Getting a new pet is exciting, but don’t get too caught up in the excitement. Here are some tips for new pet owners:
https://www.insider.com/tips-for-bringing-home-a-new-pet-2019-5

Keep your pet healthy this winter with these Cold Weather Safety Tips:

https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/cold-weather-safety-tips

We all know having a pet is a huge responsibility. One of the biggest costs of having one is the time you spend with them. Integration of time with your pet is tricky with work or school or other responsibilities, here are some tips that may help those who are struggling:
https://www.wellnesspetfood.com/our-community/wellness-blog/10-tips-spending-more-time-your-pets-2019

5 Pet Safety Tips for Taking Your Dog to the Beach

The beach is a place to relax and have fun. And for many pet owners, bringing your dog to the beach or taking them to a dog beach makes for an even more relaxing and fun beach day experience. But the very things that make the beach so pleasant—the water, sun and sand—could also prove harmful to your pet.

Here are five pet safety tips to help keep your dog safe at the beach.

Read more HERE

How to Prevent and Treat a Pet's Sunburn

Summer sun means plenty of outdoor time for our pets. The longer daylight hours give you and your pet more opportunities for getting outside and enjoying nature. But, like humans, animals can (and do) get sunburned. "Most animals are naturally protected from the sun by either fur or pigmented skin," explains Erin Katribe, DVM, MS, medical director at the Best Friends Animal Society. "Without these protections, though, pets can be susceptible to sunburn." Animals that have light-colored fur, minimal fur or no fur at all risk sunburn when they spend too much time in the sun. Pets that also have unpigmented skin (white or pink) or shaved areas can also get sunburnt.

Like in humans, overexposure to the sun can lead to sunburn and skin cancer in our pets. We can protect our animals from sun-related skin problems by following a few simple steps that reduces their exposure and keeps them safe. Here, two veterinarians share some of their advice on preventing and treating a pet's sunburn. 

Avoid direct sunlight.

Many of the same rules for sun prevention and treatment that we humans have to follow applies to our pets. Shade is your friend. Stay out of direct sunlight as much as possible. Hyunmin Kim, DVM, veterinary staff manager, community medicine for the ASPCA, advises avoiding the sun at its highest temperature points during the day. "Sunburn in pets occurs when they are overexposed to the ultraviolet rays from the sun," says Kim. "Sunburns can be different in each pet depending on their coloring and how often they are exposed to the sun."

Add protective clothing.

Those little doggie outfits are more than just for looks. Sure, your pup looks adorable in a dress or shirt, but the clothing can give your pet some extra protection against the sun's dangerous rays. "Sun shirts are also available to put on your pet to protect their skin," Kim says. "Dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors can also benefit from goggles, which can protect their eyes from UV exposure." The clothing, especially those designed for sun protection, blocks the worst of the UV rays from touching your pet's skin and is one defense against sunburn.

Apply special sunscreen to exposed areas.

You can apply special sunscreen to your pet's exposed skin, but both veterinarians caution against using the sunscreen that you use on yourself. "Some sunscreens designed for human use have ingredients that are toxic to animals, such as zinc," Katribe says. "So, make sure the product is safe for pets." You can ask your vet for sunscreen that is designed for animals and follow all of the application instructions. Your pet may also try to lick off the sunscreen. Ask your vet how you reduce or keep your pet from licking it off. Remember: Only use sunscreen that is made for pets; never apply sunscreen that is meant for us humans.

Read more HERE

What to Know About Mosquito Bites and Your Pets

I love summer days spent outside with my dog, Bravo, but mosquito bites drive us both buggy. They're a danger to my cat, Karma, too, even though he rarely goes outside for leash walks. These tiny vampires are more than an itchy aggravation. Mosquito bites spread heartworms and can kill cats and dogs. The highest risk is found in warm climates where mosquitoes thrive. Southeastern states, the Mississippi River Valley, and Texas pose the highest risk, but heartworm disease is found in all 50 states. (That's why it's so important to check the parasite forecast in your area.) Here's what you need to know about mosquito bites and your pets.

Canine Heartworm Disease

Dogs are the natural host—the disease even affects coyotes and wolves—but cats also get heartworms. Heartworm disease is caused by a type of roundworm, a parasite more technically called a filarid. The heartworm lifecycle takes about seven months. When a mosquito bites an already infected dog, it swallows the immature parasite, called microfilariae. While inside the mosquito, these baby heartworms continue to develop. When the mosquito bites again, it leaves behind the larvae, which infect the new dog through the mosquito bite wound. The immature heartworms go through many stages inside the pet's body and ultimately end up in the heart and lungs. A dog's heart may hold dozens of worms that are four- to twelve-inches long. The adult worms reproduce to complete the life cycle. A single worm can shed 5,000 microfilariae a day into the bloodstream. Heartworms damage the heart and ultimately causes congestive heart failure.

Feline Heartworm Disease

Cats are known as "dead-end hosts." Their small heart usually can't contain enough adult worms to be able to reproduce. To become infected, a cat must live in an area with infected dogs and with mosquitoes that have a taste for both dog and cat blood. The Companion Animal Parasite Council reports cat heartworm disease incidence at about 10 to 15 percent that of dogs in any geographic location. While dogs may live with dozens of worms for years before they show symptoms, one worm can make your cat very sick and two worms can kill.

Signs of Heartworm Disease

Even though it's the same disease, the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment are different for dogs and cats. In dogs, heartworm disease is a chronic condition in which worms live in the dog for up to five years. Dogs may not show symptoms at first, but problems get worse over time. Left untreated, the dog may collapse and die. Chronic symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, reluctance to exercise, fainting after exertion, weakness, weight loss, and coughing up blood.

Read more HERE

Dry Vs. Canned Food

 

Many people will argue that canned food is better for your pet than dry food. The bottom line is that your pet’s nutrition is a priority for you.  At the end of the day, there really is no single right or wrong way to feed your pet, that is unless you’re feeding it directly from the table. What does matter is that you choose food that is as healthy as it is soft or crunchy and is suited for any medical condition. The purpose of this article is not to claim that one type of food is better than the other for your pet, but to provide the advantages of each so that you can choose what you feel is the best for your pet based on its needs.

Here are a few important advantages to consider when purchasing dry food for your pet. You find that some of these advantages are about as cut and dry as the food itself.  First dry food is easier to measure and store.  Most dry foods don’t have an expiration date and can be stored for long periods of time.  Dry foods in general are also less expensive than wet foods, which means more savings.  Dry food also serves as a basic convenience for pet owners who are too busy to feed their dogs during the day. It’s easy to just leave some food in a dish to feed your pet while you're gone until you return from work or a short trip.  Dry foods also make good training treats to reward your dog. Finally, there is also an oral benefit to using dry food. Dry food can be used as a dental supplement to help shape and clean teeth as the animal chews it. Certain dry foods are designed to clean the teeth of your pet while protecting it from gum problems as it gets older.

In addition to the benefits of dry food, canned food also offers a number of advantages for your pet.  Many pets will prefer wet food to dry food because of its palatability and consistency with real meat, but that does not mean it's better. It offers the same amount of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins as other dry foods.  Canned food is also easier to digest and a great option for those pets that are older and have missing teeth or smaller mouths.  Lastly, wet foods can be a good source of hydration during the hot summer months and if your pet is reluctant to drink enough water throughout the day since it is moist.

Again there is no right or wrong choice. Ultimately, you should pick what you think is best, but do so that it satisfies your pet’s nutritional requirements. It’s all just a matter of which type of food is best for your pet in the long term while fitting your personal lifestyle.

Ridding Your Dog of Skunk Smell

If you live in a rural area, the threat of your dog getting sprayed by a skunk is always looming. If you’ve never had the distinct “pleasure” of your dog getting sprayed, it’s like having a wet dog come into your house…times 10.  Here are the steps to ridding your dog of that awful skunk smell:

Get to it fast
Just like when you spill something on your shirt, the faster you get to it the better. The longer the chemicals that the skunk dispersed are allowed to sit, the harder it will be to remove them. Also, make sure to check for any other defenses that the skunk may have used such as scratching or bites. Skunks can be carriers of rabies so you should consult your vet immediately if you spot any bleeding. If it’s just that awful stench, read on:

Soak
Get some lukewarm water going and rub that in your dog’s coat first. At this point, I’m sure you’re expecting some formula that involves tomatoes – wrong. The tomato solution is okay for masking the odor but it won’t get rid of it.

The solution
Take a quart of 3% hydrogen peroxide, ¼ cup baking soda and 1 teaspoon of dishwashing soap. After mixing those ingredients, rub them into your dog’s wet coat with rubber gloves and a washcloth where you think the skunk sprayed him. Do not rub the solution in the vicinity of his eyes, ears or mouth. Let the solution sit for five to 10 minutes and rinse it out. Repeat the process until you feel like the smell is lifting and finish off your washing with regular dog shampoo.

Near the eyes
If your dog took a direct hit to the face, this solution will not work for him. You will be able to tell because your dog’s eyes will likely be red and he’s acting extremely agitated about his facial area. If you spot these signs, call your veterinarian to visit or ask for a solution to your problem.    

​12 Tips for Choosing the Right Dog Groomer

When we think of caring for our dogs’ health, our thoughts might turn instinctively toward healthy foods, exercise and vet visits, but grooming is just as important to your dog’s well-being. Although some dog owners prefer to groom their own dogs, a skilled professional not only makes your dog look great, but he or she also offers services that contribute to your dog’s care, like nail trimming, ear cleaning, and teeth cleaning.

How to Find a Dog Groomer

The first step in discovering your dream groomer is diligent research. Ask trusted friends and family for their recommendations and search online using tools such as AKC GroomerFinder to find professional groomers in your area.

Once you’ve narrowed your options, there is no substitute for having an in-person conversation with your groomer-to-be. The answers they give and the way they discuss your concerns can tell you a lot about the people to whom you are entrusting your precious pup.

No need for interrogation lights and a good-cop/bad-cop routine. Just a few fair questions should be enough for you to feel comfortable putting your dog into another’s care.

Choosing The Right Dog Groomer: What To Ask

1. May I see your facility?

How does it look? How does it smell? You’ll want to see a well-ventilated salon, clean workstations, sturdy tables and tubs, as well as pet-friendly products. Ask yourself, is this a place I’m comfortable leaving my dog?

2. Besides brushing, shampoo and haircut, what services do you provide?

According to Mindy Dinwiddie, owner of Classy Canine in Litchfield, Michigan, you’ll want to understand what services a groomer or grooming salon offers. “Groomers have the proper tools and knowledge for removing mats, trimming nails and cleaning ears. Professional groomers can make you aware of ear infections, tooth decay, and skin infections.”

Read more HERE

What to Do if Your Dog Eats Chocolate

Chocolate is toxic to dogs, and depending on the type and amount of chocolate consumed and the weight of your dog, it could cause a serious medical emergency. If you know your dog has eaten chocolate, it’s important to monitor him for signs of toxicity (see below), and it’s recommended that you contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-213-6680, fee applies) for advice. Learn how much is too much, which types of chocolate are the most dangerous, and what signs to look for that may signal your dog needs treatment.

Why Chocolate Is Toxic to Dogs

Chocolate contains both theobromine and caffeine, both of which can speed the heart rate and stimulate the nervous system of dogs, the Merck/Merial Manual for Veterinary Healthexplains. The risk of your dog becoming sick from ingesting chocolate depends on the type and amount of chocolate consumed and the weight of the dog (calculate your dog’s risk of toxicity with this easy-to-use program). The concentrations of these toxic substances vary among different types of chocolates. Here are a few types of chocolate listed in order of theobromine content:

1. Cocoa powder (most toxic)
2. Unsweetened baker’s chocolate
3. Semisweet chocolate
4. Dark chocolate
5. Milk chocolate

Knowing how much and what kind of chocolate your dog ate can help you and your vet determine if you have an emergency. In general, mild symptoms of chocolate toxicity occur when a dog consumes 20 mg of methylxanthines per kilogram of body weight. Cardiac symptoms of chocolate toxicity occur around 40 to 50 mg/kg, and seizures occur at dosages greater than 60 mg/kg.

In simpler terms, that means a very concerning dose of chocolate is approximately one ounce of milk chocolate per pound of body weight. Since an average Hershey’s Milk Chocolate bar is 1.55 ounces, consuming even one chocolate bar can have serious consequences, especially for small dogs. Eating a crumb of chocolate cake or a very small piece of a chocolate bar, on the other hand, probably won’t kill your dog, especially if it is a larger breed, but chocolate should never be fed as a treat.

 Read more HERE