Automatic Feeders Cats/Dogs

Routine is important to animals. Since my schedule varies from day to day, and Miso cannot be free fed, I have purchased an automatic feeder to deposit food for her twice daily. She always knows when to expect her meals and she will usually greet her new issue with exuberance.

Even though this handy little gadget was quite pricey, early on I learned that there are problems with it. Although battery operated (and the batteries last a long time - 6 months or so!), once in awhile the little turn shaft that rotates the feedings will stick, leaving Miso wanting. I learned about the glitch when I walked in to my home one day from a busy overnight, and she was meowing for food (which she rarely does!).

Now I am careful to check the level after every feeding and smooth out the top of the food at the receptacle. That way, when the next deposit is made, a dent in the food will be observed. If the top of the food is still level after it was programmed to drop, I am aware of the malfunction and can feed Miso myself, albeit late.

To repair a stuck feeder, empty out the food and tip it upside down. Jiggle the turn shaft a bit to unloosen any particles that might be in the way of allowing it to function correctly.

I never rely on this handy instrument to feed Miso on those rare occasions that I am on vacation. I hire a pet sitter to look in on her once a day and have her check the feeder as described above.
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Appliance Tip for Pet Owners

It is important to take the time to clean our animals' water fountains. I've noticed that most of my clients who use these wonderful wells for their pets, aren't cleaning them. After about 6 months with no cleaning, the pets' fur begins to clog up the motor.

Even though it has a filter, the motor should be taken out and cleaned once a month to get all of the fur out. The hair slows the water from entering the chamber and forces the motor to work harder. After a while, the stream will start to become thin and the motor gets louder.

It is easy to clean and it only takes about 10 minutes. Make sure the plug is disconnected from the outlet and disassemble the unit. It is very intuitive and does not have many part at all.

The fountains that I have worked with (many different brands) all pop apart pretty easily. The most important part to clean, is the motor itself. It pops out and sometimes has a smaller plastic screen on it that is also removable. You may see a wad of fur on it so take a paper towel and clean it off. Then rinse it. Make sure you run the motor under the faucet and force water through both the intake and outlet to ensure any particles of bacteria are whisked away.

If this does not sound like fun for you (it really only takes about 10 minutes), hire my pet sitting service (Ann Arbor area readers) and I will do it for you. We often perform these sorts of small tasks when we are in client's homes because we want to make life easier for you and your pet.