4 simple tips to choose healthy dog food

4 simple tips to choose healthy dog food

The pet food in your cart is not going to be healthy just because the packaging claims it is. Instead of relying on what the advertisements tell you is good for your pet, you should research and understand what is actually beneficial for them. If you want to keep your canine healthy and happy, select the best dog food at your disposal. Here are four factors to consider the next time you’re shopping for dog food. Be mindful of their age The most important factor to consider while choosing the best dog food is your pet’s health. You should pick food age-appropriate food for your pooch, both in quality and quantity. Experts say that puppies need food packed with protein and vital minerals, while an adult dog’s diet should depend on their daily activities. Older dogs should be served low-calorie food that’s rich in fiber, protein, and fatty acids. Meet their nutritional needs Meeting your pet’s nutritional requirements is essential to keep them healthy. One of the things to keep in mind while looking for the best dog food is the type, quality, and amount of nutrients it contains. Professionals say selecting foods with all essential macro and micronutrients is the right way to go.
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Home remedies for dog allergies

Home remedies for dog allergies

Like humans, dogs, too, tend to develop certain rashes, allergies, and skin problems. While getting veterinary help is essential, minor problems can always be resolved with an effective home remedy. So, if you look to eliminate itchiness, discomfort, and redness in dogs, here are a few effective natural remedies to try out. Oat baths When it comes to doggy allergies, an oat bath is an excellent remedy. It washes away any allergens stuck on the dog’s coat and reduces inflammation. One must never use it during a yeast infection, as it can make it worse. To make an oat bath, one has to grind sugar-free, organic oats into a fine powder and then boil it with water. Using this to bathe the dog will provide them with relief. Apple cider vinegar Apple cider vinegar is a powerful antibacterial and antifungal agent. It can be used to clean a dog’s paws, ears and even fight off yeast infections. All one needs to do is take a clean spray bottle and add apple cider vinegar and water in a 1:1 ratio and spray it on the dog’s itchy spots for relief. Nonetheless, one must not spray it on wounds or bites. Baking soda Baking soda is an easily available and effective way to provide relief to itching caused by dog allergies.
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5 heartworm prevention medicines for dogs

5 heartworm prevention medicines for dogs

Heartworm, a type of parasite, is transmitted through mosquitoes. The parasites directly go to the pulmonary artery and heart of a dog. The symptoms are often severe and require urgent medical care and hospitalization. Most dogs need months of care and rest to get back to normal after treatments. This is why dog parents need to take preventative measures against heartworm infection. Here are some of the commonly used heartworm prevention medicines for dogs: Simparica Trio® This is one of the most popular heartworm preventive medicines for dogs. Simparica Trio is used for the prevention of multiple infections. Along with preventing heartworms, this medication can be used to treat stomach worms, hookworms, and roundworms. This is a chewable tablet. The preventive treatment with Simparica Trio usually begins with pups as young as eight weeks old. Heartgard Plus Heartgard Plus, one of the top choices for heartworm prevention in dogs, is an oral medication. Its popularity is because of the flavor that it comes in–beef. This medication has two major ingredients: ivermectin and pyrantel pamoate. Both of these are effective in the treatment and prevention of various common infections that affect dogs. These include heartworm, hookworm, roundworms, among others. Tri-Heart® Plus This heartworm prevention medicine for dogs is often a generic alternative to most other medications, including Simparica Trio.
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Pros and cons of invisible dog fence

Pros and cons of invisible dog fence

Pet owners most likely don’t like the idea of confining their dog within a room or fence. However, if the dog is hyperactive or aggressive, having a fence around your house can save the pet from unfortunate accidents and wild encounters with other dogs. It keeps them from entering the neighbor’s porch too. While there are many fencing options, we’re here to share the pros and cons of the invisible fence. Pros of invisible fence Aesthetically pleasing An invisible fence is for people who want to enjoy the feeling of being outdoors and, at the same time, do not want the barriers to interfere with the view of the green yards. It also eliminates the need for a gate. So people can move around the space without opening and closing the gate a gazillion times. An invisible fence allows the house owner to retain their view as they please. Convenient The traditional fence takes much longer to get installed as compared to an electric fence, which also makes this option much more reasonable. An invisible fence also eliminates the need for fence posts, nailing boards, rolling wire, or welding iron. Can be adapted to any terrain While conventional fences work only on flat or slightly sloping yards, invisible fences work in all terrains.
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5 best dog collars for tick and flea protection

5 best dog collars for tick and flea protection

Tick and flea season can be extremely frustrating for your furry friends! The bites and infections cause consistent itching, but some bites can also lead to infections that cause tick fever and other potentially fatal complications. Always speak to your vet regarding medicines and methods used for avoiding ticks and fleas all year round. And to make sure that your pooch stays clean, here are some of the best options for tick and flea collars. TevraPet ProAct™ TevraPet uses a waterproof design for their collars to keep the deltamethrin effective through the six months of usage. This chemical kills both fleas and ticks on your dog’s fur and skin on contact and gives the whole body protection from these insects. Say bye-bye to tick or flea bites that can irritate your furry friend. SENTRY® Dual Action Flea & Tick Dog Collar Sentry uses a chemical called deltamethrin to protect your dog from fleas on your pet. The collar is designed to work against adult fleas by killing them quickly and thus preventing any eggs from being laid in your pooch’s fur. You can use the collar for up to six months and also not worry about keeping it dry as it is waterproof.
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Preventing and Treating Dog Fleas

Preventing and Treating Dog Fleas

Pests can invade a dog’s furry coat and create quite havoc. Some dogs are extremely sensitive to these crawly bugs and can develop skin reactions. That said, several products are available in the market to tackle this problem, and flea tablets are one of them. These fast-acting pills control ticks, worms, and other pests, so pet owners won’t have to worry about infestations. Here are a few trusted flea pills for dogs that will actively protect your pet’s fur coat. Capstar Flea Tablets Capstar is a well-known brand for effective flea-prevention and treatment products. Their flea pills for dogs and puppies can prevent allergy dermatitis, which often occurs due to a flea infestation. Their tablets can start killing these pests within half an hour of ingestion, and they are safe enough for daily single-dose consumption. While no prescription is needed to purchase these, remember to get approval from your vet as they will know if the medicine will agree with your canine. Trifexis Chewable Tablets These strong monthly chewable flea pills for dogs are a good fix for fleas, and they also help keep heartworm disease at bay. They have a blend of pest-fighting agents like milbemycin oxime and spinosad that fight parasites and curb infestation.
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4 signs indicating that one’s pet dog is sick

4 signs indicating that one’s pet dog is sick

It can be difficult for pet parents to spot signs of illness in their dogs, as these animals are skilled at hiding them. By the time symptoms become noticeable, the illness may have already progressed significantly. Dogs tend to display discomfort when the symptoms worsen, which could mean they have been sick for a while. Therefore, it’s important to be observant of any signs that may indicate your dog is unwell. Increased or decreased urination It’s important to watch out for signs such as difficulty urinating, changes in urine output, or blood in urine to determine if your dog is unwell. This is especially important for senior dogs. Bloody urine could indicate health problems such as bladder stones, urinary tract infections, blood disorders, or cancer. Frequent urination could be a sign of kidney problems. Low energy levels It’s important to keep an eye on your dog’s energy levels. If you notice that they are more lethargic or lazy than usual, it could be a sign that they are feeling under the weather. They may seem unusually tired or sluggish and may not be as playful or responsive as they normally are. If you observe any of these symptoms, taking your dog to the vet for a checkup is a good idea to ensure they are in good health.
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8 telltale signs that it’s time to take a cat to a vet

8 telltale signs that it’s time to take a cat to a vet

Cats are natural but small predators. They believe showing signs of sickness makes them easy prey for other larger predators. That is why they tend to hide their discomfort when feeling unwell. If a cat you care for displays signs of ill health, that can be a major cause of worry, warranting immediate attention from a vet. Watch out for the following changes in behavior or signs that your cat is sick: Vomiting or diarrhea: While vomiting occasionally is not a concern, keep an eye out for the timing and frequency of vomiting and diarrhea, as this may require a trip to the veterinarian. Sudden changes in appetite, drinking, or eating habits: Changes in appetite and eating habits could result from or lead to hyperthyroidism, fatty liver disease, or hepatic lipidosis in cats. Noticeable weight changes: If your cat has been experiencing unexplained weight gain or loss, it may be time to visit the veterinarian. Breathing problems: If your cat is experiencing wheezing, rapid or raspy breathing, or shortness of breath, rush them to the veterinarian for an emergency check-up. Mood changes: If your friendly and confident cat begins to show signs of aggression or fear, you may want to have them checked.
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A guide to owning emotional support animals

A guide to owning emotional support animals

Emotional support is one of the foundations of mental health and well-being. Recent studies suggest that 74% of pet owners believed their mental health improved after buying a pet. Thus, it is believed that emotional support from animals plays a therapeutic role in helping one navigate tough times. As of 2019, there are nearly 2,00,000 emotional support animals in the country. Here are the answers to some key questions on emotional support animals: What are emotional support animals? Emotional support animals are animals that provide comfort to individuals through companionship. Individuals with mental health conditions are typically able to manage their symptoms better in the company of such animals. What animals are typically classified as emotional support animals? While dogs and cats are typically classified as emotional support animals, other animals like ferrets, guinea pigs, and rabbits are also becoming popular in this category. Dogs Dogs are popularly referred to as a human’s best friends and for a good reason. Studies have shown that the company of dogs can reduce stress and anxiety and help manage depression and loneliness. Cats Many individuals find the company of cats to be soothing and comforting. Their stress-reducing effect can elevate one’s mood. A study has demonstrated that cat owners have better psychological health than individuals without pets.
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Signs indicating a pet dog is sick and what to do

Signs indicating a pet dog is sick and what to do

Dogs are cherished members of our families, and their well-being is a top priority for all pet parents. Recognizing signs that your dog might be sick is essential for providing timely care and ensuring their health. While dogs can’t communicate their discomfort through words, they do display various physical and behavioral indicators that can alert you about their illness. Here are some common signs that your dog might be sick: Changes in Appetite Signs: A sudden loss of appetite or a significant decrease in food consumption. What to Do: Keep an eye on your dog’s eating habits, as a persistent lack of appetite could indicate underlying health issues. Consult your veterinarian if the change persists. Vomiting and Diarrhea Signs: Frequent vomiting or diarrhea, especially if the excreta contains blood or mucus. What to Do: Ensure your dog stays hydrated by providing small sips of water. Don’t give food for a few hours and then reintroduce a bland food regime. If vomiting or diarrhea continues or worsens, seek veterinary care. Lethargy Signs: A sudden or prolonged lack of energy, reluctance to move, or inability to engage in usual activities. What to Do: Pay attention to changes in your dog’s activity level.
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