Controlling Fleas and Ticks

Indoor dogs in colder climates may never need flea treatment, whereas dogs in war, dry areas may need it year around. Outdoor dogs need to be checked for ticks frequently.

Flea and tick control is available from your vet and a Pet Med store. The spot treatments are put onto the skin between the shoulder blades and disperse through the epiderms, never entering the bloodstream. There are sever types, effective from one to three months.


Most spot treatments repel ticks. Ticks carry Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlicha, and Lyme disease. Because they can be very small and almost impossible to find on long-haired dogs, the only sure way to control them is with meds. Removing them with tweezers is the only safe method. If the head is embedded in the skin and won't come out, that's OK. Watch the spot to make sure abscess doesn't form; but usually the head falls off.

If your dog starts scratching, consider the possibility of fleas. You may not see fleas, but little specks of "dirt" in your dog's coat may be flea feces. Treat all animals in your house at the same time; if there is one flea, there could be hundreds.

Heartworms

Heartworm disease is named because the adult worms live in the right side of the heart. Heartworms are spread by mosquitoes, and thus are found throughout the world. In the United States gthe prevalence is highest along the southeastern Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, but heartworms has been found in all 50 states. The disease is less prevalent at higher elevations. In theory, the best way to prevent heartworms is to keep your dog from being bitten by a mosquito. Unfortunately, preventing mosquito bites can never be 100 percent effective.


A prevention program should be started at 6 to 8 weeks of age in endemic areas, or as soon thereafter as climate conditions dictate. In the Deep South, where mosquitoes are a year-round problem, dogs should be kept on preventive drugs all year long. Consult your Pet Med store or your veterinarian.




Heartworm Preventives: Pet Med online store has all of these:

Heartgard is given once a month. This drug acts on the L(4) larvae. Dogs do not have to be heartworm-free to initiate therapy; dogs infected for as long as two months before treatment will not develop heartworms. Heartgard is marketed in chewable tablets of different sizes, depending on the weight of the dog.

Heartgard Plus is a popular chewable tablet taht combines ivermectin with pyrantel pamoate. This combination prevents heartworms, and also controls roundworms and hookworms.

Interceptor (milbemycin oxime) is another administered once-a-month heartworm preventive that also acts on the L(4) larvae. This drug also controls hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms. It is safer to use on Collies and Collie crosses.

Selamectin (Revolution) is a once-a-month liquid heartworm preventive applied to the skin of the dog's neck between the shoulder blades. It is available from your veterinarin in premeasured doses based on the dog's size and age. A principal advantage of selamectin is that it also controls adult fleas and prevents flea eggs from hatching for one month.

Pet Training Tools

Puppies should always be trained using a regular collar, and specialized training collars should b used later only if necessary. A well-trained dog with no major issues may never need a training collar. Contact your Pet med store.

The choke collar is often used to "strangle" a pulling dog instead of the fast pop and release it's intended for. The choke collar may cause neck and throat damage if overused. A properly fitted prong (or "pinch") collar can be gentler than a choke collar, offering power steering for large leash-pullers.

Nylon limited-slip collars and martingale collars are similar to chokes, except they don't tighten all the way. Head halters have become popular and are effective for leash-pullers and those dogs who lunge at other dogs. Toy dogs and pugs often use harnesses instead of collars. Your Pet Meds online stores have great selections.

• Many trainers believe in positive reinforcement only and do not allow chain or prong collars.
• A head halter is self-correcting, so the handler shouldn't pull or jerk on it.
• In training, the dog walkes on the left. Holding the leash in your right hand leaves the hand next to your dog free to give signals, pet, or give treats.

Dogs Age In Human Years

An old general rule is that dog year is equivalent to seven human years, but this is not always accurate. Dogs age at different rates than humans do. Dogs also vary in how quickly they age. In general, small breeds live longer than larger ones-occasionally, twice as long. The following chart is an examle of average figures for all breeds of dogs, based on their size. this will help you when you inquire information at your Pet Meds store.

Dog Age:........................... Human Years
...............Up to 20 lbs .... 21-50 lbs.... 51-90 lbs.... Over 90 lbs
......5............ 36 ................. 37............... 40.................. 40
......6............ 40.................. 42............... 45.................. 49
......7............ 44.................. 47............... 50.................. 56
.....11........... 60.................. 65............... 72................... 86
.....13........... 68.................. 74............... 82................. 101
.....15........... 76.................. 83............... 93................. 115
.....16........... 80.................. 87............... 99................. 123

Joint Problems

Joint pain is indicated by stiffness, lameness, or an abnormal gait. Hip and elbow dysplasia usually present in younger dogs while their bones are still growing.

• Dogs have about 320 bones-humans have about 206. The numbers of bones depends on whether the dog has a tail and how long it is.
• A growing pup reaches his full height before his body fills out.
• The larger the dog, the slower he grows.
• Elbow and hip dysplasia is unfortunately common, particularly in larger dogs.
• Males and females are equally affected by hip dysplasia, but more males have dysplastic elbows.

Joint supplements and nutraceuticals, from a Pet Meds store, like glucasamine/chrondeitin, MSM, and fish oil may be very helpful in lubricating joints and reducing inflammation.

• An overwhelming number of joint nutraceuticals are available from your Pet Meds store, and many can help. Buy from trusted sources and be skeptical of miracle cure formulas.
• Most joint-support supplements sold for humans contain the same active ingredients and work just fine for dogs.
• Your Pet Meds store has liquid formulas that are easier to give because they can be drizzled over food.
• Unless they are time-release capsules, pills can also be dissolved in water or ground up and mixed with food. Ask a Pet Meds store consultant.

Pet Toys

Toys are not a luxury for our pets but a necessity. Toys are designed to give your pet satisfaction and helps prevent boredom. Because a bored puppy means what can I chew on, and many times that toy is your $600 pair of shoes. Remember not to give your dog a dog toy that is too small where he doesn't need to chew it before ingesting, because a piece of that toy might end up choking him.

Activity Dog Toys: Many of these toys hold food or treats and some require your dog to experiment to understand how the treats are released. 'Kongs' are a good example- they are flexible rubber products that have a small hole through which they can be filled with different things (food, treats, etc.). These are particularly well suited for dogs when they are left alone or for dogs that are under-stimulated and have a low boredom threshold. Pet toys are sold where Pet Meds are sold.

Play Toys: These are generally toys that you use to play with your dog or for dogs to play with each other. Hearding dogs, gun dogs and hounds have a preference for hunt, chase and retrieving games. Toys that can be easily thrown or rolled work best for these games. Guarding and hunting dogs like possession games such as tug-o-war. Toys which can be held by two or more players are best suited for this. Terriers like kill games which are best simulated with soft toys that can be grabbed, shaken and thrown around. Squeaky toys are often a favorite. When you're shopping for your Pet Meds, pick up a pet toy for your friend.



Puppy Toys: Puppy teething occurs between the ages of 3-7 months, there are many products that specifically target the requirements of puppies which help ease the discomfort of teething. Generally the younger the puppy, the more pliable the chew toy needs to be.

Puppy and Dog Health

HEART WORM PREVENTION
What are Heart worms? Heart worms are worm-like parasites that are transmitted through the bite of a mosquito. They can grow in the heart and cause serious heart disease. There are several medications, that can be purchased through Pet Meds with good discounts, which your vet can or may give to your puppy on either a daily or monthly basis that will prevent it from developing the disease if it's bitten by a carrier mosquito. They will begin your puppy on this preventative medication once it has reached 8-12 weeks of age. You should continue to give it year-round. You can purchase these types of medication by going to Pet meds online. An annual or bi-annual blood test will be performed to test for heart worms and to make sure the medication is working. Try to coordinate the heart worm test with one of your pet's annual vaccination visits.

FLEA AND TICK CONTROL
There are many new products on the market which can be applied topically or taken orally to control fleas and/or ticks. In general, supermarket products are not very effective. Those available from Pet Meds stores work better. However, there are many products available only through veterinarians that work very well. Many veterinarians will actually have you order online for those same products. These products ordered online at Pet Meds online are as effective and safe.


AGE OF PUPPY: VACCINATION / PROCEDURE

6 - 8 weeks: First examination, first (of 3) DHLPP vaccination. This is the distemper multiple 5 in 1 vaccine. It protects against Canine Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Parainfluenza, and Parvovirus. You may be asked to bring a stool sample so they can check for intestinal parasites.

9 - 12 weeks: Second DHLPP booster and exam. This is done 3-4 weeks after the first vaccine. A second fecal exam should be performed.

12 + weeks: Rabies vaccination. This first rabies vaccine is good for 1 year; subsequent vaccinations last for 3 years.

13 - 16 weeks: Third (and final) DHLPP booster and exam. This is done 3-4 weeks after the second booster. This vaccine will last for 1 year and will then need to be boostered annually. this booster concludes the series of routine puppy vaccinations. If a puppy starts the series at an early age, 4 vaccines may be needed; if it starts at a later age, only 2 vaccines may be needed in the series.

Most Pet Meds stores can advise you on procedures

PET HEALTH INSURANCE
Also know that there are insurance companies that provide Pet Health Insurance. Many of the policies function much like your major medical policy and will provide assistance in paying for illnesses and veterinary emergencies. Ask your vet information on the different types of pet insurance, many of them will have brochures available.

Puppy Proofing Your Home!

While you are gone keep the puppy safe by using a crate or a child gate, that can be purchased through a Pet Meds store, and confine him in a safe area. Use childproof latches to keep you puppy out of harmful areas, or remove the product from the area all together because the vapors can harm your puppy.

• Detergent, bleach, paint and paint thinner, fertilizer, disinfectants, mothballs, insect and rodent poisons, medication, vitamins, and antifreeze.
• Some but not a complete list of toxic houseplants is: azalea, morning glory, daffodil, poinsettia, potato, English ivy, rubber plant, tobacco, holly, tulip, iris, and ivy. You can acquire a more extensive list through a Pet Meds store.
  
• Electrical cords are a big danger to puppies, if they chew on them it can cause burns in the mouth, electrical shock, or death by electrocution. Tie up loose electrical cords and keep them out of sight.
• Keep toilet lids down, a puppy can be hurt by closing lid or the toilet cleaners if puppy drinks the water.
• Keep small objects (coins, jewelry, needles and thread, straight pins, yarn, dental floss, rubber bands, paper clips, toys, etc.) out of your puppy's reach because if swallowed they can contain metals that are toxic.

Also, you may want to purchase a product called bitter apple from the pet store, be careful when you use it otherwise you will know why puppy does not like the taste.

Remember: Above all else, enjoy your new puppy in the safe environment you created for him. If you feel your home and yard are “child proof” then your puppy should be safe there, too. Remember to supervise your puppy closely when you first bring him home to make sure you have not missed something dangerous to his safety.

Summertime Care

Summer is upon us. The heat and humidity can cause problems for our pets. Don't you ever wonder how they survive these sultry summers with a full coat of hair? The following are a few tips that should keep your pets cool, comfortable and healthy during the next few months.


Cool Time! - Keep your pet cool with plenty of water and shade. Pets have been known to overheat themselves and get dehydrated. Consider doing heavy exercising during the cooler hours of the day. If you suspect that your pet is suffering from overheat, hose his belly, back and mouth with cool water and take him to the vet.

Bug Be Gone! - summer comes with a price: fleas, ticks and mosquitoes which are carriers of heart worm and tapeworm. Check with your veterinarian to see if your pets should be taking pet meds such as heart worm prevention medication. Parasites are repelled by the aroma of essential oils like eucalyptus and peppermint. This should be for dogs only because cats are sensitive to essential oils.



Suntan Lotion? - and who said that pets can't get sunburn? Pets are also vulnerable to sunburn, and skin cancer, especially in their less hairy areas. Also watch out for hairless pets and pets that are light colored. Apply a natural sunscreen made for pets if you know that your pet will be exposed to the sun. Your Pet Meds store can advise you further.


Watch out for the pretty grass in the neighborhood - summer is often a time when people fertilize their grass and work in the gardens. Be aware that plant food, fertilizer, and insecticides can be fatal to your pet if they ingest them.

Well Manicured Pet! Owners should focus the most on grooming, to keep your pets' coats cool, clean and bug-less. Long tangled hair traps heat, and matted fur makes your pet more vulnerable to the festering of bacteria fungus-and, of course, the enemy flea and tick. Keep your pet well groomed and you'll be one step ahead of the game! Some Pet Meds stores have grooming services and/or equipment to perform the grooming.

So remember if you don't like the heat, what makes you think your dog likes it!

Proper Feeding

We all love our pets, but we need to remember that keeping our pet in ideal body condition, and providing him with 100% complete and balanced, high-quality nutrition is the key to a long and happy healthy pet. By keeping our pets healthy through pet meds and proper feeding we can add years to a dog's life, research has shown. You can follow certain guidelines to insure proper feeding for your dog.

Feed your dog at least twice a day

An adult dog needs to be fed twice a day, but puppies should eat smaller portions and up to four times a day is recommended. The reason for feeding your dog smaller portions at least twice a day is to decrease the risk of bloat. Your Pet Meds store can recommend the proper food for you pet.

Read the guidelines on the food

On the food packages you will find feeding guidelines that will tell you how much to feed your dog based on size, age and/or weight. NEVER OVER FEED YOUR DOG, and overweight dog may be cute, but an obese dog will make him vulnerable to weight-related disorders. Consult your vet or Pet Meds store.

Feeding Time

Many people will say that your pet should be feed at the exact same time every day. Since I have not seen a dog tell time, this rule is not as strict as many think. Don't go over the edge about the time, but a time frame is always the key. Don't worry your pet will not let you forget to feed them.

Always feed your dog room temperature dog food

If you are feeding dry pet food or wet food from a can that you pulled out from the pantry, then this is not an issue. Remember if you are feeding your dog frozen meat thaw it for about 3 hours at room temperature. Never microwave your pet's food, it will decrease the nutritional value for your pet. Risk: Non room temperature food can give your pet an upset stomach.

Maintain Hygiene and Provide Water

Always provide fresh drinking water and a clean bowl.

Feed your pet the same food everyday

Although we enjoy variations and can handle different meals, our 4 legged friends cannot. If you have to change your pet's diet, remember to do so gradually so the intestinal flora of your pet does not get upset. Risk: Changing your pet's food at once can result in stomach upset and diarrhea. Consult your vet or Pet Meds store.

Placement of the food area and free of disturbance

It is advised to keep your dog's food area the same and to not move his food area.


Be Careful on Treats and Table Scraps

Let your pet work for their treats. Make sure that the table scraps are not spicy or too fatty. Some foods that you enjoy can be toxic to your pet. For example, chocolate, onions, raisins, and grapes. Avoid cooked bones and minerals and vitamin additives.


In summary, the three most important things to remember is water, routine, and visits to your vet for checkups. Remember maintaining your dog's good health is a big responsibility, and one that's best shared with your veterinarian. If your veterinarian discovers that your dog has a special condition, he may recommend special pet food that can be acquired at a pet meds store online.

Pet Care

Pets are like humans in that they need caring while they are young and after they grow old. Your pet is counting on you to provide them with the essentials:

• Get you pet a collar and ID tag including your name, address, and telephone number can be purchased through a Pet Meds store. If your pet becomes lost, you will have a better chance that your pet will be returned home safely.
• Check with your local animal shelter or humane society for licensing your pet and vaccinating him for rabies.
• Keep you dog under control with a leash when you are sway from your house.
• Dogs need and crave companionship and should spend most of their time inside with their family. They should never be left outside alone or for extended period of time.
• Take your pet to the veterinarian for regular check ups.
• Dogs who have been sprayed or neutered tend to live longer, be healthier, and have fewer behavior problems. Some Pet Meds stores may have these services.
  
• Give your pet a nutritionally balanced diet and plenty of water.
• Give your pet enough exercise to keep him physically fit.
• Be loyal to and patient with your faithful companion.

Pets need protection from disease's throughout their lives. There are medications that do not need a prescription which would help with allergies, eye care, ear care, arthritis and pain, diet and nutrition, skin and coat vitamins, deworming, fleas and ticks, and teeth and gums. Consult your Pet Meds store.

If needed, a veterinarian will recommend prescriptions for your pet that will help to take care of the following: heat worm, ear care, heat and blood pressure, urinary health, antibiotic purposes, gastrointestinal, respiratory and thyroid problems to name a few. Prescriptions can be acquired from a Pet Meds store online.

Your pet gives you a lifetime of unconditional love, loyalty, and friendship. In return, he count on you to provide him with food, water, safe shelter, regular veterinary care, exercise, companionship. and more.