Spring is a season of growth, and with these pet care tips, you can ensure that your furry companions flourish alongside the blooming flowers and warmer days. Embrace the spirit of renewal, and make the most of this vibrant season with your pets by your side.
]]>A bright, healthy smile is a sign of a happy and thriving pet. By incorporating proper dental care into your pet parenting routine, you're not only preventing potential health issues but also enhancing the quality and longevity of your furry friend's life. Visit us to explore our range of dental care products and start your pet on the path to a lifetime of healthy smiles and happy tails.
]]>Setting pet health goals for the new year is a wonderful way to show your love and commitment to your furry friend's well-being. By incorporating these goals into your routine, you're not only enhancing their quality of life but also fostering a deeper bond between you and your cherished companion. Here's to a pawsitively healthy and happy new year for you and your pets!
]]>Winter can be a challenging time for pets, but with the right preparations, it can also be a season of cozy warmth and enjoyment. These cold-weather essentials will help you ensure your pets stay comfortable, happy, and healthy during the winter months. By providing them with the care and attention they need, you can create a winter wonderland that's enjoyable for both you and your beloved furry companions.
Thanksgiving is a time of gratitude, and our pets are undoubtedly a source of joy and companionship. By following these Thanksgiving pet tips, you can ensure that the holiday remains a festive and safe time for both you and your furry friends. Whether you're enjoying a special treat together or creating a cozy retreat, including your pets in the Thanksgiving celebration can make the day even more memorable.
]]>Halloween can be an enjoyable time for both you and your pets, as long as you take the necessary precautions to keep them safe. By following these Halloween pet safety tips, you can ensure that your furry companions have a spook-tacular and hazard-free holiday. Remember, a little extra care and attention go a long way in keeping your pets happy and healthy during this festive season.
]]>The Head and Neck Area
Ticks are drawn to warm, hidden areas, and your pet's head and neck are prime spots for them to attach. Comb through your pet's fur, paying close attention to the ears, around the eyes, and under the collar. Use your fingers to gently part the fur and inspect these areas for any signs of ticks.
Around the Ears and Inside the Ears
Ticks are skilled at finding cozy hiding spots, and the ears provide just that. Gently examine the outer surface and inside of your pet's ears, using your fingers to feel for any small bumps or irregularities. Ticks may be nestled close to the skin, so be thorough in your inspection.
Under the Collar and Neck Region
Ticks often gravitate to areas where they can easily attach and feed, and the collar and neck region are prime targets. Slide your fingers beneath your pet's collar and feel around the neck area, ensuring you check both the front and back sides for any ticks.
Between the Toes and Paw Pads
Ticks are experts at finding hidden crevices, and your pet's paw pads provide such an environment. Examine between the toes and paw pads carefully, as ticks can easily attach in these areas. Gently spread the toes apart to get a clear view.
Under the Tail and Around the Genital Area
Ticks can also be found in less visible areas, such as under the tail and around the genital region. These areas provide a moist and hidden environment that ticks are drawn to. Lift your pet's tail and inspect thoroughly, taking note of any unusual bumps or lumps.
Underbelly and Groin
The underbelly and groin areas are warm and often sheltered, making them attractive to ticks. Gently lift your pet's legs and examine these areas closely. Part the fur and visually inspect, using your fingers to feel for any ticks that might be hidden.
Regular tick checks are a crucial part of responsible pet ownership, especially during warm months when ticks are most active. By knowing where to look for ticks on your pets and conducting thorough inspections, you can detect and remove these parasites promptly, reducing the risk of disease transmission and keeping your furry companions safe and healthy. If you find a tick, use proper tick removal techniques or consult your veterinarian for assistance. Remember, prevention is key, so consider using tick prevention products recommended by your vet to further safeguard your pets from these potential threats.
]]>With the summer heat posing potential dangers to our furry companions, it's our responsibility as pet owners to prioritize their safety and comfort. By following these essential tips, you can ensure your pets stay hydrated, cool, and protected throughout the scorching summer months. Remember, being vigilant, providing adequate shade and hydration, and adjusting activities will go a long way in safeguarding your pet's well-being. Stay cool and enjoy the summer with your beloved furry friends!
]]>First, at the beginning of the summer take your pet for a check-up at the local veterinarian. Make sure your pet gets tested thoroughly for issues such as heartworm or other parasites that harm the health of your pet. Also if you haven’t done so already, consult with your vet and start a safe flea and tick control program. Summer brings more bugs and you don’t want these to bother your pet or your home. Second, when exercising your pet, do it early in the morning or late at night. Since the days are much cooler during these times, your pet will be much more comfortable running around and will have a more enjoyable outdoor experience. Given that the heat can be a bit intense, allow your pet a break from any vigorous exercise. You don’t want to exhaust your pet and cause its body to overheat. With all this exercise comes the need for a lot of hydration. Pets can get dehydrated quickly when it’s hot outdoors because they can’t sweat. Dogs cool by panting, so if you witness your pet panting heavily or drooling, find some shade and give them plenty of fresh, and clean water. A pet that is not properly hydrated will become lethargic, and its eyes will turn bloodshot. To keep this from happening, always pack plenty of water and avoid being outside when it’s extremely hot. Also if your dog starts to get too hot, it will dig to avoid heat. So make a conscious effort to keep your pet cool by spraying its paws and stomach with cold water or giving it its own fan. Dog booties are another summer tip for your pet that you should take advantage of. I first came across these not too long ago and yes they are real. It may sound dumb, but as you and your pet are out taking on the world one park or trail at a time, imagine how much of it comes back into your home when your finished. This is especially for those individuals that sleep with their pets. Ask yourself; do you really want to know where those paws have been? In addition to cleanliness, doggie boots also offer protection from the heat when the days are extremely hot. Keep a clean house and protect your dogs’ feet by using doggie boots. Finally use the hot weather to go for a swim as often as possible. Chances are, your pet loves the water just as much as you do and it can take the place of a long sweaty walk.
Try to always remember that if you feel it’s hot, then your pet feels the same way if not worse. Follow these helpful tips for your pet and both of you will have a great summer.
]]>Many popular pets are just as vulnerable to sunburn as their owners. Cats and dogs are especially prone to sunburn, particularly breeds with very short or fine coats, as well as hairless breeds like the American hairless terrier and hairless Chinese crested dogs or sphynx and donskoy cat breeds. Breeds that have heavy seasonal shedding or white fur are also more susceptible to sunburn, as are any small, furry pets such as chinchillas, ferrets, rabbits, gerbils, and hamsters.
On any pet, parts of the body with thinner, finer hair or natural bare patches can easily sunburn. This includes the tip of the tail, the ears, and near the nose. The groin and belly can also be sunburned, especially if the pet likes to lay on its back or if sunlight is reflected from bright surfaces, such as concrete. Animals that may have injuries or temporary bald patches, like post-surgery stitches or specific grooming patterns, are also apt to get sunburned.
Just like with humans, a pet’s sunburned skin will turn pink or reddish. The skin may look dry, cracked, or even blistered if the sunburn is severe. The skin could feel hot or the animal may develop a slight fever. Over time, hair loss could occur on skin that is frequently burned. Sunburned pets may also be more sensitive to petting and more likely to shy away from contact on their injured skin.
While a mild sunburn may only be uncomfortable for a few days, more severe burns that cause blistering could lead to worse injuries, particularly if the blisters rupture and get infected. Over time, animals that have been sunburned may also develop different types of skin cancer.
There are a number of easy ways pet owners can protect their animals from uncomfortable and dangerous sunburns. Even if a pet has never shown signs of sunburn, it is important to offer suitable sun protection at all times.
If you do suspect your pet has been sunburned, apply cool compresses to the affected skin and seek veterinary care immediately for an evaluation. Medical treatment may be necessary for severe burns, including wound care and topical medication to reduce pain and prevent skin infections.
In addition to sunburn, be aware of other summer risks your pet may face. Dehydration and heatstroke are common in summer, particularly for active, energetic pets, and delicate feet could be burned from hot pavement and other surfaces. Ticks, fleas, and other disease-carrying pests thrive in the summer, so check your pet often for these unwanted interlopers. Even summer activities that seem fun and innocuous – such as backyard barbecues – can be a risk to pets, because many of the foods are unhealthy or toxic. Being aware of sunburn and other threats to pets can help you ensure all your animal family members are safe and comfortable throughout the season.
]]>By following these springtime pet care tips, you can help ensure your furry friend enjoys the season to the fullest. Whether you're going on adventures together or simply relaxing in the sun, taking care of your pet's health and well-being is essential for a happy, healthy relationship.
]]>Ticks are eight-legged parasites that bite through the skin and feed on the blood of their host. As a tick feeds, its body will swell dramatically, and one tick may stay on a host 5-14 days until it is fully engorged. Once finished feeding, the tick will naturally drop off.
Several species of ticks are common in North America, including deer ticks, dog ticks, and lone star ticks. These insects are most common in warmer climates, though they are seasonally active during the warmest months in nearly every region.
While the blood loss from a feeding tick won’t be noticed by most pets, these parasites can carry a range of dangerous diseases including lyme disease, anaplasmosis, kidney disease, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Any outdoor pets – dogs, cats, rabbits, etc. – are susceptible to tick bites, and could develop symptoms such as skin irritation and rashes, itching, joint pain, lameness, fever, lethargy, vomiting, and anemia. If left untreated, the diseases ticks carry can easily be fatal to pets.
It is important for pet owners to realize that the diseases ticks carry can also infect humans. Any contact with the tick, its mouthparts, or infected blood can transmit these diseases. Therefore, it is imperative to remove ticks properly and safely to protect not only your pet, but yourself as well.
Removing ticks is not difficult but it does take care to be sure they are removed safely and completely, without causing further contamination or contagion. To remove a tick, you will need:
As soon as you find a tick, it should be removed. Do not wait for the tick to become larger in order to see or grasp it more easily, as ticks can transmit diseases to your pet in as little as 3-4 hours after biting. Instead, you should remove ticks immediately. To do so:
If you find a tick on your pet but aren’t comfortable with removing it yourself, take your pet to the veterinarian for assistance. Your vet or a vet technician can remove the tick, showing you how to do so safely and easily so you are prepared for any future ticks.
Because ticks can be dangerous to both pets and humans, it is wise to take steps to minimize the risk of ticks attaching themselves to your pet. There are easy ways to you can keep ticks away, including…
Always be sure to check your pet for ticks after the animal has been outside. Check around their eyes and ears, between toes, around the tail, under the collar, and in areas of thinner fur between the hind legs and under the front legs, as these are areas where ticks are most likely to attach. Once you know how to remove a tick from your pet safely and easily, you can be prepared to eliminate any of these pests you may find.
]]>Know the Signs
The first step to proper pet dental care is recognizing problems so any issues can be addressed immediately. Watch your pet for these signs that indicate their teeth or gums are in trouble…
If any of these signs are noticed, it is best to take your pet to the veterinarian for a dental checkup.
Good Dental Care
The best way to avoid dental problems is to establish a healthy mouth regimen for your cat or dog.
With proper care, cats and dogs can enjoy healthy teeth for life, and pet owners can easily minimize the risk of tooth and gum problems that can lead to greater health issues and discomfort for their pet.
]]>Animals have many natural adaptations to cold weather. Our furry friends may grow a thicker winter coat, while many animals will gain weight in autumn to store an insulating layer of fat just under their skin. Some animals slow their metabolism by sleeping more in winter or could completely hibernate, while others will burrow into cozy nooks when the temperatures drop. Some animals even completely migrate to avoid cold weather. All of these adaptations help wild animals survive even through the chilliest months.
Our pets, however, do not live their natural, wild lives. Many of the animals we keep as pets, for example, would never naturally be found in our home climates or habitats, and their natural adaptations may not be adequate to protect them from severe winters. Fortunately, we can easily help our pets stay safe through the winter, no matter how cold it may be or how much snow and ice may accumulate.
There are many steps pet owners can take to keep their animal friends healthy, safe, and comfortable in cold weather. Different steps will apply to different types of animals and some animals are more cold-hardy than others, but understanding how to help animals stay safe in cold weather is the first step to protecting pets.
Cold weather can be dangerous for all types of pets, but there are many steps you can take to keep your animal companions safe and comfortable no matter how low the temperature drops.
]]>Top 10 Holiday Dangers to Pets – And How to Keep Safe
Many holiday things we enjoy – special foods and feasts, enchanting decorations, twinkling lights, gifts, visits from family and friends – can actually be dangerous to pets. Fortunately, avoiding these dangers is easy once we understand the potential risks.
The holidays are a great time, but also a dangerous time for pets. By being aware of the top pet dangers during the holiday season, however, owners can take all the necessary steps to keep their pets safe, comfortable and happy during every holiday celebration.
]]>Socialization Is Essential
Many dogs react poorly to visitors because they aren't used to being around strangers. Proper socialization and training from an early age – either from puppyhood or as soon as a dog is adopted – will help dogs learn how to behave around guests both in the home and outside. Arranging group training sessions, taking walks through busy areas, visiting dog parks, arranging puppy play dates and occasional doggie day care can all help dogs become more socialized and accepting of others. The more accustomed a dog is to strangers, the more they will be accepting of house guests.
Helping Dogs Cope With Visitors
There are several ways to help dogs adjust to a visitor's presence without bad behavior. Effective options include…
While not every technique will be effective with every dog, using several tactics to help them get used to guests will help the dog develop better manners for every stranger they interact with.
Helping Visitors Cope With Dogs
There are times when a guest's behavior can cause a dog even greater anxiety or may send mixed signals to the animal. To keep everyone at ease…
It can be embarrassing and uncomfortable when a dog is rude or aggressive toward a visitor, but with consistent training, proper socialization and good techniques for coping with guests, every dog can have suitable company manners for greeting and interacting with visitors.
]]>Despite the fun, treats, and excitement associated with the holiday, there are surprising threats and hazards toward pets at Halloween. The most dangerous Halloween pet dangers include…
Despite all the possible threats Halloween can pose to pets, there are easy ways to keep every animal comfortable and at ease while spooky fun goes on all around them.
Halloween can be a fun holiday for all family members, even the four-legged, furry, or feathered ones, if you take steps to keep your pets safe from the different dangers the holiday can present. With care, there’s no reason for you or your pet to fear even the spookiest celebrations at Halloween.
]]>A dog’s appetite and eating habits will change throughout its life. Dogs eat differently based on their age, activity level, and overall health, and those changes are natural and no cause for concern. A hyperactive puppy, for example, will eat more to support its high energy level and ongoing growth, while a senior dog that doesn’t get frequent exercise will eat much less. Dogs eat more during pregnancy or while nursing, while mature dogs on a regular routine will generally have a more stable appetite.
When a dog’s appetite changes abruptly or dramatically, however, it can be cause for concern.
There are many reasons why a dog could stop eating, and a loss of appetite might be a symptom of different conditions. When your dog refuses to eat, consider…
When your dog’s appetite changes, there are several ways to encourage better eating habits and more consistent mealtimes. Before making changes, however, consult with your veterinarian about possible health problems that may be the cause of the appetite loss, to be sure those conditions are properly diagnosed and treated if necessary. If there are no health problems affecting your dog’s appetite…
Missing a meal or two is nothing to be concerned about, but if your dog does not return to its regular appetite, contact your veterinarian for assistance and recommendations. With care and attention to your dog’s nutritional needs, its appetite will return and mealtimes will become less stressful for you both.
]]>Take it easy
Keep the exercise limited on hot days. If possible, try to keep it to early morning and evening hours on the hottest days. Also, keep in mind that asphalt can be very hot on your pet’s paws, so try to keep to the grass when the sun is bearing down.
If you think your pet may be suffering from heatstroke, immediately move your pet to a shady area or indoors, preferably with air conditioning. Next, apply cold packs to his/her head, neck and chest. An alternative would be to run cool water over your pet (but not cold water). Also, allow your pet to drink water in small amounts or chew ice cubes if possible. Follow with a call to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
]]>A wide variety of insects can sting, including bees, wasps, hornets, fire ants, yellow jackets, mosquitos, spiders, and more. Other insects, such as fleas and ticks, may bite but not necessarily sting, though the reactions can be the same. Many insects, whether they bite or sting, are not typically aggressive, but bite or sting only as a defensive mechanism if they feel threatened.
The sharp or burning pain or itching is the most common symptom associated with an insect sting, but it is not the only possible reaction. Other symptoms that can indicate your pet has been stung include:
More severe reactions are possible with multiple insect stings, or if an animal has allergies or other sensitivities to the venom insects produce. Because many of these symptoms can also indicate other conditions, however, if a pet exhibits a severe reaction, it is best to consult a veterinarian to be sure there are no other causes and that the pet receives the best treatment to relieve any discomfort.
Insect stings are relatively easy to treat, and treatment can help minimize potential complications. If your pet is stung…
The best way to keep a pet from suffering due to insect stings is to prevent such stings from occurring. Supervise your pet closely whenever it is outdoors, and check the yard and garden regularly for stinging insect nests, including anthills or other infestations. Prune flowers and shrubbery to make them less hospitable to stinging insects, and consider treating the house and landscape with the proper pesticides or insecticides to discourage stinging insects (but keep pets away from chemical treatments as long as necessary!). Installing short, decorative fences around flowerbeds can also keep a pet from investigating bees at work, and will minimize the risk of accidental stings if a pet gets too close.
An insect sting can be uncomfortable for any pet, but knowing how to properly treat these painful incidents can keep pets at ease.
]]>Rule number one for pet pool safety is to never leave your pet unattended around a pool. This has the potential to be a very dangerous situation. If you are aware that your dog is not a great swimmer, then invest in a life jacket to improve buoyancy. This will keep your dog more visible if it is small and can provide an extra bit of safety. You should never just assume that all dogs can swim. Some dogs need to be trained to swim while some are naturals and for others it’s nearly impossible. Recognize which category your dog falls under early on and be sure to take the proper precautions to guarantee its health and safety and to avoid the potential of drowning. Also, if your dog is older or has an injury like arthritis, it would be beneficial to make sure it has a vest. Dogs must be introduced to water properly before they can begin to have fun. Pets are easily irritated by chlorine. Like humans their eyes and skin can get potentially aggravated if proper steps are not taken. Make sure you wash your dog off with fresh water to avoid skin irritation and damage to your home when the dog re-enters the house. Even though it may be tempting, refrain from allowing your dog to drink the pool water. The chlorine and chemicals used in the pool will cause your dog to become sick with health problems such as dry mouth or gastric distress, which is no fun for anyone. Many of these same precautions and tips apply to ponds, rivers, and lakes as well. Although they are declared to be safer for dogs because they have better exits and a lack of chemicals, these places can also be harmful. Do not let your dog consume pond, puddle, or lake water. These areas are a common source of parasites that cause gastrointestinal issues that can also be passed on to other members of your family. Keep a close eye on them to make sure they do not wander and pick up any harmful objects such as dead fish or broken glass.
Essentially, when it comes to pet safety around swimming pools, they are a lot like people. So before you make a big splash with your pet this season, keep these things in mind to ensure that everyone in your family has a safe, and exciting summer.
]]>Heartworm is an infestation of Dirofilaria immitis worms, a type of parasitic roundworm with a threadlike body that can reach 9-12 inches long at maturity. These parasites are only spread through mosquito bites, and one infected animal will not directly affect another pet. Once infected, it takes roughly six months for the heartworm parasites to mature enough to become detectable, at which time they will start to infest the heart, longs, and arteries of the animal. On rare occasions, the worms may also infect the eyes or brain. These worms can live 5-7 years within an animal, and infections have been reported in all 50 states as well as numerous countries around the world.
When a pet is first infected with heartworm, it may not show any initial symptoms of discomfort or other problems. A relatively sedentary, inactive pet with only a light infestation could even have mature heartworms living within it for years without showing noticeable symptoms. When the infestation becomes severe, however, different symptoms can be more prominent, including…
Ultimately, a severe heartworm infection can lead to congestive heart failure and death. Recognizing the symptoms early, however, can lead to safe, effective treatment and eradication of the parasites.
Because heartworm can be so prevalent, the best option for pet owners is to prevent their pets from ever getting infected. First, consult your veterinarian for a thorough consultation to determine if your pet is already infected, and to get recommendations about the best preventative measures for your pet’s age, overall health, and local conditions. Popular prevention steps include…
Ultimately, the best prevention is to take multiple steps at once to ensure the strongest protection for your pet. Heartworm can be a scary condition for pet owners to face, but with proper prevention and dedicated veterinary care, it does not have to be a fatal diagnosis.
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What Is an Allergy?
An allergy is the immune system's reaction to something it perceives as a threat. When the immune system targets an allergen, it takes whatever steps it can to minimize the threat and eliminate it from the body. When that perceived threat is a common environmental element, however, allergic reactions can escalate and become acutely uncomfortable because it is impossible to completely remove the unwanted allergen. In these cases, medical treatment can help alleviate symptoms and help pets adjust without too much discomfort.
Pets can be allergic to a wide variety of environmental items, including…
The severity of different pets' allergies will vary, and not every pet has the same reaction to the same allergen. Some pets may even be allergic to multiple items, making it more difficult to pinpoint allergic hazards that are causing uncomfortable reactions.
Allergy Symptoms in Pets
Pets can react to allergies in a variety of ways. Typical reactions include…
Pets' allergy symptoms may fluctuate from day to day, depending on what is causing their reaction and their level of exposure to the allergen. When symptoms are recurrent or increase in intensity, however, it is important to seek a veterinarian's care for proper diagnosis of the allergy and finding the appropriate course of treatment to make the pet more comfortable. In some cases, simple lifestyle changes may dramatically reduce or eliminate the pet's symptoms, while more severe allergies may require ongoing treatment. Whatever the case, however, noticing and recognizing the signs of allergies in pets is the first step to helping minimize how uncomfortable those allergies can be.
]]>Poor dental habits for your pet can lead to a number of health issues throughout the rest of its body. American Veterinary Medical Association President Dr. Douglas Aspros said that, "Dental problems are extremely common, and many are painful and can lead to serious systemic conditions. An untreated dental infection can spread to the heart, kidneys and other organs, and suddenly become life threatening."
Symptoms
The first sign of dental problems in your pet is bad breath. Take a look inside of their mouth and check the teeth and gums. Yellow, brown, or discolored teeth are another sign. As dental disease progresses, you may notice loose teeth and red, inflamed gums. Both dogs and cats will show an uncharacteristic reluctance to eating food or playing with toys and an overall sense of lethargy. Cats may show decreased grooming and increased drooling. You may even see your pet pawing at its mouth, as its gums become irritated. If you see any of these symptoms, the AVMA recommends taking your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible.
Checkups and cleanings
The best way to prevent dental disease from developing in your pet is to make regular appointments for health examinations with your veterinarian. After the exam, your vet may recommend an oral care regimen, schedule regular cleanings, or offer a specific treatment based on your pet’s current dental health.
Brushing and alternatives
Dr. Aspros acknowledges that only 1% of pet owners brush their pet’s teeth. Not only do more owners need to begin brushing, they also should use chew toys, treats and rawhides to help keep their pet’s teeth clean. Your veterinarian can recommend many of the products available to help maintain your pet’s oral health between checkups.
Foods that bear the VOHC® (Veterinary Oral Health Council) Seal of Acceptance ensure that they adhere to their strict standards and protocols. The VOHC® allow their seal to be used on products meant to help retard the development of plaque and tarter on the teeth of animals.
For now, though, good old dental habits like regular brushing, checkups as well as good eating habits are the best way to maintain proper oral health for your pet. While you or a family member can easily express oral discomfort, your pet cannot. It is important to keep an eye out for the above symptoms and follow a pro-active approach to avoid discomfort for your pet and more costly veterinary procedures down the road.
It all begins with house training your puppy. Puppies need to be house trained in order to understand that urine accidents in the house are not okay. It must be reinforced that it’s more than not okay. If they were allowed every pet owner’s house would be a zoo, but that’s not the case. Take charge of your personal space for both you and your pet and train them appropriately. House training is an easy process that must be carried out in a positive and consistent manner. House training follows two guidelines: 1) to prevent indoor accidents such as urine trouble and 2) take your pet outside on a frequent and regular schedule and rewarding him when he does his business where you want him too. Puppies, especially those under 12 weeks of age will have accidents because they do not have complete control over their bladder, but it is no exception for when the dog becomes older. Be sure to make an extra effort to recognize when your dog needs to go. If it’s whining near the door, panting really hard, or even waking you up in the morning, these are all signs that your dog needs to go outside to do its business. These are also signs that your pet is showing respect for your rules, your home, and you as the owner.
A few other reasons why your dog may have urine trouble other than incomplete house training are urine marking, separation anxiety, and excitement. Urine marking is a way for a dog to scent mark using small amounts of urine on vertical surfaces. It is often triggered when in the presence of other dogs or in heat. This is a normal form of communication of dogs but should not occur in the home. The easiest way to solve this is to neuter or spay your dog so that it doesn’t mark its spot on your furniture. Urination from separation anxiety requires counter-conditioning and maybe professional help whereas dogs usually grow out of excitement urination after they have become adults.
Avoiding urine accidents essentially comes down to preparation of the owner to completely house train his pet. Take your puppy out on a consistent basis, crate it when you’re gone, and reward it when it does something right. Keep in mind to clean accidents with an enzymatic cleanser to minimize odors that may re-attract your puppy to that spot. Never punish your dog for the accidents because rather than learning accidents are wrong, it will only learn that people are unsafe and unpredictable. House training does require some time and effort, but it can be done and accidents can be avoided.
]]>Top Holiday Gift Choices for Pets
Pets don't make wish lists, write to Santa Claus, fill out a registry form or drop not-so-subtle hints about what they'd like for a holiday present. When you keep their needs and preferences in mind, however, it doesn't have to be hard to shop for anyone furred, feathered or scaled on your holiday gift list!
No matter what type of pet you are shopping for, top gift options include…
No matter what gift you choose for your pet, make sure you give it to them safely and keep ribbons, bows and wrapping paper for human gifts and out of reach of pets. And don't forget the best gift of all – extra time spent with your pet during the holiday season! Not finding what you're looking for online? Check out our selection in stores!
]]>Tips for Choosing Treats
Before adding just anything to a food puzzle toy, dog owners must consider their pet's needs and well-being. To choose the best treat, keep the following factors in mind:
Best Treats for Food Puzzle Toys
There are a wide variety of treats that can be stuffed inside puzzle toys for dogs to enjoy, including…
Mixing several tastes together can make a toy even more appetizing, and several toys can be stuffed at once and frozen or refrigerated to keep for another day. Changing which treats are used will keep dogs from getting bored with the same toys, and toys must be thoroughly washed after each use to remove any uneaten bits that could go rancid and cause illness.
Food puzzle toys can be a great diversion for any dog, and choosing the best treats for each toy will keep dogs interested and entertained for hours.
]]>To start, pumpkin (not spiced or sweetened) is a great source of fiber for our dogs. Incorporating pumpkin puree into your dogs’ meals will help fight constipation and issues related to diarrhea. Pumpkin can also help fight off other stomach issues such as tapeworms and intestinal parasites. Cucurbitin, an amino acid found in pumpkin seeds act as a natural de-worming agent. You can easily grind dry seeds up and mix it in with your dogs’ wet food. The best part of using pumpkin is that it doesn’t even take a lot to help your dog stay regular. All it takes is a couple of tablespoons and your dog is getting fiber, amino acids, and other minerals to maintain a healthy constitution. Pumpkin seeds are full of essential fatty acids and antioxidants that support a healthy urinary tract. This is great for avoiding kidney or bladder stones in your dog. These fatty acids and antioxidants are great for supporting your dogs fur coat. The nutrients found in the flesh of pumpkin help moisturize your dogs skin and fur from the inside out keeping your dog looking it’s best. Another great benefit of using pumpkin in your dogs’ treats and food is that its diet friendly. Obesity is a growing concern for many pet owners and is slowly becoming just as dangerous for animals as it is for humans. The amount of fiber found in pumpkin naturally supports healthy weight loss in dogs and other animals. It can also serve as a healthy substitute for fatty treats and foods. Adding pumpkin to your dogs meals will make him think he’s eating more and the extra fiber will help them feel full for a longer amount of time. Don’t forget, pumpkin can be seen as something new and exciting to your pet instead of eating kibble every day. They will enjoy the new taste without even realizing how healthy it is for them to eat.
There are close to 30 tablespoons in your average pumpkin. That’s a lot for one dog so make sure to freeze some in ice trays or use the canned puree that can be bought at your local market. Pumpkin can be served cooked or raw as long as it’s fresh, clean, and not filled with additives or extra artificial ingredients. Pumpkin gives your dog a lot of benefits that many other foods can’t offer. Grab some this fall and give your dog the nutritious treat it can’t get enough of.
Shop pumpkin food and treats online here.
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