Fleas

Flea Basics

Fleas thrive when the weather is warm and humid. Depending on your climate, fleas may be a seasonal or year-round problem. Your pet can pick up fleas wherever an infestation exists, often in areas frequented by other cats and dogs. Adult fleas are dark brown, no bigger than a sesame seed, and able to move rapidly over your pet’s skin.

Adult fleas live their entire lives on your pet. Female fleas begin laying eggs within 24 hours of selecting your pet as a host, producing up to 50 eggs each day. These eggs fall from your pet onto the floor or furniture, including your pet’s bed, or onto any other indoor or outdoor area where your pet happens to go. Tiny, worm-like larvae hatch from the eggs and burrow into carpets, under furniture, or into soil before spinning a cocoon. The cocooned flea pupae can lie dormant (inactive) for weeks before emerging as adults that are ready to infest (or reinfest) your pet. The result is a flea life cycle of anywhere from 12 days to 6 months.

Risks and Consequences

You may not know that your pet has fleas until their number increases to the point that your pet is obviously uncomfortable. Signs of flea problems range from mild redness to severe scratching that can lead to open sores and skin infections. One of the first things you may notice on a pet with fleas is “flea dirt” — the black flea droppings left on your pet’s coat.

Fleas bite animals and **** their blood; young or small pets with heavy flea infestations may become anemic. Some pets can develop an allergy to flea saliva that may result in more severe irritation and scratching. Also, pets can become infected with certain types of tapeworms if they ingest fleas carrying tapeworm eggs. In areas with moderate to severe flea infestations, people may also be bitten by fleas. While fleas are capable of transmitting several other infectious diseases to pets and people, this is rare.

Treatment and Control

Your veterinarian will recommend an appropriate flea control plan for your pet based upon your needs and the severity of the flea infestation.

Fleas spend a lot of their time off of your pet and in the environment. In addition to treating your pet, reduce the flea population in your house by thoroughly cleaning your pet’s sleeping quarters and vacuuming floors and furniture that your pet comes in contact with frequently. Careful and regular vacuuming/cleaning of the pet’s living area helps to remove and kill flea eggs, larvae, and pupae. You may also have to treat your house with insecticides to kill the fleas; consult with your veterinarian about products safe for use around pets and children.

With moderate and severe flea infestations, you may be advised to treat your yard in addition to treating the inside of your home. Your veterinarian can recommend an appropriate course of action and suggest ways to prevent future flea infestations.

Ticks

Tick Basics

Hosting a tick is the price dogs or, less commonly, cats may pay for investigating shrubbery, brush, or wild undergrowth. Ticks have a four-stage life cycle, and immature ticks often feed on small, wild animals found in forests, prairies, and brush. Adult ticks seek larger hosts like dogs and cats who venture into these habitats. Tick exposure may be seasonal, depending on geographic location.

Risks and Consequences

Ticks are most often found around your dog’s neck, in the ears, in the folds between the legs and the body, and between the toes. Cats may have ticks on their neck or face. Tick bites can cause skin irritation and heavy infestations can cause anemia in pets. Ticks are also capable of spreading serious infectious diseases (such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and others) to the pets and the people on which they feed. Disease risk varies by geographic area and tick species.

Treatment and Control

Prompt removal of ticks is very important because it lessens the chance of disease transmission from the tick to your pet. Remove ticks by carefully using tweezers to firmly grip the tick as close to the pet’s skin as possible and gently pulling the tick free without twisting it. After removing the tick, crush it while avoiding contact with tick fluids that can carry disease. Do not attempt to smother the tick with alcohol or petroleum jelly, or apply a hot match to it, as this may cause the tick to regurgitate saliva into the wound, increasing the risk of disease.

Pets at risk for ticks should be treated during the tick season with an appropriate tick preventative. Your veterinarian can recommend a product best suited to your pet’s needs. Owners who take their pets to tick-prone areas during camping, sporting, or hiking trips should examine their pets for ticks immediately upon returning home and remove them from their pets. If your pet picks up ticks in your backyard, trimming bushes and removing brush may reduce your pet’s exposure to tick habitats.

Ear Mites

Mite Basics

Ear mites are common in young cats and dogs, and generally confine themselves to the ears and surrounding area. Mites are tiny and individual mites may be seen only with the aid of a microscope. Your pet can pick up ear mites by close contact with an infested pet or its bedding.

Risks and Consequences

Ear mites can cause intense irritation of the ear canal. Signs of ear mite infestation include excessive head shaking and scratching of the ears. Your pet may scratch to the point that it creates bleeding sores around its ears. A brown or black ear discharge is common with ear mite infections.

Treatment and Control

Treatment of ear mites involves thorough ear cleaning and medication. Your veterinarian can recommend an effective treatment plan.

Sarcoptic Mange Mites

Mite Basics

Microscopic sarcoptic mange mites cause sarcoptic mange, also known as scabies. Sarcoptic mange mites affect dogs of all ages, during any time of the year. Sarcoptic mange mites are highly contagious to other dogs and may be passed by close contact with infested animals, bedding, or grooming tools.

Risks and Consequences

Sarcoptic mange mites burrow through the top layer of the dog’s skin and cause intense itching. Clinical signs include generalized hair loss, a skin rash, and crusting. Skin infections may develop secondary to the intense irritation. People who come in close contact with an affected dog may develop a skin rash and should see their physician.

Treatment and Control

Dogs with sarcoptic mange require medication to kill the mites and additional treatment to soothe the skin and resolve related infections. Cleaning and treatment of the dog’s environment is also necessary.

Demodectic Mange Mites

Mite Basics

Demodectic mange caused by demodectic mange mites is mainly a problem in dogs. Demodectic mange mites are microscopic, cigar-shaped, and not highly contagious. A mother dog, however, may pass the mites to her puppies.

Risks and Consequences

Localized demodectic mange tends to appear in young dogs as patches of scaly skin and redness around the eyes and mouth and, perhaps, the legs and trunk. Unlike other types of mange, demodectic mange may signal an underlying medical condition, and your pet’s overall health should be carefully evaluated. Less commonly, young and old dogs experience a generalized form of demodectic mange and can exhibit widespread patches of redness, hair loss, and scaly, thickened skin.

Treatment and Control

Your veterinarian will discuss treatment options with you. Treatment of dogs with localized demodectic mange generally results in favorable outcomes. Generalized demodectic mange (demodecosis), however, may be difficult to treat, and treatment may only control the condition, rather than cure it.

Important Points

Look for fleas, ticks, and coat abnormalities any time you groom your dog or cat or when you return home from areas that are likely to have higher numbers of these parasites.

See your veterinarian if your pet excessively scratches, chews, or licks its haircoat, or persistently shakes its head. These clinical signs may indicate the presence of external parasites or other conditions requiring medical care.

Prompt treatment of parasites lessens your pet’s discomfort, decreases the chances of disease transmission from parasite to pet, and may reduce the degree of home infestation.

Discuss the health of all family pets with your veterinarian when one pet becomes infested. Some parasites cycle among pets, making control of infestations difficult unless other pets are considered. Consult your veterinarian before beginning treatment.

Tell your veterinarian if you have attempted any parasite remedies, as this may impact your veterinarian’s recommendation.

Be especially careful when applying insecticides to cats, as cats are particularly sensitive to these products. Never use a product that is not approved for cats, as the results could be lethal.

Follow label directions carefully.

Leave treatment to the experts. Your veterinarian offers technical expertise and can assist you in identifying products that are most likely to effectively and safely control your pet’s parasite problem.

By: WoodCreek Pet Products

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The woof of a dog can be the most pleasant sound to a doting pet owner and especially after a tiring day at work. Even health gurus have agreed on the fact that nothing de-stresses your mind better than the warm welcome of a beloved pet and as a result more and more people are opting to keep pets in their homes. As the community of pet owners is on the rise, we need to think beyond the usual set of responsibilities of a pet owner. If you think keeping a dog at home is all play and no work then think again. Rearing a dog involves much more than simply providing it a nutritious diet, proper grooming, daily exercise and annual vaccinations. As a pet owner, you need to be prepared to deal with many planned and unplanned events concerning your pet and more importantly you must be financially prepared to handle every such situation that may crop up. Most of the time, a simple budget kept aside for the pet is not enough and only a dog health insurance can come to your timely, financial rescue.

As medical science makes tremendous progress in all aspects, animal health care provisions have also improved. Many rare and complicated diseases which were earlier incurable in animals are now curable under the treatment of a competent veterinary. However, the cost of such treatments also has a high cost association which may not always be in the affordable range of every pet owner. As a result, the pet may not receive the required treatment simply due to lack of funds. A dog health insurance plan will help you avoid such heart breaking situations where you see your pet suffer due to lack of financial resources. You can save on you finances and provide better care for your pet by selecting the best dog health insurance plan.

Many companies provide various pet insurance plans and it is up to the owner to select the best dog health insurance plan according to the requirements of his pet. The breed, gender, age and physical health of your pet plays a major role in selection of the right insurance plan. The financial benefit of the insurance plan is that, you end up paying only a nominal amount of premium each month, which is much cheaper than what you would have to shell out, in case you were paying all the actual expenses of treatment from your own pocket.

The dog health insurance plan covers almost every kind of disease and illness, but yet it is advisable to check out the coverage offered before you sign the deal. In case your dog suffers from any pre-existing disease, the plan may have some additional clauses in it, so make sure you check the details of the plan well. Once you have insured your pet with a reputed and reliable pet insurance company, you can rest assured that your beloved dog will get all the benefits and care that ensures a happy and healthy life for him.

By: Robert Scott

About the Author:

Health care for dogs is not inexpensive. Yearly pysical exams, blood tests, vaccines, antiparasitics,and good food can cost a lot of money. However, preventative medicine is always cheaper than treating a disease Overall health care costs for your dog will be reduced if you invest in preventative health measures.

For example, a year of heartworm preventative for a small dog can cost on average $72 dollars, but treatments for heartworm can cost up to $600 dollars. It is always cheaper to avoid a disease than to treat it, and of course your dog will have the best chance for a long life if it lives a healthy lifestyle.

While the cost of health care for dogs has increased, there are now many different types of dog health insurance plans available.

Talk with your veterinarian about insurance plans. You should also check Internet websites for health plans that may work for you and your dog. Health insurance for animals is becoming a more popular choice for pet owners as these plans are becoming more comprehensive and cost effective. Take the time to research these plans, and you may find a plan that will save you money and help you to care for your dog.

Prevention And Early Diagnosis

Prevention and early diagnosis are the two factors your dog the best chance for a long, healthy life. Always pay attention to your dog’s behavior, and never take a ‘wait and see’ approach. If you feel that there may be something rong with your dog, take it to a veterinarian immediately.

Take precautions to keep your dog safe in and around your home as well. Owning a dog is a lot like having small children as they like to explore, taste, smell and touch whatever they can get their paws on. ‘Doggy proof’ your home by keeping poisonous products out of reach. Always store medications far out of reach, Pay particular attention to pills that are left on a counter, in a purse, or in an accessible drawer. These are some of the more frequently reported incidences of dog overdoses).

The Dangers Of Poor Dog Health

While many of the dangers to your dog’s health discussed in this article are not always lethal, they can cause damage to your dog’s body that will harm your dog’s chances of living a long life. One infection may not harm your dog. But repeated infections combined with such things as parasitic infections or poor nutrition can add up to damage over time.

Try to take all measures possible to keep your dog healthy from the very start. Good nutrition, owner vigilance, and parasite control will help keep your dog strong and healthy for years to come.

A Long And Healthy Life

As a dog ages, it is important to provide the problems that come with increased age. It is not enough for most owners that their dog live a long life. They want it to be healthy and happy as well. if you want your dog to lead a long and healthy life, you will need to increase its veterinary care and yearly screenings. Pay particular attention your senior dog’s diet needs and watch for any changes in behavior.

Support your aging dog with pain control medications and adjust its surroundings so that i will be more comfortable. For example, put extra padding on the bed, and use a higher doggy dish to avoid neck pain in case yur dog has arthritis. You might also get a sturdy, movable ramp that will help your senior dog get up short flights of stairs or climb into the car.

By: Douglas Hanna

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When it comes to adopting pets, there are many options. People have different reasons for adopting a pet, and often this reason influences where they look for their new friend. For some people, whether the animal is a purebred or not is important, so they will pursue breeders. Others are interested in saving an animal from the fate of a life without a loving family. These people will typically search animal rescue organizations or animal shelters. Both purebred and mixed breed animals can be found at these organizations, as well as older animals and animals that need special care. This guide will help you explore your options when considering the adoption of a new family pet.

Choosing a Breeder

You’ve decided that it’s time for your family to have a brand new pet. Everyone is ready to play with it, feed it, clean it, and care for it every day. You know that you want a purebred, and you’ve researched the genetic and behavioral disposition of every breed, and you know the breed that’s best for your family and your lifestyle. The final step is to find a good breeder.

First, avoid pet stores. It is a known fact that most pets that are offered in pet stores come from mass breeding facilities more commonly known as “puppy farms” or “pet farms.” This is not a business practice that you want to support. It’s best to do the ethical thing and avoid them at all cost.

There are several methods you can use to evaluate breeders. Initially, obtain a list of referrals of reputable breeders from your veterinarian or local dog shows. Always visit where the breeder raises the dogs or cats, and bring the following checklist in order to determine whether the breeder is a good one.

Does the breeder:

Raise the animals in a home, as part of a family?

Have animals that appear healthy and excited when visitors arrive?

Maintains a clean area where the animals are raised?

Shows you the animals parents when you visit?

Knowledgeable about the breed?

Can produce records of veterinary visits for the animals?

Provides references?

Offers guidance for caring for your new pet and for the particular breed?

 

Purebred Rescue

An even better option than buying a new animal from a breeder, is to invest in saving a purebred living at a purebred rescue group. Purebred breeding groups are wonderful organizations that accept purebred animals that are typically abandoned, found as strays, or from local animal shelters. Purebred rescue organizations typically have a great deal of knowledge about the breed they work with, and usually offer a great deal of guidance for adoptive families.

When you purchase a purebred from a rescue group, you can feel good about having saved an animal from living a life without a loving family. You can find local rescue groups in your area through the newspaper classified section. A great resource for rescuing purebred dogs is to search through the contact list at the American Kennel Club. Another great resource for both cats and dogs is AllAboutDogsandCats.com, which provides a list of hundreds of national breed rescue clubs and organizations.

Animal Shelters

An animal shelter is the best source where you can find a family pet. Family shelters are home to many wonderful animals who mostly are only there because of the humans who previously owned them, not for any fault of their own. Often life changes, unrealistic expectations, or other reasons force families to give up their animals to animal shelters. Half of these animals end up euthanized because there simply isn’t enough space. This is why, obtaining your family pet from an animal shelter is the greatest thing you can do, and it is something you can feel very good about.

It is a common misconception that the animals at animal shelters are all mixed-breeds, poorly behaved, or poorly kept. While this may hold true for a minority of them, many of the animals found at shelters around the country are actually purebreds, nicely kept, and very well behaved. Many shelters even offer adoption counseling, training classes, and even discounted or free neutering. Some great resources to locate animal shelters around the country include Pets 911, 1-800-Save-A-Pet, or Petfinder. Another good resource is the classified section of your local newspaper, or the yellow pages under “Animal Shelters”.

A Pet Portrait of Your New Pet

Once you discover that special pet that will become your friend for life, there is no better way to celebrate than to commemorate the beauty and overwhelming “cuteness” of your new family friend with a painted pet portrait.

Pet portraits are sweeping the country as a very popular form of recognizing how much your animal friend means to you and your family. Pet portraits can be especially meaningful because when you see a pet portrait on the wall, it is a statement that this animal isn’t just “another animal”, but it shows that your pet is a loved and cherished member of the family.

The best pet portraits in the country are created by artist Nikky Hughes of Los Angeles. Nikky was classically trained at the Mission Renaissance art school, and she focuses on capturing not only the beauty, but the unique character of each animal. Her artwork is soft and romantic, and a portrait of your pet by Nikky will become a family heirloom for many generations.

By: Nikky Hughes: Pet Portraits

About the Author:

It’s here. It’s finally here. After a rough winter in Texas, the shorts are coming out, and white legs are flashing underneath. Yes, Texans from Austin, to Dallas, to Houston, to the tiny towns on the Eastern border are already working on their tans.

Somewhere amidst the beckoning calls of the Gulf, however, there is an equally important call for safety. Summer brings great times — trips to the water, barbecues with the neighbors, long walks in the park, vacations across the country, and, for certain patients with conditions like Seasonal Affect Disorder (SAD), even relief. But with those pleasures and privileges come risks, not just for ourselves, but for our pets as well.

No one is more excited about summer than our animal companions, particularly dogs. It means more outings, more car trips, more walks, more quality time with the people they love the most. There are millions of pet owners in the United States alone, and the number is growing, including those who think of their pets as children. More and more are purchasing pet health insurance along with their own policies, gourmet animal treat stores are cropping up everywhere, and it seems even the neighborhood grocery stores in Dallas and Houston are offering a wide selection of animal toys. So before making any treks — across town or across country — in temperatures already averaging above 90 degrees F in Texas, make sure to review these summer pet care recommendations, as summarized from the Humane Society’s guidelines.

Everyday Care:

Hopefully, it goes without saying: Make sure your animal has plenty of food, water, and shade. Animals can overheat quickly, so if conditions aren’t right, death can occur within a day. Check water often; make sure it’s cool and there’s plenty of it. If your animal lives outside, secure a cool, shady spot to escape from the heat. Excessive heat is miserable for anyone — including your pets.

If you can avoid chaining your pets, do it. Being on a lead for an extended period of time can literally drive an animal insane. If chaining is a daily operation, make sure the duration of it is as short as possible, allow him or her to take frequent breaks off the lead, and make sure your pet can comfortably reach the food, water, and shade. Place all food and water away from the chain, so they are not knocked over with the animal’s movements.

Also consider alternatives. Try an obedience course. Many dogs with good training will stay exactly where they are told until further notice. Technology has advanced in recent years, making new choices available. For instance, “invisible fences” are now on the market at an affordable rate — many under a one-time investment of a few hundred dollars.

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Car Care:

It’s tempting to take our pets, particularly our dogs, on those everyday errands. With such busy lives, a little car adventure seems an ideal way to spend time with our animal companions while still getting things done. But in temperatures like this, it’s simply not wise. The inside of a car can heat up to 120 degrees F in minutes, even in the shade. Since dogs and cats can’t sweat, but only dissipate heat through the pads of their feet, or by panting, such temperatures — even temporarily — can prove deadly. Leave pets at home while you’re running errands, and make that special time for your animal friends when you get back.

Exercising:

Exercising is just as important to our animal’s health as our own. Keep an eye on the temperature. On hot days, make sure to take walks in the early morning or evening hours. Watch for signs of distress, and exercise your animal on the cool, soft grass if possible. Asphalt can heat to blistering temperatures, and can literally burn the pads of their feet. Supervise pool play, as well. Many unfortunate animal deaths have arisen from an unsecured swimming pool, which looks just as inviting to them as to us.

Warning Signs:

Watch for signs of heat exhaustion, particularly with older, short-nosed, and thick-coated dogs. Signs of danger include heavy panting, glazed eyes, rapid pulse, unsteadiness, staggering gait, vomiting, and a deep red or purple tongue. If heat exhaustion does occur, get your animal to a cool, shady spot immediately, pour cool water (not cold) on him or her, and place cool towels around the head, chest, and neck. Encourage your animal to drink small amounts of water at a time or to lick an ice cube. Then take your pet to the vet right away.

Lawn Care:

Summer is also a time for work — a lot of yard work. Lawn care and gardening can be relaxing and enjoyable activities, full of the rewards of a beautiful home and good produce. But exercise caution when using insecticides. Many chemicals used on the lawn and garden, as well as 700 plant species, are poisonous to animals. To make sure your pet can frolic freely, read labels and ask plenty of questions. Most insecticides come with warnings, and your local gardening store should be able to clarify any issue about which you are unsure. Choosing organic gardening supplies is a great way to reduce these risks.

A Biting Problem:

Bites are more common in the summer simply because there’s more interaction between pets and people. To reduce the risk of bites, make sure you know your animal. If he or she has any territorial or aggressive tendencies, watch your pet closely. Keep dogs leashed when away from the home, just in case. After all, it may not be your animal companion that causes the trouble; unfortunately, unleashed and aggressive animals are not an anomaly, and you’ll have better control over the situation if your pet is leashed. Spaying or neutering will also reduce aggressive and territorial tendencies.

Medications and Identifications:

Prepare for trips by making sure your animals vaccinations and medications are up-to-date. Heartworm is of particular concern, as the disease is transmitted through mosquito bites. Ask your vet about any over-the-counter medications first, even flea and tick medications. The size of the animal is important, as are allergies, and the manufacturing company. Unfortunately, there are unsafe products on the market.

Check ID tags or chips to make sure all the information is current — including contact information. Many pets are lost on vacation, with no way of getting home without the proper identification. With up-to-date tags or chips, however, they’re just a phone call away.

Pets are a responsibility, and we must not forget that. Their lives are in our hands every day, and they depend on us to love them, feed them, and give them water, exercise, and stimulation. But they’re also such wonderful companions, and so much fun! Take care of yourself, and take care of them. Reward them for their unconditional love and loyalty by making sure everything they need is provided for during these hot months ahead. With the proper care and preparation, it can be your best summer together yet!

Taking care of your pets can also bring increased awareness of how you’re taking care of yourself.

By: Pat Carpenter

About the Author:

Swellpets.co.uk offers a wealth of information regarding pet supplies such as dog toys. Treat your pet with the best products, visit our website to learn more!

 

While the concept of pet astrology may seem odd to many people, there are many people who believe that the date of birth of your pet, related to astrological signs of the planets, the sun, and the stars, have a significant impact on the basic behavior and mood of their pets. There are particular character behaviors that are associated with each zodiac sign for pets. These include all of the following:

Aries: Aries pets are known to be very active and also hypersensitive to the environment around them.

Taurus: Taurus pets seem to have a passive nature normally, but if they are ever caught in a fight where they need to defend themselves or family members, they will not give up a fight.

Gemini: Gemini pets tend to be extremely intelligent, so they are usually very easy to train. But their intelligence also means that they can require a lot of attention, and always need to be in the company of their owners.

Cancer: Cancer pets are extremely sensitive. Because of this, when they get attached to a person, they are loyal to that person for life.

Leo: Leo pets tend to be very independent and almost always end up leading the pack. These pets will be more difficult to train, as they won’t want you to take the role of leader. Be persistent, and the Leo pet will eventually succumb.

Virgo: Virgo pets have a multitude of wonderful characteristics and behaviors that make them perfect human companions.

Libra: Libra pets tend to be extremely easygoing. This means they will make fantastic family pets for families that aren’t very active. Unfortunately this also means that Libra pets are typically somewhat lazy and eventually get overweight without being forced to exercise.

Scorpio: Scorpio pets are extremely possessive of their owners. While this typically makes for an extremely loyal pet, it can also become a problem if the pet believes their owner is being attacked and they aren’t. They can be overprotective at times.

Sagittarius: Sagittarius pets make great pets because they are both fun loving and very intelligent. However, their energy level can be difficult for families that aren’t used to active pets.

Capricorn: Capricorn pets tend to remain very young at heart, and remain very playful even into their old age.

Aquarius: Aquarius pets are extremely intelligent, but for some reason that intelligence can come across as a level of stubbornness that makes them appear ill-tempered and sometimes difficult to handle.

Pisces: Pisces pets are very introverted and extremely gentle. However, their sensitivity means that they can easily sense the moods of their owners. This pet is perfect for people who are naturally calm, but not so good for people who can be very emotional.

Astrology.com

The family section of astrology.com features a great section on pet astrology that lets you select your pets sign from a drop down list in order to get a detailed description of the personality of your pet, how to manage their personality and traits, and how to care for them while taking into account the natural inclinations that are a part of their personality because of their astrological sign.

This website also features fun quizzes, such as “What kind of dog would you be?” or “Are you a cat or dog person?” Additionally, you can find a “pet grid”, which rates several personality traits including “affectionate”, “energetic”, “friendly”, and “loyal” on a scale of 1 to 3 for each zodiac sign. This grid helps you to determine which traits your particular pet is likely to have. There is also a chart that helps you to determine what sign your pet is based on their birth date.

Express Your Pet’s Sign With a Portrait

When you fully educate yourself regarding your pet’s zodiac sign, it may be something that makes you very proud of your pet. You may wish to commemorate your pet and his or her zodiac sign through a painted pet portrait utilizing an astrology theme that integrates the pet’s zodiac sign.

Pet portraits are very popular and sweeping the country. Nikky Hughes, of Los Angeles, offers amazing pet portraits that utilize unique backgrounds and themes. She is always happy to do portraits on request, and a pet’s zodiac sign would easily fit into the creative and witty existing portfolio of pet portraits that are displayed at her website.

Nikky was classically trained at the Mission Renaissance art school, and she focuses on capturing not only the beauty, but the unique character of each animal. Pet astrology can provide a great deal of insight into the behaviors of your pet, but it also brings great pride in knowing how your pet fits into the cosmological universe. Feature your cat in a beautiful painted portrait that incorporates the zodiac, and you have an astrological masterpiece that will last a lifetime.

 

By: Nikky Hughes: Pet Portraits

About the Author:

The average lifespan for most dogs is between eight and sixteen years. Some breeds age expectancy is less while other breeds normally have a longer lifespan. Once your dog becomes older it is time to take some preventative steps in order for them remain healthy, happy and active. Have your vet examine your pet annually or more often, if necessary. Veterinarians understand the different breed types and are familiar with problems you may encounter with your pet. They watch for this and make you aware of what to look for, if your dog is acting a little different.

As in humans, keep your dogs weight within the proper or optimum range. An overweight dog has far more health problems such as joint problems, arthritis, diabetes and liver or kidney malfunctions. If your dog is too heavy, buy dog treats low in sugar and salt or purchase dog cookies especially made for overweight dogs, which are low in calories. Also, cut down on the amount of treats given to your pet. It is hard to resist their soulful eyes but always remember that it is for their own good. You do not want to kill your pet by thinking you are being kind to them. Feed your pet once a day or smaller amounts twice a day but remove the food if there is any left. If you have children, explain to them why they should not sneak food to the family pet.

Pre-soak or add water to the dog’s dry food if they have lost some teeth or have dental problems. Daily brushing helps prevent problems but always use toothpaste made specifically for pets, not humans. Start brushing your pet’s teeth when they are young, so they are used to the routine. Have their teeth examined annually by the vet, as they may need to have some pulled or professionally cleaned.

As with dogs of any age, make sure there is always fresh, cool water available. Some older dogs have problems getting to the water bowl so either take the water to them or place bowls of water in several different places so they do not have to go far for a drink.

If possible take your dog for a short walk daily. This helps the dog’s blood circulation and provides some new sights and smells to stimulate them and it gives you quality time to spend with your pet.

Unfortunately, dogs suffer from arthritis just like humans. Keep your dogs weight down and feed him food especially formulated for older dogs, as this does help. Talk to your vet because there is medication available that often makes your pet more comfortable and move easier. Supplements are available, but always check with your veterinarian before giving these to your dog.

Many great orthopedic dog beds are available. Some are made of memory foam and there are heated beds available. An older dog needs good support and warmth for their aging body. Dog beds are easies for your pet to get into than a sofa or your bed.

Looking after your senior pet and taking him to the vet regularly helps keep your dog healthy and happy longer.

By: Kelly Marshall

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Are you a serious dog lover? Do you want to make a career out of taking care of pets? Perhaps you’d like to be a certified pet first aid expert, or the manager of a dog day camp or kennel. How else should you start on your dream, but to check out the dog training schools in your home town? Dog training schools are always in great demand. In fact, the most popular ones are always fully booked! Sometimes the students are merely pet enthusiasts, eager to learn how to take care of the dogs they already have, and would like to have in the future. But sometimes, the students are serious-minded academicians, ready and willing to plunge into the world of pet psychology. But these schools are in demand precisely because pet care experts are needed everywhere. Licensed and qualified dog trainers are indispensable to dog owners who breed pedigree dogs, intent on raising them to become champion performers. Dog training schools are also great launch pads for those who are seriously thinking of a career in veterinary science. What can you get in dog training schools that you won’t be able to get all by yourself, off the Internet, and for free? Well, the biggest thing waiting for you in schools is the privilege of getting hands-on experience. You get practical training in things that would remain theoretical, otherwise. Practical training gives you the experience you need, so you are never caught short-handed in case of emergencies on the job. You are able to exercise all your senses and learn how it feels to put your back into your work. Another thing is, you get to mingle with certified professionals, as well as other pet enthusiasts. Nothing beats being able to see pet care professionals in action, getting to talk to them and sometimes even participating in their basic and advanced exercises. This interaction is the best way to supplement your stock knowledge. Plus, you are able to network with other pet care professionals who may be able to help you get jobs, or further your pet care education. There may be schools offering distance certification in pet care, via the Internet, which allows you to study from home and just submit proof of your achievements online. But this does not come with the benefits of enrolling in dog training schools and attending classes. If you really want to be an expert, spend time and money on your training: it’s worth it!

By: Trevor Mulholland

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Anyone who has owned a pet knows that buying pet supplies can become an extremely expensive endeavor. Pet needs are almost always underestimated until you actually have the animal living in your home, and you quickly realize that the animal needs proper bedding, toys, a carrier, leash, outdoor containment, grooming tools, as well as medicine and food. Properly taking care of your pet shouldn’t have to cost a fortune.

The resources below will help you find pet supplies, medicine, and food that will cost far less than the retail prices you’ll find at any grocery or department store.

Coupons for Pet Supplies

One of the first places to look for significant savings on pet supplies is through using coupons. Coupons can provide some significant savings on supplies, sometimes up to or greater than 50%. Various outlets, such as PetSmart, even offer free shopping for orders over a certain size. This means that by simply doing your pet supply shopping online, you are saving a fortune.

One of the best coupon providers with the most coupons for pet supplies is Coupon Mountain, with coupons for pet supplies, pet medications, and online deals for most of the major pet supply retailers. A few examples of the deals to be found at Coupon Mountain

$5 to $20 off K9 Advantix at 1-800-PetMeds

Get $15 off orders of $75 or more at PetCo

15% off orders over $40 at PETsMART

10% off any order at DogToys.com

15% off orders over $100 at PetCareRx

15% off Lambert Kay Pet Care products

This is only a very small sample of the long list of coupons and deals provided at Coupon Mountain.

Direct Pet Superstore

Direct Pet Superstore is a large discount retailer of everything you could possibly need for your pet. This includes toys, treats, grooming supplies, flea & tick management, medicines, and even an entire section with additional coupons and promotions.

Direct Pet has an entire section dedicated to saving money on your pet’s prescriptions called “Pet RX”. You can find medicine from Pfizer, Virbac, Boehringer Ingelheim, and other pharmalogicals at impressively competitive prices.

Other ways to save at Direct Pet Superstore:

Sign up and you will be notified of exclusive specials on new products and sale prices for existing products.

A current promotion is a $100 shopping spree for five lucky winners.

Request a free catalog

Discounts on supplies and medicine throughout the website

My Pet Outlet

MyPetOutlet.com is a fantastic discount pet supply website with multiple deals going on every month. A few examples from the main page include Dr Noys Swizzle Teaser for 15% off, a Merrick Meaty Beef Dog Bone at 25% off, and Kitty Hoots “Zoom” Organic cat nip at 20% off.

Categories at MyPetOutlet.com include supplies fro dogs, cats, birds, fish, and even reptiles and small animals. There’s even a clearance section where you can find some rock bottom prices. This week MyPetOutlet.com is offering 15% off every order over 50, as well as a free toy and free shipping. With prices this low, it doesn’t make sense to walk into a retail pet store anymore – shopping online saves so much more.

Pet Portraits, Send 5% Savings to an Animal Rescue Foundation

One of the most unique things you can do to capture the character of your pet, and to show people how much love you have for your furry friend, is to have a pet portrait done by professional artist Nikky Hughes of Los Angeles. Nikky was classically trained at the Mission Renaissance art school, and she focuses on capturing not only the beauty, but the unique character of each animal. She will accept photos through the mail of pets, and then create stunning portraits from those pictures. Pet portraits are ideal because they can be done from a photo (as apposed to getting the pet to “pose” at a studio.)

The great thing about Nikky is that she’s a pet lover herself, and this is reflected in how she runs her business. She discounts every commissioned painting by 5%, and sends those savings as a donation to an animal rescue foundation. This shows how Nikky’s love for all animals is not only reflected in her heartfelt portraits, but also in how she runs her business.

PetCo

Of course, another way to save a fortune off of pet supplies that you wouldn’t normally save if you simply visit a brick-and-mortar store, is to visit that store’s website. Petco also has a comprehensive online website where shoppers can shop virtually for all pet supplies. Petco provides internet only discounts to internet shoppers, such as free shopping, some of the lowest prices available anywhere for Frontline products, and each category (dogs, cats, fish, etc.) has a section devoted to sales, where you can find some impressive discounts off all kinds of pet products.

By: Nikky Hughes: Pet Portraits

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