I Saw A Flea On My Dog

May 8th, 2009

At some stage of your pet’s lifespan every pet owner will have to deal with the problem of fleas, ticks and mites. If left untreated they can take over your pet’s skin and coat so it is really important to keep it under control. It’s best to stop the problem before it gets out of control. Rather treat your pet for a few fleas than treat the whole house for an infestation!

There are some misconceptions about fleas. It is not something that only happens to dirty animals! In fact it is probably more common in clean animals because fleas prefer a clean coat. Coming into contact with other animals also causes exposure to the problem and can start a flea problem in your home.

Fleas, mites and ticks are parasites with a short lifespan so they reproduce quickly. Female fleas can lay up to 25 eggs a day. So you can see just how quickly the problem can get out of hand! They tend to prefer warm conditions so summer and spring are the most troublesome times for pets and owners.

The main thing is that you want to catch the problem early! This means brushing your dog often and inspecting their coat. Fleas, ticks and mites are tiny black, brown crawling creatures that can even look like dirt. It may help for you to examine the fur under their ears and arms/legs. Fleas like warm places. You can also sea flea egg sacks and flea droppings in their fur if you look closely. If you still cannot see the fleas try combing your dog on a bright surface, something like a piece of paper should work well.

This is a problem that needs to be treated right away. Instead of heading for the pet store to buy expensive over-the-counter treatments, sprays or dips you should rather seek professional help right away. It will save you time. Your vet should have some pamphlets or handouts about flea control. Some vets even prescribe oral treatments if the problem is out severe.

If you choose to shop for the products yourself you will need to read the labels carefully to check that you are not inadvertently poisoning your pet! Never allow your pet to ingest any of the products you use; they are highly poisonous. It’s also important to protect their eyes from these harsh chemicals. There is a lot of disagreement about whether or not flea collars work. They tend to kill fleas in a localized area around the collar.

It is important to treat your home for fleas as well. Fleas can survive in almost anything in your home-furniture, rugs and bedding. Any flea treatments will be pointless if the flea’s eggs or fleas themselves remain in your living space.

To clean your home properly you will need to sanitize and clean the areas where the pet sleeps. Depending on the severity of the problem you may need to throw away blankets that have become infested with eggs. Often - just washing the affected bedding in hot water and some flea shampoo should do the trick. Rather safe than sorry though - if in doubt toss the bedding. Having to have your home fumigated will cost a lot more!

Fleas can become a nightmare for any pet owner. Rather stop the problem early - check your pet everyday for fleas and regularly use a preventative product approved by your vet.

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Posted in Dogs, Pets, Tips

Your Dog Will Thank You If You Read These Doggie Diet Tips

April 27th, 2009

Although it was once common practice to feed dogs whatever scrapes came from the dinner table, today we realize that there is much more to feeding an animal than we thought.  It is important to give them foods that will provide them with a healthy life and a long one too.  In fact, there are a number of researchers who dedicate their lives to understanding just what your pet should and shouldn’t eat.  You can bank on what they have found that should be in your dog’s diet.

It is important to provide your animal with the right type of food.  That means that you should give her food that is right for the dog’s age and activity levels and that is right for her size as well as her health.  You’ll find a wide selection of products to choose from in your pet store.  It is wise to purchase the best quality of food for your pet that you can afford to buy.  Realize that if you purchase poor quality food for your animal, his health can be lacking.

Your pet’s diet should include some dry food because the crunch will help to keep her teeth clean and it will also help with gum health.  It provides the fiber in your dog’s diet that is necessary.  You can use wet food, but don’t give them too much of it.  For example, pour some over your dog’s dry food instead of giving them the whole can.  If you are interested in providing your pet with home made foods, find dog specific recipes throughout the web to use.  It is important not to give your dog leftovers from your meal though.  You need the food to provide nutrition to your dog based on his needs.  Things like fats, and fillers in human food, as well as spices, can make a dog sick.

As a puppy, your dog needs to eat frequently throughout the day, about three or four smaller meals, until they are about three months old.  Then, cut it down to only three meals a day for the next three months.  Ideally, your adult dog should each twice per day.  You should provide your dog’s food to them for up to twenty minutes.  At that point remove it if they have not eaten it and are not in the process of doing so.  This will help to stop picky eaters.  You do need to provide a constant amount of clean water for your pet to drink as well.

Ideally, you will need to get recommendations about the amounts of food to feed your dog from your vet.  Sometimes, information is also available on the food bags as well.  Not sure if your pet is eating the right amount?  Here’s a test.  If you run your hand against the dog’s side, you should feel her ribs without pressing.  If you can not feel them without pressing, she may be overweight.  If you can see them, though, she is underweight.

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Posted in Dogs, General, Pets

Why Buy A Pet And Why You Should Buy Online?

April 8th, 2009

Making the decision to buy a Pet sparks the beginning of a beautiful relationship. Having a pet around peps your home to a different sort of level. Your house comes alive with the joyful bark of an adorable puppy, or the quiet strut of a furry cat, the incessant chatter of a pair of budgies or even the sight of your Fish gliding peacefully around your tank.

To many, having a pet around brings with it a sense of companionship. It?s rare to feel alone with 2 or 3 cats hanging around you all the time. The comradeship that a dog or even a pony offers can rarely be substituted by anything else.

For others, a pet provides a healing sort of presence. The soothing effects that Pets can have, on humans who are often struck with effects of epilepsy or even cancer, are quite tremendous. Gentle animals have often been used to interact with humans who have been physically handicapped, to greatly improve their present condition.

Of course, you could have pets for a lot of other purposes too. You could get yourself a dog, with the intention of guarding your home and the safety of your family.

Many parents choose to buy healthy pets for their home. This is because children who have grown up with pets and are taught to love and take care of them, become adults with a more responsible and wholesome personalities. Children can be taught to feed, bathe, groom, and be responsible for their pets.

One of the best ways to purchase a pet is to do so online. The internet has a variety of websites that are dedicated to letting you know about the different varieties of pets available.

Advantages Of Buying A Pet Online

A Much Wider Choice:

By purchasing a pet online, you?ll be given a much wider choice of animals than you would find at your local pet store. For example, the pet store in your area might have just budgies or parrots. But by choosing to buy online, you can choose between numerous different varieties of Birds like cockatoos, quails, macaws, cuckoos, canaries and so many other exotic kinds.

A Much More Informed Decision:

By using the internet, you?ll be able to gain so much more information about your pet, than what you?d get from your local pet-keeper. Pet websites provide a vast variety of information on feeding, grooming, vets, training, pet supplies, pet stores, and even have discussion forums that you can use to talk about your pet.

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Posted in General, Pets, Tips

Your Child Wants a Pet?

March 24th, 2009

Tired of hearing your child whine about wanting a pet? All parents seem to have this problem at one time or another. Many children want a pet, and it’s a perfect way to teach children responsibility. If you’ve decided to give your children the opportunity to have a pet of their own, you just have to figure out which pet is the right pet! There are a few smaller, easier to care for animals that make great first pets. These are typically a bit more affordable than bigger animals such as dogs or cats. However, with any pet, the owner’s personality affects the decision.

Gerbils make great pets for smaller children, as they are active during the day and are extremely curious and friendly. Gerbils are actually desert animals. They are very clean animals, which makes cleaning up after them a lot simpler. For a young child’s first pet, these are perfect! Gerbils are very social animals, so a pair is definitely the way to go with these animals. However, be sure they are not mates; otherwise you’d better be prepared to take care of lots of little gerbils! A large aquarium-style tank with a deep layer of wood shavings makes for a perfect home for these little creatures, as they love to tunnel and dig. To keep them (as well as your child) entertained, tunnel-type toys are great! Gerbil food is relatively inexpensive and can be purchased at any pet store. They also enjoy the occasional bit of lettuce or cheese. Gerbils usually live up to three years.

Guinea pigs are good first pets, as they don’t scratch and can be gently handled. Like gerbils, they’re social creatures, so a pair is preferred. Guinea pigs are very timid, so they need lots of places to hide in their cage. An aquarium-style tank works well for guinea pigs as well, as long as they have a grazing area and places to burrow. Guinea pigs need a daily diet that his high in fiber and vitamin C. Guinea pigs live up to six years.

Most people aren’t entirely keen on the idea of keeping mice, but if you’re looking to get one as a first pet, you should keep in mind that, like the others, they are social. Two to three female mice are the best way to go as males tend to fight and produce a much stronger smell. Cages must be cleaned two to three times a week. A wire-mesh cage works best for mice, as they need a well-ventilated living space, with tunnels and other toys. Mice need a lot of things to gnaw on, such as dog biscuits.

Though they generally have a shorter life span than gerbils or guinea pigs, mice are by far the highest maintenance. However, any of these pets are perfect for a child’s first pet, and what better way to give your child a lesson in responsibility?

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Posted in General, Pets