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4 Subtle Signs of Flea Infestation in Dogs: How Control An Infestation?

April 3, 2018 by Mandy

For those who are parents to dogs, no word strikes more fear than, fleas! The mere thought of your dog picking up fleas is enough to give anyone the creeps. It’s not just because fleas can infest your dog, but fleas can invade your home. The only real way to prevent a serious home infestation is by being on the lookout for early warning signs.

This guide aims to educate you about the way to detect these subtle signs and take quick action. Without much delay, here are 4 subtle early signs of flea infestation.

More Scratching and Nibbling Than Usual

While it’s normal for dogs to scratch, bite, and lick themselves, they shouldn’t be doing it constantly. If you suddenly notice that your dog is scratching and nibbling more than it usually does then it could be a definite indication of flea activity. Fleas tend to flock certain areas such as groin, tail, neck, armpits, and head. To be sure, checks these areas by parting the fur using a flea comb.

Localized Hair Loss

Another warning sign of flea infestation is localized bald patches. This happens because dogs tend to scratch and nibble certain areas more than others. Flea infestations can also lead to skin rashes, which may cause hair fall.

Red Patchy Skin That Looks like Rash

Dogs can also develop a reddish rash-like skin condition following a flea invasion. These reddish patches are usually allergic reactions to flea bites and saliva. If left untreated, these rashes can lead to an open lesion and infection.

The Remnants of Flea Dirt

Fleas are known to leave behind something called flea dirt. These appear as very small reddish-brown or black specks. You guessed it, these are flea poop. These specks are digested remains of blood that fleas have consumed. This can be spotted on your dog or even around your home if the infestation has reached serious proportions. The dirt feels rough to touch when you are running your fingers through the dog’s fur.

How to Deal with Fleas?

Fleas are something that demands a quick and effective reaction. There is absolutely no reason to delay flea treatment. What makes flea treatment urgent is the fact that the infestation can quickly get out of hand. Flea populations can spread from a single dog and end up affecting the entire neighborhood in a matter of months. Chemical treatment to kill fleas present in the yard and in your home may be warranted following a serious infestation. In early stages, fleas can be controlled by treating the dog. Anti-flea solutions such as Capstar Flea Killer, an orally administered medication, can potentially eliminate the entire population within just six hours. Apart from that, these pills last for 24 hours.

Being on the lookout for the early warning signs of fleas is the smart way to sidestep a serious flea problem. Use a quality flea comb to check for fleas and administer periodic flea medication to keep your dog safe.

Health Warning Signals To Watch Out For In Your Puppy

March 21, 2018 by Mandy

Dog owners all over the world would agree that a pet dog is not just a pet; it is also a valued family member, one that stays loyal and loving even in the worst of times. It is heartbreaking to see these faithful animals in distress or pain, which is why every dog owner should know to look out for some telltale signs and symptoms indicating that the dog is sick. Puppies, in particular, are highly susceptible to illness. The most crucial aspect is that your dog or puppy cannot speak out; it is you who have to be proactive enough to understand that your furry friend is in distress.

On catching the slightest glimpse of any health warning sign, take your puppy to a good vet clinic, where you have some of the best veterinarians and vet technicians certified from renowned vet tech schools in California and other cities. To understand that it is time to visit a vet clinic, here are some of the health warning signals to keep track of.

The puppy seems to lack energy

A characteristic which puppies are known for universally is their wagging tails and happy, curious and carefree disposition. Puppies are almost always excited to interact with people, particularly with their caregivers, and if they appear disinterested, it is a sign that they are already sick, or are just coming down with an illness.

Loss of appetite

If the puppy seems reluctant to eat, it might not be just because he or she does not like the food variant provided; the reason may be more serious. Lack of appetite is a serious sign of sickness or possible infection. Potentially dangerous outcomes can be canine distemper and heartworm disease, so the caregiver has to be vigilant on this.

The little dog’s coat is dull

A coat that lacks luster is a sign of a sick pup. If one has been feeding the dog properly and taking good care of the furry animal, the pet’s coat should be sleek and shiny. A dull coat could indicate a minor ailment such as a food allergy, or it could point to serious conditions like kidney disease.

The pup is running a fever

Fevers can be quite commonplace amongst humans, but they are not to be taken lightly in puppies. A fever can be a warning sign for many health problems, and owners should visit vet clinics at once if they find out that their pups are running a fever.

Your pup whimpers frequently

Little pups tend to whimper occasionally for many reasons; they miss their mother and siblings, they want attention. There can, in fact, be a plethora of reasons. However, if the pup is whimpering and whining often, it may be his way of saying that he is not feeling well or is injured. If comforting the animal does not work, veterinary care may be required.

These were only the basic warning signs of sickness. Anyone caring for a pup has to keep an eye out for any unusual symptoms exhibited by the pet so that that necessary medical attention can be provided immediately.

Preparing Your Home for a New Dog

March 15, 2018 by Mandy

It is always an exciting prospect to welcome a new dog into the family. However, it also takes a lot of preparation and commitment in making sure that your home is safe and comfortable for your new pet. There are a few things to take into consideration in preparing your abode for a new four-legged resident, especially for first-time dog owners.

Pet-proof your surroundings. Dogs are just like little children – they are extremely active, curious, and energetic. They explore their surroundings with enthusiasm, sometimes to their detriment. That is why you need to keep them safe by preventing potential hazards and accidents.

Just as you would childproof a home, review your home’s layout and anticipate possible danger zones. These are places where your dog may get stuck or injured, such as doorways and cabinets. Keep fragile items out of reach and stow away poisonous materials and chemicals. If needed, cover electrical outlets and place bump guards on sharp corners.

Prepare your pet’s personal belongings. Welcome your new pet by establishing his own little place within the home. You can choose to give him a soft bed, pillow, or an indoor cage. Of course, don’t forget to get a dog collar and other stuff like their own food bowl, water feeder, toys, etc. A great idea is to personalize these items with their very own name. You’d be surprised just how your dog will take to these things well.

Depending on your dog’s breed and the kind of lifestyle you live, you might also need to get him other accessories like a dog stroller or carrier especially if you plan on going out often. If you are bringing in a puppy, you will need additional items particularly suited for rearing and training him.

Stock up on supplies. Part of your new dog’s personal belongings is a reliable supply of food, snacks, and other consumables such as medicine, vitamins, supplements, and the like. You wouldn’t want to run out of these items in the middle of an emergency. It’s best to stock up on at least a week’s worth of consumables.

To prepare your dog in case of calamities such as earthquakes, typhoons, flooding, and similar disasters, it would be wise to come up with an emergency grab bag that contains essential items and supplies. Include copies of important documents and identification papers, as well as your personal information so that you can be located in case he gets lost.

Keep clean and organized. Sanitized surroundings are beneficial not only for a house’s human occupants but for pets as well. If you are bringing home a dog for the first time, especially a puppy, you will need to step up the cleanliness of your environment. This helps prevent diseases and parasites from afflicting your dog.

Assign a place where all pet-related items can be located and kept, such as a dedicated cupboard in the kitchen or a large, covered bin. Regularly wash and sanitize pet items such as toys, beds, pillows, blankets, and the like. Make sure to housebreak your pet as soon as possible so that he also learns his part in keeping the home clean. If he does pee or poop indoors, clean it up well and immediately – don’t let such waste fester.

New dog, new life

For many, a new dog in the home really means a new lifestyle. It takes adjustment not only on the part of the animal, but mostly on your part as his human. Having a pet is not all fun and games, but also serious dedication to the welfare of your companion. By ensuring that your home is pet-friendly and ready, you will see that your relationship with your dog will deepen and develop into a truly satisfying and fulfilling one.

How You Can Be a Great Pet Owner for a Small Dog

February 23, 2018 by Mandy

Small dogs require a little more attention and some different care techniques than some larger breeds. Be aware of what they can and cannot eat, special attention to exercise is important for small dogs, and watching for health issues in your little partner is very important. The following tips will help your small dog to have a long, healthy and happy life.

Feeding a Small Breed Dog

Smaller dogs are cute and can be a lot of fun to play with and care for. Dachshund puppies are some of the most fun pets to have. A puppy from a smaller breed needs to be fed about three to four times a day with a calorie rich food. If you are not sure which brand to feed your new puppy, call and ask your veterinarian (the puppy’s breeder is a good resource too.) The reason behind your need to feed them this way, is their fast metabolism. When they are adults, they will need to be fed more calories per pound than larger dogs because of how their metabolism works.

If your dog is not getting enough calories, they can develop hypoglycemia (a drop in blood sugar.) Toy breed puppies that are 6-12 weeks old, can develop this potentially fatal condition. This is why proper nutrition for small dogs are so important.

Dog food that contains antioxidants (zinc, lycopene, beta-carotene, and vitamins,) will help your dog lives healthier as they grow older. It is especially important to feed small breeds food with antioxidants because they live longer than bigger dogs. Anyone who is going to be around your dog needs to know what foods should not be fed to them. Chocolate, coffee, grapes, and mushrooms can make your dog sick.

Exercising Your Puppy

Excessive barking or chewing on anything and everything in your home is two indications that your dog is bored and probably needs more activity. Small breed dogs can have higher energy levels than some larger dogs. The first thing you should do when you get home from work or school is to play with and walk your dog. Some small dogs are not built well for long walks, so playing with another dog or playing a game of fetch is a better exercise for them.

Watch for Potential Health Issues

Make sure you get all recommended vaccinations for your small dog when recommended by the vet. Heartworm prevention is something you should talk over with the health professionals at your vet’s office. They should also give you guidelines about the breed you own and what kind of health problems that breed may develop. It would also be a good idea to find the best dog insurance cost and make sure that your pet stays healthy. Here are some other health tips to think about when caring for your small breed puppy.

Watch the temperature. A small dog will not do well when they get overheated, and extreme cold will drop the temperature of their small bodies. It may be hard to believe, but these conditions can be fatal to your little pup.

Do not let their weight become a problem. If your small dog is carrying extra weight around, this puts stress on their joints and back. Overweight can cause a dog pain.

Joint pain problems are common in small dogs (even ones that are not overweight.) Your dog needs to rest and recover if it is hopping, limping, or having a hard time getting up when they are laying down. If these symptoms do not improve with rest, then the vet may need to help your dog with anti-inflammatory pain medicine. Ask your veterinarian about supplementing your dog’s diet with glucosamine and chondroitin. These two supplements work to lubricate your animal’s joints.

Other health issues you should think about include air quality and breeding your small dog. Keeping your dog away from dust and smoke, protects its lungs. A disease (tracheal collapse,) causes the trachea to flatten and makes it hard for your small dog to breathe, may occur in these conditions. If you want to breed your small dog, or it becomes pregnant, ask your vet about birthing assistance. It is not easy for a small dog to give birth.

4 Reasons Why It’s Important to Play With Your Pets After Work

January 5, 2018 by Mandy

Your dogs or cats are happy to see you after a long day of work. For some pets, this part of the day is their favorite time for playing. They’re excited to see you, so it’s a great time to bring out the toys and start having fun. Here are four benefits to playing with your furry best friends after you get home from work.

Burning off energy

Dogs often spend long hours in their crates while you’re away from the house. They haven’t had the opportunity to burn off any of their energy for the day. If you don’t give them a chance to do this, then they may get out their energy through bad behavior.

Try to stick to a regular schedule, so your pets know exactly when playtime starts. It’s okay to take some time to decompress after work, but it’s important to set the appropriate expectations for an excited dog or cat.

Healthy exercise

Exercise is an important part of keeping your best friend around for as long as possible. Highly active dogs need the most exercise, although you don’t want to overlook pets that aren’t as high-energy.

As with humans, the benefits of exercise for your dog or cat include better cardiovascular health, improved metabolism, a healthy appetite and more. Make time for your pet to run around the house or yard once you get in from your commute. If you have a dog park nearby, you can also improve your pet’s socialization skills.

Mental stimulation

Sitting alone in the house all day can get pretty boring. Your pets need mental stimulation through enriching activities and toys. While they may be able to entertain themselves while you’re at work, it’s not as engaging as playing with you.

Try to mix up the play style and toys that you use when you’re having fun with your dog or cat. Cycle new items into the toy box on a regular basis, so your pets are getting new experiences. Older toys can get passed on to friends with pets or to animal shelters. If you have animals that destroy their toys through rough play, try getting toys made of tougher material or subscribing to a pet toy box service that delivers monthly.

Bonding opportunities

You’re one of the most important people in your pets’ lives. You care for them, pick up their poop, keep them fed and love them unconditionally. Playing with your pet gives you a chance to reinforce the bond between you, which is particularly important if you need to give them a pill, like a flea medicine for dogs.

Cats are fairly independent and may act more like they grudgingly tolerate you rather than viewing you as the head of the pack. Dogs, on the other hand, need leadership.

Adding in positive reinforcement during after-work playtime helps strengthen your bond and build trust. It takes time before a dog accepts you as the head of the pack, and a consistent playtime shows your companion that you’re reliable and friendly.

Playtime is more than just a chance for your pets to have fun. They’re improving their health, staying mentally stimulated, developing a closer bond with you, and going through their endless stores of energy. Take a look at your post-work schedule and figure out when you’ll have the time every day to play with your pets.