Pet Bucket Blog

Senior dogs shouldn't have to live out their golden years in a shelter. Here are 5 reasons to consider adopting an older dog, besides that they're just as cute as younger ones! 1. You know what you're getting.  If you're not into surprises, adopting an older dog could be for you. From the start you'll know the important things such as full grown size, temperament, and grooming requirements. This information will make it easier for you to choose the right dog for you and your lifestyle.  2. You may save a life. The term "senior dog" usually applies to any pooch over the age of 7. Even though small dogs mature much slower than larger ones, in general dogs over the age of 5 simply get overlooked in a shelter environment. Shelters are overcrowded and older dogs will be among the first to be euthanized if they're not adopted in a timely manner.  3. You can teach an old dog new tricks. Despite the old saying, a dog can be trained at any age. Many senior dogs already come trained, or at least know some basic commands like sit and stay. If not, older dogs are calmer and have a much better attention span than puppies making them easier to train. 4. Less mess. A senior dog doesn't require the same amount of monitoring that a puppy does. It's likely they are already house-trained, and they have all their adult teeth so they won't be chewing up your furniture. This dog knows what it's like to live in a home and will settle in quickly.  5. Older dogs need homes just as much a younger ones.  In many cases, when an older dog ends up at a shelter it's not because of reasons related to behavior. Death of a guardian, allergies, loss of a job, and other lifestyle changes are all common reasons for an owner to surrender their dog. These dogs already know what it's like to be loved by someone, and will make a loyal and caring companion instantly.    image credit

Did you know, 48 new puppies and kittens are born every minute? Or 634 lbs of dog poo is generated every second? (That's a lot of scooping!)   We've got all the amazing facts and figures behind our pets in real-time. Click here to see the full-sized graphic.

Does your pup’s poo resemble hard nuts or soft piles? While the occasional soft stool or bout of diarrhea is normal for most pets, persistent soft stool samples are often the first sign of a more serious matter, especially if it’s accompanied by other symptoms. Veterinarians often use a scoring system to help identify the softness of your pet’s stool sample. Here’s a comprehensive ranking of fecal matters – in a more palatable manner. For a high-resolution image, click here.  Embed this infographic on your site, copy and paste the code below: Infographic provided by Petbucket   What should I do if my pet has an unusual stool sample? More often than not, diet is the reason for your pet’s softer stools. Some remedies include adding a probiotic powder to your dog’s current food or switching to a diet of plain rice and chicken for a while. Canned pumpkin (not spiced pie filling!) has also been known to help regulate bowel movements.  If the diarrhea returns, consult your vet for more guidance. 

Most dog owners are faced with the problem of controlling the way their dog chews. Regardless if the dog is inside the house or outside, they will feel the need to chew anything they find. Puppies also develop the habit of chewing everything they discover, but mature dogs exhibit the same behavioral problem as well. Although chewing is a natural behavior, it can become destructive. It is a nightmare each time you come home and find that your furniture, shoes, and other items have been destroyed by your pet. There are simple methods that you can use to stop a dog from chewing. Determine the dog's behavior Why is the dog chewing? There are basic reasons for this, so it is your responsibility to understand the root of the behavior. Some of the reasons for a dog's destructive chewing include boredom and feelings of anxiety, or stress. If the dog or puppy is teething, chewing is a way for them to get relief from the pain. Confinement A dog or puppy should be confined if they exhibit excessive chewing. When your dog finds something interesting, they will feel inclined to chew. Never allow your pet to wander around your home unsupervised. While you are training your dog, make sure they are in a safe location to prevent the destruction of your furnishings. Keep items away that you know they will be tempted to chew. Chew toys for dogs If your dog is chewing from boredom, give them items that are fun and entertaining to chew. When you are unable to spend time with your dog, keep them occupied with a chew toy. It is easier to use the best chew toys for dogs that hold their attention. Give your dog several different types of chew toys to prevent them from feeling bored. Daily exercise Some behavioral problems are often caused from a dog's lack of exercise. If your dog has excess energy, play with them. You will find that regular exercise reduces the bad behavior of the dog. First consult with your veterinarian to determine the dog's health before you incorporate an exercise program. Playing fetch games, walking, running, or taking the dog for a swim are fun activities that they will enjoy. Be patient While you are training your pet to stop chewing, it is important for you to be patient. Avoid losing your temper if you are not getting immediate results. Always be kind to prevent the dog from feeling stressed. Supervise your dog to ensure that he develops a good chewing habit. Every dog owner's goal is to raise the perfect dog, but some issues will develop and you will have to correct the behavior. Unless they are trained, dogs will not have an understanding of items they are not to chew. When you are training your dog to stop chewing, teach them what to chew, and things not to chew on. With these tips in mind, you are guaranteed to see an improvement in the dog's behavior. Feature image credit  

Cats are typically tidy animals that take pride in maintaining a neat appearance. Unfortunately, all of that licking usually comes with a price. Any cat owner knows that hairballs are an uncomfortable problem for clean kitties. If your furry friend is prone to getting wads of fur stuck in its throat, you may be able to cut down on this condition. Here are six easy ways to reduce your cat's hairballs: 1. Keep your cat groomed Grooming your kitty regularly can help keep the amount of excess hair under control.  Be sure to brush your cat's fur thoroughly on a daily basis.  You should also massage in a pet-safe conditioner to keep its coat free of clumps.  Your cat will feel pampered and may deal with less coughing and choking.   2. Feed your cat a fishy treat This is another tip your cat is sure to enjoy.  Try giving it a treat like a canned sardine or a bit of tuna that's been packed in oil.  The oil will serve as a lubricant to help slide hair through the digestive tract and keep fur from getting lodged in the throat.  As a bonus, your cat will love indulging in the tasty snack.   3. Mix some canned pumpkin into your cat's food You probably know that "Pumpkin" is a fairly common name for a cuddly kitty.  However, you may not be aware that feeding your cat a small serving of pumpkin may reduce the occurrence of hairballs.  Try adding a couple tablespoons of a canned variety into your pet's daily meals.  The wetness will help glide the hair along and the extra fiber will promote regularity.  You'll help get rid of the fur that's been clogging the pipes! 4. Purchase a petroleum-based lubricant Since hairballs are such a common dilemma, there are plenty of products available to treat this condition. Look out for creams and gels might work for your cat.  Look for one that contains petroleum jelly and is made up of only non-toxic ingredients.  You always want to make your cat's safety the top priority.   5. Choose a hairball-reducing pet food There are many pet foods on the market that cater to specific health concerns.  You're certain to find a healthy option with a hairball-reducing recipe.  Feeding your cat a diet that's specially formulated may be all it takes to keep the hairballs at bay.   6. Consult your vet If your cat still has excessive hairballs after trying these remedies or the hairballs are accompanied by other symptoms, there may be an underlying health condition.  Visit your preferred veterinarian to determine the next course of action.  After doing a thorough examination, he or she may be able to suggest a medication or another simple solution to your cat's hairball problem. When you're a cat owner, hairballs often come with the territory.  However, that doesn't mean you can't cut down on your kitty's discomfort.  By using these easy tips, you can reduce those hairballs and keep your cat healthy and happy! Feature image credit  

Heartworm is caused by a dangerous organism called Dirofilaria immitis. This parasitic roundworm can be deadly to unprotected dogs, and it is important for all pet owners to be on the lookout for it.   The severity of a heartworm episode is dependent on the number of roundworms present in the dog's body, the length of the infestation and the response of the dog. A dog in a weakened state or one that has a compromised immune system may suffer a more severe reaction, while a dog in otherwise good condition may recover more quickly.   Even though many dogs fully recover from a heartworm infestation, this common disease can be deadly in some cases. Almost all dogs who come in contact with the Dirofilaria immitis parasite contract heartworm, so the best approach is prevention. The organism that causes heartworm is now quite widespread. It is considered endemic in tropical and subtropical climates, and it is commonly found along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts and in river basins from the Ohio to the Mississippi. Dog owners living in these areas should be especially vigilant about protecting their pets, but the organism that causes the diseases exists worldwide and all dog owners need to watch out for the signs and symptoms.   The good news is that heartworm is preventable with a proactive treatment. Pet owners should talk to their veterinarians about prophylactic treatment and protect their pets as soon as possible. An annual heartworm preventative can prevent the disease from taking hold and causing serious damage.   If your dog has not yet been protected from heartworm, it is important to watch out for the common signs and symptoms. In mild cases of the disease, your dog may show few or no symptoms, so it is important to have the dog examined by a veterinarian at least once a year. If you notice any of the following signs and symptoms, you should make an appointment with your vet right away.   .    Coughing .    Exercise intolerance .    Anemia .    Fainting spells .    Heart failure   The above signs usually indicate a very serious heartworm infestation, and they are not to be taken lightly. As the pet owner, you know your dog better than anyone. If something does not seem right, you need to call your vet immediately for a thorough examination. Your vet can determine whether the symptoms are caused by heartworm or another serious disease.   Your vet can also help you treat heartworm effectively and help your pet recover. While heartworm is a serious disease, it can be treated successfully when caught early. Being a vigilant and aware pet owner is the best way to keep your dog happy and healthy. Want to protect your four-legged friend from heartworm? Our online store stocks heavily discounted (up to 50% off) heartworm products. Feature image credit

Ticks are more than just a nuisance for dogs and cats. These troublesome parasites are powerful disease vectors as well, and they pose a danger to pets and pet parents alike. As you prepare for summertime fun with your pets, you need to take steps to prevent tick bites and their associated dangers.   It is important to start looking for ticks as soon as the weather turns warmer. Ticks are generally less of a problem during the winter months - especially in colder climates, but they are quite resilient and will reappear quickly as soon as springtime arrives. By the time summer is in full swing, you can expect to find ticks not only in wooded areas but anywhere there is sufficient cover, including your lawn.   Watch the local wildlife Keeping your home and yard free of nuisance wildlife is one of the best ways to reduce ticks around your property. Possums, raccoons, skunks, rabbits, coyotes and other wildlife often harbor ticks, and the parasites can easily fall off and end up in your yard. From there it is only a quick jump to your cat or dog.   If you have outdoor cats on your property, it is a good idea to treat them with a quality flea and tick product. Topical treatments like Frontline and are very effective at keeping ticks from biting your pets. Applying the same treatment to outdoor and feral cats provides extra protection for your family members and your pets.   Check your pets (and yourself) often Consistent and timely application of a flea and tick protection product is important, but it does not mean that pet parents do not need to be vigilant. Checking your cat or dog for ticks on a regular basis is an essential part of pet ownership.   You should check your pet for ticks every time you come in from the outdoors, even if you were just taking a quick stroll around the yard or a walk down the street. Ticks are sneaky, and they can attach themselves to your pet in a matter of minutes.   Be sure to check everywhere for ticks, including along the inside of the legs, on the ears and around the base of the tail. Those are prime places for ticks to attach themselves and do their damage.   If you do find a tick, you should remove it promptly using gentle pressure with a pair of tweezers. Place the tick in a secure container and take it to the vet for analysis if at all possible. Your veterinarian can test the tick to see if it is carrying Lyme disease. If the tick tests positive, your vet can recommend a course of treatment for your cat or dog.   Do not forget to check yourself for ticks when you are done with your dog or cat. Ticks do not discriminate among species, and they are just as likely to latch on to you as your pet. If you find a tick, carefully remove it and take it to your doctor for testing.   Keeping your pet tick free this summer will not be easy, but a combination of the right preventative treatment and vigilance will help a lot. Nothing can completely stop ticks, but pet parents can help the animals they love avoid long-term problems. Want to protect your forever friend from nasty ticks? Our online store stocks heavily discounted (up to 75% off) tick products, including Frontline.  Feature image credit

Most pet owners are painfully aware of the nuisance of dealing with fleas. Just a few fleas can have your pet scratching frantically, and those few fleas soon multiply into a multitude of nasty critters. Fleas leave your pet feeling uncomfortable and you feeling frustrated, so it's best to get rid of them as soon as you notice their presence. Fleas are small, dark brown insects that easily jump onto your pet and set up house. They are more prevalent during the summer months or in climates that have warm weather year round. Dogs and cats are more likely to develop a flea infestation when they are outside during the summer, rolling around in the grass and coming in contact with other animals that may have fleas. Your pet inevitably brings the little pests into your home and before you know it, the fleas are not only on your pet, but in your house as well. Fleas feed on the blood of your pet and they can cause more than scratching. Many pets are allergic to flea saliva and develop a condition known as flea allergy dermatitis. It is an extremely itchy condition characterized by severe scratching, hair loss and inflamed skin, which can lead to a secondary skin infection if left untreated. The pet doesn't even have to have a flea infestation since the allergy can be triggered by the bite of a single flea. Pets can also become infected with tapeworms by ingesting fleas that have eaten tapeworm eggs. A severe flea infestation can actually be fatal to very young puppies or kittens. Young pets can develop anemia due to blood loss from the feeding fleas, which may result in death, if not treated promptly. How do you know if your pet has fleas? If you notice your pet scratching, you should comb through the animal's fur with a fine-toothed flea comb. Fleas tend to migrate to warm, dark areas of the body such as the stomach or under the neck. Don't assume that your pet doesn't have any fleas simply because you do not see them at first. If flea dander is present, then your pet has fleas. Flea dander looks like dark specks of dirt that are pulled out in the comb. If you dip the comb in water, the dander will appear reddish. Dander is actually flea feces that has digested blood. You may also notice specks of flea dander on your pet's bed or blankets. The presence of flea dander suggests your pet does have fleas even if you haven't seen them. It is important to be diligent in your efforts to rid your pet and your environment of fleas. There are several products that can effectively help you control a flea infestation on your pet. If you have more than one pet, it is imperative to treat each pet. Contact your veterinarian if you have very young kittens or puppies with a severe flea infestation. You may also need to see your vet for treatment of an elderly pet or one that has a debilitating disease. You will also need to treat and/or wash your pet's bedding thoroughly. Fleas can live in carpets and get into floor cracks so you will need to vacuum thoroughly. It may be necessary to use a fogger product in the house to rid the home of fleas. Getting rid of fleas can be a battle, but with determination and diligence, it's a battle you can win. Want to protect your furry friend from fleas? Our online store stocks heavily discounted (up to 75% off) flea products. Feature image credit Want to protect your furry friend from nasty fleas and ticks? Our online store stocks heavily discounted (up to 50% off) flea and tick products, including Frontline and K9 Advantix. - See more at: http://www.petbucket.com/blog/62918/how-to-keep-fleas-and-ticks-at-bay.html#sthash.oYQqz1Nj.dpuf Want to protect your furry friend from nasty fleas and ticks? Our online store stocks heavily discounted (up to 50% off) flea and tick products, including Frontline and K9 Advantix. - See more at: http://www.petbucket.com/blog/62918/how-to-keep-fleas-and-ticks-at-bay.html#sthash.oYQqz1Nj.dpuf

Would you like your dog's coat to glow with health? Here are four ways to get your pet's fur super shiny and soft.  Watch What They Eat   Image credit   The quality of a coat is often a reflection of your pet’s insides. A healthy diet is the first step to making your dog’s fur glossy.   Premium pet food with a high protein content and low amounts of grain is great for improving your dog's coat, as is the addition of a small amount of oil. Vegetable, sunflower, olive, coconut and fish oil are ideal, though take care not to add too much – a teaspoon will do – as an oversupply can lead to diarrhea.     Lots of Brushing!   Image credit Dogs naturally produce skin oils that make their coats shiny. Brushing stimulates skin and hair follicles to produce more of these oils that enhance your dog’s hairdo.   Brushing can also help to remove dead hair which can contribute to your dog's hair looking dull. Dead hair can also block pores, which minimize the flow of skin oils.    For longer hair breeds especially, regular brushing also helps to reduce unsightly tangles and burrs.     Keep the Number of Baths Down   Image credit  Dogs who aren’t keen on baths will be happy to hear too many are a bad idea. Baths strip natural oils and decrease coat condition, so keep your pooch’s time in the tub to a minimum.   When bath time does come around, gentle cleansers like oatmeal shampoo are a good idea, as they are less likely to strip oils from your pet’s fur. Oatmeal shampoo also contains Vitamin E that is a natural softener.   After shampooing, using a specially designed pet conditioner is great for adding softness and shine.     Exercise   Image credit  Exercise is great for your pet’s general health, which is linked to super shiny fur. Walks in the park, running on the beach and playing fetch stimulates blood and oxygen which add nutrients to the coat.   Feature Image Credit   

After surgery, an injury, or for pain management associated with medical conditions, it is important for our pets to have rehabilitative care and physical therapy. The goal of this type of treatment is to reduce any pain and discomfort and restore strength, mobility, optimal movement and normative function.   Rehabilitative care, physical therapy and physiotherapy techniques can be used for orthopaedic injury and surgery, muscular and ligament strains and tears and the management of degenerative or chronic conditions such as arthritis and dysplasia. Therapy techniques can also aid your pet after amputation or nerve injuries such as paralysis. Image credit Most animal physiotherapists and rehabilitative carers will require a referral from a veterinarian before beginning most treatments. However, it is best that you speak to your vet first to see whether they advise physical therapy and if and when swimming or hydrotherapy will be appropriate. Your vet should be able to recommend suitable facilities and qualified practitioners. After approval is given by your vet, physiotherapy and rehabilitation should begin as early as possible and remember it is a complementary health program and not a replacement to veterinary treatment. Animal physiotherapists must hold a human physiotherapy degree and have then completed specialist animal physiotherapist qualifications. Generally, other practitioners have trained in rehabilitative care and physical therapy after receiving suitable qualifications in other veterinary fields. Unless a practitioner is recommended by your vet, ask about the practitioners qualifications, training and accredited memberships to organisations.  Practitioners will consider the information provided by your vet about your pet’s surgery, injury and treatment history then thoroughly assess their pain level, range of movement, strength and the overall impact of the condition. From this assessment, they create an individualised treatment and exercise plan to relieve pain and discomfort, promote recovery and get your pet moving again.   Image credit The practitioner will use precise, timely and gentle movement techniques and exercises. Early intervention and treatment can assist in reducing pain, swelling and joint stiffness, stimulate healing, strengthen and tone muscles, repair tissue and increase extensibility.  The types of physical therapy and rehabilitative treatment your pet can receive includes:  Hydrotherapy Underwater treadmill Soft tissue therapy - massage, trigger point, acupressure and myofascial release Stretching and joint mobilisation Passive and active movement exercises Acupuncture and dry needling Electrotherapy and stimulation -  Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (T.E.N.S), Pulsed electromagnetic field (P.E.M.F.T) and Low level/cold laser Therapeutic ultrasound Strengthening activities Balance and proprioception retraining Heat and ice treatment Image credit Feature image credit