by California Casualty | Homeowners Insurance Info, Pets |
You came home to a rug that’s been chewed to shreds and a mess on the carpet—again. Now your house is smelling (and looking) a bit like a kennel… You love your dog, so you’re thinking it may be time to scrap the carpet altogether.
But think twice before you make any rash decisions. Carpets have so many advantages for your home! They muffle noise. Dogs won’t slip and slide on them like they can on hard surfaces. You also don’t have to worry about their claws scratching your hardwood floor. Plus, carpets are a soft place for your feet and for their paws.
The good news is that dogs and carpets can actually coexist nicely. Here’s what you need to know.
Choose the right carpet.
Not all carpets are the same when it comes to protecting against pet stains and messes. Look for carpets made of nylon, wool, or a material known as olefin. The most popular option, nylon is durable and easy to clean. It also has built-in stain resistance. Wool, the more expensive option, has some natural stain resistance but cannot be treated with a stain-resistant coating. Olefin was originally used in outdoor carpets but has been engineered to have more of the feel of wool. It’s made from plastic fibers, is easy to clean, and repels moisture.
Take care of new messes right away.
Cleaning up after your pet is part of being a responsible pet owner. The best way to keep your carpet from staining is to address your pet’s accidents right away. If you use a store-bought cleaner, choose one with a neutral pH to help remove the acidity of your pet’s urine. You can also make your own cleaning solution from vinegar, baking soda, and water. Here are two natural methods for cleaning up pet urine on carpet.
Method #1
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- Place a thick layer of paper towels over the wet spot.
- Cover the towels with layers of newspaper.
- Stand on the newspaper for a few minutes for it to absorb the urine.
- Remove the paper and paper towels and dispose of them.
- Rinse the area with cool water.
- Blot up the water with towels. If you have a wet vac, you can use that instead.
- Once most of the liquid is blotted, spread baking soda over it. Use ¼ cup or less. (Note that large amounts of baking soda are toxic to dogs so keep your fur baby away.)
- Let the mixture sit overnight and then vacuum the spot thoroughly the next morning. The area should feel clean to the touch.
Method #2
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- In a clear spray bottle, mix one cup of distilled white vinegar with one cup of water and 2 teaspoons of baking soda. Shake it up.
- Spray the mixture on the stain.
- Let it sit for a few minutes and then blot it with a towel until clean.
You can use these methods for other pet messes such as vomit or poop. Remove the vomit or feces before treating the carpet, being careful not to embed it in the carpet fibers. Act quickly; the acid in vomit can quickly discolor your carpet.
Take care of old stains, too.
Old urine stains can cause a lingering odor in your home. You can take care of these stains in several ways. One way is to use an enzymatic cleanser that breaks down the stain at the molecular level. You can find these cleansers at pet stores. Another way is to rinse the area thoroughly with water, then use a wet-dry vacuum to clean it up. Importantly, do not use a steam cleaner. The heat can set the odor and stain permanently.
Not sure where the stains are? A blacklight can help you find them. The wavelengths of blacklight cause the proteins in urine to glow.
Add a carpet runner to high-traffic areas.
Consider a carpet runner or area rug over your wall-to-wall carpeting for an extra barrier. Place it in high-traffic areas or where your dog commonly goes. Carpet runners and area rugs may be picked up and cleaned, and more easily replaced, if needed.
Clean their paws and clean your carpet.
There’s a lot of preventive care that you can take to keep your carpets clean. Start by wiping and drying your dog’s paws when your fur baby comes in from outside—especially on rainy, snowy, or muddy days. Then, take care of your carpet by vacuuming regularly and shampooing your carpet every 12 months to remove dirt, grime, and allergens. You can schedule a professional carpet cleaning or do it yourself.
Train your pet.
When you adopted your pet, you made the commitment to stick with them through the good and the bad. Oftentimes bad behavior like going to the bathroom on the carpet can be un-trained. You can do this by kennel training when you are gone or using a reward method when they go outside. If you need help, talk to your pet’s veterinarian for ways you can teach your pet to unlearn these behaviors or find a local trainer! You may think you are doing them a favor by not disciplining them when they make a mess or start chewing on furniture, but really you are getting in the way of the great pet they have the potential of becoming- by not letting them learn that these behaviors are ‘bad’.
Keep in mind the age of your pet plays a factor. A puppy or an older dog may need extra attention and may have more accidents than a dog in its prime.
Does homeowner’s insurance cover damage from your pets?
Unfortunately, homeowner’s and renter’s insurance both do not cover the damage your pet does to your carpet—or to any of your personal property. Take note that even your carpet warranty probably does not cover pet damage. If your pet, however, gets loose and damages property at your neighbor’s, the liability coverage in your homeowner’s policy may kick in and cover some of the costs.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
by California Casualty | Pets |
We love to treat our pets! Whether it’s a taste of chicken or a hearty scoop of peanut butter, special treats show them how much we care. Plus, we don’t have to be experts in the kitchen for our pets to think we are the world’s best chefs.
There are so many benefits to creating our own homemade treats for our pets. We know the ingredients. There are no chemicals or preservatives. We can adjust the portion size. And we can have peace of mind, knowing that it’s a healthy treat that also is entirely safe for our fur (and fur-less) babies. As a bonus, these treats make great gifts and could become a new holiday tradition.
It doesn’t have to be time-consuming to make homemade pet treats. We’ve put together a collection of some easy and quick recipes for dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, and reptiles. Each recipe is linked for your convenience. Enjoy!
Dogs
Pumpkin Carrot Bites
(10-minute prep, 30-35-minute bake time)
With fall flavors like pumpkin and carrots, this tasty treat is perfect for the holiday season. You can put them out for your dog as your family enjoys the human variety of treats. It’s quickly prepared but you can reduce your prep time even more by buying pre-shredded carrots.
Salmon and Sweet Potato Brownies
(20-minute prep, 70-minute bake – plus an additional hour to bake the sweet potato initially)
This treat combines canned salmon with a baked sweet potato for a soft-baked treat. While it’s more time-consuming than other recipes due to bake times, it’s easy to prepare and the results are worth it.
Diabetic Dog Treats
(5-minute prep, 15-minute bake time)
Your dog doesn’t have to be diabetic to enjoy this treat, which features a reduced amount of sugar. This recipe uses beef liver as its base, but you can substitute baby food (in a meat flavor). Scroll through the comments at the recipe link and you will see ideas for other adjustments.
Gluten-Free Vegan Biscuits
(10-minute prep, 30-minute bake time)
Make these treats with just 3 ingredients: oat or rice flour, peanut butter, and bananas. These biscuits are a great grain-free option and may be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure that the peanut butter you choose does not contain Xylitol, an artificial sweetener that is toxic to dogs.
Cats
Salmon Cat Treats
(10-minute prep, 20-minute bake time)
With just 3 ingredients, it couldn’t get easier to make this fishy treat. You could substitute tuna for canned salmon to change it up. Use a tiny fish cookie cutter to make these into ones that look just like the popular human goldfish snack.
Cheesy Cat Treats
(10-minute prep, 25-minute bake time)
Packed with dairy and protein, these cheesy crackers feature cheddar, parmesan, and plain yogurt. For a festive spin on this treat, use a cat-inspired cookie cutter.
Tuna Puffs
(15-minute prep, 15-minute bake time)
These fun treats use only a few ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen: canned tuna, flour, and egg. The recipe specifies the size and width so that the dough puffs up nicely in the oven.
Treats for Cats with Sensitive Stomachs
(10-minute prep, 60-minute bake time)
This tasty treat uses just three ingredients: rice flour, pureed turkey, and pureed peas. Substitute organic baby food for the turkey meat; it works just as well and may be easier than doing your own pureeing. The recipe also has ideas for changing it up—with different proteins and vegetables.
Birds
Bird Seed Cookies
(5-minute prep, 15-minute bake time)
Combine almonds, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, sesame seeds, and flour with some olive oil and an egg, and shape into cookies. Then bake. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. Make it as directed or switch out ingredients based on your bird’s preferences.
Birdie Sorbet
(5-minute prep, then freeze)
Birds love fruit and this treat can feature their favorites: blueberries, raspberries, bananas, mango, and more. Simply puree, add water, and freeze in ice cube trays. Mix in seeds, dried fruit, or try a version with squash or snap peas.
Sweet Potato Bird Balls
(20-minute prep, 5 to 10-minute cook plus an additional 15 minutes)
This no-bake recipe features fresh fruits and vegetables that are nutritious along with cereal that provides a nice crunch. The recipe makes a lot, but they store well in the freezer.
Rabbits
Banana Biscuits
(10-minute prep, 20-minute bake time plus 30 minutes)
This oatmeal, banana, and carrot treat includes rabbit dry food hidden in the biscuit. That makes it not only delicious but nutritious. Make sure you have plastic wrap or a silicone mat to roll out the dough. Flour is not safe for rabbits so you can’t use that to keep the dough from sticking.
Pumpkin Treats
(10-minute prep, 15-minute bake time)
With pumpkin, apples, and oats, this is the perfect fall recipe. If you don’t want to buy dried apples, you can make your own. Just slice an apple into thin pieces and bake in a 200-degree Fahrenheit oven for an hour or an hour and a half.
Frozen Bunny Treats
(15-minute prep, then freeze)
This no-bake recipe combines banana, apple, and peanut butter into a delicious ball with an almond on top. Keep them in the freezer and pull them out whenever you want to give your bunny a special treat.
Reptiles
Pumpkin Pie
(10-minute prep and serve)
This reptile version of the classic Thanksgiving dessert features nutritious pellets as its base. Add to it some pureed pumpkin or butternut squash, garnish with cranberries and you’ve got a holiday favorite.
Stuffed Sweet Potato
(20-minute prep and serve; additional time to bake the sweet potato if not already cooked)
If you’re making sweet potatoes for your holiday meal, put aside a baked one for your favorite reptile. Chop up the fruit and veggies, add some pellets, and voila, you have a colorful meal that is Instagram-worthy!
Gecko Smoothie
(10-minute prep and serve)
Blend up your pet’s favorite seasonal fruit with a can of peaches and plain yogurt, and you have a wonderful treat. You can even add dusted bugs or nutritional supplements. Best of all, you can store leftovers in an ice cube tray in your freezer.
There are a lot of great recipes out there for pets. If we missed one of your favorites, please share it in the comments!
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
by California Casualty | Pets |
April 11th is National Pet Day!
Is there a better way to celebrate than snuggling your own pet and scrolling through some cute videos and photos together? No, we didn’t think so. That’s why we are sharing a list of our favorite famous pets on the internet for your viewing pleasure.
These pets CATapulted into fame online and we (and millions of others) are soaking up every minute of it. Here are our 9 favorite four-legged internet stars you need to check out.
1. Jiffpom – A Pomeranian melting hearts all over the world.
2. Nala – With those blue eyes, how could this cat not be destined for stardom?
3. Mr. Pokee – For all of us who have forgotten how ridiculously cute hedgehogs are.
4. Esther the Wonder Pig – Her name says it all, really…
5. Juniper & Friends – Adventures of a fox and her friends (fellow rescued exotics).
6. Loki – A wolfdog and silly adventurer.
7. Maru – The feline famous for fitting himself into any – ANY – sized/shaped box or container. Guinness record holder for most YouTube video views of an individual animal.
8. Doug the Pug – Self-proclaimed “King of Pop Culture.”
9. Whiskey and Lulu – Arnold Schwarzenegger’s mini horse and mini donkey were central in his coronavirus PSA at the start of the pandemic. While they may not have their own account you can find them on Arnold’s Instagram here.
Happy viewing and happy National Pet Day!
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
by California Casualty | Homeowners Insurance Info, Pets |
The new blooms and foliage that herald the beginning of spring also bring one of its worst offenders: fleas and ticks. A headache for pet owners every year, keeping these pests in check requires a three-pronged approach focusing on your pet(s), your house, and the natural space around your home. Use the strategies below to prevent misery for your pets and an infestation inside your home.
Protecting your pet takes a little research, communication with your vet, and a disciplined care and grooming routine.
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- Talk to your vet and go with the flea and tick control product they think is best for your pet. There are lots of options, including topical treatments, pills, shampoos, and collars. If you live someplace with lots of sunny and/or humid days, also ask about sun + bug repellant products.
- For dog or cat? Double-check with your vet – or if buying off the shelf, read the label – to make sure the product is meant for the pet you’re buying it for. Some products are made only for canines or felines and others can be used on either (but require different dosages).
- Do a daily flea/tick check, especially during the height of the season or if your pet’s been in or around grasses, shrubs, and bushes.
- Groom them regularly and use a flea comb. Check for flea feces and dried blood, which tells you there’s a problem.
- If you have more than one dog, treat them all at the same time so they’re on the same schedule – and your life’s made a little easier!
Protect Your Home
To avoid the nightmare scenario of flea shampooing your carpets or fumigating your home, prevent the bugs from getting comfy in your house (or getting in in the first place).
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- Regularly wash all animal beds and soft toys on hot water and heat dry.
- Vacuum at least weekly to get rid of or prevent eggs, larvae, and adults. Be sure to hit sofas and carpets as well as crevices at the walls and baseboards. If you’re seeing an uptick (pun intended!) in pest sightings, vacuum daily instead of weekly – then empty the vacuum outside.
- Keep pets indoors more often, especially when ticks and fleas are really bad. Going in and out multiple times a day increases the chances they’ll bring bugs home. Walking on a leash and away from grasses is fine to get them exercise without exposing them too much.
- Trim trees and high shrubs that might provide a pathway for rodents and other critters to crawl into your attic. Wherever there are critters, there are fleas and ticks. Spring trimming keeps this to a minimum.
- Seal off any openings to the garage, basement, attic, sheds, or under decks where pests might nest and attract bugs.
Protect Your Yard
A few smart actions in your front and back yards can significantly limit the bugs that get on your pets or make it into your home.
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- Keep your lawn mowed and grass/weeds as short as possible.
- Rake up and compost leaves near your home so as to reduce leaf litter that bugs breed in. If you have acreage, try to leave the litter beyond a safe perimeter so that migrating or local birds have access to food (i.e. – the bugs that make home in the leaf litter).
- Maintain a perimeter of gravel or woodchips 3 feet from the house.
- Stack firewood in a dry area so that rodents – and hitchhiking fleas and ticks – are kept in check.
- Remove any old furniture, debris, or other trash that provides nesting spots for bugs.
- Try tick control tubes. These hold permethrin-treated cotton, and the idea is that mice steal the cotton to make nests – which then kill the fleas.
- Consider a spray as last resort for your yard. However, do your research as many sprays will kill pollinators and all add chemicals to your yard. Go for something natural if possible and use it in conjunction with prevention measures.
The three-pronged approach above should keep your pets pest-free and your home healthy and safe. A little extra attention to prevention measures goes a long way toward a relaxing, beautiful springtime.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
by California Casualty | Pets |
We’re coming up on a year of the pandemic, and one of the biggest side effects has been loneliness and isolation. For some, that’s especially trying during Valentine’s Day (on the heels of the winter holidays!). Stress, anxiety, and depression are among the top adverse mental health effects emerging from a year of lockdowns and quarantine.
For many pet owners though, their furry family members have been a solace – even a source of joy and grounding – during an unprecedented time of difficulty. This is no surprise to scientists, who have long studied how animals help combat loneliness and provide companionship. Here are some of the ways our four-legged (and other!) lifesavers have been helping us emotionally and boosting our mental health.
They give us a sense of purpose
Having a routine and caring for another being gives us a sense of meaning and purpose. Animals don’t know we’re in the middle of a pandemic, so there’s comfort in seeing them carry on life, as usual, content and happy in the moment.
They provide companionship
They’re our friends and companions – making us laugh, inviting us to be present, and loving us no matter what. And for so many of us, they’re suddenly our new workmates, bombing our zoom calls and taking over our keyboards. They offer their steady presence – at the bedside in the morning, in our laps as we’re trying to read, underfoot at dinner time. No matter what happens in our day, they’re there for us.
They keep us active
Well, at least in the case of dogs, who will keep us to a walking schedule (whether we like it or not!). Once out and moving, we can reconnect with nature, wave to neighbors, and fill our lungs with fresh air. They can help us break up the monotony of the day with some movement and downtime.
They’re our family
No matter how big or small, there a reason we call them our “babies.” We form deep, emotional attachments to our pets, a neurological bonding process that goes back to our pre-history of animal domestication. They have a seemingly endless supply of love to dole out and are there for us whatever mood we’re in. For children and teens, this can be especially important during the pandemic.
We’re wired for connection
Pet and animal therapy have been proven to help the elderly and those with cognitive conditions. We may not fully understand the science, but it’s well-known that just being around animals helps so many. It can lower stress, improve emotional self-regulation, decrease pain symptoms and boost positive hormones.
Given all the benefits pets bring us, it’s no wonder pet owners are feeling extra grateful these days and that pet adoptions have been skyrocketing. If you’re thinking of adopting, do your research, make sure you’re ready to commit long-term, and be a responsible adopter.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
by California Casualty | Pets |
It’s no secret our pets bring us so much joy, but owning a pet – especially one that’s young – is a lot of responsibility. Like children they are not something that can be brought home and forgotten about, they require your time, effort, and care.
February is responsible pet owner’s month, and whether you’re bringing home your first pet or your 6th, it’s always good to be reminded how to be a responsible and caring owner.
Here’s are 10 responsible pet owner tips that will help you and your furry friend adjust to this new life together.
1. Recognize they are a commitment. Your lifestyle may have to adjust based on the needs of your pet. Make sure you are ready to make this commitment before you bring them home.
2. Create a safe space for them. Pet-proof your home to avoid accidents and give them a space that is completely their own, with a bed, toys, blankets, food, and water.
3. Give them time to adjust. When you bring them home they may be timid or wild, but give them the time and they will learn their new home and your routine.
4. Visit the vet. Even if they hate it, preventive care is essential in making sure your pet stays happy and healthy.
5. Make them tags. Microchip and/or give them ID tags with your name and number on them, in the event that they escape, you will be notified if they are found.
6. Train them. Don’t give up on your pet if they aren’t acting like you thought they would, as their owner it’s your responsibility to put in the time and effort to train them or have them trained.
7. Create a healthy lifestyle for them. Feed them a healthy pet food and be sure not over or underfeed them. Exercise is also very important, especially for young pets that need to exercise to release their extra energy.
8. Socialize them. Let them play with friends and family, and also other pets. If they are too scared or anxious you may have to work on socialization with your vet or trainer.
9. Give them love & affection. Like humans, pets crave your love and attention and need it to be happy in your home.
10. Make them feel like part of the family. Most importantly, treat them like a member of your family, because they are 🙂
Don’t forget to make sure your new pet is covered! Pet health insurance helps you pay for expensive veterinary bills, so you don’t have to. Pets Best pet insurance is available to all California Casualty members at a 5%* discount. Click here for your quote.
We know that bringing home a new pet can be just as scary as it is exciting, but don’t worry, you’ve got this!
For more new pet tips click here.
This article is furnished by California Casualty, providing auto and home insurance to educators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and nurses. Get a quote at 1.866.704.8614 or www.calcas.com.
