cold and it’s not too hot. It’s usually just right.

Start with some fun activities right in your own backyard.

Just letting your dog out the back door is not enough though. Sure, he’s outside and enjoying the sun, but there has to be more, including some mental and physical stimulation. “Not only is playing outside fun, but it will likely lead to better behavior when inside the house,” according to the article, “5 Fun Activities to Do With Your Dog in the Backyard,” at PetMD.com.

The article said there are many things to do, including:

• Play fetch. From the old-fashioned game to using automatic launchers, this game is always in style.
• Dog agility.
• Scent work, which uses your dog’s sense of smell to sniff out things.
• Water games using a sprinkler or even a bucket.
• Hide and seek.

Leave your own backyard and get more inventive with your dog, too. According to the article, “Reinventing Playtime: 20 Fun Activities to Do With Your Dog,” at Vetstreet.com, there are lots of new experiences you can give your dog. “Varying the activity helps keep pets mentally and physically satiated and easier to settle at home,” the article said.

The Vetstreet article suggests:

• Play dates. If you have a very social dog who likes other dogs, head for the dog park.
• Get out on the town and head over to places such as dog-friendly stores and outdoor dining spots.
• Exercise. If your dog loves to run, get out and either walk or run (talk to your vet first).

Fun comes in many forms, and when you’re with your furry best friend, you’ll take fun to the next level.

Do You Own Your Pet or Does Your Pet Own You?
People often joke about their pet and who’s the boss and who calls all the shots. How do you determine if you own your pet or the other way around?

According to the article, “7 Signs Your Dog Owns You,” at Vetstreet.com, “Your dog owns you. You might be laughing now, but think about it — you’ve surrendered the best seat on the sofa to him, you plan your entire weekend around his trips to the dog park, and you take him to the groomer more often than you get your own hair cut.”

You may have an Instagram account for your cat, a Facebook page devoted to your bunny, or you may have an entire website just for your dog. So, who’s in charge here?

The Vetstreet article talks about all the ways dogs rule:

• Your pretty pooch has a better wardrobe than you.
• Forget the remote, as your dog has the rights to what to watch on TV.
• Your pet takes your side of the bed.
• You pet has more toys than your children do!

There are many households where the resident pet is in charge. Sometimes, that is telling in just a simple bark. “…I realize there’s no way to get around a bark unless you give them what they want,” according to the article, “10 Ways Your Pet Owns You… And You’re Totally Okay With It” at Elite Daily.

You may even give your pet leftovers from your own dinner. And who gets up at 3 a.m. unless it’s for their pet who has to go outside to go potty? If you suspect your pet doesn’t feel well, it’s off to the vet.

Some people may not agree with having a pet that owns them, but every situation and person and pet is different.