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Four months ago, I said goodbye to my sidekick of 11 years. Fletch was the inspiration behind Heidi’s Hounds after I spent decades in a corporate career traveling the globe and unable to find peace of mind pet care for Fletch (and others before him). Like everyone else who has made the decision to euthanize a sick pet, I agonized over making this decision for my little buddy. Fletch was very sick with failing kidneys and early stages of dementia.

People tend to think all you need is a love of animals to run a pet sitting business. I’m here to tell you it’s simply not enough. The team at Heidi’s Hounds work together as a well oiled machine 👍 Our pet sitters are employees not independent contractors or some random stranger at the end of an app. This is an important distinction for you as a pet owner. Of course you can hire someone who walks dogs and pet

- Did you know some dogs have BLUE tongues? - Contrary to popular belief, dog tongues are not cleaner than human tongues. - Dogs use their tongues to help cool themselves. - Some dogs are born with tongues too big for their mouths ~ huh??? - A dog's tongue influences the way his bark sounds. - Dog tongues have fewer taste buds than humans. - Dogs use their tongues to express emotions.

Even during Covid, there’s something about the bright lights and decorations throughout our beautiful community that makes the holidays feel like the most wonderful time of the year even in 2020. However, the merriment can quickly turn into a trip to your local veterinary emergency room if you’re not careful with seasonal décor.  Here are some common pet hazards to be aware of this season: Holiday Plants Contrary to popular belief, poinsettias and Christmas cactus only pose a mild threat

Still thinking of jumping on the pandemic puppy bandwagon? A puppy under the tree for the kids this holiday season? Puppies are adorable! Everyone loves a squishy bundle of love! Before making the decision to get a puppy, take time to really think about what it means to bring a puppy into your household. Puppies require a lot of work. You will need time and energy to deal with house training and boundless puppy energy. Effective house training requires the

1. Affection Studies show that snuggling with and petting your dog raises endorphins, dopamine and oxytocin levels. These feel good hormones are good for your health. Research also confirms that looking into your dog’s eyes can give you a positive emotional boost. 2. Free Help Cleaning Up Food Messes If you don’t mind your pup hanging out under the kitchen table, you won’t have to worry about the kids dropping food on the floor! 3. Dogs Keep You Moving No

With all the crazy in the country, it’s a great time to remind you that November is not only election season, it is Adopt A Senior Dog Month. If you’re considering a new companion, give some thought to picking an older dog from your local rescue or shelter. Mature pets make great additions to the family for a lot of reasons. Most come house trained and understand basic commands. Adopting an already-trained dog will save you a lot of time,

Halloween is right around the corner and while this year will be quite different than prior years, chances are costumes and candy will still be involved. Most pets are happiest wearing nothing but their birthday suits for Halloween festivities. However, the National Retail Federation states that pumpkins and hot dogs are the top two pet Halloween costume picks. If you choose a costume for your pet, introduce it slowly with plenty of treats and positive reinforcement. Cut off any chewable

Pandemic puppy has become the new moniker of 2020. For all of us who’ve added a fur friend to our homes this year, we already know that caring for a companion animal provides a sense of purpose and contentment and lessens the feelings of isolation. Our pets are not only our good friends; they are also good for our souls. When you adopt a pet, you are literally saving a life. Every single year, millions (yes millions) of adoptable dogs

There is nothing quite like the smell of a new puppy 🙂  It’s tempting to spend every waking moment with your new friend, but you won’t be doing your puppy any favors if you do because sooner or later you’ll have to leave them on their own. Because dogs are such incredibly social creatures, training them to spend time alone will relieve a lot of future stress for both of you. Start by teaching your pup to be alone while

Did you know there are health benefits to owning a pet?  Pets can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, ease loneliness, encourage exercise and can improve your cardiovascular health. Pets fulfill the basic human need for touch. Studies show that prisoners exhibit long-term changes in their behavior after interacting with pets, many experiencing mutual affection for the first time. Research has found: - Pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression than those without pets. - People with pets have lower blood pressure in

I may be a little biased but I never get tired of learning cool facts about our canine companions. Here are 10 of my favorite fun facts about dogs: 1. There are over 75 million pet dogs in the United States; more than any other country. 2. A dog’s nose print is unique, much like a person’s fingerprint. 3. Forty-five percent of U.S. dogs sleep in their owner’s bed. 4. Seventy percent of people sign their dog’s name on their

The scariest news a pet owner can hear is their dog or cat is lost. Whether a yard gate was left open, or a door to the house wasn’t pulled tightly closed, the news of a missing pet is devastating. Research shows that 1 in 3 pets will become lost in their lifetime and fewer than 2% of lost cats and 15% of lost dogs ever find their way home.  According to a study by Ohio State University, micro-chipped cats

While we revel in Independence Day celebrations, most pets don’t share our love for fireworks. Loud fireworks can be very frightening to pets, and there’s great risk of pets becoming spooked and running away. Sadly, more pets get lost on July 4 than any other day of the year. To keep everyone safe this holiday, keep these tips in mind: - Be sure your dog is wearing an up to date ID tag at all times and take a current

Hot asphalt during warm weather months in New England poses a danger to your dog’s paws. There’s a simple test you can do to check whether the pavement is too hot for your pooch. Simply touch the pavement with the back of your hand. If you can’t hold your hand on the pavement for seven seconds, then it’s too hot for your pooch’s paws. Even if the air temperature feels pleasant to you, remember the ground can get much hotter than

Like many others have done during stay at home orders, I adopted a new dog last week. Maci is a 12 pound Chihuahua mix who came to me from Alabama. Bringing home a newly adopted pet is super exciting to humans! However, keep your excitement in check and consider your new dog’s state of mind. The first few days and weeks can be very confusing for your new pooch. Don’t be alarmed if your new dog doesn’t want to eat;

In spite of the chilly spring temperatures and rainy weather, many folks are already finding ticks on their pets. Pet owners should be safeguarding their pets now for warmer weather. Here are a few tips to keep your pets happy and healthy as we prepare for sunny days ahead. Pets Can Suffer from Seasonal Allergies Just like their humans, our pets can suffer with seasonal allergies from new grasses, flowers and trees blooming in spring. However, unlike most humans, pets

If you’re looking for things to do with the family, here is a super simple recipe for homemade dog biscuits that even I can manage! They are inexpensive to make, and your canine pals will go crazy for the peanut butter flavor. My pooch Fletch thinks I’m a culinary genius. Enjoy! Ingredients: 2 cups whole wheat flour • If your dog has a wheat allergy; substitute all-purpose flour 1 cup toasted wheat germ 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon • Do NOT

Are you thinking of a new pet while you’re stuck at home? I’ve spoken to a number of people wondering if this is a good time to add a new puppy to their household. Many rescue groups and animal shelters across the country are reporting success finding homes for many of their furry tenants. Pets offer a way to help ease the feeling of isolation that comes with staying home day in and day out. Animals provide constant companionship, comfort

If your pooch is anything like mine, he is probably LOVING all the extra walks and attention that have come with social distancing. When life returns to normal, our pets won't understand why we're suddenly gone all day. An abrupt change in schedule can trigger the development of separation anxiety in some dogs. Set your pooch up for success now while you have the time at home. Practice leaving him alone each day. Start with just a few minutes at

Following are a few updates from the Humane Society of the United States and the World Health Organization concerning pets and COVID-19: At this time, there is no evidence that the virus that causes COVID-19 can spread to people from the skin or fur of pets. Can dogs get the new coronavirus (COVID-19)? At this time, experts believe it is very unlikely. The W.H.O. currently advises that there is no evidence to suggest that dogs or cats can be infected

Just like humans, our dogs need regular and consistent exercise to live a long healthy life. An estimated 54% of dogs and cats in the United States are considered obese. In addition to regulating diet, this could easily be prevented with proper exercise to avoid obesity related health problems for your pet. Exercise is good for all of us. It provides many health benefits that include keeping your pet healthy, agile, and limber. Regular exercise also supports healthy aging by easing

Thanksgiving is such a great time to spend with family and friends and be thankful for all the good in our lives. It’s also a great day to gorge ourselves on a feast fit for a king. However, like many other favorite human holidays, Thanksgiving is full of customs that are actually hazardous to our pets. We all know Thanksgiving food rocks, but let’s talk about some of our favorite dishes and the threats they pose to Fido: • The

Halloween is right around the corner and the Heidi’s Hounds team is looking forward to seeing all the furry ghosts and goblins on the South Shore! Most pets are happiest wearing nothing but their birthday suits for Halloween festivities. However, the National Retail Federation states that pumpkins and hot dogs are the top two pet Halloween costume choices. If you choose a costume for your pet, introduce it to your pet slowly with plenty of treats and positive reinforcement. It’s

On May 7, 2017 I took a chance on a senior dog languishing in an animal shelter at the later stages of his life. Fast forward to August 4, 2019, when I helped my senior friend over the Rainbow Bridge. Even though Scout and I only knew each other for 2.5 short years, he stole my heart. Scout was my four-legged soul mate. Making the decision to say goodbye to Scout was one of the most heart wrenching decisions I’ve

It’s summer in New England; this is a great time to maximize outdoor fun with your pooch! 1. Walk or exercise your dog early in the day: Temperatures are coolest in the early morning hours. This is a great time of day to get outside with your dog before the heat makes exercise too dangerous for him. 2. Dogs get sunburn: If your dog is out during peak sun hours of 10am – 2pm, consider using sunscreen on sensitive areas

Summer is right around the corner and it’s a good time to remind all pet owners not to leave pets in the car on a hot day. Hundreds of pets die annually from heat exhaustion because they are left in parked vehicles. Unlike humans, dogs are unable to sweat. They rely mainly on their respiratory tract to dispel heat by panting. Dogs with more nasal surface area are more efficient at dispelling heat vs. smushed face breeds. However, overheating can

The scariest news a pet owner can hear is that their dog or cat is lost. Whether a yard gate was left open, or a door to the house wasn’t pulled tightly closed, the news of a missing pet is devastating. Research shows that 1 in 3 pets will become lost in their lifetime and fewer than 2% of lost cats and 15% of lost dogs ever find their way home. 40% of lost cats are considered “indoor only” and

If you’re considering an Easter Bunny for the kids this year, read this first! Rabbits make wonderful indoor pets. They can be litter box trained like cats, they don’t take up much space and they’re cute and cuddly. However, before you run out and buy one for the kids this season, understand what it’s like to be a bunny rabbit parent. Contrary to what you may think, domestic bunnies are not as low-cost as you might imagine. Initial expense outlays

Many of the items we have around our homes and yards can be highly toxic to our pets. Safe for humans doesn’t automatically mean safe for dogs and cats. Below are the most common culprits in pet poisoning incidents. In the Kitchen Your dog’s metabolism is very different from your own. Many foods commonly found in the kitchen are toxic for our pets. While some human foods can be safely shared with your pooch, avoid giving your pets any of

February has long been celebrated as a month of romance. A great time to connect with those we love and create feelings of warmth in the middle of a cold winter. It’s also a good time to spoil our pets with love and affection. Unfortunately, some of our favorite romantic traditions can pose a threat to our furry friends. With a small dose of caution, Valentine’s Day can be as much fun for pets as it is for humans—as long

Just like humans, our dogs need regular and consistent exercise to live a long healthy life. An estimated 54% of dogs and cats in the United States are considered obese. In addition to regulating diet, this could easily be prevented with proper exercise to avoid obesity related health problems for your pet. Exercise is good for all of us. It provides many health benefits that include keeping your pet healthy, agile, and limber. Regular exercise also supports healthy aging by easing

Baby it’s cold outside! My little terriers start to shiver when temps drop below 50 degrees. Every morning I layer them in their finest fleece sweaters, and off we go for a long walk. Do dogs really need protection from the cold? Dogs come equipped with fur which is in essence their own layering system. But a lot of pooches have short, light layers of fur and some are just not genetically well appointed to handle the cold winter temperatures

The holiday shopping season is officially upon us. Are you thinking of getting a puppy for the kids this year? Puppies are adorable! Everyone loves a squishy bundle of love! Before making the decision to get a puppy, take time to really think about what it means to bring a puppy into your household. Puppies require a lot of work. You will need time and energy to deal with housetraining and boundless puppy energy. Effective house training requires someone to

Halloween is right around the corner and the Heidi’s Hounds team is looking forward to seeing all the ghosts and goblins on the South Shore! The National Retail Federation states that pumpkins and hot dogs are the top two pet Halloween costume choices. Most pets are happiest wearing nothing but their birthday suits! However, if you choose a costume for your pet, introduce it to your pet slowly with plenty of treats and positive reinforcement. It’s advisable to start this

All good things must come to an end! As summer winds down, vacations end, and kids go back to school, keep in mind this time of year not only brings change in routine for humans, but for our furry friends as well. Dogs and cats grow accustomed to kids being home and the hustle and bustle of summertime fun around the house. Your pets may experience separation anxiety when kids go back to school and mom and dad go back

It’s summer in New England; this is a great time to maximize outdoor fun with your pooch!  Walk or exercise your dog early in the day: Temperatures are coolest in the early morning hours.  This is a great time of day to get outside with your pooch before the heat makes exercise too dangerous for him.  You’ll often see me and my terriers enjoying a long hike in World’s End at sunrise.  Dogs get sunburn: If your pooch is out

Summer is right around the corner in New England and this is a good time to remind all pet owners not to leave your pets in the car on a hot summer day. Sadly, hundreds of pets die annually from heat exhaustion because they are left in parked vehicles. Unlike humans, dogs are unable to sweat. They rely mainly on their respiratory tract to dissipate heat by panting. Dogs with more nasal surface area are more efficient at dissipating heat

Spring has finally sprung on the south shore! And with the spring weather comes all the happy dogs with their heads out car windows; ears flapping in the breeze and lips curled back from the wind. They look so happy they actually seem to be smiling! Even though the look of ecstasy on Fido’s face is undeniable, we really need to consider the safety of our pets when they are in this precarious position. Contemplate this; when humans get into

Despite the chilly New England spring weather, plenty of our clients are finding ticks on their pets. Not only are these insidious pests unpleasant, but there is much about them most people don’t understand. There are many different species in New England so it is best to consult with your vet on the best way to keep your dogs and cats safe. DISPELLING THE MYTHS   Ticks Die After the First Frost  Not True! As long as temperatures are not

The official start of spring on the South Shore will be upon us in just a few weeks! Temperatures will begin to remain favorable and outdoor activities will return full tilt.  And with the glorious Spring weather, new hazards arise for our domestic pets. Get Back on Track with Heartworm Prevention One of the single, largest dangers to the health of our domestic pets is heartworm disease.  These opportunistic worms spread through mosquito bites and can significantly damage the health

It sure feels like it’s been a long winter on the South Shore.  I really miss all the outdoor time with my dogs.  Unfortunately, we’ve got to persevere a little longer before Mother Nature turns up the heat. Winter walks with your dog can be beautiful, but I’m not a cold weather gal.  My bitter cold fingers and toes, wet and messy dogs and struggle to remain vertical on slick surfaces detracts me from appreciating the beauty of the season.

Mother nature has not been kind to the South Shore this winter.  My little terriers shiver when temps drop below 50 degrees! In order for them to entertain a walk, they each have a serious wardrobe of coats to choose from. Do dogs really need protection from the cold? Dogs come equipped with fur which is in essence their own layering system. But a lot of pooches have short, light layers of fur and some are just not genetically well

There’s something about everyone’s cheery mood, along with the bright lights and decorations dotted throughout our beautiful community that makes the holidays feel like the most wonderful time of the year!   However, the merriment can quickly turn into a trip to your local veterinary emergency room if you’re not careful with seasonal décor. Here are some common decorative hazards to be aware this season: Holiday Plants Contrary to popular belief, poinsettias and Christmas cactus only pose a mild threat to

Thanksgiving is such a great time to spend with family and friends and be thankful for all the good in our lives.  It’s also a great day to gorge ourselves on a feast fit for a king. However, like many other favorite human holidays, Thanksgiving is full of customs that are actually hazardous to our pets. We all know Thanksgiving food is delicious, but let’s talk about some of our favorite dishes and the threats they pose to Fido: Turkey

Halloween is right around the corner and the Heidi’s Hounds team is looking forward to seeing all the ghosts and goblins on the South Shore! The National Retail Federation states that pumpkins and hot dogs are the top two pet Halloween costume choices this year 😛 If you are planning to dress up Fido, plan ahead so wearing the costume isn’t scary for him. Introduce it to your pet slowly with plenty of treats and positive reinforcement. It’s advisable to

Sometimes, there just aren’t enough hours in the day to do it all. When you’re feeling overwhelmed, hiring a dog walker is a great way to take something off your plate while still making sure that your precious pet is still getting what they need. Not convinced? Here are a few more reasons you should hire a dog walker today. Walking makes dogs happy Don't we all want our dogs to be happy? Almost every dog we visit shows their

The statistics are scary- 40,000 pets die in house fires every year (source). The American Kennel Club and ADT Security Services declared National Pet Fire Safety Day in 2009 to educate pet owners on how to take steps to prevent house fires and protect their beloved pets. Taking preventable measures can save your home and your pet.  Often times our pets can cause a fire if proper precautions aren’t taken. Here are some easy fire safety tips that can keep

There are so many amazing Independence Day celebrations across Boston and the South Shore, but most pets don’t share our love of fireworks! Did you know…more pets get lost on July 4 than any other day of the year? (Home Again , 2017) How sad! To keep everyone safe this holiday, keep these tips in mind: -Be sure your dog is wearing an up to date ID tag at all times -Take a current photo of your dog just in case

We wait the whole year for our beautiful New England summers, so it’s no wonder that June is wedding season up here in the Northeast! It's becoming more and more common for couples to include their furry companions in the festivities of the big day! If you’re thinking of including your pet, consider his or her personality. Ask yourself: -Will your pet feel comfortable around your guests? -Is he obedient and well behaved? There’s no guarantee that your pet will

We love dogs and we know you do, too! Here are some interesting dog facts for this rainy Massachusetts Friday: • Some stray Russian dogs have figured out how to use the subway system in order to travel to more populated areas in search of food. • Dogs are capable of understanding up to 250 words and gestures, can count up to five and can perform simple mathematical calculations. • The average dog is as intelligent as a two-year-old child.

Easter is a special time for families, but there are a lot of not so obvious dangers that can threaten your pets’ safety. Here are few tips to keep them healthy and happy during the holiday. No Easter Grass Dogs and cats love to chew on fake Easter grass. This is a big no, no for our furry friends!  When your pet ingests something stringy like this, there is a high probability it can become fixed around the base of

Easter is coming, and some parents may think a pet rabbit will make a fun gift for children. Rabbits do make wonderful indoor pets because they can be litter box trained just like cats! However, before you make the commitment, learn the truth of what it’s like to be a bunny rabbit parent. Bunnies aren’t cheap Contrary to popular belief, domestic bunnies are not low-cost pets. Initial expense outlays include adoption fees or purchase price, food and water dishes, housing

The Heidi’s Hounds team follows a strict code of ethics when working with our client’s pets. On leash greetings between a client’s dog and other pets and humans is strictly forbidden. Our highest priority is to keep our client’s pet safe. We believe that on leash greetings present an unnecessary risk which can be completely avoided. The risk increases the more you do it and it only takes one bad interaction to lead to fear based issues for your dog

Even though the calendar says February, Mother Nature has been very kind to us on the South Shore this winter! What a glorious week we’ve had with temperatures in the 60s and 70s! The official start of spring will be upon us in just a few weeks! Temperatures will begin to remain favorable and outdoor activities will return full tilt.  And with the glorious Spring weather, new hazards arise for our domestic pets. Get Back on Track with Heartworm Prevention

It’s a good time to remind our clients that the Heidi’s Hounds team is out taking care of your pets in all kinds of weather! Please assume that despite any weather conditions, if you have a visit scheduled with Heidi’s Hounds, we will show up. During inclement weather and extremes in temperature in Massachusetts, it is important for us to take into consideration the time dogs spend outside. Some pooches can handle the extreme weather better than others. We will

We’re in the thick of winter in New England. To date Mother Nature has been kind but reality and experience tells us to be prepared for her winter fury! For your pets, this means being ready to protect paws from the cold, ice, salt and other winter hazards. While many pooches don’t love the idea of wearing winter booties, with patience and practice, most dogs will get accustomed to wearing them. Boots will eliminate your pet’s paws coming in contact

As 2016 comes to a close, we revel and reflect about another year gone by. During this celebratory time, you may want to consider a year end gift to an animal welfare organization to help them continue their work for animals in need of safeguarding. To help find the perfect animal charity, I like to refer to a non profit organization Charity Watch; an independent charity watch dog (no pun intended 🙂 ) giving donors information they need to make

Recently I was reminded why proper identification on our pets is so critical. Fletch and I had just finished a hike at World’s End in Hingham and were heading home. As we were driving up Martins Lane we came upon a dog in the middle of the road. This dog (a female) looked to be a healthy weight but was eating road kill and was wet from the misty morning. Another woman was trying to lure her off the busy

Our beautiful New England Fall weather has given way to a lot of ticks this season. We’re finding ticks on client’s pets on a regular basis. Not only are these critters gross, but there is much about them most people don’t understand. DISPELLING THE MYTHS Ticks Die After the First Frost – Not True! Deer ticks can remain active throughout the winter and into spring as long as temperatures are not below freezing. Other species, such as the Lone Star

Take A Break From The Post Election Rhetoric and Enjoy These 30 Fun Facts About Dogs! DOGS AND HUMANS 1. A dog’s nose is like a human fingerprint and can be used to identify them! 2. In South Carolina, the maximum sentence for beating your dog is longer than the sentence for beating your wife! 3. Dogs only have 1,700 taste buds vs 9,000 in humans. 4. Paul McCartney added an extra high pitched whistle in the song “A Day

I woke up to temperatures in the 20s this morning. BRRRRRRR! Fletch and I both start to shiver when temps drop below 50 degrees! Ignoring my husband’s teasing I layered Fletch in his fleece sweater and added a lightweight jacket on top and off we went for our morning walk. Do dogs really need protection from the cold? Dogs come equipped with fur which is in essence their own layering system. But a lot of pooches have short, light layers

Halloween is such a fun time in New England. Crisp temperatures, changing leaves- it’s perfect trick or treating weather. While we're all busy picking out costumes, buying bags of candy, and organizing parties, remember that Halloween is not all fun and games for your pet. Halloween Pet Safety Tips -Before the neighborhood ghosts and goblins start arriving at your door, put your pets in a quiet room where they will be safe from all the Halloween activity. If your dog

My clients RAVE about the pet sitting software Heidi’s Hounds uses to document our visits with your furry friends. This magical software allows our sitters to send you detailed pet care journals via email each and every time we visit your pet. The best part is that the software has GPS functionality which records the EXACT time your sitter checks into your home and checks out of their visit with your best friend. How cool is that?! Our pet care

All good things must come to an end, even our gorgeous New England summers! As summer winds down, vacations end, and kids go back to school, keep in mind this time of year not only brings change in routine for humans, but for our furry friends as well. Household Pets Like Routine Dogs and cats grow accustomed to kids being home and the hustle and bustle of summertime fun around the house! Your pets may experience separation anxiety when kids

Hard to believe that summer is winding down and Back to School season is just around the corner! In a few blinks of the eye, we will be knee deep in holiday shopping and holiday travel! Whether you’re back to work full time in September or starting to plan your holiday travel, be sure to consider your pet’s needs during this busy time of year. Traveling with pets is a lot of work Of course traveling with pets can certainly

I know, I know; the thought of feeding your dog RAW food sounds utterly disgusting to some people! But hear me out for a bit. I have a number of clients who complain their pooches have overly sensitive stomachs causing severe intestinal distress in some cases. A few of these folks have spent quite a bit of money on diagnostics which have not yielded clear answers. Six years ago, I was in the same situation with my own pooch Fletch.

Summer is finally here in New England and we think this is a good time to remind all pet owners not to leave Fido and Fluffy in the car on a hot summer day! Sadly, hundreds of pets die annually from heat exhaustion because they are left in parked vehicles. I think it’s safe to assume all pet owners have good intentions when they leave their pet unattended for “just a few minutes while I go in the store.” Unfortunately,

It’s summer time in New England! This is a great time to maximize outdoor fun with your pooch! Following are summertime tips to keep Fido healthy and happy all summer long! Walk or exercise your dog early in the day: Temperatures are coolest in the early morning hours. This is a great time of day to get outside with your pooch before the heat of the day makes exercise too dangerous for him. You’ll often see me and Fletch enjoying