Celebrate National Dog Month with this expert conversation on how to keep your pet healthy, happy, and safe during the "Dog Days of Summer." In this episode, we're joined by veteran pet sitter and co-host Angela Laws from TrustedHousesitters and Kris Kiser, President & CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation. We cover essential pet care during the summer heat, with a special focus on dogs, and offer crucial tips for preparing pets for storms and emergencies. The discussion includes insights on the importance of hydration, microchipping, and creating safe outdoor spaces, with a focus on mindful planting and maintaining a clean environment.

The TurfMutt Foundation shares these crucial tips: - STORM SMARTS: Have a safe, quiet indoor space for your pet during storms, and ensure their ID tags and microchip registration are current. - BEAT THE HEAT: Provide plenty of fresh water and shade. Walk your dog during the cooler parts of the day and check the pavement temperature—if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws. - TRAVEL READY: Use a crate large enough for your pet to stand, sit, and turn around in for safe car travel. Never leave pets in a hot car. - RIGHT PLANT, RIGHT PLACE: Choose non-toxic vegetation for your backyard and opt for real grass over artificial turf, as it stays cooler and is gentler on paws. For more, consult the ASPCA’s list of toxic and non-toxic plants: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/dogs-plant-list

Key Takeaways: - Summer heat can be dangerous for pets; hydration is key. - Microchipping pets is crucial for their safety. - Create a safe space for pets during storms. - Know your pet's hiding spots during stressful events. - Nature starts at your back door; create a pet-friendly garden.

Find out more about our guests and their organizations: - Angela Laws: https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/ - Kris Kiser: https://www.turfmutt.com/

🐾 Listen to more "Pet Connection" episodes: https://pet-connection.podbean.com/

This show is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend" Podcast Channel.

Join Nancy and Lisa, your hosts of Big Blend Radio's "Pet Connection" show, as they celebrate a remarkable milestone: five incredible years of full-time pet sitting and travel with TrustedHousesitters!

In this special anniversary episode, we dive into the joys and unique experiences of pet sitting. The conversations highlight the vital role of community and clear communication in building trust and creating meaningful, immersive travel experiences. From furry friends to fascinating scaly companions and even feathered friends, Nancy and Lisa, and their guests, share their adventures caring for a diverse array of animals in homes across the country and around the globe.

We're thrilled to be joined by special guests who share their own stories and insights: - ANGELA LAWS – A veteran pet sitter, grief counselor, and community manager at https://www.trustedhousesitters.com - JUDY KARNIA – Travel writer, nature therapist, retired feline veterinarian, and pet sitter: https://travelingnature.com/ - JP & WANDA BROWN – Retired professionals living their dream pet sitting life (see their profile: https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/house-and-pet-sitters/united-states/florida/tallahassee/l/2853494)

Discover the heartwarming connections formed, the variety of animals cared for, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way. This episode emphasizes how pet sitting offers a sustainable and enriching lifestyle for travelers and a truly caring solution for pet parents. Tune in to hear how our hosts and guests have turned their passion for pets into a fulfilling adventure, proving that caring for animals enriches life!

Key Takeaways from This Episode: - Pet sitting fosters a unique community of animal lovers. - TrustedHousesitters bridges the gap between travelers and pet parents. - Clear communication builds essential trust. - Pet sitting enables deeply immersive travel experiences. - Routine and familiar environments help pets thrive. - Unexpected friendships often blossom on the road. - Understanding pet behavior is crucial for effective care. - Pet sitters frequently provide extra attention to pets. - The variety of animals encountered is vast.

Pet sitting leads to life-changing experiences and connections.

🐾 Listen to more "Pet Connection" episodes: https://pet-connection.podbean.com

Get ready for summer fun with your pet companions on this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Pet Connection” Show! Hosts Nancy J. Reid and Lisa D. Smith, along with cohost Angela Laws from TrustedHousesitters, share essential pet care tips to help keep animals safe, cool, and comfortable during the hot weather.

The conversation covers everything from hydration and heat protection to backyard safety and wildlife awareness. You’ll also hear about the importance of knowing which plants are toxic, monitoring pets around pools, and taking precautions during fireworks. Plus, learn about the value of building strong relationships with pets and staying proactive in their care—especially in emergencies or extreme heat.

Top Summer Pet Safety Tips Covered in the Show: * Hydration is crucial—always ensure fresh water is available. * Pets can’t protect themselves; owners must stay vigilant. * Be prepared for natural disasters that may impact your pets. * Keep pets indoors during heatwaves and fireworks. * Know which backyard plants are harmful. * Always supervise pets near pools. * Wildlife encounters can be risky—stay alert. * Strong human-animal bonds enhance overall pet care.

Helpful Summer Pet Care Resources from TrustedHousesitters: * How to Keep Dogs Cool in Summer: https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/blog/pets/keeping-dogs-cool/ * Caring for Flat-faced Dogs in Summer: https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/blog/pets/flat-faced-dogs-in-summer/ * Dog Life Jackets to Keep Them Safe in the Water: https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/blog/pets/dog-life-jacket/ * Recipes for Frozen Treats for Dogs: https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/blog/pets/frozen-dog-treats-recipes/

🎧 Follow the Pet Connection Podcast: https://pet-connection.podbean.com/